Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30: Jacob, guided by God, travels to Egypt with his family. Arriving in Goshen, Joseph meets his father, embraces him, and weeps. Seeing Joseph alive, Jacob feels closure.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 37: Trust in the Lord and live righteously. He protects the just, provides in adversity, and offers salvation to those who seek refuge in Him.
• Gospel – Matthew 10:16-23: Jesus warned his Apostles about persecution and told them to be wise and innocent. He assured them of the Spirit’s guidance and promised salvation for those who endure.

Lectionary Reference: 387

Upcoming dates: July 11, 2025, July 9, 2027, July 13, 2029, July 11, 2031, July 8, 2033

You will be given at that moment what you are to say. 

Matthew 10:19

On Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings offer guidance and encouragement. They tell of Jacob’s journey and Jesus’ instructions to His Apostles.

• Family Reunion: Jacob’s journey to Egypt and his reunion with Joseph show the importance of family bonds. Jacob’s joy at seeing Joseph reminds us of the comfort and strength family provides.
• God’s Guidance: God guided Jacob on his journey to Egypt. This teaches us to trust in God’s guidance in our lives.
• Perseverance in Trials: Jesus warned His Apostles about persecution. He encouraged them to endure hardships for their faith.
• Wisdom and Innocence: Jesus told His Apostles to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. This teaches us to be smart and pure in our actions.
• Holy Spirit’s Help: Jesus assured His Apostles that the Spirit would guide them in times of trouble. This reminds us that we are not alone and can rely on the Holy Spirit.
• Promise of Salvation: Jesus promised that those who endure to the end will be saved. This gives us hope and encourages us to stay faithful.

These themes from Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of faith and family. They offer guidance on how to live and endure through difficulties.

The readings for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 guide us through important lessons in our faith. They cover Jacob’s journey, his reunion with Joseph, and Jesus’ instructions to His Apostles. Each reading offers a chance to reflect on family, guidance, perseverance, wisdom, and the promise of salvation.

Family Reunion

Jacob’s journey to Egypt to see Joseph is a touching story. He thought his son was dead, but now they are reunited. This reunion shows us how important family is and how it brings comfort and joy.

Family relationships are a source of strength. In times of trouble, being with loved ones helps us feel supported. Jacob’s joy at seeing Joseph reminds us to cherish and value our family.

The reunion also teaches us about closure. Jacob felt peace when he saw Joseph. In our own lives, reuniting with loved ones can bring healing and closure to past hurts.

God’s Guidance

God told Jacob to go to Egypt. Jacob listened and trusted in God. This teaches us to trust in God’s plans for our lives.

Sometimes, we don’t understand where God is leading us. It can be scary to take that first step. But like Jacob, we can trust that God will guide us and take care of us.

Listening to God means praying and being open to His voice. When we trust and follow God, we can find peace and direction in our lives.

Perseverance and Wisdom

Jesus warned His Apostles that they would face persecution. He told them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. This advice helps us understand how to act in difficult situations.

Being wise means making smart choices. We need to think carefully about our actions and words. At the same time, being innocent means staying pure and good-hearted.

Jesus also promised that those who endure to the end will be saved. This gives us hope and strength to keep going, even when things are tough. We are reminded that staying faithful will lead to salvation.

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The readings for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer us valuable lessons. They teach us about the importance of family, trusting in God’s guidance, and staying strong in our faith. As we reflect on these readings, let us strive to apply these lessons in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in Your guidance and follow Your path. Give us strength to endure hardships and wisdom to make the right choices. Bless our families and keep us close to You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you strengthen your relationships with family and cherish the time you have with them?
• When has trusting in God’s guidance helped you in uncertain times?
• How can you practice both wisdom and innocence in challenging situations?
• What helps you remain strong in your faith when facing difficulties or opposition?

Word on Fire: Courageous Witnesses

In this reflection for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel passage where Jesus predicts the persecution faced by his followers. He highlights the countless martyrs throughout Christian history who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.

These brave individuals, hailing from diverse cultures and backgrounds, form an army that stands against the world’s armies that employ violence and oppression. They bear witness to the authority of the risen Lord, fighting not with worldly weapons but with their unwavering faith. Bishop Barron cites examples such as St. Peter, Felicity and Perpetua, Thomas Becket, Thomas More, Paul Miki, and Miguel Pro, who endured martyrdom for their Christian convictions.

USCCB Reflection: A Call to Share the Good News

This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time explains that the new evangelization is a return to the Church’s mission of bringing the good news of Jesus to those seeking truth and love. It is not a program but a call for all believers to participate.

We may worry about having the right words, but Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will guide our words and actions. We should rely on the Spirit’s grace to become true witnesses and agents of the new evangelization. Let us pray for wisdom in fulfilling this mission.

What date is Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday July 11, 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 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday July 11, 2025 are:
First Reading – Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30: Reunion in Egypt
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 37: Righteousness and Divine Salvation
Gospel – Matthew 10:16-23: Persecution and Endurance

Why did Jacob go to Egypt in the first reading for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jacob went to Egypt because God told him to go. He trusted God’s guidance and wanted to reunite with his son Joseph.

What does Jacob’s reunion with Joseph teach us?

Jacob’s reunion with Joseph shows the importance of family. It reminds us to cherish our loved ones and the joy they bring.

How can we trust in God’s guidance like Jacob did?

We can trust in God’s guidance by praying and listening to Him. Trusting God means believing that He knows what is best for us.

Why did Jesus warn His Apostles about persecution in the Gospel for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus warned His Apostles about persecution to prepare them for the challenges they would face. He wanted them to be ready and stay strong in their faith.

What does it mean to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves?

Being wise as serpents means making smart choices. Being innocent as doves means staying pure and good-hearted.

How can we stay strong in our faith during tough times?

We can stay strong in our faith by praying, trusting in God, and remembering Jesus’ promise of salvation. Keeping our eyes on God helps us endure hardships.

What is the promise of salvation that Jesus gives?

Jesus promised that those who endure to the end will be saved. This means if we stay faithful, we will be with God in heaven.

How can we apply the lessons from Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our lives?

We can apply these lessons by cherishing our families, trusting in God’s guidance, and staying strong in our faith. Making wise choices and staying pure also help us live as Jesus taught.

Why is family important in the readings for Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Family is important because it provides comfort, strength, and joy. Jacob’s reunion with Joseph shows the deep love and support that family gives.

How can we listen to God’s voice in our lives?

We can listen to God’s voice by praying, reading the Bible, and being open to His guidance. Trusting in God helps us hear and follow His direction.