Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
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.
- First Reading (Cycle 1) - Judges 9:6-15: Jotham delivers a parable to the people of Shechem, criticizing the unjust rule of Abimelech. He compares Abimelech's rise to power to the trees seeking a king, ultimately condemning Abimelech's actions and predicting his downfall.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - Ezekiel 34:1-11: The prophet rebukes the shepherds of Israel, accusing them of neglecting their duty to care for and protect the flock. God, as the true shepherd, promises to gather and rescue His scattered sheep, holding the negligent shepherds accountable for their actions.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 21: The king rejoices in the LORD's strength and victory, for his desires have been granted and blessings bestowed upon him. God has granted him a long life and adorned him with glory, bringing eternal joy and making him a perpetual blessing.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He leads me to restful places and refreshes my soul. Even in darkness, I fear no evil, for He is with me, providing comfort and abundance.
- Gospel - Matthew 20:1-16: In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven, where the owner of the vineyard pays all the workers, regardless of the hours they worked, the same wage.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
- Generous Grace: The parable of the workers in the vineyard illustrates the theme of God's generous grace. The landowner's decision to pay all workers the same wage, regardless of their hours worked, emphasizes God's fairness and abundance.
- Equal Value: The parable underscores the theme of all individuals having equal value in God's eyes. Regardless of when they started working, the landowner treated each worker with the same regard, highlighting the universality of God's love.
- Divine Sovereignty: The landowner's prerogative to distribute wages as he sees fit highlights the theme of God's sovereignty. This emphasizes that God's decisions are not bound by human expectations and standards.
- Unearned Blessings: The workers who started later in the day receiving the full wage illustrates the theme of unearned blessings. This theme emphasizes that God's blessings are not contingent on human effort but are freely given.
- Jealousy and Comparison: The discontent of some workers showcases the theme of jealousy and comparison. This highlights the human tendency to compare ourselves with others and the challenge of embracing God's generosity toward all.
- Kingdom Values: The parable challenges conventional notions of fairness and reward, emphasizing the theme of kingdom values. It underscores that God's ways often differ from human expectations and that the last may be first in His kingdom.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?
Matthew 20:14-15
Thoughts for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time from Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus shares a parable about a vineyard owner who pays the same wages to all his workers, regardless of the hours they put in. This narrative underscores the importance of God's generous nature, highlighting the tendency we have to compare ourselves to others. This relatable aspect of human nature is addressed as Jesus cautions against such comparisons.
As believers, we often find ourselves entangled in the web of comparison – be it in our spiritual journeys or daily lives. We might be inclined to think that others have received more blessings or are somehow less devout than us. However, the parable emphasizes that God's generosity doesn't operate on a scale of human merit. Just as the vineyard owner's reward wasn't based on the length of labor, our spiritual blessings are bestowed by God's grace, surpassing any notion of 'deservedness.'
This reminder calls us to view our fellow believers not through a lens of competition, but through a lens of unity and compassion. Recognizing that God's love is not measured by human standards allows us to appreciate our unique paths and blessings. When we cease comparing, we begin to acknowledge the immeasurable gifts that God grants us each day – gifts that are custom-fitted to our individual needs and circumstances.
In our spiritual journeys, it's essential to understand that God's generosity extends to all, no matter the time we've dedicated or the stage we're at. This parable invites us to embrace a humility that recognizes the abundance of God's grace in our lives. In a world often dominated by comparison and competition, let's cultivate a mindset that appreciates the unique ways God works in us and others. This shift in perspective can lead us to a deeper sense of gratitude and a more authentic connection with both God and our fellow believers.
Prayer for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Father, I am grateful for the many gifts you have given me. All I am is a result of your generous gifts to me. Help me keep that in mind when I start comparing myself to others. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Word On Fire: The Problem with Being Focused on Rewards
In his reflection for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron contemplates the Gospel's account of a landowner who pays all workers the same wage, regardless of hours worked. He offers perspectives on the landowner's actions, possibly guided by compassion or a deeper understanding of the workers' needs. Bishop Barron also explores the idea that being invited to work in the Lord's vineyard is a privilege, and we shouldn't be preoccupied with rewards, but instead focus on living.
USCCB Reflection: The Shepherd Guides His Sheep
One of the first depictions of Jesus in early Christian art is as the Good Shepherd, inspired by Psalm 23. This Psalm reflects a belief in God's caring guidance, portraying Him as a shepherd guiding, nourishing, and protecting his sheep. The connection between Jesus and the shepherd is further emphasized in the Gospels, where Jesus' sacrifice and love are seen as shepherd-like attributes. This familiar image continues to resonate, symbolizing a generous and loving guide who offers protection and friendship.
USCCB Reflection: The Parable of the Vineyard Owner
This video reflection for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time focuses on a parable where a vineyard owner pays workers the same wage regardless of when they started working. At first glance, it seems unfair, but the parable invites us to look deeper. Jesus uses this story to illustrate the free and generous nature of God's love and grace. Faith is not something earned or based on merit; it's a gift from God. The parable emphasizes that divine love is freely given to all, no matter their deeds or when they come to faith, a lesson in the mysterious nature of God's grace.
Leave a Reply