Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29: Isaac, near death, asks Esau to prepare a meal for him to receive his blessing. Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac, making him believe Jacob is Esau. Jacob receives Isaac’s blessing, meant for Esau.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 135: Servants in the Lord’s house extol His greatness, His goodness, and His will that spans heaven, earth, seas, and the depths, recognizing Israel as His chosen possession.
• Gospel – Matthew 9:14-17: John’s disciples asked Jesus why his followers did not fast. Jesus explained that fasting would come later and used examples of cloth and wineskins to illustrate the need for new ways.

Lectionary Reference: 382

Upcoming dates: July 5, 2025, July 7, 2029, July 5, 2031, July 2, 2033

Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?

Matthew 9:15

On Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on themes of deception, blessing, and new ways of understanding. The stories of Isaac, Esau, Jacob, and Jesus’ teachings give us lessons about family, faith, and change.

• Deception and Truth: Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac to give Jacob the blessing meant for Esau. This shows the impact of lies and the importance of honesty in relationships.
• Family Dynamics: Isaac’s desire to bless Esau and Rebekah’s intervention for Jacob reveal family conflicts. It teaches us about the complexities within families and the effects of favoritism.
• Seeking Blessings: Jacob’s quest for Isaac’s blessing highlights the human desire for blessings and favor. This reminds us to seek God’s blessings in our lives with integrity.
• Change in Traditions: Jesus’ response to John’s disciples about fasting indicates a shift in religious practices. It shows that faith can evolve and adapt to new circumstances.
• New Understanding: The examples of cloth and wineskins illustrate the need for new approaches in faith. Jesus teaches that old ways may not always fit new realities.
• Faith and Timing: Jesus explains that there is a proper time for everything, including fasting. This teaches us to trust God’s timing and plan for our spiritual practices.

These themes from Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to live honestly, understand family dynamics, seek blessings rightly, embrace change, adapt to new understandings, and trust in God’s timing. Reflecting on these lessons can guide our faith and actions.

The readings for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer rich lessons for our lives. They teach us about deception, blessings, and the new ways Jesus brings to us. Reflecting on these stories helps us grow in faith and understanding.

Deception and Its Consequences

In Genesis, we see Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac to get Esau’s blessing. This act of deception causes pain and division in the family. It reminds us that dishonesty can lead to serious consequences and harm relationships.

We learn from this story that we should strive to be honest in our actions. Deception may bring short-term gains, but it often results in long-term damage. By being truthful, we build trust and harmony in our relationships.

As we reflect on this reading, let’s examine our own actions and motives. Are we always truthful? Do we consider the impact of our actions on others? Let’s commit to honesty in our daily lives.

The Importance of Blessings

Isaac’s blessing was highly valued by Esau and Jacob. Blessings were seen as a source of favor and success. This shows us the importance of seeking and valuing blessings in our lives.

We often seek blessings from God and from those we love. Blessings give us strength and encouragement. However, we should seek them with integrity and not through deceit.

Reflecting on this reading, we should ask ourselves how we seek blessings. Are we patient and faithful, trusting that God will bless us in His time? Let us value blessings and seek them rightly.

New Ways in Faith

In the Gospel, Jesus explains why His disciples do not fast like others. He uses the examples of cloth and wineskins to show that new ways are needed. This teaches us that faith can adapt and grow with time.

Jesus brought new teachings that required a new approach. Sometimes, old practices may not fit new situations. We must be open to change and willing to embrace new ways in our faith journey.

As we reflect on this, let’s consider how we approach our faith. Are we open to new understandings and practices? Do we hold onto old ways even when they no longer serve us? Let’s be willing to grow and adapt in our faith.

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The readings for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer valuable lessons. They teach us about honesty, the value of blessings, and being open to new ways in our faith. Reflecting on these themes can help us grow closer to God and strengthen our faith.

Prayer

Lord, help us to be honest in all our actions. Guide us to seek and value blessings with integrity. Open our hearts to new ways in our faith journey. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Are there areas in your life where honesty could strengthen your relationships?
• How do you seek God’s blessings, and do you trust His timing in your life?
• Are you open to letting go of old ways to embrace new teachings in your faith journey?
• How can you approach change in your spiritual practices with patience and trust in God?

Word on Fire: Metanoia and Embracing the New Wine

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the parable of new wine and old wineskins, emphasizing the need for a transformation of consciousness to receive the Good News of the Gospel. The new wine represents the powerful elixir of the Incarnation and divine-human reconciliation, which cannot be contained in the old consciousness dominated by the ego.

Before the Gospel can be assimilated, there must be a cleansing of the spirit and a metanoia, a change in awareness and attitude. Bishop Barron encourages listeners to examine the uncomfortable passages of the New Testament, as they reveal areas within the soul that require transformation and transfiguration.

USCCB Reflection: Expanding Our Hearts

This USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 explores the metaphor of wine and wine skins in the Gospel, highlighting the deeper meaning of God’s grace poured into our hearts. It encourages us to trust in Jesus and His grace, which keeps our hearts supple and capable of growth, enabling us to endure trials and love others.

It emphasizes that as disciples, our mission is to let God’s grace work in us and to show love through our actions, preparing for the eternal banquet in heaven.

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

The next date is Saturday July 5, 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 Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

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

The Mass readings for Saturday July 5, 2025 are:
First Reading – Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29: The Deception of Isaac
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 135: A Song of Praise
Gospel – Matthew 9:14-17: Fasting and New Wine

Why did Rebekah help Jacob deceive Isaac in the first reading for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Rebekah wanted Jacob to receive Isaac’s blessing instead of Esau. She believed Jacob was the chosen one and took matters into her own hands.

What is the significance of Isaac’s blessing?

Isaac’s blessing was seen as a source of favor and future success. It was highly valued and meant to pass on God’s promises.

Why did Jacob go along with the deception?

Jacob obeyed his mother Rebekah, who believed he should get the blessing. He wanted the benefits that came with the blessing.

How should we seek blessings in our lives?

We should seek blessings with integrity and patience. Trust in God’s timing and avoid deceitful ways to gain favor.

How does this story relate to our lives?

The story teaches us about the impact of deception. It reminds us to be honest and trust God’s plan rather than taking shortcuts.

Why didn’t Jesus’ disciples fast like others?

Jesus explained that His disciples did not fast because He was with them. He said there would be a time for fasting later.

What do the examples of cloth and wineskins mean in the Gospel for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus used cloth and wineskins to show that new ways are needed for new teachings. Old ways may not fit new situations in faith.

How can we apply Jesus’ teaching about new ways to our lives?

We should be open to new understandings and practices in our faith. Sometimes, we need to change our approach to grow spiritually.

What does this teach us about change in faith?

It teaches us that faith can adapt and grow. We must be willing to embrace new ways and let go of old practices that no longer serve us.

What is the main lesson from these readings for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main lesson is to live honestly, value blessings rightly, and be open to new ways in our faith. Reflecting on these themes helps us grow closer to God.