Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19: Abraham’s faith led him to unknown lands and fatherhood despite old age, looking towards a heavenly city. His unwavering trust in God’s promises even led him to nearly sacrifice Isaac, believing in God’s power over death.
• Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1: God has fulfilled His promise, bringing a savior from David’s line, as foretold by prophets. He honors His covenant with Abraham, liberating us to serve Him in holiness.
• Gospel – Mark 4:35-41: Jesus and his disciples crossed a lake by boat. A severe storm threatened their safety, while Jesus slept. Awakened by his frightened disciples, Jesus rebuked the wind and commanded the sea to be still, bringing calm. Astonished, the disciples marveled at his command over nature.

They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

Mark 4:41

Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of faith and trust in God during life’s uncertainties. The readings from Hebrews and Mark encourage us to look to God with confidence, even in challenging times.

• Faith as trust in God: Faith means trusting in what we cannot see. Abraham trusted God’s promises, and the disciples were called to trust Jesus even during the storm.
• Obedience to God’s call: Abraham obeyed God, even when the path was unclear. Obedience shows trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t fully understand it.
• God’s power over fear: Jesus calmed the storm, showing He is greater than any fear. Faith helps us stay calm when life feels overwhelming.
• Hope in God’s promises: Abraham believed in God’s promise of a future for his family. Hope gives us strength to keep going when the road is difficult.
• Courage in uncertainty: Abraham left his home, trusting God to guide him. Trusting God gives courage to face the unknown with confidence.
• God’s presence in trials: The disciples learned that Jesus is with them in the storm. God’s presence gives us peace in hard times.

These readings remind us that faith is trusting God’s promises and presence in every moment. We are invited to believe in His care and rely on Him, no matter what we face.

The readings for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to place our trust in God during challenges. Through Abraham’s faith and the calming of the storm, we see that God’s promises and presence give us hope and peace. These reflections invite us to trust, hope, and rely on Him in every part of our lives.

Trusting God’s Promises

On Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the first reading reminds us of Abraham’s deep trust in God’s promise. God promised Abraham a future for his family, even though the situation seemed impossible. Abraham chose to believe, even when he didn’t know how things would work out.

This shows us the power of hope when the road feels hard. Life often brings moments when the future is unclear or challenges feel too big. But God’s promises remind us to keep going, knowing that He will guide us through.

We can ask ourselves if we live with this kind of hope. Do we trust God’s plan when things seem uncertain? Abraham’s example invites us to believe in God’s faithfulness, even when the path is hard to see.

Faith When We Cannot See

Faith is trusting in what we cannot see. On Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, both readings show this truth. In the first reading, Abraham trusted God’s promises even when the fulfillment seemed far away. He acted in faith, believing that God would do what He said.

In the Gospel, the disciples faced a storm while Jesus slept. They were afraid because they forgot to trust that Jesus would protect them. Their fear shows how hard it can be to rely on God in the middle of life’s storms.

Both Abraham and the disciples challenge us to think about how we trust God. Do we believe in His promises when we don’t see the results yet? When we face struggles, do we remember that God is with us? Faith means stepping forward, even when we don’t have all the answers.

God’s Presence Brings Peace

On Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see the importance of God’s presence in both readings. Abraham left everything familiar to follow God’s call. He trusted that God would go with him, even into the unknown. His faith was rooted in God’s constant care and guidance.

In the Gospel, the disciples learned that Jesus was present with them in the boat, even during the storm. They felt fear until Jesus calmed the sea, showing them they were never alone. God’s presence brought them peace, even in a time of danger.

This reminds us that God is always with us, no matter what we face. When life feels overwhelming, we can trust that God sees us and cares for us. Like Abraham and the disciples, we are invited to rely on His presence and find peace in His care.

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These reflections on Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to reflect on how we live out faith and trust in God’s promises. May we take time to consider Abraham’s example, the disciples’ journey, and our own response to God’s presence in our lives.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust You in every part of my life. Strengthen my faith when I face uncertainty or fear. Teach me to follow You like Abraham and to rely on Your presence in every storm. Thank You for Your constant care and love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• When have you felt called to trust in God’s promises?
• How do you respond when life feels uncertain or overwhelming?
• What helps you remember God’s presence in difficult times?
• How can Abraham’s example inspire your faith and trust in God?

Word on Fire: The Spiritual Dynamics of Fear and Trust

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the story of Jesus calming the storm at sea highlights the spiritual dynamics of fear and trust. The disciples’ journey across the lake represents life’s journey, often met with fear when trials arise. Jesus, symbolizing the divine power within, remains unperturbed by fear-storms generated by the ego. The narrative illustrates that recognizing Christ’s presence within allows us to endure life’s storms. Jesus’ question, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” encourages reflection on the change of heart needed to live in God’s kingdom.

USCCB Reflection: Facing Storms with Faith

This USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 recounts a personal experience of a violent storm at sea, drawing parallels to the disciples’ fear in the Gospel. The phrase “and other boats were with him” signifies discipleship. The storm represents chaos and chaos in the Bible often symbolizes disorder. While the disciples panicked, Jesus, symbolizing divine strength, remained calm. His rebuke of the chaotic elements showed his divine power. Boats symbolize the Church navigating the world’s challenges. Disciples may face storms but can trust in Jesus, who even the wind and sea obey, giving hope and courage to face any trial.

What date is Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Saturday February 1, 2025.

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For even numbered years see Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Saturday February 1, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19: Faith of the Patriarchs
Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1: God’s Salvation Fulfilled
Gospel – Mark 4:35-41: Calming the Storm

What is the main point of the first reading for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The first reading talks about faith and trust in God. It shows how Abraham followed God’s call even when he did not know where it would lead.

Why is Abraham’s faith important?

Abraham’s faith is an example of trusting God completely. His actions show that faith is not just about believing but also about acting on what God asks.

What does the first reading for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about obedience?

The first reading shows that obedience is part of faith. Abraham followed God’s instructions even when it was hard because he trusted God’s plan.

What can we learn from Abraham’s hope?

Abraham had hope in God’s promises even when things seemed impossible. This teaches us to trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives too.

Why were the disciples afraid in the Gospel for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The disciples were afraid because they were in a storm and thought they might sink. They forgot that Jesus was with them and could help.

What does Jesus calming the storm mean for us?

Jesus calming the storm shows that we can trust God in hard times. He is always with us and has the power to help us, no matter how bad things seem.

How can we trust God in our own storms?

We can trust God by praying, remembering His promises, and believing He is with us. Like the disciples, we can ask for His help and trust that He will bring us peace.

What do the readings say about fear?

The readings show that fear can happen when we forget to trust God. Faith reminds us that God is greater than our fears and is always in control.

How can we live out the message of these readings for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

We can live out the message by trusting God in uncertain times. We can take small steps of faith, just like Abraham did, and rely on God’s presence during life’s challenges.

Why is faith important in everyday life?

Faith helps us trust God when things are uncertain or hard. It gives us the courage to keep going and believe that God will take care of us.