Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Friday July 18, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

First Reading – Exodus 11:10-12:14: Moses and Aaron performed wonders but Pharaoh was obstinate. The LORD instructed the Israelites to celebrate Passover, sparing their firstborn through the blood-marked houses. It became a perpetual feast.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: With gratitude, I’ll take the cup of salvation, call on the name of the LORD, and offer thanksgiving sacrifices. Precious to God is the death of His faithful ones.
Gospel – Matthew 12:1-8: Jesus defends his disciples picking grain on the Sabbath by citing David’s actions and the temple priests’ innocence, emphasizing mercy over sacrifice and declaring himself Lord of the Sabbath.

Upcoming dates: July 18, 2025, July 16, 2027, July 20, 2029, July 18, 2031, July 15, 2033

The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.
Matthew 12:8

Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings highlight key moments in the history of the Israelites and teachings of Jesus. The themes emphasize God’s protection, obedience, mercy, and understanding of the law.

God’s Protection: The reading from Exodus shows God protecting the Israelites by sparing their firstborn through the blood-marked houses. This protection is a key part of the Passover celebration.
Obedience to God’s Instructions: The Israelites followed God’s instructions exactly as given by Moses and Aaron. This obedience led to their salvation and set a pattern for future generations.
Importance of Tradition: The institution of Passover became a perpetual feast for the Israelites. This tradition helps them remember God’s saving acts.

Mercy Over Sacrifice: Jesus emphasizes that mercy is more important than sacrifice. He shows this by defending his disciples when they picked grain on the Sabbath.
Understanding the Law: Jesus challenges the strict interpretation of the Sabbath law by citing examples from Scripture. He shows that the law should serve people’s needs.
Jesus’ Authority: Jesus declares himself Lord of the Sabbath. This shows his authority over the law and his role in fulfilling it.

The themes for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s care and the importance of following His ways. They also teach us about mercy, understanding the law, and recognizing Jesus’ authority.

Reflection for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

The readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer us valuable lessons. They remind us of God’s care, the importance of obedience, and the true meaning of mercy.

God’s Protection

In Exodus, we see God’s protection over the Israelites. He instructs them to mark their houses with lamb’s blood so their firstborns are spared. This act shows God’s care for His people.

God’s instructions were clear and specific. The Israelites had to follow them to be saved. This teaches us the importance of listening to God and trusting His guidance.

The Passover became a lasting tradition for the Israelites. It reminded them of God’s saving act. We, too, should remember and celebrate God’s protection in our lives.

Obedience to God’s Instructions

The Israelites’ obedience to God’s instructions is crucial. Moses and Aaron conveyed God’s message, and the people followed. This obedience led to their freedom.

Obedience to God shows our trust in Him. It is not always easy, but it brings blessings. The Israelites’ experience encourages us to listen and act according to God’s will.

Celebrating Passover was a way for the Israelites to keep their obedience alive. It kept the memory of God’s command and their response fresh. We can find ways to remember and live out our obedience to God daily.

Mercy Over Sacrifice

In the Gospel, Jesus defends His disciples. They picked grain on the Sabbath, and He explained that mercy is more important than strict rules. He used examples from Scripture to support this.

Jesus’ teaching shows that the law is meant to serve people. It is not meant to burden them. This challenges us to understand the spirit of the law, not just the letter.

Jesus declared Himself Lord of the Sabbath. This means He has authority over the law. It reminds us to focus on mercy and love in our actions.

The readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about God’s care, obedience, and mercy. They remind us to trust God, follow His guidance, and prioritize mercy. Let’s carry these lessons in our hearts.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in Your protection, follow Your guidance, and show mercy to others. May we remember Your love and act with kindness every day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How do you see God’s protection and care in your life today?
In what ways can you improve your obedience to God’s guidance?

How can you focus on showing mercy instead of strictly following rules?
What traditions or practices help you remember and celebrate God’s saving acts in your life?

Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Word on Fire: A Path to Transformation

On Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus emphasizes His ministry’s theme: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” correcting the Pharisees. Catholic spirituality recognizes that every saint had a past, and every sinner has a future. Conversion is pivotal in the lives of these heroes of faith.

God’s mercy is likened to oil, generously poured upon us without reservation, not because it’s earned but because of His love for us. We aren’t loved by God because we are worthy; we are worthy because He loves us. Embracing His mercy transforms us, despite our undeserving nature. Soaking in His limitless mercy becomes a path to inner change and spiritual growth.

USCCB Reflection: Jesus, Our Passover Lamb

In this USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the focus is on the transition from the Old Testament Passover to Jesus Christ as the new Passover Lamb.

The reflection highlights how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament law and becomes the sacrificial Lamb, offering freedom and blessings to those who remember and follow Him. It emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, inviting believers to encounter Him as the ultimate source of spiritual liberation and eternal life.

Questions and Answers for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

What date is Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday July 18, 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 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday July 18, 2025 are:
First Reading – Exodus 11:10-12:14: The Passover
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: Grateful Heart’s Response
Gospel – Matthew 12:1-8: Lord of the Sabbath

What is the main message of the first reading for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 from Exodus 11:10-12:14?

The main message is about God’s protection and the importance of obedience. God protected the Israelites by instructing them to mark their houses with lamb’s blood to save their firstborns.

Why did God ask the Israelites to mark their houses with lamb’s blood?

God asked the Israelites to mark their houses with lamb’s blood so that the angel of death would pass over their homes and spare their firstborns. This act of marking showed their obedience and faith in God’s instructions.

What is Passover, and why is it important?

Passover is a feast that remembers God’s act of saving the Israelites from death and slavery in Egypt. It is important because it celebrates God’s care and the Israelites’ obedience.

How does Jesus defend His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath in the Gospel for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus defends His disciples by citing examples from Scripture where others broke the Sabbath rules for a good reason. He explains that mercy and meeting human needs are more important than strict rule-following.

What does Jesus mean when He says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” in Matthew 12:1-8?

Jesus means that showing kindness and compassion is more important than strict religious practices. He emphasizes that the purpose of the law is to help people, not to burden them.

Why does Jesus call Himself “Lord of the Sabbath”?

Jesus calls Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” to show that He has authority over the Sabbath laws. He teaches that understanding and love should guide how we follow the law.

How can we apply the lesson of mercy over sacrifice in our lives?

We can apply this lesson by prioritizing kindness and compassion in our actions. When faced with a choice, we should choose to help and care for others, even if it means bending some rules.

What does the story of the Passover teach us about obedience?

The story of the Passover teaches us that obedience to God leads to protection and blessings. It shows the importance of listening to and following God’s guidance.

How can we remember and celebrate God’s protection in our lives today?

We can remember and celebrate God’s protection by participating in religious traditions, praying, and reflecting on times when we have felt God’s care. Sharing these stories with others can also help.

What is the key takeaway from the readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The key takeaway is to trust in God’s protection, be obedient to His guidance, and show mercy to others. These actions help us live out our faith in practical ways.

The First Passover and Jesus’ Mercy

The readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about God’s protection and mercy. In the first reading from Exodus, God instructs Moses and Aaron on the first Passover. The Israelites are told to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act will protect them from the final plague, the death of the firstborn. God tells them to celebrate this event every year as a reminder of their deliverance. This shows God’s care for His people and the importance of remembering His saving acts.

In the Gospel, Jesus defends His disciples when the Pharisees accuse them of breaking the Sabbath. The disciples were picking grain because they were hungry. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that mercy is more important than sacrifice. He points to examples in scripture where human need outweighed strict rules. Jesus explains that He is greater than the temple and that He desires mercy over rigid adherence to laws.

These readings call us to reflect on God’s deliverance and the mercy shown by Jesus. They remind us that God is both just and compassionate, guiding and protecting His people.

Your Turn

Reflect on the readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. How can you honor God’s deliverance in your life and show mercy to others? What actions can you take to live out Jesus’ call to compassion?

Share your reflections in the comments. Let’s support one another in showing God’s mercy and remembering His saving love.