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Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Wednesday August 2, 2028
- First Reading – Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21: Woe to me, mother, for my life is full of conflict and pain. But if I repent, the Lord will restore me and protect me from my enemies.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 59: Save me from my enemies, O God. They attack me without cause. You are my strength and refuge. I will praise you for your mercy and protection.
- Gospel – Matthew 13:44-46: The kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure or a valuable pearl. When discovered, one joyfully gives up everything to obtain it.
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on themes from the readings in Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21 and Matthew 13:44-46. These themes help us understand the struggles and joys of following God’s path.
- Conflict and Pain: Jeremiah speaks about his life being full of conflict and pain. This theme shows that following God can be difficult and involves suffering.
- Repentance and Restoration: Jeremiah mentions that if he repents, the Lord will restore him. This theme highlights the importance of turning back to God to find healing and protection.
- Protection from Enemies: God promises to protect Jeremiah from his enemies. This theme emphasizes that God is our shield against those who seek to harm us.
- Joy of Discovery: In the Gospel, the kingdom of heaven is compared to a hidden treasure or a valuable pearl. This theme illustrates the joy and excitement of discovering God’s kingdom.
- Sacrifice for the Kingdom: The person who finds the treasure or pearl sells everything to obtain it. This theme shows the importance of giving up earthly things to gain heavenly rewards.
- Value of the Kingdom: The treasure and pearl are highly valuable. This theme reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything else in life.
Reflecting on these themes for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 can help us understand the challenges and rewards of our faith journey. They encourage us to repent, seek God’s protection, and value His kingdom above all.
Thoughts for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings from Jeremiah and Matthew give us much to reflect on. They show us the struggles and rewards of following God. These reflections will help us understand the messages in these passages and how they apply to our lives.
Embracing Suffering
Jeremiah’s life was full of conflict and pain. He felt overwhelmed by his struggles. This passage reminds us that life can be difficult and full of suffering.
We may face many hardships and feel like giving up. But, like Jeremiah, we can turn to God. God understands our pain and is always there to help us.
Even when it seems too much to bear, we can trust in God’s presence. He will give us strength to endure our trials. By embracing our suffering, we grow closer to God.
The Power of Repentance
Jeremiah speaks about repentance and restoration. When we repent, God forgives us and brings us back to Him. This is a powerful message for us.
Repentance means turning away from our sins and asking God for forgiveness, as in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It requires humility and honesty. But the reward is great.
God promises to restore us and protect us. He will not let our enemies harm us. By repenting, we open ourselves to God’s grace and love.
The Joy of Finding God’s Kingdom
In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure and a valuable pearl. This shows how precious God’s kingdom is. It brings great joy to those who find it.
The person who finds the treasure or pearl gives up everything to possess it. This teaches us the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom above all else. Earthly possessions cannot compare to the value of heaven.
We should seek God’s kingdom with all our heart. It is the greatest treasure we can ever find. The joy and peace it brings are beyond measure.
Reflecting on the readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 helps us understand the challenges and rewards of following God. We learn to embrace our suffering, repent from our sins, and seek God’s kingdom above all else. These lessons guide us on our faith journey and bring us closer to God.
Prayer
Lord, help us to embrace our suffering, repent from our sins, and seek Your kingdom. Give us strength in our trials, forgiveness for our faults, and joy in Your presence. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Finding God’s Treasure in Everyday Life
In his reflection for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure. He explains that sometimes, while we are busy with life, God’s love surprises us, revealing itself unexpectedly. We might not be looking for it, but it finds us. Bishop Barron encourages us to be open to these moments of grace and to be ready to give up anything that holds us back from fully embracing God’s love when it comes.
USCCB Reflection: The Invaluable Treasure of Faith
In this USCCB reflection for Wednesday of the 17th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the Gospel passage from Matthew is explored, where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great price. The reflection suggests that faith is the treasure and pearl of great value in our lives, as it opens the door to God’s eternal kingdom and allows us to experience His love and forgiveness through the Church. Gratitude for the gift of faith and a longing to deepen our relationship with God are encouraged as we journey on the path of faith.
Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Wednesday August 2, 2028.
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 Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Wednesday August 2, 2028 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21: A Prophet’s Struggle and God’s Promise
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 59: God, My Refuge in Distress
Gospel – Matthew 13:44-46: Hidden Treasure and Pearl
Why does Jeremiah feel so much pain and conflict in the first reading for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jeremiah feels pain and conflict because he is a prophet facing many challenges. He is rejected by people and suffers for speaking God’s truth. This shows us that following God can be hard and painful.
What does Jeremiah mean by repentance and restoration?
Jeremiah means that if we turn away from our sins and ask for God’s forgiveness, God will forgive us. God will restore our relationship with Him and protect us from harm. Repentance is turning back to God and seeking His mercy.
How can we relate to Jeremiah’s suffering in our own lives?
We can relate to Jeremiah’s suffering by understanding that life has many struggles. Just like Jeremiah, we face challenges and pain. But we can trust that God is with us and will give us strength.
How can we apply the theme of repentance from Jeremiah to our lives on Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We can apply repentance by regularly examining our actions and asking for God’s forgiveness. We should turn away from our sins and seek to live in a way that pleases God. Repentance helps us grow closer to God.
What is the message of protection from enemies in Jeremiah’s reading?
The message is that God will protect us from those who want to harm us. If we trust in God, He will be our shield. This gives us comfort and strength to face our challenges.
How can we find comfort in Jeremiah’s message of restoration?
We can find comfort knowing that no matter how far we stray, God is ready to forgive us. If we repent, God will welcome us back and heal us. His promise of restoration gives us hope and peace.
Why does Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure and a pearl in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure and a pearl to show its great value. Finding God’s kingdom brings joy and is worth more than anything else. It teaches us to prioritize God’s kingdom above all.
What should we learn from the person who gives up everything for the treasure or pearl?
We should learn that seeking God’s kingdom is the most important thing in life. We should be willing to give up earthly things to gain heavenly rewards. God’s kingdom is our greatest treasure.
How can we seek the kingdom of heaven in our daily lives?
We can seek the kingdom of heaven by praying, reading the Bible, and following Jesus’ teachings. We should focus on living according to God’s will. Seeking the kingdom means making God the center of our lives.
Why is the kingdom of heaven described as bringing great joy?
The kingdom of heaven brings great joy because it is the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest desires. Being in God’s presence and experiencing His love is the greatest happiness we can have. This joy is beyond anything the world can offer.
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