Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Colossians 1:15-20: Jesus Christ, the image of God, is supreme over all creation. All things were created through and for him. He reconciles everything through his sacrifice on the cross.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: Come with joy into the presence of the Lord, serving Him with gladness and singing joyful songs, for we belong to Him as His people, and we enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise.
• Gospel – Luke 5:33-39: Jesus explains that his disciples don’t fast while he is with them, like wedding guests with the bridegroom. He uses parables to teach that new and old ways cannot be forced together.

No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak.

Luke 5:36

On Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings from Colossians 1:15-20 and Luke 5:33-39 highlight Jesus’ role in creation and His teachings on new ways of living. These passages encourage reflection on the nature of Christ and the call to embrace the Gospel fully.

• Christ as Creator: Colossians teaches that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and all things were created through Him. This shows Jesus’ central role in God’s plan.
• Christ as Head of the Church: The reading emphasizes that Jesus is the head of the Church, guiding and sustaining it. This theme reminds us of the unity we find in Him.
• Reconciliation through Christ: Paul speaks of Jesus reconciling all things to Himself through His blood. This theme highlights the peace and forgiveness we receive in Christ.
• Newness of the Gospel: In Luke, Jesus speaks about new wine needing new wineskins. This points to the new life and teachings that Jesus brings, which require an open heart.
• Resistance to Change: The Pharisees’ reluctance to accept Jesus’ new ways shows the challenge of embracing change. This reminds us to be open to the Gospel and its demands.
• Fasting and Feasting: Jesus addresses the question of fasting, showing that there is a time for everything. This teaches us about the balance between sacrifice and celebration in our lives.

The themes from Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, encourage a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and how we are called to live. Reflecting on these can help us grow closer to Christ and more fully embrace His teachings.

On Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings invite us to reflect on Jesus’ role as the Creator, the challenge of embracing change, and the need for newness in our lives. These reflections help us to see how we can grow closer to Christ and respond to His teachings with open hearts.

Seeing God in Jesus

On Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we reflect on Jesus as the image of the invisible God. This means that when we look at Jesus, we can see who God is. Jesus shows us God’s love, mercy, and truth in a way that we can understand. Everything we see in Jesus is a reflection of God’s nature.

Understanding Jesus as the Creator also helps us recognize His authority over all things. He is not just a good teacher or a wise leader; He is the one through whom everything was made. This gives us confidence to trust Him with our lives, knowing that He has a plan for us.

Reflecting on this truth, we are reminded to see Jesus as central in our faith and in our daily lives. We are called to grow closer to Him, to listen to His teachings, and to follow Him more closely each day. In doing so, we come to know God more deeply.

The Challenge of Embracing Change

Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, highlights the Pharisees’ reluctance to accept the new ways Jesus was teaching. They were comfortable with their old traditions and found it hard to let go. Jesus was bringing something new and different, and they struggled to open their hearts to it.

We can often be like the Pharisees. Change is not easy, especially when it challenges the way we have always done things. But Jesus calls us to be open to the Gospel, even when it requires us to leave our comfort zones.

This reflection invites us to examine our own lives. Are there areas where we resist change because it is difficult or uncomfortable? Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, encourages us to be open to the new things God is doing in our lives and to embrace the changes that bring us closer to Him.

The Need for Newness

On Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus speaks about the need for new wine to be put into new wineskins. This is a reminder that the Gospel brings new life and new ways of thinking. The old ways cannot contain the freshness and vitality of what Jesus brings.

We are invited to embrace the newness that Jesus offers. This means letting go of old habits, mindsets, and practices that no longer serve us well. Instead, we are called to be open to the new life that Jesus offers, a life that is full of joy, peace, and purpose.

As we reflect on this, we can ask ourselves if there are areas where we need to let go of the old to make room for the new. Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, challenges us to be willing to change and to allow Jesus to fill us with the new wine of His teachings and love.

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As we reflect on the themes from Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are reminded of the importance of seeing Jesus in His fullness and allowing His message to renew our lives. Let us be open to the changes He calls us to make and trust in His guidance each day.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to see You clearly in all that we do. Open our hearts to the newness You bring and give us the courage to embrace change. May we always follow Your teachings and grow closer to You. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Knowing Where We Fit

This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, compares spiritual growth to fitting into a Corvette and worn-out jeans. He talks about how Jesus calls us to recognize when we need renewal rather than just patching up our lives. The reflection also highlights the importance of staying open to the Holy Spirit, avoiding spiritual brittleness, and respecting tradition while allowing ourselves to be made new by God’s grace.

What date is Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday September 5, 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 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday September 5, 2025 are:
First Reading – Colossians 1:15-20: The Supremacy of Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: Praise and Thanksgiving
Gospel – Luke 5:33-39: Jesus’ Teaching on Fasting and the Kingdom of God

What does it mean that Jesus is the image of the invisible God?

On Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we learn that Jesus shows us who God is. When we look at Jesus, we see what God is like and how He loves us.

Why is Jesus called the head of the Church?

Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, reminds us that Jesus leads and unites the Church. We can trust Him to guide us and keep us together as one body.

What does it mean that Jesus reconciled all things to Himself?

The reading on Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, tells us that Jesus made peace through His sacrifice. Because of this, we can be close to God and each other.

Why does Jesus talk about new wine needing new wineskins?

On Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus uses this image to show that His teachings are new and different. We need to be open and ready to live in a new way that follows Him.

Why were the Pharisees reluctant to accept Jesus’ teachings?

Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, shows us that change can be hard. The Pharisees found it difficult to let go of old ways and accept the new things Jesus was teaching.

What does Jesus teach about fasting?

On Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus explains that there is a time for everything. He shows us that sometimes we fast, and other times we celebrate, depending on what God is doing in our lives.

How can we apply these readings to our daily lives?

Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, encourages us to trust in Jesus as our guide. We can live out these teachings by being open to change, seeking peace with others, and following Jesus’ example.