Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Tobit 11:5-17: Anna eagerly waits for her son’s return. When he arrives accompanied by the angel Raphael. Tobiah heals Tobit’s blindness with a divine remedy, leading to a joyous reunion and celebration among the family and their community in Nineveh.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: Praise the LORD with all your soul, for He is forever faithful, just, providing, compassionate, and reigns eternally as your God.
• Gospel – Mark 12:35-37: Jesus challenges the understanding of the scribes by posing a question about the relationship between the Messiah and King David, revealing that the Messiah is greater than David and deserving of reverence. This passage emphasizes the divine authority and exalted nature of Jesus as the Messiah, surpassing the human lineage of David.

Lectionary Reference: 357

Upcoming dates: June 6, 2031

As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, “How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David?”

Mark 12:35

On Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on faith, healing, and understanding who Jesus is. Both the story of Tobit’s healing and Jesus’ teaching about the Messiah offer lessons on God’s mercy and guidance in our lives.

• God’s Faithfulness in Healing: God’s healing is seen in Tobit’s sight being restored through his son. This reminds us that God listens to those who trust him and works through unexpected ways.
• Joyful Reunion: Tobit and Anna’s joy at seeing their son and daughter-in-law reveals the happiness that God’s blessings bring. This theme shows how God reunites families and strengthens bonds through his goodness.
• Jesus as Lord: In the Gospel, Jesus explains that the Messiah is more than just David’s descendant. This theme shows that Jesus is Lord and invites us to recognize his place as more than just a historical figure.
• Understanding True Authority: Jesus questions the common view of the Messiah to deepen understanding of his mission. This theme reminds us to seek a true understanding of who Jesus is beyond titles or expectations.
• God’s Help for the Oppressed: God’s compassion for the poor, sick, and vulnerable is clear in both readings. This theme shows God’s care for all and encourages us to place our trust in him during difficulties.
• The Power of Faithful Obedience: Tobit’s healing and Jesus’ teachings encourage us to live faithfully even when we face trials or confusion. Obedience to God brings us closer to him and leads us to a deeper understanding of his works.

These readings for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s powerful love and how he works in the lives of those who trust him. They encourage us to deepen our faith and to recognize God’s presence and power in both small and great ways.

The readings for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 present themes of healing, faith, and recognizing Jesus as Lord. Tobit’s journey through suffering and healing, along with Jesus’ teaching on the true nature of the Messiah, invite us to reflect on God’s presence in our lives. These themes encourage us to trust God’s plans, recognize his power, and remain faithful in times of difficulty.

God Heals Through Trust and Patience

In the first reading for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Tobit’s sight is restored through his son Tobiah’s actions. This healing shows how God listens to those who patiently trust him, even when they face suffering. Tobit’s faith never wavered, and when his son Tobiah followed through with the instructions, God brought sight back to Tobit, surprising the entire community. God worked through Tobiah’s faith and obedience, using simple means to bring about something wonderful.

We see that healing sometimes comes through others. God can place people in our lives to bring about the help or strength we need. Like Tobiah bringing healing to Tobit, God can use family, friends, or even strangers to support and guide us through challenges. By trusting in God’s timing and allowing him to work through unexpected ways, we experience his power in our lives.

This reading encourages us to ask for God’s healing in our own lives while remaining open to how he may bring it about. When we face difficulties, trusting in God and patiently waiting on his timing opens us to unexpected answers. Just as God listened to Tobit’s prayers, he listens to our needs and is at work, even when we cannot yet see the results.

Recognizing Jesus as Lord

In the Gospel for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus explains that the Messiah is more than just the son of David. When Jesus challenges the scribes on their understanding, he opens the door for people to see the Messiah in a new way—as someone who is not only a king or descendant of David but as Lord over all. Jesus calls his followers to recognize his authority and to see him as the one who brings God’s love and salvation to the world.

This teaching invites us to see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the Lord of our lives. He isn’t just a good teacher or a wise leader from the past; he is our living Savior who guides us today. Recognizing Jesus as Lord means letting him lead us and putting our trust in his ways. Just as Jesus wanted his followers to understand his true identity, he calls us to see him for who he truly is.

In our own lives, this reading encourages us to deepen our relationship with Jesus. By honoring him as Lord, we open our hearts to his guidance and allow him to shape our decisions. Like those in the Gospel, we are called to go beyond seeing Jesus in human terms and to know him as the Lord who cares for us and walks with us each day.

Faithfulness in Times of Challenge

Both readings on Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reveal the importance of staying faithful in times of difficulty. In the first reading, Tobit’s faith in God never faltered, even as he suffered with blindness and hardship. His trust remained steady, and in time, God answered his prayers and restored his sight. In the Gospel, Jesus asks his followers to understand the Messiah’s true nature, which challenges their traditional beliefs. These moments call for faithfulness in trusting God’s ways, even when it may be difficult or confusing.

Staying faithful when times are hard requires patience and a strong connection to God. Like Tobit, we may experience times of struggle and doubt, but holding onto our faith can bring hope and peace. God’s timing may differ from our own, but if we stay committed, we can trust that he is working for our good, just as he did for Tobit.

This theme applies to our lives in the ways we keep our faith, even when life feels uncertain. When we hold onto God, he strengthens and prepares us to face challenges. Faithfulness during trials shows trust in God’s goodness, reminding us that he sees and cares for us, no matter what we face.

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As we reflect on Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see how God works in unexpected ways, bringing healing, strength, and hope. These reflections remind us to recognize Jesus’ role as Lord, to stay faithful, and to trust in God’s timing and love. May we hold onto these lessons as we seek to grow closer to him each day.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your healing, love, and guidance in our lives. Help us to trust your plans, even when they are hard to see. Give us strength to remain faithful, to follow you as Lord, and to embrace your love and peace. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• When have I experienced God’s healing, even in unexpected ways?
• How can I recognize Jesus as Lord more fully in my daily life?
• What does it mean to remain faithful, especially during times of challenge?
• How do I see God’s timing at work in my own life?

USCCB Reflection: Opening Our Eyes

This is a video reflection by DJ Bernal for the Friday of the 9th week in Ordinary Time, shared by the USCCB. We reflect on the theme of sight and praise, highlighting the story of Tobit and emphasizing the importance of opening our eyes to see the truth and praising God every day. The takeaway for the week is to choose one small thing each day to praise God and discuss it with Him in evening prayers.

What date is Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Friday June 6, 2031.

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 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Friday June 6, 2031 are:
First Reading – Tobit 11:5-17: The Miraculous Healing
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: Celebrating the Faithfulness and Reign of the LORD
Gospel – Mark 12:35-37: Beyond the Lineage of David

Why is Tobit’s healing important in the first reading for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Tobit’s healing shows that God cares deeply for those who turn to him in trust. It encourages us to believe that God can work in our lives in unexpected ways.

How can we apply the theme of healing from Tobit’s story?

The theme of healing reminds us to be open to God’s help and to trust that he can restore us, even when we feel weak or lost. When we face struggles, we can pray for his guidance and healing in our own lives.

How does Tobit’s reunion with his family apply to our lives?

The joyful reunion reminds us that God brings joy and peace to families and relationships. When we trust in him, he can help heal relationships and bring loved ones together.

How can we learn from Tobit’s endurance through his suffering?

Tobit’s endurance shows us that God is with us even in hard times. When we face challenges, we are encouraged to stay patient and trust that God will bring us through.

What does Jesus teach about the Messiah in the Gospel for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus shows that the Messiah is more than just a descendant of David. He invites us to see him as our Lord and Savior, asking us to trust in his divine role and authority.

Why does Jesus ask about the Messiah’s relationship to David?

Jesus uses this question to help people understand that he is more than just a king or leader. His role goes beyond earthly authority, calling us to recognize him as the Son of God.

What is the meaning of faithfulness in these readings for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Faithfulness means staying close to God in both good and difficult times. The readings show that staying faithful brings healing, hope, and a deeper relationship with God.

What can we learn from the theme of God’s mercy in these readings?

God’s mercy is shown in Tobit’s healing and Jesus’ teachings. God’s mercy is always available to us, and he calls us to accept it with an open heart.

How does the theme of trust apply to the readings for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Both readings invite us to trust in God’s love and guidance. When we trust him, we can experience his peace and strength, even in uncertain situations.

How can we see God’s role in healing and faith through these readings for Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In these readings, God is present in both physical and spiritual healing. We can see that trusting God leads to renewal and helps us understand his place in our lives as our protector and guide.