Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22: God promised Abraham a son with Sarah, named Isaac, establishing a covenant with him. God also blessed Ishmael to father a great nation.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Those who respect the Lord and follow his ways are blessed with abundance, a fruitful family, and the prosperity for their entire life.
• Gospel – Matthew 8:1-4: Jesus healed a leper who asked for cleansing. He told him to show himself to the priest and offer the required gift as proof of his healing.

Lectionary Reference: 375

Upcoming dates: June 25, 2027, June 27, 2031

I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be blameless.

Genesis 17:1

On Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see God’s covenant with Abraham and Jesus healing a leper. These readings highlight faith, promise, and healing.

• Faith and Trust in God: Abraham trusted God’s promise of a son through Sarah, despite their old age. The leper believed Jesus could heal him, showing his strong faith.
• God’s Covenant: God established a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of many nations. This covenant was a sign of God’s lasting relationship with His people.
• Blessing of Ishmael: God promised to bless Ishmael and make him the father of a great nation. This shows that God cares for all, not just the chosen ones.
• Healing Power of Jesus: Jesus healed the leper by touching him and declaring him clean. This demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and ability to heal those who have faith.
• Obedience to God’s Will: God asked Abraham to follow His commands as part of the covenant. Jesus told the healed leper to follow the proper procedures and present himself to the priest.
• God’s Promise of Isaac: God promised Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, showing that nothing is impossible with God. This promise was part of God’s bigger plan for His people.

These themes remind us of the importance of faith, trust, and obedience to God. They show how God’s promises and healing are present in our lives when we believe and follow His will.

The readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show us how God sees, loves, and blesses all people. We see God’s care for both Isaac and Ishmael, and we see Jesus reaching out to someone who others avoided. These reflections help us think about God’s wide love, Jesus’ healing touch, and the kind of trust that leads to faith.

God Cares for All People

In the first reading for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, God speaks to Abraham about Isaac, the son he will have with Sarah. But God also speaks about Ishmael, Abraham’s other son. Even though Isaac will carry the covenant, God does not forget Ishmael.

God promises that Ishmael will be the father of a great nation. This shows that God’s care is wide. He sees every person and does not leave anyone out. Even when someone is not chosen for a special role, they are still loved and blessed by God.

This teaches us something important. God’s love is not limited. He does not only care for the people we might expect. He blesses all people and works in many ways.

Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that every person matters to God. No one is forgotten. No one is outside of His care.

We are called to live with that same care for others. Like God, we should see the value in everyone, not just those who seem important.

Touching the Outcast

In the Gospel for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, a man with leprosy comes to Jesus and asks to be made clean. People with leprosy were often pushed away. They were not touched or welcomed. But Jesus does something surprising—He reaches out and touches the man.

This act is more than just kindness. It shows that Jesus is not afraid to come close to those who are rejected. He does not avoid the man or keep His distance. Instead, He brings healing with a simple touch.

Touching a leper was seen as making someone unclean. But Jesus does not become unclean. Instead, He brings cleansing and healing. His touch changes everything for that man.

Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that Jesus reaches out to all, especially those who feel left out or unwanted. He draws near when others stay away.

We are also called to reach out. We should not be afraid to care for those who are alone, sick, or pushed aside. Jesus shows us how to love with courage.

Faith That Trusts Completely

Another theme in both readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 is trust. Abraham hears God’s promise and believes, even though he and Sarah are old. God tells him that Isaac will be born, and Abraham trusts what God says.

In the Gospel, the leper comes to Jesus with trust. He does not demand healing. He says, “If You will it, You can make me clean.” That small sentence shows deep faith. He believes Jesus can help, but he leaves the choice to Jesus.

Both Abraham and the leper show us what true faith looks like. They believe, even when the situation looks impossible. They trust God more than their own understanding.

Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to have that kind of trust. We may not always see how things will work out. But we can choose to believe that God is near and that He hears us.

Like Abraham and the leper, we are called to place our trust in God’s hands, even when we are unsure. Faith means letting go and believing that God knows the way.

---

Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that God cares deeply for each of us. No one is forgotten. We are called to trust Him, reach out to others with love, and live with faith even when we don’t know what comes next. God is always near.

Prayer

Lord, help me trust Your promises even when I cannot see the outcome. Teach me to care for others as You do. Give me the courage to reach out and the faith to believe that You are always working in my life. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Do I trust God even when I don’t understand His plan?
• How do I treat people who are often left out or forgotten?
• What does Jesus’ touch mean for how I care for others?
• Where in my life is God asking me to show love and faith?

Word on Fire: Courageous Worship and Humble Petition

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Friday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, where Jesus heals a leper, highlighting the courage and determination displayed by the afflicted man who approached Jesus despite being considered an outsider. Recognizing Jesus as the Incarnation of God, the leper worshiped Him, acknowledging His lordship. The leper’s humble and trusting petition, expressing his willingness to accept God’s will, teaches us the importance of approaching Jesus with an attitude of worship and surrender in our own struggles, seeking His healing and guidance.

USCCB Reflection: Fearing the Lord

In this USCCB video for for Friday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the concept of fearing the Lord is explored. It’s not about punishment, but rather respecting and revering the Creator who sustains us. Pope Francis highlights that fearing the Lord means recognizing our smallness and entrusting ourselves to a loving Father. This fear motivates us to avoid anything that separates us from God’s love and follow His commands.

The reflection cites examples from Scripture, like Abraham’s obedient response to God’s instructions and the leper’s humble faith in Jesus’ healing power. We’re urged to assess our own approach to the Lord, our prayer life, and our response to His commands. Through respect, humility, and obedience, we can experience the Lord’s blessings.

What date is Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday June 25, 2027.

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 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday June 25, 2027 are:
First Reading – Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22: Promise and Covenant
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Blessings for the God-fearing
Gospel – Matthew 8:1-4: Jesus Cleanses a Leper

Why did God promise Abraham a son with Sarah in the first reading for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

God promised Abraham a son with Sarah to show His power and keep His covenant. Even though they were old, God fulfilled His promise to bless Abraham’s family.

What is a covenant?

A covenant is a special agreement between God and His people. In the readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless his descendants.

Why did God bless Ishmael too?

God blessed Ishmael because He cares for all people. He promised that Ishmael would also father a great nation, showing His love and care for everyone.

What can we learn from Abraham’s story?

From Abraham’s story, we learn to trust in God’s promises. Even when things seem impossible, God can make them happen.

Why did the leper come to Jesus?

The leper came to Jesus because he believed Jesus could heal him. This shows the leper’s strong faith in Jesus’ power.

Why did Jesus touch the leper?

Jesus touched the leper to heal him and show compassion. By touching him, Jesus showed that He is willing to make people clean and whole.

Why did Jesus tell the leper to go to the priest?

Jesus told the leper to go to the priest to follow the proper procedures. This was important for the leper to be officially declared clean according to the law.

How does the leper’s faith apply to us?

The leper’s faith teaches us to trust in Jesus for healing and help. We should come to Him with our needs and believe in His power.

What does Jesus’ healing of the leper show us?

Jesus’ healing of the leper shows His compassion and willingness to help those in need. It reminds us to have faith in Jesus’ power to heal and change our lives.

Why is obedience important in these readings?

Obedience is important because it shows our trust and faith in God’s commands. Both Abraham and the leper followed God’s instructions, leading to blessings and healing.