Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Corinthians 4:7-15: We carry God’s power in fragile bodies, facing suffering but not destroyed. Jesus’ life is shown in us. We believe and speak, knowing God will raise us with Jesus, bringing glory to God.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: I trust in the Lord even in distress. I am His servant, freed from chains. I will offer thanks and fulfill my vows to the Lord publicly.
• Gospel – Matthew 5:27-32: Jesus teaches that lustful thoughts are equal to adultery and emphasizes avoiding sin at all costs. He also prohibits divorce as it leads to adultery.

Lectionary Reference: 363

Upcoming dates: June 13, 2025, June 11, 2027, June 15, 2029, June 13, 2031, June 10, 2033

We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

On Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the challenges of living a faithful life. The readings remind us of God’s strength in our weakness and the importance of purity and commitment.

• Strength in Weakness: We carry God’s power in our fragile bodies. Though we face suffering, we are not destroyed because God’s strength supports us.
• Life of Jesus in Us: Our suffering reflects Jesus’ own suffering. By enduring, we show Jesus’ life in us.
• Faith and Proclamation: Believing in Jesus makes us speak about Him. We trust that God will raise us up with Jesus.
• Glory to God: Our struggles and endurance bring glory to God. Everything we endure points back to God’s greatness.
• Avoiding Sin: Jesus teaches us to avoid lustful thoughts. Such thoughts are like committing adultery in our hearts.
• Commitment in Marriage: Jesus speaks against divorce. Staying committed in marriage prevents adultery and follows His teachings.
• Purity of Heart: Jesus wants us to have pure hearts. This means avoiding even the thoughts that lead to sin.
• Seriousness of Sin: Jesus emphasizes avoiding sin at all costs. We must take drastic measures to stay pure.

These themes for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlight our call to live faithfully, relying on God’s strength and aiming for purity in our hearts and actions. By reflecting on these, we draw closer to the life Jesus calls us to live.

The readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the power of God working within us, the call to purity of heart, and the importance of faithfulness in our daily lives. Paul’s message about carrying God’s strength in fragile bodies and Jesus’ teaching about living with pure intentions guide us to live faithfully and rely on God in all that we do.

God’s Power in Our Fragile Bodies

The first reading for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 speaks about carrying God’s power in fragile clay jars. This image reminds us that while we are weak and imperfect, God’s strength shines through us. We do not rely on our own abilities, but on His power at work within us.

Paul’s words encourage us to trust in God, especially during hardships. Life can bring challenges that make us feel weak or unworthy. Yet, God chooses to work through our weaknesses to show His strength. When we recognize this, we can find peace and confidence in Him.

This reading invites us to let God’s power shine in our lives. We do not need to be perfect to do His work. Instead, we must trust in His guidance and allow Him to use us as instruments of His love and grace.

Jesus Calls Us to Have Pure Hearts

In the Gospel for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus calls us to purity of heart. He explains that living faithfully is about more than outward actions. It begins with our thoughts and intentions. A pure heart leads to a life that reflects God’s love and goodness.

Jesus challenges us to avoid sin not just in actions, but also in desires and thoughts. This teaching helps us understand that our hearts are the center of our spiritual lives. When our hearts are pure, our actions will follow.

This Gospel invites us to reflect on what fills our hearts and minds. Are we focused on God’s will, or are we distracted by things that pull us away from Him? By seeking purity of heart, we grow closer to God and live as He calls us to live.

Faithfulness in Our Actions

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 emphasize living faithfully in both small and big ways. Paul speaks about carrying God’s power in our weakness, while Jesus calls us to live with purity and intention. Together, these readings remind us to align our actions with our faith.

Faithfulness means staying true to God’s call, even when it is difficult. In moments of weakness, we can rely on His strength to guide us. When temptations arise, we can ask Him to help us choose what is right.

These readings challenge us to examine how we live out our faith. Do our actions reflect God’s love? Are we faithful in our choices and relationships? By trusting in God’s power and seeking His guidance, we can live faithfully each day.

---

As we reflect on Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let us remember to trust in God’s power, seek purity of heart, and live faithfully in our actions. By allowing God to work through us, we can share His love and goodness with others.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for working through us, even in our weakness. Help us to trust in Your power and to seek purity of heart. Guide us to live faithfully, aligning our actions with Your will. May our lives reflect Your love and bring peace to those around us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you trust in God’s power when you feel weak or uncertain?
• What steps can you take to seek a purer heart and mind?
• How do your actions reflect your faith in God?
• Are there areas in your life where you can grow in faithfulness and trust?

Word on Fire: The Sacred Bond of Marriage

On Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus prohibits divorce. He highlights the deep meaning of “the two become one flesh,” signifying a complete union of husband and wife at all levels. Both partners commit their lives to each other and their children.

Jesus firmly states that what God joins, no one should separate, as marriage is part of God’s purpose and cannot be undone. This teaching underscores the sacred and unbreakable bond of marriage.

What date is Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday June 13, 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 Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday June 13, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 2 Corinthians 4:7-15: Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: Sacrifice of Praise
Gospel – Matthew 5:27-32: Teachings on Adultery and Divorce

What does it mean to carry God’s power in fragile bodies?

It means that even though we are weak and face suffering, God’s strength is within us. He helps us endure and keeps us from being destroyed.

How is Jesus’ life shown in us?

Jesus’ life is shown in us when we endure suffering with faith. Our struggles reflect His sacrifice and love.

Why does Paul say we should speak about our faith?

Paul says that believing in Jesus gives us courage to share our faith. We speak because we trust that God will raise us like He raised Jesus.

Why does Paul talk about suffering so much?

Paul talks about suffering to show that it connects us to Jesus. Our endurance through hard times brings glory to God.

What does Paul mean by bringing glory to God?

Paul means that when we endure suffering with faith, it shows God’s greatness. Our perseverance and faithfulness honor Him.

How can we share our faith like Paul?

We can share our faith by talking about Jesus and how He helps us. Our belief in His resurrection gives us hope and courage to speak.

What does Jesus mean by avoiding lustful thoughts?

Jesus means that thinking about sin is as bad as doing it. He wants us to keep our hearts and minds pure.

Why is divorce linked to adultery in the Gospel reading for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus teaches that divorce can lead to adultery because it breaks the commitment of marriage. He emphasizes the importance of staying faithful.

How can we keep our hearts pure?

We keep our hearts pure by avoiding sinful thoughts and actions. Staying close to God through prayer and following His teachings helps us.

How can we apply these readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our lives?

We can apply these readings by trusting in God’s strength during tough times, avoiding sinful thoughts, and staying committed in our relationships. This helps us live a faithful and pure life.