Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22: Naomi’s family moved to Moab due to famine. After losing her husband and sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, her daughter-in-law, insisted on staying with her, showing great loyalty.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: The Lord, creator of all, is faithful and just, providing for the needy and freeing the oppressed. He supports the vulnerable and opposes the wicked, reigning forever.
• Gospel – Matthew 22:34-40: Jesus explained that the greatest commandments are to love God fully and to love others as oneself. These two commandments summarize all the law and teachings of the prophets.

 You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:37-39

On Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear about Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandments. These readings highlight themes of love, commitment, and faithfulness. Here are six themes based on these passages:

• Loyalty and Devotion: Ruth shows deep loyalty by staying with her mother-in-law Naomi, even after the death of their husbands. This theme reminds us of the importance of being faithful to our loved ones.
• Sacrifice for Others: Ruth leaves her homeland to support Naomi. This teaches us to be willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of others.
• Seeking God’s Will: Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, believing it is God’s will. This theme encourages us to seek and follow God’s plan in our lives.
• Love as the Greatest Commandment: In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment. This theme highlights that love should guide all our actions.
• Obedience to God’s Law: Jesus emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commandments. This reminds us to live according to God’s teachings.
• Unity in Love: Jesus connects love for God and love for others. This theme shows that true love brings unity and peace.

These themes from Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to live lives full of love, loyalty, and faithfulness. They remind us that following God’s commandments leads to true happiness and unity with others.

The readings for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlight the themes of love, loyalty, and commitment. From Ruth’s unwavering support for Naomi to Jesus’ teachings on the greatest commandments, these passages teach us important lessons about loving God and others. This set of reflections explores these themes and how they can guide us in our daily lives.

Staying Committed in Love

In the first reading for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see Ruth’s remarkable decision to stay with Naomi. Despite Naomi urging her to return to her own people, Ruth chooses to remain by Naomi’s side. This act of loyalty and commitment is powerful and touching. It reminds us that true love often requires sacrifice and staying with those we care about, even when it’s challenging.

Ruth’s choice can inspire us in our own relationships. There are times when supporting our loved ones is difficult, but Ruth shows us the value of steadfast commitment. By standing by each other, we strengthen our bonds and build a deeper connection. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about good times but also about being there during hard moments.

This story also encourages us to be reliable friends and family members. Naomi was in a vulnerable position, and Ruth’s presence was a great comfort to her. We can be like Ruth by offering our support to those who need it. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or neighbor, being present and dependable is a meaningful way to show love.

Moreover, Ruth’s commitment goes beyond personal ties; it is also a commitment to Naomi’s God and people. This teaches us about the importance of being open to new experiences and communities. Ruth’s faith and willingness to embrace Naomi’s culture show us that love can lead us to grow and learn in unexpected ways.

In conclusion, the reading from Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that love is not just a feeling but an action. It’s about being loyal, supporting others, and being open to new experiences. Ruth’s example encourages us to stay committed to those we love and to be there for each other, no matter what challenges we face.

The Greatest Commandment: Love

In the Gospel reading for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus teaches about the greatest commandments. He says that the most important one is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments sum up the whole law and the prophets, showing the central role of love in our faith.

Loving God with all our heart means making Him the center of our lives. It means putting our faith into action, following His commandments, and seeking to do His will. This love for God is not just about attending Mass or saying prayers; it is about living a life that honors Him in everything we do.

The commandment to love our neighbor is closely linked to loving God. We show our love for God by how we treat others. This means being kind, compassionate, and generous. It means reaching out to those in need and treating everyone with respect and dignity. In loving our neighbor, we reflect God’s love in the world.

These commandments are simple, but living them out can be challenging. It requires us to go beyond our comfort zones and sometimes put others’ needs before our own. But by striving to love God and our neighbors, we grow in our faith and become better people. It’s about making love the guiding principle in our lives.

The teachings of Jesus in the Gospel for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of love. Love is not just a feeling but a choice and action. By loving God and our neighbors, we fulfill God’s commandments and live out our faith in a meaningful way. This is the essence of being a follower of Christ.

Love for God and Neighbor: A Unifying Theme

The readings for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 share a common theme: love for God and others. In Ruth’s story, her love for Naomi leads her to leave her homeland and follow Naomi to a foreign land. In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the commandments to love God and our neighbor. These two readings highlight that love is the foundation of a good and faithful life.

Ruth’s actions show a deep love that goes beyond words. She doesn’t just tell Naomi she loves her; she shows it through her actions. This teaches us that true love is demonstrated through what we do, not just what we say. It’s about being there for others and putting their needs above our own.

Similarly, Jesus’ teaching about the greatest commandments calls us to an active love. Loving God means more than just worship; it means living according to His teachings. Loving our neighbor means more than just being friendly; it means caring for their well-being and treating them with kindness and respect. It’s about living out our faith in practical, everyday ways.

This theme of love is a call to action. It’s easy to say we love God and others, but the real challenge is to live it out. This means making love the center of our lives, guiding our decisions and actions. Whether it’s helping a friend, volunteering, or simply being kind, there are many ways to show love in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the theme of love for God and neighbor is central to the readings for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. It’s a reminder that love is the core of our faith and the most important thing we can do. By loving God and others, we live out the true meaning of being a Christian.

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As we reflect on the messages from Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded of the central role of love in our faith. Whether through loyalty to family, love for our neighbors, or devotion to God, these readings encourage us to live out our love in practical ways. Let us strive to make love the foundation of all our actions and relationships.

Prayer

Lord, help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Teach us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to show kindness and compassion in all we do. Guide us to follow Your commandments and live in a way that pleases You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can Ruth’s example of loyalty and commitment inspire you in your relationships with family and friends?
• In what ways can you demonstrate love for God in your daily life beyond prayer and worship?
• How do you practice loving your neighbor, especially when it requires going beyond your comfort zone?
• What steps can you take to make love the guiding principle in your actions and decisions?

Willing Good

In this reflection on the Gospel for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on the true meaning of love for one’s neighbor. He points out that love is more than just being friendly or having a “heart of gold.” True love involves willing the good for others, which may sometimes require tough actions or challenging interventions.

Bishop Barron underscores that real love can be hard and demanding, contrasting the authentic loving action with the superficial image of a kindly Santa Claus figure who merely soothes problems without addressing underlying issues.

What date is Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday August 22, 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 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday August 22, 2025 are:
First Reading – Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22: Naomi and Ruth
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: Praise the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 22:34-40: The Greatest Commandment

Why did Ruth stay with Naomi in the first reading for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Ruth stayed with Naomi because she loved her and wanted to support her. This shows the importance of loyalty and caring for family.

What does Ruth’s decision teach us?

Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi teaches us to be committed to those we love, even when it’s hard. We should support each other in tough times.

Why did Naomi return to Bethlehem?

Naomi returned to Bethlehem because she heard that the Lord had helped His people there. This reminds us to trust in God’s help and guidance.

What is the greatest commandment according to Jesus in the Gospel for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. This means love should be the foundation of all our actions.

How can we love our neighbor?

We can love our neighbor by being kind, helping those in need, and treating others as we want to be treated. It’s about showing care and respect to everyone.

What does it mean to love God with all your heart?

Loving God with all your heart means putting God first in your life. It means following His commandments and living according to His will.

Why is love so important in the teachings of Jesus?

Love is important because it fulfills all of God’s commandments. When we love God and others, we live in a way that pleases God.

How can we apply these teachings for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 in our daily life?

We can apply these teachings by being faithful and loving in our relationships, seeking God’s will, and obeying His commandments. This helps us live a good and meaningful life.