Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Oratory provides Scripture references and original reflections. It does not republish full copyrighted lectionary readings.

Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

September 18, 2026

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” —1 Corinthians 15:20

Reflection

Saint Paul brings us to the very heart of Christianity: Jesus Christ has truly risen from the dead. The Resurrection is not merely a comforting symbol or an inspiring conclusion to Jesus’ life. It is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope.

Because Christ has risen, sin does not have the final word. Our failures do not have the final word. Suffering, separation, and even death do not have the final word. Jesus does.

The Gospel shows what faith in the risen Lord looks like in ordinary life. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many other women accompany Jesus and support His mission from their own resources. They offer Him what they possess because they have first received healing and mercy from Him.

Not every disciple is called to preach publicly. Some serve quietly, provide generously, pray faithfully, encourage others, or make Christ’s work possible through unnoticed sacrifices. These hidden acts of love are not secondary to the mission—they are part of it.

Christ has given us the promise of eternal life. Our response is to accompany Him today, offering whatever we have: our time, attention, resources, suffering, and love.

For Meditation Do I live as though Christ is truly risen, or do fear and discouragement still have the final word in me? What healing or mercy have I received from Jesus? What resources—time, abilities, encouragement, prayer, or material support—can I place at His service? Is there a quiet act of discipleship Jesus is asking of me today? Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus, You have conquered sin and death and opened the way to eternal life.

When I become discouraged, remind me that my hope is not limited to the circumstances of this world.

Thank You for every mercy and every healing You have given me. Like the faithful women who accompanied You, teach me to follow You generously and to place what I have at the service of Your Kingdom.

May my ordinary choices become acts of love, my suffering become an offering, and my life become a witness that You are truly risen.

Amen.

Today’s Resolution

I will perform one quiet act of service today, offering it to Jesus in gratitude for the hope of the Resurrection.

Jesus, because You are risen, I will live today with hope.