Friday of Week 9 in Ordinary Time
First Reading
2 Timothy 3:10–17
You know what I have taught, how I have lived, what I have aimed at; you know my faith, my patience and my love; my constancy and the persecutions and hardships that came to me in places like Antioch, Iconium and Lystra – all the persecutions I have endured; and the Lord has rescued me from every one of them.
You are well aware, then, that anybody who tries to live in devotion to Christ is certain to be attacked; while these wicked impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and deceived themselves.
You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people's lives and teaching them to be holy.
This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118(119):157,160–161,165–166,168
O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Though my foes and oppressors are countless
I have not swerved from your will.
Your word is founded on truth,
your decrees are eternal.
O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Though princes oppress me without cause
I stand in awe of your word.
The lovers of your law have great peace;
they never stumble.
O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
I await your saving help, O Lord,
I fulfil your commands.
I obey your precepts and your will;
all that I do is before you.
O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Gospel
Mark 12:35–37
At that time while teaching in the Temple, Jesus said,
‘How can the scribes maintain that the Christ is the son of David?
David himself, moved by the Holy Spirit, said:
The Lord said to my Lord:
Sit at my right hand
and I will put your enemies
under your feet.
David himself calls him Lord, in what way then can he be his son?’
And the great majority of the people heard this with delight.
Reflection
Today's readings centre on truth, perseverance, and the authority of Christ.
Saint Paul is nearing the end of his earthly ministry, yet his words remain filled with conviction. He reflects on a life marked by faith, patience, love, constancy, persecution, and suffering. Yet one truth stands above everything else:
"The Lord has rescued me from every one of them."
This does not mean Paul escaped hardship. Rather, God sustained him through hardship.
Many Christians mistakenly assume faithfulness should eliminate suffering. Scripture teaches the opposite. Following Christ often invites resistance because the Gospel challenges the values of the world.
Yet Paul does not focus on persecution. He focuses on perseverance.
His instruction to Timothy is clear: remain rooted in the truth you have received.
This leads to one of the most important statements in Scripture regarding the Bible itself:
"All scripture is inspired by God."
The Church teaches that Sacred Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and faithfully teaches the truth necessary for our salvation (CCC 105 – 107).
Scripture is not simply historical literature or religious wisdom. It is God's living word speaking to His people.
It teaches.
It corrects.
It strengthens.
It forms saints.
When confusion surrounds us, Scripture anchors us in truth.
The Psalm echoes this reality beautifully. Those who love God's law possess great peace. Peace does not come from favourable circumstances but from confidence in God's truth.
The Gospel then reveals another essential truth.
Jesus challenges a common misunderstanding about the Messiah.
Many expected a political heir of David.
esus reveals something far greater.
The Messiah is not merely David's descendant.
He is David's Lord.
The early Church recognised in this passage a declaration of Christ's divinity. Jesus possesses authority that belongs to God Himself (CCC 446 – 451).
This matters because Christianity is not ultimately about following a philosophy or ethical system.
It is about following a person.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Every decision, every priority, every hope, and every fear must ultimately be placed under His lordship.
When Scripture forms us and Christ governs us, we find the strength to remain faithful no matter what challenges arise.
One line to carry
Lord, root me in Your truth and help me remain faithful to You in every circumstance.
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