Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Jeremiah 31:1-7: God promises to restore Israel, bringing joy and prosperity. The people will rejoice and praise Him for their deliverance.
• Responsorial Psalm – Jeremiah 31: God will gather and protect Israel, bringing joy and comfort. The people will celebrate His blessings and be redeemed from their sorrows.
• Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28: A Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, pleading for her daughter’s deliverance from a demon. Despite initial resistance, Jesus commends her great faith and grants her request, healing her daughter.

Lectionary Reference: 409

Upcoming dates: August 5, 2026, August 9, 2028, August 7, 2030, August 4, 2032

She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

Matthew 14:30

On Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on God’s promises and Jesus’ mercy. The readings from Jeremiah 31:1-7 and Matthew 15:21-28 highlight God’s love and the faith of those who seek His help.

• God’s Everlasting Love: God assures Israel of His everlasting love and faithfulness. This love is shown in His promise to restore them and bring them joy.
• Hope and Restoration: Jeremiah speaks of a time when Israel will be rebuilt and filled with joy. This hope encourages us to trust in God’s plan for renewal and peace.
• Faith of Outsiders: In the Gospel, a Canaanite woman shows great faith in Jesus. Her persistence and trust in Jesus’ power bring healing to her daughter.
• God’s Mercy: Jesus extends mercy to the Canaanite woman despite initial hesitation. This reminds us that God’s mercy is available to all who seek it.
• Power of Persistent Prayer: The woman’s persistent pleas to Jesus show the power of unwavering prayer. Her determination leads to her daughter’s healing.
• Inclusivity of God’s Kingdom: Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman shows that God’s blessings are for everyone. This theme encourages us to welcome all into God’s family.

These themes for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us understand God’s love, mercy, and the importance of faith. They remind us to trust in God’s promises and to be persistent in our prayers.

On Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us of God’s promises and the power of faith. Through the words of Jeremiah and the Gospel of Matthew, we learn about God’s everlasting love, hope for restoration, and the importance of persistent prayer. These reflections aim to deepen our understanding and trust in God.

God’s Everlasting Love

In Jeremiah 31:1-7, God reassures Israel of His unwavering love. He promises to be with them and restore them. This promise is a source of great comfort, reminding us that God’s love never fails.

God speaks of a time when Israel will dance and rejoice once more. This shows that even in times of sorrow, we can hold onto the hope of joy and renewal. God’s love is a constant, even when we face challenges.

As we reflect on this reading, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s love is always present. His promises give us strength to endure difficult times. We can trust in His plan for our lives, knowing that He always desires our good.

Power of Persistent Prayer

In the Gospel, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, pleading for her daughter’s healing. Despite initial resistance, she persists in her faith. Her determination moves Jesus to grant her request.

This story shows the power of persistent prayer. The woman’s unwavering faith and boldness in asking for help are inspiring. Her story encourages us to keep praying, even when answers seem delayed.

Persistent prayer is not just about asking repeatedly. It’s about having faith that God hears us and will respond in His time. This reading teaches us to trust in God’s timing and remain steadfast in our faith.

Inclusivity of God’s Kingdom

Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 highlights the inclusivity of God’s kingdom. Though she is not from Israel, her faith grants her the healing she seeks. Jesus shows that God’s blessings are for everyone.

This reading reminds us that God’s love and mercy extend to all people. No one is excluded from His grace. We are called to embrace this inclusivity and welcome everyone into God’s family.

Reflecting on this, we can examine our own attitudes towards others. Are we open and welcoming? Do we share God’s love with everyone we meet? This reading challenges us to be more inclusive and loving in our daily lives.

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In conclusion, the readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about God’s everlasting love, the power of persistent prayer, and the inclusivity of His kingdom. As we reflect on these themes, we can deepen our faith and trust in God’s promises. Let us embrace these lessons and live them out in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in Your everlasting love. Strengthen our faith in times of difficulty and teach us to pray persistently. May we always be open and welcoming to all, sharing Your love with everyone we meet. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do I respond when I feel like God is not answering my prayer right away?
• What does God’s everlasting love mean to me in daily life?
• Do I welcome others the way Jesus welcomed the Canaanite woman?
• How can I grow in faith and persistence in my prayer life?

Word On Fire: The Persistent Call of the Other

Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time points out that the story of the Canaanite woman’s perseverance offers multiple layers of meaning. Traditionally, her persistence is highlighted as a virtue, reflecting the expansion of our will in prayer and the proper attitude of humility and boldness towards God. However, there’s also an ethical reading that focuses on the biblical emphasis on the “stranger, widow, and orphan.” This perspective reminds us that the Church, as the Body of Christ, encounters those in need who press upon us for help, friendship, and care. Amid our busy lives, the Christian response involves remembering the suffering and needs of others, even when they may seem demanding or inconvenient.

What date is Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday August 5, 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 Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday August 5, 2026 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 31:1-7: The Promise of Redemption for Israel
Responsorial Psalm – Jeremiah 31: Restoration and Blessing for Israel
Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28: The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

What is the main message of the first reading for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jeremiah 31:1-7 tells us about God’s everlasting love for His people. He promises to restore Israel and bring them joy again.

How does God show His love in Jeremiah 31:1-7?

God promises to rebuild Israel and fill their lives with happiness. This shows that His love never ends, even when we face hard times.

What is the significance of God’s promise to restore Israel in Jeremiah 31:1-7?

God’s promise to restore Israel gives hope to those who feel lost or broken. It reminds us that God always has a plan to bring us back to joy and peace.

What does Jeremiah 31:1-7 say about joy and happiness?

Jeremiah 31:1-7 says that God will bring joy and happiness back to His people. This reminds us that, with God, there is always hope for better days.

Why is the Canaanite woman’s story important in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Canaanite woman’s story shows the power of faith and persistent prayer. Even though she is not from Israel, her strong faith moves Jesus to help her.

What can we learn from the Canaanite woman’s faith?

We learn that persistent prayer and strong faith can lead to answered prayers. Her story encourages us to keep praying and trusting in God’s timing.

How does Jesus’ response to the Canaanite woman teach us about God’s kingdom?

Jesus shows that God’s blessings are for everyone, not just the people of Israel. This teaches us that God’s love and mercy are open to all people.

How can we apply the lesson of persistent prayer from Matthew 15:21-28 in our lives?

We can keep praying and believing that God hears us, even when answers are delayed. Persistent prayer shows our trust in God and His timing.

How does the Canaanite woman’s story challenge our views on inclusivity?

The Canaanite woman’s story challenges us to be open and accepting of everyone. It shows that faith and God’s love are not limited to any one group.

What is the key lesson from the readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The key lesson is to trust in God’s everlasting love, pray persistently, and be inclusive in sharing God’s love. These teachings guide us in our daily lives.