Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Friday August 8, 2031
Living in God’s Way
Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to remember God’s works and follow His way. Moses speaks to the people about God’s mighty acts in their history. He tells them to obey God so they may live well in the land. God has shown His care through signs, wonders, and saving them from Egypt.
The psalm continues this theme by calling us to remember God’s power. It speaks of His wonders and how He led His people like a shepherd. Even in hard times, we are called to trust Him. Looking back at what He has done gives us hope for today.
In the gospel, Jesus teaches what it means to follow Him. We must take up our cross and give up selfish ways. Gaining everything in this world means nothing if we lose our life with God. Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to live for Christ, trusting His promise of eternal life.
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Deuteronomy 4:32-40: Moses reminds the people of God’s unique acts in history, emphasizing His voice from the fire, signs, wonders, and the deliverance from Egypt. He stresses obedience to God’s commands for prosperity and longevity.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 77: I recall the amazing deeds and wonders of the LORD, reflecting on His unparalleled power and holiness. He redeemed His people, leading them like a flock through Moses and Aaron.
- Gospel – Matthew 16:24-28: To follow me, you must deny yourself and take up your cross. Gaining the world is meaningless if you lose your life. When I return in glory, I will repay each according to conduct.
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 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings include Deuteronomy 4:32-40 and Matthew 16:24-28. These passages teach us about the importance of faith, commitment, and understanding God’s commandments.
- God’s Mighty Works: Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s mighty works. He shows how God rescued them from Egypt and gave them a new land.
- Obedience to God: Moses tells the people to keep God’s laws. Obedience to God’s commandments brings blessings and life.
- Faithfulness to God: The Israelites are called to be faithful to God. Their faithfulness should be a response to God’s love and care for them.
- Self-Denial: Jesus tells His disciples to deny themselves and follow Him. This means putting aside personal desires and following Christ’s path.
- Bearing the Cross: Jesus says that anyone who wants to follow Him must take up their cross. This signifies accepting challenges and sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel.
- Eternal Life: Jesus speaks about the value of eternal life over worldly gains. Gaining the whole world means nothing if one loses their soul.
- Reward for Discipleship: Jesus promises a reward for those who follow Him faithfully. God will repay each person according to their deeds.
These themes for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to reflect on our commitment to God. By following His commandments and the path of Jesus, we find true life and purpose.
Reflection for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the readings from Deuteronomy 4:32-40 and Matthew 16:24-28. These passages teach us about God’s mighty works, the importance of obedience, and the call to discipleship. Through these reflections, we can deepen our faith and strengthen our commitment to follow God’s path.
God’s Mighty Works
In Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Moses reminds the Israelites of the great things God has done for them. He tells them to remember how God brought them out of Egypt and led them to a new land. This was not just a story but a real event that showed God’s power and care.
Moses wants the people to never forget these mighty works. He wants them to teach their children and always keep it in their hearts. This remembrance helps them stay faithful and trust in God’s continued guidance.
We, too, should remember the mighty works of God in our lives. Reflecting on these moments strengthens our faith. It reminds us that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us just as He did for the Israelites.
Obedience to God
Moses also talks about the importance of obedience to God’s laws. He tells the people to follow the commandments given to them. Obedience brings blessings and a good life in the land God has given them.
Following God’s commandments is not just about rules. It is about living in a way that pleases God and helps us live in harmony with others. Obedience shows our love and respect for God.
In our lives, we are called to obey God’s commandments. This obedience brings us closer to God and helps us live as He desires. It leads to a blessed and fulfilling life, grounded in God’s love and care.
The Call to Discipleship
In Matthew 16:24-28, Jesus calls His disciples to deny themselves and follow Him. This means setting aside our own desires and putting Jesus first in our lives. It is a call to a deeper commitment and sacrifice.
Taking up our cross means accepting the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus. It is not always easy, but it is the path to true life and happiness. Jesus promises that those who follow Him will find eternal life.
We are invited to answer this call to discipleship. By following Jesus and accepting our crosses, we find purpose and meaning in our lives. It leads us to a closer relationship with Him and the promise of eternal life.
Reflecting on the readings for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us understand the importance of remembering God’s works, obeying His commandments, and following Jesus as true disciples. These reflections guide us in our daily lives and strengthen our faith. Let us strive to live according to these teachings and grow closer to God each day.
Prayer
Lord, help us to remember Your mighty works in our lives. Guide us to obey Your commandments faithfully. Give us the strength to follow Jesus and take up our crosses daily. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How have you seen God’s mighty works in your own life, and how do they strengthen your faith?
- In what ways can you grow in obedience to God’s commandments?
- What does it mean for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus each day?
- How can you encourage others to trust in God’s guidance and live as His disciples?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Don’t Just Lose Your Life
On Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear Jesus speak about taking up our cross and following Him. He tells us that we must lose our lives for His sake if we want to truly find them. It’s not just about sacrifice, but about doing it with purpose—for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus calls us to live differently than the world around us, which often chases comfort and self-interest.
Matthew Kelly reminds us that self-denial is necessary if we want to succeed in anything that matters. Whether it’s our family, health, or faith, real growth takes sacrifice. Our culture may reject this idea, but Jesus makes it clear: following Him means saying no to ourselves sometimes. The challenge is to look at our own lives and ask, how willing am I to do what I don’t feel like doing, especially when it leads me closer to Christ?
The Cost and Joy of Following Jesus
On Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear Jesus invite us to follow Him by denying ourselves and taking up our cross. These words may sound difficult, but they point to a deeper truth. Being a Christian is not just about rules or burdens. It is about learning to love through sacrifice and putting others before ourselves. Jesus shows us that this is the way to real joy and freedom.
Dr. Jem Sullivan explains that many people walk away from faith because they misunderstand the purpose of sacrifice. But Jesus is not asking us to suffer without meaning. He is inviting us to give ourselves in love. This path may be hard, but it leads to something beautiful. And we are not alone. God gives us the grace and strength we need to follow. The cross becomes the door to a fuller life with Christ.
Embracing Love’s Sacrifice
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the gospel for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, where Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, carry our crosses, and follow Him. He underscores that the heart of Christianity is Jesus’ sacrificial death, which breathes life into the Gospel narrative. This cruciform essence makes sense when we grasp that God’s core nature is love.
Humanity’s pride, rebellion, cruelty, and fear had twisted us into a dysfunctional family, turning inward due to sin. Faced with self-destruction, God didn’t send just a representative but His own heart—the divine Son, Jesus. Incarnate, He entered human disorder, reaching out to all, from the poor to the self-righteous, inviting them back from the icy far country.
Resources
The Book of Deuteronomy: God’s Mighty Deeds and Covenant
In Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Moses reminds the people that no other nation has seen what Israel has seen. God spoke from the fire and worked wonders to rescue them from Egypt. This shows His personal relationship with them. It highlights the covenant, where God chooses Israel and calls them to be faithful.
The reading also stresses that obedience brings life and prosperity in the land. Deuteronomy often connects love for God with keeping His commands. This covenant loyalty is central to the whole book. Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to remember God’s works and live in faithfulness.
Psalm 77: Remembering God’s Wonders
Psalm 77 recalls God’s power in saving His people. The psalmist remembers His wonders and holiness, especially the way He led Israel like a shepherd through Moses and Aaron. This fits the psalm’s larger theme of finding hope by remembering God’s past faithfulness.
The psalm shows that even in times of doubt, God’s care does not change. He is always the mighty redeemer. Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to look back at what God has done and trust Him now.
The Gospel of Matthew: Following Jesus with Faith
In Matthew 16:24-28, Jesus teaches that following Him means self-denial and carrying the cross. This connects to Matthew’s focus on true discipleship and the kingdom of heaven. Those who live for God will gain eternal life, even if they lose worldly success.
Matthew often shows Jesus as the teacher who fulfills God’s promises. Here He speaks of His return in glory to judge each person. Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to choose the way of Christ over earthly gain.
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Path of Trust and Hope
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Questions and Answers for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What does Moses mean by “God’s mighty works” in the first reading for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Moses is talking about how God saved the Israelites from Egypt. He reminds them of the miracles God performed to free them and bring them to a new land.
Why is it important to remember God’s works?
Remembering God’s works helps us stay faithful. It shows us that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us.
What does it mean to obey God’s commandments?
Obeying God’s commandments means following the rules He has given us. It shows our love and respect for God and helps us live in harmony with others.
Why does Jesus ask us to deny ourselves in the Gospel for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus asks us to deny ourselves to put Him first. It means setting aside our own desires and following His teachings.
What does “taking up our cross” mean?
Taking up our cross means accepting the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus. It is about being committed to Him even when it is hard.
How can we remember God’s works in our lives?
We can remember God’s works by reflecting on moments when we felt His guidance and help. Sharing these stories with others also helps keep them in our hearts.
How does obedience to God bring blessings?
Obedience to God leads us to live in a way that pleases Him. This brings harmony, peace, and blessings into our lives.
What is the reward for following Jesus?
The reward for following Jesus is eternal life. Jesus promises that those who follow Him will be with Him forever.
How can we apply the call to discipleship in our lives?
We can apply the call to discipleship by putting Jesus first in our daily decisions. We can also accept challenges and sacrifices for the sake of following Him.
What do the readings for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us?
The readings teach us about God’s mighty works, the importance of obedience, and the call to follow Jesus. They guide us in living a faithful and committed life.
Remembering God’s Works and Following Jesus
Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to reflect on God’s mighty works and our call to follow Jesus. In the first reading, Moses speaks to the Israelites and tells them to remember all that God has done for them. He reminds them that God led them out of Egypt and gave them a new home. This was not just a past event but a call to trust in God’s continued care.
Moses also tells the people to obey God’s commandments. He explains that obedience brings blessings and helps them live in peace. God’s laws are not meant to burden them but to guide them in the right way. When they follow God’s will, they will experience His love and protection.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls His followers to take up their crosses and follow Him. This means putting God first, even when it is difficult. Jesus teaches that true life comes from sacrifice and trust in Him. Those who give their lives to follow Him will gain eternal life.
Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to trust in God’s care, obey His commandments, and follow Jesus with faith. These readings remind us that faith is not just about believing but about living in a way that honors God each day.
Your Turn
Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to think about how we follow God’s call. Do you take time to remember the ways God has helped you? How can you follow Jesus more closely in your daily life?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s support each other in growing in faith, trusting in God’s plan, and following Jesus with courage and love.