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Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

Wednesday September 4, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 22nd 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) - Colossians 1:1-8: Paul addresses the believers in Colossae, expressing his gratitude and prayers for their faith, love, and hope in Christ. He commends them for their reception of the gospel and their fruit-bearing testimony, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel in their lives and its spread throughout the world.
  • First Reading (Cycle 2) - 1 Corinthians 3:1-9: Paul addresses the believers in Corinth, highlighting their spiritual immaturity and division. He reminds them that they are God's field and building, urging them to grow in their faith and understanding, while emphasizing the importance of unity and recognizing the role of God in their spiritual growth.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 52: Trusting in God's mercy, I remain secure and flourishing in His presence, offering eternal gratitude and proclaiming His goodness among His faithful followers.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 33: Blessed are the people chosen by the Lord as His own, as He observes all humanity from His heavenly throne, knowing the depths of their hearts and actions.
  • Gospel - Luke 4:38-44: Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law and many others who were afflicted with various diseases. He also preaches and casts out demons in the region, demonstrating His authority and fulfilling His mission to proclaim the kingdom of God.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

  • Healing and Compassion: The healing of Simon's mother-in-law highlights the theme of Jesus' compassion. His immediate response to her fever demonstrates His caring nature and willingness to alleviate suffering.
  • Miraculous Healing: The passage emphasizes the theme of Jesus' miraculous healing power. The healing of Simon's mother-in-law and the many others who were brought to Him showcase His ability to bring physical restoration.
  • Self-care and Rest: Jesus' decision to withdraw and find solitude showcases the theme of self-care and rest. His example underscores the importance of taking time for personal rejuvenation and spiritual connection.
  • Fame and Ministry: The theme of Jesus' growing fame and the demands of His ministry emerges as people seek Him out. This highlights the tension between His desire to minister and the demands of the crowd.
  • Proclamation of the Kingdom: Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom of God is a recurring theme in His ministry. His teaching and healing work emphasize the arrival of God's reign and the transformation it brings.
  • Spreading the Message: The theme of spreading the message of Jesus is evident as He continues to preach in the synagogues of Judea. This highlights His commitment to sharing the good news and transforming lives.

To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.

Luke 4:43

Reflection for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus has a busy day of preaching, teaching, and healing. But before starting a new day, he prays and listens to the Father. This reminds us of the importance of grounding our activities in our relationship with God.

The passage, Luke 4:38-44, shows Jesus healing various people, including Peter's mother-in-law. Even amid this, he takes time for quiet reflection. It highlights the need for balance in our lives, reminding us to carve out moments for introspection amid our daily tasks.

The gospel also asks us to consider the purpose behind our actions. Jesus didn't perform miracles just for the spectacle; he had a broader spiritual message. This prompts us to assess whether our actions align with our core beliefs. If not, some rethinking is in order.

Additionally, Jesus responds to immediate needs but stays focused on his main mission. The lesson for us is to manage our time well, prioritizing tasks that align with our key objectives, without completely neglecting immediate concerns.

Finally, Jesus was accessible to everyone, not just a select few. This tells us that inclusivity matters, whether in our personal lives or in a broader community context. Overall, the passage gives us practical tips on balancing life, aligning actions with our beliefs, prioritizing tasks, and being inclusive.

Prayer for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

Lord, remind me to take time to listen to you every day. What do you want me to do today? Where are you asking me to go? Open my heart to your will. Amen.

Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

Word On Fire: A Day in the Life of Jesus

In this reflection for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on a "day in the life" of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Luke. He highlights that contrary to attempts to emphasize Jesus as mainly an ethical teacher, Luke portrays Jesus primarily as a healer or "Soter" in Latin, which translates to "bearer of health." Barron stresses that in Jesus, divinity and humanity merge, manifesting divine life and power. This, he suggests, gives us a glimpse into God's ultimate intentions for us.

USCCB Reflection: A Call to Unity

This USCCB reflection for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, reminds us that Saint Paul's message to the Corinthians addresses the ever-relevant issue of rivalries and divisions fueled by envy. These divisions lead to unkindness and injustice, highlighting the human tendency to prioritize self-interest over unity. Paul asserts that Christian unity reflects God's presence, emphasizing that divisions run contrary to God's way. He urges us to be instruments of peace, fostering reconciliation and unity, which in turn invites the experience of God's living presence among us.

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