Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
Friday February 5, 2027

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Hebrews 13:1-8: Continue in love, honor marriage, avoid greed, and trust God’s presence. Follow faithful leaders and remember that Jesus never changes.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: The Lord is my refuge and strength. I trust him, even in times of danger. He protects and guides me. I seek his presence and rely on his help.
- Gospel – Mark 6:14-29: Herod, pressured by his promise and Herodias’ grudge, ordered the beheading of John the Baptist, despite his personal reluctance.
Mark 6:17-18
Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 has readings that remind us about Christian love, faith, and the cost of discipleship. The first reading from Hebrews speaks of love, hospitality, and constancy, while the Gospel recounts the martyrdom of John the Baptist.
- Brotherly Love: Hebrews calls us to continue loving one another as brothers and sisters. This reflects our duty to care for those around us, as love is the mark of a true Christian.
- Hospitality: Hebrews encourages hospitality toward strangers. This shows that we should be welcoming to everyone, just as Jesus welcomed all people.
- Respect for Marriage: The first reading emphasizes the importance of honoring marriage. We are reminded to protect the dignity of marriage and relationships.
- Contentment and Trust: Hebrews reminds us not to be greedy but to be content with what we have. Trusting in God’s care helps us to live simply and focus on what truly matters.
- The Cost of Truth: The Gospel shows us the price John the Baptist paid for speaking the truth. His martyrdom is a reminder that following God’s ways may require sacrifice.
- Perseverance in Faith: Hebrews tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This unchanging faith in Jesus encourages us to stay firm in our belief, no matter what challenges come.
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the call to love and to stand firm in our faith. They show us the importance of living with trust and truth, even when it is difficult.
Reflection for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on key aspects of our Christian journey: hospitality, truth, and perseverance in faith. Through the letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel account of John the Baptist, we are called to live out these values in our daily lives. Each reading offers lessons that can guide us in our walk with Christ.
Welcoming All with Open Hearts
In the first reading for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Hebrews reminds us to show hospitality to strangers. This means being open to others, even those we don’t know. It is a call to be kind, helpful, and generous to people, regardless of their background or situation.
When we welcome others, we show the love of Christ. Just as Jesus welcomed all people, we are asked to do the same. Hospitality is not just about sharing our homes or food; it’s about sharing our hearts with those around us.
The message of hospitality in Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teaches us that no one should feel left out. When we reach out to others in love, we help build a stronger community of faith. Being welcoming can make a big difference in someone’s life, especially those who feel lost or alone.
The Cost of Truth
In the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see the price John the Baptist paid for speaking the truth. He was not afraid to call out what was wrong, even though it cost him his life. His courage reminds us that telling the truth can be hard, but it is necessary.
Sometimes, following God’s way means standing up for what is right, even when others don’t agree. This may lead to difficult consequences, but like John the Baptist, we are called to be faithful to the truth. It can be tempting to stay silent to avoid conflict, but the Gospel reminds us that truth must come first.
In Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we learn that standing up for what is right may require sacrifice. John the Baptist’s example encourages us to be brave in our faith, even if it comes with a cost. Truth is always worth defending.
Persevering in Faith
A theme that ties both the first reading and the Gospel together is perseverance in faith. Hebrews tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This message reassures us that even when life is hard or uncertain, we can trust that Jesus will always be with us.
John the Baptist also lived out this perseverance. He remained faithful to God’s message, even when it put his life at risk. His faithfulness to God’s mission shows us the importance of staying committed, no matter the challenges we face.
In Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, both readings point us to the importance of holding on to our faith. Whether it’s through welcoming others with love or standing firm in the truth, we are reminded to keep our trust in Jesus, who never changes.
Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of the importance of love, truth, and faithfulness. Whether we are welcoming others, standing up for the truth, or staying firm in our faith, we are called to follow Christ’s example. These readings encourage us to live with courage, compassion, and trust in God.
Prayer
Lord, help us to welcome others with love and stand firm in your truth. Give us the courage to live out our faith, even when it is hard. May we trust in your presence always and stay faithful to your call. Guide us in everything we do, today and always. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I show more hospitality and kindness to those around me?
- When have I found it difficult to stand up for the truth, and how did I respond?
- In what ways can I persevere in my faith when challenges arise?
- How can the example of John the Baptist inspire me to be more courageous in my own faith?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Zombies and the Resurrection
Fr. Euan Marley reflects on the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, where Herod fears that John the Baptist has come back from the dead. People often misunderstand resurrection, imagining it as a return of the dead in power and anger, like a ghost or a vengeful spirit. This fear is why Herod is disturbed. But the resurrection of Jesus is completely different. He does not return to haunt or seek revenge—he rises to new and full life, leading us forward.
Fr. Euan Marley explains that John the Baptist’s death, unlike Jesus’ resurrection, does not change the world. It is a tragic moment, a victory for evil, but it does not bring salvation. In the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, John prepares the way for Jesus, who will truly conquer death. Jesus’ resurrection is not about returning from the dead—it is about moving into a new, eternal life.
The Courage to Stand for Truth
Dr. Sullivan reflects on the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, which tells of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John spoke out against King Herod’s unlawful marriage, which led to his arrest and execution. Herod’s feast, meant for celebration, turned into a moment of injustice and cruelty. But for John, it became a feast of faith. His life and death pointed to Christ, showing unwavering courage in the face of persecution.
Dr. Sullivan reminds us that Christian martyrdom is not just history—it continues today. In the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, John’s sacrifice reflects the suffering of many who still endure hardship for their faith. While not all are called to die for Christ, every Christian is called to live with faith and perseverance. By standing firm in truth and prayer, we follow in John’s footsteps and bear witness to the Gospel.
The Power of Martyrdom
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, which tells of Herod’s murder of John the Baptist. John is a proto-martyr, showing the cost of faith before many others would follow. Throughout history, Christians have faced persecution for standing firm in their beliefs. From the early Church to modern times, countless people have given their lives rather than deny their faith. Their witness continues to inspire and strengthen the Church.
Bishop Robert Barron reminds us that martyrdom is not just a thing of the past. In the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, John’s death foreshadows the many Christians who still suffer for their faith. St. John Paul II spoke of those killed out of hatred for charity, and their sacrifice raises an important question—what is it about Christ that gives people such courage? As Tertullian said, the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.
Are You Out of Alignment?
Matthew Kelly reflects on the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, where King Herod is torn between truth and his own desires. He admires John the Baptist, recognizing his wisdom and holiness, but he is also afraid of what that truth demands. When pressured by others, Herod chooses power and pride over what he knows is right, leading to John’s execution. His story shows what happens when we ignore truth—we become trapped by fear, pride, and bad decisions.
Matthew Kelly challenges us to look at our own lives. In the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Herod hears John’s words with joy but refuses to change. We often feel the same struggle when we hear the Gospel. It stirs something deep within us, but realigning our lives with God’s truth can be difficult. The question is—will we listen and change, or will we resist like Herod?
Welcoming Others as Christ
In this USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Dr. Jem Sullivan speaks about Christian hospitality. Drawing from the letter to the Hebrews and Saint Benedict’s teachings, she explains how welcoming others should be done with love and joy, as if we are welcoming Christ himself.
Hospitality is not just about hosting events, but also about seeing Christ in everyone we encounter. This reflection encourages us to adopt a spirit of openness and care for those around us, reminding us that we may unknowingly entertain angels in our midst.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Friday February 5, 2027.
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 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Friday February 5, 2027 are:
First Reading – Hebrews 13:1-8: Remain Steadfast in Love
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: God Is My Light and My Refuge
Gospel – Mark 6:14-29: Herod and the Death of John the Baptist
What does it mean to love one another in the first reading for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Loving one another means treating others with kindness, patience, and care. Love is something we should always show to others, no matter the situation.
How can we practice hospitality?
Hospitality means being welcoming and generous to others, especially strangers. We are called to open our hearts and homes to those in need and show kindness to everyone.
Why is the reading from Hebrews important for married people?
The reading tells us that marriage should be respected and honored. Marriage is a gift and that faithfulness and respect are very important in relationships.
What does contentment have to do with the first reading?
The reading reminds us to be satisfied with what we have and not to be greedy. This means trusting that God will take care of our needs and focusing on what is truly important in life.
How can we stay strong in our faith?
The first reading tells us that Jesus is always the same, and we can rely on him. This teaches us to trust in Jesus, especially when life is hard, because he is always there for us.
What does John the Baptist’s death in the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us?
John the Baptist’s death shows that speaking the truth can be hard and may lead to suffering. Standing up for what is right may require sacrifices, but it is important to stay true to our faith.
Staying True to Love, Truth, and Faith
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 guide us to live with love, truth, and faith. The first reading from Hebrews calls us to love others like family. It reminds us to be kind and welcoming to everyone, even strangers. It also tells us to respect marriage and live with contentment. We are encouraged to trust God, knowing He is always with us.
The Gospel tells the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John spoke the truth, even though it cost him his life. His example reminds us that standing up for what is right can be difficult. Following God may require sacrifices, but truth is worth the cost.
Both readings teach us to stay strong in our faith. Hebrews reminds us that Jesus never changes. This gives us confidence to stay committed, no matter what challenges we face. John the Baptist’s courage shows us the importance of trusting God, even in hard times.
The message for this day is clear: love others, be brave in the truth, and hold on to your faith. These are the values that help us follow Christ in our daily lives.
Your Turn
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to love others, stand up for the truth, and trust in Jesus. Take time to reflect on these messages. How do you live out love and hospitality in your life? Have you ever had to stand up for the truth, even when it was hard?
Share your thoughts in the comment section. Let’s inspire one another to grow in faith and live as true followers of Christ.
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