Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67: After Sarah’s death, Abraham secures a burial ground and arranges for his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own people. Isaac marries Rebekah, finding comfort in his love for her.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Give thanks to the Lord for his everlasting mercy. Blessed are those who do what is right. Remember us, O Lord, and grant us your saving help and prosperity.
• Gospel – Matthew 9:9-13: Jesus calls Matthew to follow him. When criticized for eating with sinners, Jesus explains that he came to help sinners, not those who are already righteous.

Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

Matthew 9:12

On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on themes from Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew. The readings tell of Sarah’s death, Abraham’s efforts for Isaac, and Jesus’ call to Matthew. They show faith, obedience, and God’s mercy.

• Faithfulness in Family: Abraham ensures his son Isaac marries someone from his own people. This shows the importance of keeping faith within the family.
• Obedience to God’s Will: Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, trusting in God’s guidance. This highlights trusting God’s plan.
• Comfort in Love: Isaac marries Rebekah and finds comfort after his mother’s death. This shows the healing power of love.
• Calling of Sinners: Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. This shows that Jesus welcomes everyone, even those seen as sinners.
• Criticism and Compassion: Jesus dines with sinners and is criticized by the Pharisees. He explains that He came to help sinners, teaching compassion over judgment.
• Healing and Mercy: Jesus’ response to the Pharisees shows His mission to heal and forgive. It emphasizes that God’s mercy is for everyone.

The readings on Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of faith, obedience, and God’s love. They teach us to trust God, love others, and seek God’s mercy.

On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we look at the stories of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis, and Jesus calling Matthew in the Gospel of Matthew. These readings teach us about faith, trust in God, and Jesus’ mercy. Let us reflect on these lessons to deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith.

Faith and Family

Abraham shows great faith in God when he secures a burial place for Sarah. He ensures his family is taken care of, showing the importance of family in faith. Abraham’s actions remind us to trust God in family matters.

When Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, he trusts God’s guidance. This act shows his obedience and faith in God’s plan. We too should seek God’s guidance in important life decisions.

Isaac finds comfort and love in Rebekah after his mother’s death. This shows the healing power of love and family. God blesses those who remain faithful and trust in His plan.

Jesus Calls Matthew

Jesus sees Matthew, a tax collector, and calls him to follow. Matthew immediately leaves his old life behind. This shows that Jesus welcomes everyone, no matter their past.

When the Pharisees criticize Jesus for eating with sinners, He explains His mission. Jesus came to help those who are lost and need healing. We learn that Jesus’ mercy is for all, not just the righteous.

Jesus teaches us to have compassion for sinners. Instead of judging, we should help others find their way to God. We are called to follow Jesus’ example of love and mercy.

Trusting in God’s Plan

Abraham’s faith is evident when he trusts his servant to find Isaac a wife. He believes God will guide his servant to the right person. This trust in God’s plan is an example for us.

In the Gospel, Matthew’s response to Jesus’ call is immediate. He trusts Jesus and follows Him without hesitation. We should also be ready to follow Jesus and trust in His plan for us.

Jesus’ mission is clear when He explains why He dines with sinners. He came to heal and forgive, showing us the importance of mercy. We must trust in God’s mercy and share it with others.

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On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we learn about faith, trust, and mercy. Abraham’s actions, Isaac’s love, and Jesus’ call to Matthew teach us to trust in God’s plan. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example of love and compassion.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to trust in Your plan and follow Your guidance. Teach us to show mercy and compassion to others. Strengthen our faith and help us to live according to Your will. Amen.

Word on Fire: The Call to Follow and Love

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the story of the conversion of Matthew. The call of Jesus to “Follow me” is not just a mental concept, but a transformative invitation that reaches into one’s entire life. Conversion involves rising to a higher life, shifting focus from worldly goods to the things of God. The subsequent gathering of tax collectors and sinners around Jesus reveals His unconditional love for all, without requiring perfection beforehand. Bishop Barron encourages the listeners to meditate on this story and recognize the call to follow Jesus and embrace His love for sinners.

USCCB Reflection: Answering the Call to Discipleship

This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 focuses on the calling of Saint Matthew by Jesus, emphasizing the simplicity and drama of the encounter. We are invited to hear the voice of the Lord calling use to discipleship and to encounter Jesus and His divine love. It reminds us that we are all called to live a life of holiness and imitation of the Lord.

What date is Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday July 4, 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 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday July 4, 2025 are:
First Reading – Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67: A New Chapter for Isaac
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Eternal Gratitude
Gospel – Matthew 9:9-13: The Call of Matthew the Tax Collector

Why does Abraham want Isaac to marry someone from his own people in the first reading for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Abraham wants Isaac to marry someone from his own people to keep their faith strong. He believes this will help Isaac follow God’s ways.

What can we learn from Abraham sending his servant to find a wife for Isaac?

We learn about trusting God’s guidance in important decisions. Abraham’s trust in God’s plan shows us the importance of seeking God’s help in our lives.

How does Isaac finding comfort in Rebekah apply to us?

Isaac finding comfort in Rebekah shows the healing power of love. It reminds us that God brings people into our lives to support and comfort us.

How can we trust in God’s plan like Abraham did?

We can pray and seek God’s guidance in our decisions. Trusting in God means believing He knows what is best for us.

Why did Jesus call Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him in the Gospel for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus called Matthew to show that He welcomes everyone. It teaches us that no one is too far gone to be called by Jesus.

What is the lesson from Jesus eating with sinners?

Jesus eating with sinners shows His mission to help those in need. It reminds us to be compassionate and not judge others.

How can we apply the story of Jesus calling Matthew to our lives?

We can follow Jesus without hesitation, just like Matthew. We should be ready to leave our old ways and follow Jesus.

What does Jesus’ response to the Pharisees teach us?

Jesus’ response teaches us about mercy. He came to heal and forgive, showing us that we should also be merciful.

What does it mean to follow Jesus’ example of love and compassion?

Following Jesus’ example means showing kindness to others. It means helping those in need and being forgiving.