Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – James 2:14-24, 26: Faith without actions is useless. True faith is shown by works, as in the case of Abraham. Just as a body without breath is dead, so is faith without works.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112: The person who honors the Lord and follows His commands will be blessed. Their kindness, righteousness, and generosity will last, and their actions will be remembered forever.
• Gospel – Mark 8:34–9:1: Jesus said that following him requires self-denial and carrying one’s cross. He warned that trying to save one’s life results in losing it, but giving it up for him and the Gospel brings true life.

Lectionary Reference: 339

Upcoming dates: February 18, 2028

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.

Mark 8:35

On Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings emphasize faith, works, and following Christ. The first reading from James stresses that faith without works is dead, while the Gospel from Mark calls for self-denial and taking up our cross.

• Faith and Works Together: James teaches that faith must be shown through actions. Faith without works is empty and lifeless, just like the body without the spirit.
• Living Faith in Action: Faith is proven by how we live. James explains that even great figures like Abraham showed their faith by their deeds.
• Carrying Our Cross: In the Gospel, Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross. This means accepting challenges and sacrifices for His sake.
• Denying Ourselves: Jesus also tells His disciples to deny themselves. This involves putting God’s will above our own desires.
• Losing Life to Gain Life: Jesus says that those who lose their life for Him will save it. This teaches that true life comes from giving ourselves to Christ.
• Judgment Based on Actions: Jesus speaks of the coming judgment. Our actions, not just our words, will determine how we are judged by God.

The readings remind us that following Christ involves both faith and action. Through our daily choices, we show our commitment to Him.

On Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings call us to reflect on the relationship between faith and action. James emphasizes that faith without works is dead, while Jesus speaks of sacrifice and judgment based on how we live. These reflections help us understand the importance of living out our faith in concrete ways.

Faith and Works Together

On Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, James reminds us that faith must be alive through our actions. He explains that if we say we have faith but don’t help others or do good, our faith is empty. Just believing isn’t enough if we do nothing to show it in how we live.

This lesson is simple but powerful. Faith should lead us to action. If we truly believe in God and trust in His ways, our lives should reflect that. Our actions—big or small—become proof of what we believe in our hearts.

In everyday life, this means we should ask ourselves: Am I living out my faith through what I do? Am I helping those in need, showing kindness, and making sacrifices when necessary? When we show our faith through our works, it becomes stronger and more real.

Judgment Based on Actions

In the Gospel for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus warns that we will be judged based on our actions. It’s not enough to speak about faith or say the right words. What we do, and how we live, will be what matters in the end.

This is a sobering reminder to live out our faith every day. Our choices, big and small, reflect whether we truly follow Jesus. God sees not just our thoughts and words, but how we treat others, how we use our time, and whether we act with love and humility.

It’s easy to think that just saying we believe is enough, but Jesus teaches us that our faith should shape our actions. As we go through life, we need to reflect on how our actions will be seen before God. Are we living in a way that shows we are His followers?

True Sacrifice

Another theme present in both readings for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is sacrifice. James speaks of Abraham offering his son Isaac as a sign of his faith, showing that true belief often requires sacrifice. In the Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him, which also requires sacrifice.

Living a life of faith is not always easy. It often means giving up something we hold dear for the sake of a higher purpose. Just as Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son out of trust in God, we are asked to sacrifice our own desires and comforts to follow Jesus more closely.

This is a difficult but important lesson. Real faith demands something from us—it may be our time, our plans, or even our security. But when we make these sacrifices out of love for God, we are drawn closer to Him and to the eternal life Jesus promises. Following Jesus means making hard choices, but the reward is far greater than anything we give up.

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The readings for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to consider how well we are living out our faith. True belief in Christ demands action, sacrifice, and a willingness to follow Him no matter the cost. May we continue to grow in both faith and works as we journey with the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, help me live my faith with action and love. Guide me to follow You, even when it is difficult, and give me the strength to carry my cross. Let my life reflect the love and sacrifice You call me to each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do I show my faith through my actions in daily life?
• What sacrifices am I willing to make to follow Christ more closely?
• Are there areas in my life where I talk about faith but don’t live it out?
• How does the idea of judgment based on actions affect the choices I make each day?

USCCB Reflection: Following Jesus to the Cross

In this USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Alejandro Orbezo-Elizaga reflects on Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Despite performing miracles, Jesus doesn’t seek popularity or power. Instead, He points to the cross as the only path to salvation. Jesus wants to save our souls, not just give us earthly comfort. We are called to follow Him through suffering and join Him in the resurrection. Our witness and burdens offered on the cross lead to eternal life with God.

What date is Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Friday February 18, 2028.

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 odd numbered years see Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Friday February 18, 2028 are:
First Reading  – James 2:14-24, 26: Faith Without Works is Dead
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112: Blessed is the One Who Follows the Lord
Gospel – Mark 8:34–9:1: The Cost of Following Jesus

What does James mean by faith without works is dead in the first reading for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

James means that just believing in God is not enough. We must show our faith by how we live and what we do.

How can I balance faith and works in my life?

Faith and works go hand in hand. You show your faith by doing good and helping others, not just by what you believe.

Why is Abraham’s example important?

Abraham shows how faith leads to action. He trusted God and did what was asked of him, even when it was hard, and that’s why his faith was meaningful.

How can I grow in faith and works?

Pray for guidance and look for ways to help others. Take small steps each day to live out your faith by doing good.

How can I apply the idea of taking up my cross from the Gospel for Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Taking up your cross means accepting difficulties for the sake of following Jesus. It can mean doing things that are hard, but trusting God in the process.

What does it mean to deny myself?

Denying yourself means putting God’s plan first, even when it’s hard. It involves letting go of selfish desires and focusing on what God wants.

What does Jesus mean by losing my life to save it?

Jesus is saying that when you give up your selfish ways and follow Him, you find true life. Living for Him brings lasting happiness, even if it involves sacrifice.

What does the judgment teach us?

It teaches us that our actions will be judged. What we do with our faith will matter when we stand before God.