Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30: Paul lists his hardships and sufferings to emphasize his dedication to Christ and his concern for the churches, boasting only in his weaknesses.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: Praise the LORD always; he delivers the humble and the poor from their troubles and fears, bringing them joy and saving them from distress.
• Gospel – Matthew 6:19-23: Jesus teaches his disciples to focus on heavenly treasures and emphasizes the importance of having a healthy perspective to keep their whole being full of light.

Lectionary Resources: 369

Upcoming dates: June 20, 2025, June 18, 2027, June 22, 2029, June 17, 2033

Store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.

Matthew 6:20

On Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we read about Paul’s sufferings and Jesus’ teaching on true treasures. These readings guide us to reflect on where we place our trust and how we view our challenges.

• Boasting in Weakness: Paul highlights his hardships to show that his strength comes from God. This reminds us to trust God, even in difficult times.
• Commitment to Christ: Paul’s sufferings show his deep commitment to serving Christ and the Church. It calls us to remain faithful in our own service to God.
• Heavenly Treasures: Jesus teaches to value heavenly treasures over earthly ones. This encourages us to focus on eternal life with God.
• Healthy Perspective: Jesus emphasizes the importance of a good perspective to keep our lives full of light. We are called to see things in the way that God wants us to see them.
• Concern for the Churches: Paul’s dedication to the churches shows his pastoral care. This invites us to care for our faith community.

Reflecting on these themes for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see how Paul’s experiences and Jesus’ teachings guide our lives. They help us understand what it means to live faithfully and see the true value in our relationship with God.

The readings for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to focus on what truly matters. Paul shares how his weaknesses have helped him rely on God’s strength, while Jesus teaches about the value of storing treasures in heaven. Both readings call us to trust in God and keep our hearts fixed on His light and love.

Finding Strength in Weakness

In the first reading for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul speaks about his weaknesses instead of boasting about his strengths. He admits to struggles and hardships, showing that he does not rely on himself but on God. This honesty reminds us that our weaknesses can bring us closer to God.

When we recognize our limits, we open ourselves to God’s grace. Weaknesses teach us to trust in Him rather than in our own abilities. They also make us more understanding of others, as we know what it means to struggle.

Instead of hiding our weaknesses, we can offer them to God and let Him work through them. Paul’s example encourages us to find strength in our reliance on God. Our struggles can become gifts when they help us grow in faith and compassion.

Storing Treasures in Heaven

In the Gospel for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus teaches that earthly treasures do not last. He calls us to store up treasures in heaven, where nothing can destroy them. This means focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the good we do for others.

Earthly treasures like wealth, success, and possessions can distract us. They may bring temporary happiness, but they cannot satisfy our hearts. Heavenly treasures, such as faith, love, and acts of kindness, are eternal and bring true peace.

Jesus invites us to examine what we value most. By focusing on heavenly treasures, we align our lives with God’s will and find joy that lasts. This teaching encourages us to live with generosity, trust, and a heart set on God.

Keeping Our Eyes on the Light

Both readings for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to focus on what matters most. Paul speaks of relying on God’s strength in his weakness, while Jesus warns us to let go of distractions and keep our eyes on the light of faith.

Jesus says the eye is the lamp of the body. This means what we focus on shapes our hearts and actions. If we focus on earthly things, we may feel lost or empty. But when we keep our eyes on God, we are filled with His light and peace.

Paul’s example of humility and trust shows what it looks like to walk in God’s light. By embracing our weaknesses and seeking heavenly treasures, we can live with purpose and faith, knowing that God is our guide and strength.

---

The lessons from Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to live with humility, seek what lasts, and walk in God’s light. May we take these teachings into our hearts and follow them in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to rely on Your strength in our weaknesses. Help us to seek treasures that last and to focus on Your light in all we do. Guide our hearts and actions so that we may grow closer to You and bring Your love to others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How have your weaknesses helped you grow in trust and faith?
• What treasures are you storing in your life? Are they earthly or heavenly?
• How can you keep your focus on God’s light instead of worldly distractions?
• What steps can you take to live with humility and rely more on God’s strength?

Word on Fire: Embracing the Eternal

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Friday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, he delves into the concept of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He explores the philosophical idea that every finite thing carries the shadow of nonbeing, reminding us of the transient nature of earthly possessions and experiences. Instead of being disheartened, this realization redirects our focus to the treasures of heaven and the eternal presence of God.

By viewing everything in light of God’s eternity, we can love the things of this world without clinging to them excessively, thereby avoiding unnecessary disappointment and heartache.

USCCB Reflection: Earthly Treasures and Spiritual Riches

In this USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the Gospel passage on Earthly treasures is examined. Jesus does not expect his disciples to reject all material possessions outright, but rather warns against becoming attached to them and placing undue trust in them.

We must look at a larger context in which material goods serve our physical needs rather than dominating our desires and lives. Do we desire spiritual riches, God’s love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness, with the same fervor as we might seek after material possessions?

What date is Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday June 20, 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 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday June 20, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30: Paul’s Boast of Weakness
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: God Rescues the Just
Gospel – Matthew 6:19-23: Treasures in Heaven

Why does Paul talk about his weaknesses in the first reading for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Paul talks about his weaknesses to show that God’s power works best in our weak moments. This teaches us to rely on God when we feel weak.

What does Paul mean by boasting in his weaknesses?

Boasting in his weaknesses means Paul is proud of his hardships because they show God’s strength in his life. It reminds us to trust God in our own struggles.

What does Paul’s dedication to the churches teach us?

Paul’s dedication teaches us to care for our own faith community. We should support and help each other grow in faith.

How can we apply Paul’s example to our lives?

We can apply Paul’s example by staying strong in our faith, even when it’s hard. We should also help and support others in their faith journeys.

Why does Jesus tell us to store treasures in heaven in the Gospel for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus tells us to store treasures in heaven because they last forever. Earthly treasures can be lost, but heavenly treasures are eternal.

What are heavenly treasures?

Heavenly treasures are things that bring us closer to God, like love, kindness, and faith. They are more important than money or possessions.

How can we focus on heavenly treasures in our daily lives?

We can focus on heavenly treasures by praying, helping others, and living according to God’s teachings. This keeps our hearts and minds on what truly matters.

What does Jesus mean by having a healthy eye?

A healthy eye means having a good and pure perspective. It means seeing things in a way that is pleasing to God.

How can we have a healthy perspective like Jesus teaches?

We can have a healthy perspective by thinking about God’s will and living according to His teachings. This helps us see things clearly and live in the light.

Why are these readings important for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

These readings help us reflect on where we place our trust and how we live our lives. They encourage us to focus on God and live faithfully.