Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19: The Lord has destroyed Jerusalem. Elders mourn, children starve, and prophets gave false hope. People cry out to the Lord for help.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 74: God, why have you rejected us? Remember your people and the destruction of your sanctuary. Keep your covenant and let the poor praise your name.
• Gospel – Matthew 8:5-17: Jesus heals the centurion’s servant from afar, praises his faith, and warns about the Kingdom. He also heals Peter’s mother-in-law and many others, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.

Lectionary Resource: 376

Upcoming dates: June 27, 2026, July 1, 2028, June 26, 2032

He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Matthew 8:17

On Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on God’s mercy and healing. The readings show us the struggles and faith of God’s people.

• Suffering and Mourning: The reading from Lamentations speaks of suffering and mourning. It shows the pain of the people and their need for God’s help.
• God’s Judgment: Lamentations also speaks about God’s judgment on sin. It reminds us that turning away from God has serious consequences.
• Call to Repentance: The people in Lamentations cry out to God. This shows the importance of repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness.
• Faith of the Centurion: In Matthew, the centurion shows great faith. He believes Jesus can heal his servant with just a word.
• Jesus’ Healing Power: Jesus heals many people in the Gospel. This shows His compassion and power to heal all kinds of sickness.
• Trust in Jesus: The centurion’s trust in Jesus teaches us to rely on Him. It shows that faith in Jesus brings help and healing.
• Intercession for Others: The centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. This teaches us to pray and ask for help for others.
• God’s Compassion: Both readings show God’s compassion for His people. He listens to their cries and heals their pain.

On Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, these themes remind us to trust in God’s mercy and healing. They encourage us to turn to God in times of need and to pray for others.

On Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings guide us to think about suffering, faith, and God’s healing power. The passages from Lamentations and the Gospel of Matthew offer rich lessons for our spiritual journey. These reflections will help us to connect with these themes deeply and meaningfully.

Understanding Suffering

In Lamentations, we see the deep suffering of the people. They have experienced destruction and loss. This passage shows how the people mourn and cry out to God.

Suffering is part of the human experience. When we face hard times, we might feel alone and in pain. The reading reminds us that it’s okay to bring our struggles to God.

God listens to our cries and understands our pain. We can turn to Him in our darkest moments. He is always there to comfort and support us.

Faith of the Centurion

In the Gospel of Matthew, the centurion approaches Jesus with great faith. He believes Jesus can heal his servant with just a word. His faith impresses Jesus.

The centurion’s faith shows us the power of trusting in Jesus. He didn’t need to see signs or wonders. He simply believed in Jesus’ power to heal.

We can learn from the centurion to have simple, strong faith. Trusting Jesus means believing that He can help us, even if we don’t understand how. This kind of faith pleases God and brings us closer to Him.

Jesus’ Healing Power

Jesus heals many people in the Gospel. He cares for the sick and suffering. This shows His deep compassion and love for people in need.

Jesus’ healing power is still active today. When we are sick or in pain, we can pray for His healing touch. He cares about our physical and spiritual well-being.

Believing in Jesus’ power to heal encourages us to seek Him in prayer. We can ask for healing for ourselves and others. Jesus is our healer, and He wants to make us whole.

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On Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings help us to reflect on suffering, faith, and healing. They remind us that God is with us in our pain, that faith in Jesus is powerful, and that He has the power to heal. Let us hold these truths in our hearts and seek to grow in our trust and reliance on God.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and healing power. Help us to trust in You like the centurion did. Comfort us in our suffering and heal our wounds. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I bring my suffering and struggles to God in prayer?
• What does the faith of the centurion teach me about trusting Jesus in difficult times?
• How have I experienced or witnessed Jesus’ healing power in my life or in others?
• How can I show compassion and care for those who are sick or suffering?

Word on Fire: Trusting in the Unshakable Rock

In his reflection for the Saturday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron contemplates the Gospel account where Jesus commends the centurion for his steadfast faith. The bishop underscores the unwavering nature of God, highlighting Him as a dependable and unwavering bedrock.

As the very essence of existence, God’s constancy and supreme authority offer a comforting haven and respite. Amidst a world teeming with setbacks and ambiguities, placing our trust in God guarantees a sense of certainty that can bestow internal tranquility and peace.

What date is Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Saturday June 27, 2026.

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 odd numbered years see Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Saturday June 27, 2026 are:
First Reading – Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19: Lament for Jerusalem
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 74: Plea for Divine Intervention
Gospel – Matthew 8:5-17: Healing in Capernaum

What is the main message of the first reading for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is about the suffering and mourning of the people. They cry out to God for help in their pain and loss.

Why are the people in Lamentations suffering?

The people are suffering because they turned away from God. They face consequences for their actions and sin.

How can we apply the message of Lamentations to our lives?

We can turn to God in our suffering and seek His help. We should also repent for our sins and trust in His mercy.

What does the centurion’s faith teach us in Gospel for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The centurion’s faith teaches us to trust Jesus completely. He believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word.

Why was Jesus impressed by the centurion’s faith?

Jesus was impressed because the centurion had strong faith without needing signs or miracles. He simply believed in Jesus’ power to heal.

How does Jesus’ healing in Matthew 8:5-17 relate to us?

Jesus’ healing shows His compassion and care for those who suffer. We can pray for His healing in our lives and the lives of others.

What should we do when we face sickness or pain?

We should pray to Jesus for healing. Trust in His power to help and heal us.

How can we grow in faith like the centurion?

We can grow in faith by trusting Jesus more each day. Pray, read the Bible, and believe in His power and love.

How does the Gospel show Jesus’ compassion?

Jesus heals many people, showing He cares deeply for those in need. His actions show His love and kindness.

What is the importance of faith in these readings for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Faith is central to both readings. In Lamentations, the people turn to God in their suffering. In Matthew, the centurion’s faith brings healing.