Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Companions All
Liturgical Cycle: A | Lectionary Cycle: II
Introduction
Year II. Indeed, Christ is alive. He is risen. And if he is risen, we too will rise. The two go together. Without the resurrection of Christ and ours, we believe in vain.
Gospel. Luke is the evangelist who describes the contribution of women in the apostolate of Jesus. Christ has liberated them from the alienations of Jewish society. They accompanied Jesus since the beginning of his ministry and had a status not far remote from that of the Twelve; after the resurrection they were the first to proclaim that Christ was risen. Together with the Twelve, they are companions of Jesus as he goes from town to town to bring the good news. Companions are people who share the same table.
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
men and women are responsible together
for the life of faith of our Christian communities.
As they were disciples of Jesus
and his companions on the road,
may they also accompany us today,
with their identity and potentials,
that the Church may grow
and its faith be alive and imbued with love.
We ask this of you through Christ our Lord.
First Reading
We Too Are Resurrected
Well then, if Christ is preached as having risen from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised.
And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless, and our faith is worthless.
We are false witnesses of God, testifying that he raised Christ, when in fact he could not have raised him if the dead are not raised.
If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins.
Also, those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
If our hope in Christ is only for this life, then we are the most pitiful people of all.
But no, Christ has been raised from the dead, and he is victorious over all who have fallen asleep.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (15b) Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Hear, O LORD, a just suit;
attend to my outcry;
hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my word.
Show your wondrous mercies,
O savior of those who flee
from their foes to refuge at your right hand.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings,
But I in justice shall behold your face;
on waking, I shall be content in your presence.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
along with some women who had been healed of evil spirits and illnesses: Mary called Magdalene, who had been freed from seven demons;
Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; Suzanna; and others who supported them financially.
Prayers of the Faithful
– That the contribution of women to the building up of the community of the Church may be appreciated more, and as well as that of men, we pray:
– That women in the Church may continue to enrich us with the warmth of their gentleness, we pray:
– That women in the Church may inspire us by their sense of welcome, faith and fidelity, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
let us be companions of your Son
who share his table.
and become with him
one in mind and heart.
Let fathers and mothers in our families
make their gifts of mind and heart available
and nourish their children
with the food of faith
and the warmth of love and compassion.
Let them make their children
close to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
we have been companions of your Son
as we have eaten from his table.
Make us also his companions
on the journey of life
that we may we bring to the people we encounter
the good news of forgiveness and life
that make our communities
signs of the kingdom of God.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Blessing
The women who accompanied Jesus “served him,” says the gospel. Jesus was among us as the one who serves, and we, men and women, serve with him. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTIONS
Luke 8:1-3
Mercy Received Becomes Mission
Luke offers a glimpse of Jesus on mission. He travels through towns and villages proclaiming God’s kingdom, with the Twelve and women whom he had healed. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others follow him and support the mission materially.
These women are not just helpers. They are disciples who have experienced mercy and responded with service. Their presence shows a community breaking barriers: different people who were given new dignity by Jesus, now walking together.
Pope Francis reminded the Church that evangelisation is a communal effort. It is an ecclesial service in the community. Everyone receiving the Gospel becomes a missionary disciple, called to contribute gifts, creativity, tenderness, and witness. No offering is too ordinary when offered at the service of Christ’s kingdom.
Mary Magdalene embodies this transformation. Once burdened by evil, she is healed by mercy, follows Jesus, remains near the Cross, and becomes the herald of the Resurrection. As Pope Francis taught, mercy changes the heart and gives the journey a new purpose. Gratitude becomes a mission.
Today, we might ask ourselves: Have I encountered the mercy of God in my life? If so, how can I reciprocate God’s mercy? How can I actively support the sharing of his kingdom? Some people speak out; others offer resources, hospitality, prayer, encouragement, or quiet service. Every single contribution truly makes a difference. Having received mercy, may we become close companions of Jesus, generously offering all that we are and all we have in service of the Gospel, with joyful and grateful hearts.