Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

Friday June 16, 2028

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

First Reading – 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16: Elijah, at Mount Horeb, hears God’s gentle whisper. God instructs him to anoint Hazael as king of Aram, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as his prophetic successor.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: I seek the LORD’s presence, asking for mercy and help. I believe in seeing His goodness. I will wait for the LORD with courage and strength.
Gospel – Matthew 5:27-32: Jesus teaches that even lustful thoughts are adultery. He emphasizes avoiding sin, even if it means losing a body part. Divorce leads to adultery for all involved.

Upcoming dates: June 16, 2028, June 14, 2030, June 11, 2032

Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:28

Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on hearing God’s voice and living a life of purity and faithfulness. These themes guide us to understand the importance of listening to God and following His commandments in our daily lives.

God’s Gentle Whisper: Elijah hears God’s voice as a gentle whisper. This shows that God speaks to us in calm and quiet ways, guiding us gently.
Obedience to God: God instructs Elijah to anoint new leaders. This teaches us to follow God’s instructions even when they lead to major changes.
Avoiding Sin: Jesus warns against even lustful thoughts. This highlights the importance of purity in our thoughts and actions.

Radical Avoidance of Sin: Jesus says to remove anything that causes us to sin. This means we should be willing to make sacrifices to avoid sin.
Faithfulness in Marriage: Jesus talks about the seriousness of adultery and divorce. This emphasizes the importance of being faithful and keeping our marriage vows.

These themes from Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to listen to God and live according to His ways. They guide us to stay pure and faithful in our thoughts and actions.

Reflection for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

The readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on trusting God’s instructions, removing obstacles to holiness, and listening to His voice. Elijah’s obedience and Jesus’ call to avoid sin show us how to live faithfully and remain close to God in our daily lives.

Following God’s Instructions

In the first reading for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, God speaks to Elijah and gives him the task of anointing new leaders. This was a major change for Israel, but Elijah listened and obeyed. Even when God’s instructions were unexpected or challenging, Elijah trusted in God’s plan.

This reading reminds us that following God’s instructions requires faith and courage. Sometimes, God’s guidance leads us to make changes in our lives that are not easy. We may feel uncertain or unprepared, but trusting in His wisdom gives us the strength to move forward.

By obeying God, Elijah played a role in carrying out His plan. This reminds us that our willingness to follow God’s call can bring about positive change for others. Listening to God and acting on His instructions helps us grow in faith and serve His purpose.

Removing What Causes Us to Sin

In the Gospel for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus tells us to remove anything that causes us to sin. He uses strong language to show the seriousness of sin and how we should be willing to make sacrifices to avoid it.

This teaching challenges us to look at our own lives and identify what might lead us away from God. It could be habits, attitudes, or distractions that pull us away from living faithfully. Jesus calls us to make changes, even if they are difficult, to protect our relationship with God.

Sacrifices can be hard, but they help us focus on what truly matters. When we let go of what leads us to sin, we make room for God to work in our lives. By listening to Jesus’ words and taking them seriously, we grow in holiness and live more closely aligned with His will.

Listening for God’s Voice

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight the importance of listening to God. Elijah hears God not in the wind or fire, but in a gentle whisper. In the Gospel, Jesus’ words guide us to live faithfully by avoiding sin and staying focused on Him.

Listening for God’s voice requires patience and attentiveness. Elijah’s experience shows that God may speak in unexpected ways. Jesus’ teaching reminds us that His words offer wisdom for living a holy life. Together, these readings encourage us to tune our hearts to God’s guidance.

By listening to God, we find clarity and direction for our lives. Whether it’s through quiet prayer, Scripture, or the gentle nudges in our hearts, God’s voice helps us stay on the right path. When we take time to listen and respond, we grow closer to Him and find peace in following His will.

As we reflect on Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, let us commit to following God’s guidance, making sacrifices to avoid sin, and listening attentively for His voice. May these reflections inspire us to live with faith and trust in His plan.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your guidance and wisdom. Help us to follow Your instructions with faith and courage. Teach us to let go of anything that separates us from You and to listen for Your voice in our lives. Lead us each day to live in Your love and truth. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How can you follow God’s instructions more faithfully, even when they bring change?
What sacrifices can you make to remove obstacles that lead you away from God?
How do you take time to listen for God’s voice in your daily life?

In what ways can you trust more fully in God’s plan for you?

Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Word on Fire: The Unbreakable Bond

In his reflection for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Matthew 5:27-32, where Jesus prohibits divorce. He explains that marriage is a deep union where husband and wife become “one flesh,” meaning they are united at all levels.

This bond is created by God, not just mutual attraction. Because God joins them, their union cannot be undone. The commitment is about giving oneself completely to the spouse and future children. Jesus’ teaching on divorce is firm because God’s purposes for marriage are unchanging.

USCCB Reflection: Guarding the Heart

In the USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the focus is on Matthew 5:27-32. Jesus warns against looking at others with lust, saying it is like committing adultery in the heart. The reflection emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life and avoiding sin. It discusses how thoughts can lead to sin if not controlled.

By practicing prayer, meditation, and regular self-examination, Christians build spiritual strength. This helps create a “firewall” against evil thoughts, leading to a life centered on God and free from vice.

USCCB Reflection: Listening and Obeying

On Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we learn from the prophet Elijah’s example of listening to God’s voice and obeying His commands. Elijah hides in a cave, fearing for his life after slaying pagan prophets. God speaks to him in a whisper, instructing him to anoint new leaders.

Like Elijah, Jesus renews God’s covenant, teaching love and faithfulness. He instructs His disciples on law, anger, adultery, and more, guiding them to live closer to God. Though we may fail, we must always strive to love as God loves us, seeking His grace.

Questions and Answers for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

What date is Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Friday June 16, 2028.

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 odd numbered years see Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Friday June 16, 2028 are:
First Reading – 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16: Elijah’s Encounter with God
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: Seeking God’s Face
Gospel – Matthew 5:27-32: Teaching on Adultery and Divorce

Why does God speak to Elijah in a gentle whisper?

God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper to show that He is present in calm and quiet ways. This teaches us to listen carefully for God’s voice in our lives, even in silence.

What can we learn from Elijah’s obedience to God?

Elijah’s obedience shows us the importance of trusting and following God’s instructions. Even when tasks seem difficult, obeying God leads us to His plan for us.

Why does Jesus say that even lustful thoughts are like adultery?

Jesus says lustful thoughts are like adultery because He wants us to be pure in both our thoughts and actions. Purity in our minds helps us stay close to God.

What does Jesus mean by removing body parts to avoid sin?

Jesus uses strong language to show how serious we should be about avoiding sin. He means we should remove anything from our lives that leads us to sin, even if it’s difficult.

Why is faithfulness in marriage important according to Jesus?

Faithfulness in marriage is important because marriage is a sacred bond. Jesus wants us to honor our marriage vows and stay loyal to our spouses.

How can we hear God’s gentle whisper in our busy lives?

We can hear God’s gentle whisper by finding moments of silence and prayer. Taking time away from distractions helps us listen to God.

What does Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about making sacrifices?

Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teaches us that making sacrifices is necessary to avoid sin. Jesus calls us to be willing to give up things that lead us away from God.

How can we apply the lessons from Elijah’s story to our own lives?

We can apply Elijah’s story by trusting in God’s guidance and obeying His commands. Even when we feel alone or afraid, God is with us and will guide us.

Why is it important to avoid sin even in our thoughts?

Avoiding sin in our thoughts is important because our thoughts can lead to actions. Keeping our minds pure helps us live a holy life.

What is the main message of the readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is to listen to God’s voice, obey His commands, and live pure and faithful lives. These teachings help us grow closer to God and follow His will.

Trusting and Listening to God

The readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to trust God’s instructions and listen for His voice. In the first reading, Elijah obeys God’s call to anoint new leaders. This shows us the importance of following God’s guidance, even when it brings major changes. Obedience to God leads to fulfilling His plan.

In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to remove anything that causes us to sin. He teaches that avoiding sin often requires sacrifices. Letting go of what separates us from God helps us grow in holiness and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Both readings invite us to listen closely for God’s voice. Elijah finds God in a gentle whisper, and Jesus’ teachings guide us toward a faithful life. By trusting in God and staying attentive to His guidance, we can follow His path and grow closer to Him.

Your Turn

The readings for Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to trust God and let go of what separates us from Him. Reflect on how these lessons apply to your life. Are you following God’s instructions? Are you making sacrifices to avoid sin?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.