Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time (Sept 19, 2025)

• First Reading – 1 Timothy 6:2c-12: Urge and teach sound religious doctrines. Those craving wealth are ensnared, straying from faith. Contentment is true gain, for we bring nothing into this world and take nothing out. Pursue righteousness, faith, and eternal life.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 49: People boast in riches but can’t redeem themselves with wealth. Don’t fear the wealthy; their riches won’t follow them in death. True blessings aren’t material.
• Gospel – Luke 8:1-3: Jesus travels between towns, preaching the Kingdom of God. He’s accompanied by the Twelve and women healed of ailments, including Mary Magdalene. These women support the group financially.

Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Luke 8:1-3

On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 the readings guide us to reflect on living a faithful life. The First Reading from 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 and the Gospel from Luke 8:1-3 highlight themes of faith, humility, and dedication.

• Pursuit of Righteousness: St. Paul encourages Timothy to seek righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and gentleness. This reminds us to live out these virtues in our daily lives, striving to grow closer to God.
• Contentment with Simplicity: St. Paul warns against the love of money, teaching that true contentment comes from living simply and focusing on spiritual riches. We are reminded to be satisfied with what we have and to avoid the dangers of greed.
• Fight the Good Fight: St. Paul urges Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.” This theme emphasizes the need for perseverance in our spiritual journey, resisting temptations, and holding onto eternal life.
• Support for Jesus’ Mission: The Gospel mentions women who supported Jesus’ ministry with their resources. This shows the importance of using our gifts and resources to support the Church and its mission.
• Women’s Role in the Church: The Gospel passage highlights the significant role of women in Jesus’ ministry. It reminds us of the important contributions women make in the life of the Church.
• Faithfulness in Following Jesus: The women in the Gospel followed Jesus and served Him with their possessions. This theme encourages us to be faithful in following Jesus and serving others with what we have.

These readings invite us to live a life focused on faith, service, and humility. By reflecting on these themes, we can grow in our commitment to follow Christ and serve His Church.

On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 the readings guide us to reflect on important themes that help us grow in our faith. St. Paul’s letter to Timothy and the Gospel about the women supporting Jesus’ ministry offer valuable lessons on contentment, the role of women in the Church, and faithfulness in service. These reflections explore how we can apply these teachings in our daily lives.

Finding True Contentment

On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, St. Paul warns against the love of money in his letter to Timothy. He reminds us that the desire for wealth can lead to many troubles and pull us away from what truly matters. Instead of seeking material riches, we are called to find contentment in a simple life that focuses on spiritual growth and closeness to God.

Contentment with what we have is a valuable lesson. In our world, it is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more—more money, more possessions, more status. But St. Paul teaches us that true contentment doesn’t come from having more things. It comes from trusting in God’s care for us and focusing on what really matters—our faith and relationship with Him.

When we live simply, we free ourselves from the stress and distractions that come with always wanting more. We can then focus on growing in faith and helping others. By avoiding the dangers of greed and being satisfied with what we have, we can lead a peaceful and spiritually rich life.

The Role of Women in Jesus’ Ministry

On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the Gospel highlights the significant role that women played in Jesus’ ministry. These women followed Jesus and supported His mission with their resources, showing their dedication and faithfulness. This passage reminds us of the important contributions that women make in the life of the Church.

Throughout history, women have been strong pillars of faith in the Church. The Gospel for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, shows us that even during Jesus’ time, women were active in supporting His work. They not only provided for Jesus and His disciples but also participated in spreading His message. Their contributions were essential to the growth of the early Church.

This reflection on the role of women in Jesus’ ministry encourages us to recognize and value the many ways women serve the Church today. From teaching and nurturing faith in families to taking on leadership roles in the community, women continue to be vital to the Church’s mission. We are called to support and appreciate these efforts, understanding that everyone has a unique role to play in building up the Body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Service

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, highlight the theme of faithfulness in service. St. Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful in his pursuit of righteousness, while the Gospel shows women who faithfully supported Jesus’ ministry. This shared theme invites us to reflect on our own faithfulness in serving God and others.

Faithfulness means staying committed to our beliefs and responsibilities, even when it is difficult. In the first reading, St. Paul calls Timothy to persevere in faith, love, and gentleness. This is not always easy, but it is necessary for living a life that pleases God. By being faithful in our daily actions, we grow in our relationship with God and become more like Christ.

The women in the Gospel are examples of faithfulness in service. They followed Jesus closely, providing for His needs and supporting His mission. Their actions show us that faithfulness is not just about belief; it is also about how we live out our faith in concrete ways. We are called to serve others, support the Church, and be steadfast in our commitment to following Jesus. By doing so, we become faithful disciples who contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom.

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As we reflect on the readings for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are reminded of the call to live simply, recognize the contributions of women in the Church, and remain faithful in our service to God and others. By embracing these themes, we can strengthen our commitment to following Jesus and building up the Church.

Prayer

Lord, help us to live with contentment and faithfulness. May we use our gifts to serve You and others, and appreciate the contributions of all in the Church. Guide us to grow in love, simplicity, and dedication as we follow Jesus each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek more material wealth rather than spiritual growth?
• How can I recognize and support the contributions of women in my church community?
• What does faithfulness in service look like in my daily life?
• How can I practice contentment and trust in God’s care for me?

Word on Fire: Radical Inclusion of Women

In his reflection for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron highlights how Jesus radically included women as His disciples, breaking social norms of the time. He points out that Jesus’ actions, like speaking to the woman at the well and forgiving the woman caught in adultery, reflect the kingdom of God’s way of overturning social divisions. Bishop Barron connects these women to the great female saints throughout history, showing how they were forerunners of strong women in the Church.

What date is Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday September 19, 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 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday September 19, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Timothy 6:2c-12: Righteous Living
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 49: Wealth’s Limits
Gospel – Luke 8:1-3: Women Supporting Jesus

What does it mean to pursue righteousness in the first reading for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In the first reading, pursuing righteousness means living a life that pleases God. It involves choosing to do what is right and good in our actions, words, and thoughts.

Why does St. Paul warn against the love of money?

Paul warns that the love of money can lead to many troubles. He teaches that focusing too much on wealth can distract us from living a life of faith and can cause us to stray from God.

How can I apply the idea of fighting the good fight of faith?

Fighting the good fight of faith means staying strong in your belief in God, even when life is difficult. It means not giving up on your faith, even when faced with challenges or temptations.

What does contentment with simplicity look like in everyday life?

Contentment with simplicity means being happy with what you have and not always wanting more. It involves trusting that God will provide what you need and focusing more on spiritual wealth than material goods.

What can I do to grow in righteousness?

To grow in righteousness, you can pray, read the Bible, and practice virtues like kindness, patience, and humility. Living in a way that reflects God’s love will help you grow in righteousness.

What is the significance of the women supporting Jesus’ mission in the Gospel for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In the Gospel, the women who supported Jesus’ mission with their resources show us the importance of using what we have to help the Church. It reminds us that everyone has a role in spreading the message of Jesus.

Why are the women mentioned by name in the Gospel?

The women are mentioned by name to show their important role in Jesus’ ministry. It highlights that their support was valuable and that they were committed followers of Jesus.

How can I be like the women who followed Jesus?

To be like the women who followed Jesus in the Gospel for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we should offer our time, talents, and resources to support the Church. We can also follow Jesus closely in our daily lives, making Him the center of our actions.