Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Friday October 16, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Ephesians 1:11-14: We were chosen and destined by God’s will. In Christ, after hearing and believing the Gospel, we’re sealed with the Holy Spirit as a promise of future redemption. This is for God’s glory.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Blessed are those who praise the Lord, for His word is upright and trustworthy. His chosen people receive His kindness and justice, and He watches over all mankind.
- Gospel – Luke 12:1-7: Beware of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy; secrets will be exposed. Don’t fear those who can only harm the body. God notices even the smallest details, like sparrows, and you’re more valuable than they are.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we hear in Ephesians how we are chosen and sealed by the Holy Spirit. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus urges us to trust in God’s care and to avoid hypocrisy, because God sees everything.
- Chosen by God: In Ephesians, Paul says that we are chosen to belong to God. This reminds us that our lives have meaning and purpose through God’s call.
- Receiving the Holy Spirit: Paul speaks of being marked by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee. This means that God’s presence is with us, guiding us in faith and toward eternal life.
- Hope in Christ: We are told to hope in Christ. This theme encourages us to place our trust in Jesus above all else, knowing He leads us toward the Kingdom.
- God Knows Our Needs: In the Gospel, Jesus says that God knows and cares for each of us. This shows that we can trust in God’s love and care, even in the small details of our lives.
- Courage to Speak Truth: Jesus warns against hypocrisy, urging us to speak truthfully. This theme challenges us to be honest and genuine, as God sees both our hearts and actions.
- God’s Love for All: Jesus tells us that we are worth more than sparrows. This reminds us of God’s loving care for each person, encouraging us to see our great value in His eyes.
These themes from Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, remind us of our dignity and God’s love. Through the Holy Spirit, we are called to live in hope and to trust in God’s care for us.
Reflection for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we reflect on themes from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and Jesus’ teachings in Luke’s Gospel. These readings remind us of our belonging to God through the Holy Spirit, call us to live with honesty, and invite us to trust fully in God’s loving care. Each theme offers practical guidance to grow in faith and live as true disciples of Christ.
Marked by the Holy Spirit
On Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Paul’s words remind us of the Holy Spirit’s special role in our lives. Being marked by the Holy Spirit is a sign that we belong to God, a promise that we are not alone in our faith journey. This marking is not something we can see, but we can feel it through the strength, guidance, and peace the Holy Spirit brings us.
The Holy Spirit helps us draw closer to God, especially when we feel weak or unsure. When we face hard times or decisions, the Holy Spirit helps us to see God’s way and gives us strength to follow it. This connection helps us understand that our lives have meaning because God is with us and cares deeply about our path.
Belonging to God through the Holy Spirit encourages us to live with purpose and love. Each day, we can invite the Holy Spirit to guide our actions, thoughts, and words. As we learn to listen, we grow in faith and can trust that God has a plan for us and gives us what we need to follow Him faithfully.
The Call to Honesty and Integrity
In the Gospel for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, urging us to live openly and sincerely. Hypocrisy creates division, not only between us and others but also within our own hearts. God wants us to live in peace, and honesty is key to a life of peace and good relationships.
Living without hypocrisy means being truthful, both with ourselves and with others. Jesus reminds us that God sees our hearts, which means He knows the real us. There’s no need to pretend or hide because God knows us completely. When we live honestly, we become closer to God and can rely on Him to accept and guide us.
Honesty also builds better relationships with others. When we act with integrity, people trust us and know they can rely on us. This helps us to be true followers of Jesus, reflecting His goodness to others and creating a life of peace and kindness, as God calls us to do.
Trusting God’s Care in All Things
In Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, both readings invite us to trust in God’s care. In Ephesians, Paul assures us that we are chosen by God and that the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of this care. Jesus reinforces this in the Gospel, reminding us that God values each one of us deeply, even down to the smallest details of our lives.
This message invites us to have confidence in God’s constant presence. Whether we face challenges, worries, or doubts, we can remember that we are precious to God. His care is like a parent’s care—steady, loving, and focused on our good. Trusting in God’s love allows us to let go of unnecessary fears and place our worries in His hands.
We can see God’s care in the little ways He provides for us and in the strength the Holy Spirit gives us to face each day. When we put our trust in God, we open our hearts to His peace, knowing He is with us always. Each time we remember this, we grow closer to God and to the path He calls us to walk with faith and hope.
The readings for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourage us to draw closer to God, rely on the Holy Spirit, and live with integrity. As we trust in God’s care, we are invited to let go of fear and embrace the peace He offers. May these reflections help us open our hearts to God’s presence and grow in faith each day.
Prayer
Loving God, thank You for choosing us and marking us with Your Spirit. Help us live honestly and trust in Your care, knowing we are precious to You. Give us strength to follow Jesus with open hearts, knowing that You are with us every step. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does knowing you are marked by the Holy Spirit help you feel closer to God?
- What are some ways you can practice honesty in your daily life?
- When do you find it hard to trust in God’s care, and what helps you trust Him more?
- How can remembering that God knows and loves you help you live with more peace?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Facing Fears Through Faith
In this reflection for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses how today’s Gospel tackles our deepest fears, particularly the fear of death. He underscores that the material and physical concerns are insignificant compared to the ultimate goal of life with God.
Fearing God, in the context of love and reverence, aligns us with a power that goes beyond earthly limitations. This perspective, rooted in the belief that God knows and guides us intimately, helps mitigate other fears one might have in life.
Between Perfection and Mercy
This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time emphasizes avoiding superficial religious practices and aiming for genuine spiritual growth. It mentions the expectation set by Christ to be as perfect as God and questions how one can meet this high standard.
The answer lies in God’s extreme mercy, which can be accessed through genuine repentance and the sacrament of reconciliation. By doing so, individuals can find peace and understand the love and mercy God offers, despite the seemingly unattainable demand for perfection.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Friday October 16, 2026.
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 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Friday October 16, 2026 are:
First Reading – Ephesians 1:11-14: Sealed in Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Divine Blessings
Gospel – Luke 12:1-7: Warning Against Hypocrisy
Why does Paul say we are chosen by God in the first reading for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
In the reading from Ephesians, Paul explains that God chooses us to be part of His family. This means God calls us personally and has a plan for each of us to follow Him.
What does it mean to be part of God’s family?
Being part of God’s family means that we are loved and chosen by Him. We can find strength in knowing we belong to Him and are called to share His love.
What does it mean to be marked by the Holy Spirit?
Being marked by the Holy Spirit is God’s way of showing we belong to Him. The Holy Spirit helps us stay close to God, guides us, and strengthens our faith.
Why does Paul emphasize hope in Christ?
Paul emphasizes hope in Christ because it helps us stay strong in faith. When we focus on Jesus, we find hope and courage to face life’s struggles.
Why does Jesus warn against hypocrisy in the Gospel for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus warns against hypocrisy because God sees both our hearts and actions. Living honestly helps us grow closer to God and others, while hiding things harms our relationships and peace.
What does it mean to put our hope in Christ?
Putting hope in Christ means trusting Jesus for guidance and strength. By placing our hope in Him, we can find purpose and peace even during challenges.
How can I trust that God cares for me?
In the Gospel, Jesus reassures us that God values and cares for each person. We can trust in God’s love and pay attention to how He takes care of even the small parts of our lives.
Why does Jesus talk about sparrows in the Gospel for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus mentions sparrows to show that if God cares for small creatures, He values us even more. This helps us understand that each person is precious to God and that we can trust in His love.
How can I live out these teachings for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 in my daily life?
We can live out these teachings by speaking honestly, showing kindness, and trusting God with our worries. Following Jesus’ words helps us live in peace and share His love with others.
Trusting God’s Care and Living Honestly
On Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us of God’s deep care for each of us and the importance of living honestly. In the first reading, Paul assures the Ephesians that they are chosen by God and sealed with the Holy Spirit. This gift is a sign of God’s love and a promise of future redemption. Paul encourages them to live with this knowledge, trusting in God’s plan and His care for their lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns about hypocrisy, urging us to live truthfully and openly. He reminds us that God sees our hearts and values us deeply, even the smallest details of our lives. Jesus encourages us to focus on what truly matters—justice, mercy, and honesty—rather than outward appearances. This teaching helps us understand that God’s care is not just for the big things but extends to every part of our lives.
Both readings challenge us to live with integrity, trusting that God knows and cares for us. We are called to avoid hypocrisy by aligning our actions with our inner faith. Trusting in God’s care, we are reminded to live without fear, knowing that we are loved and valued.
On Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are invited to live with sincerity, trust in God’s loving care, and be guided by the Holy Spirit in all that we do.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. How can you trust in God’s care more deeply?
Think about how you can live more honestly and openly in your life. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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