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Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

  • First Reading1 Corinthians 7:25-31: My advice is to remain as you are due to the current troubles. Time is short, and the world is passing away, so live with a focus on what truly matters.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 45: Pay attention, daughter, and honor the king. Clothed in splendor, you enter with joy. Your sons will become leaders, taking the place of your fathers, as you are led to the king.
  • Gospel Luke 6:20-26: Jesus blesses the poor, hungry, and grieving, promising them future joy. He warns the rich, satisfied, and well-spoken-of that they will face future suffering, comparing them to false prophets.

Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.

Luke 6:22

Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings remind us of the temporary nature of this world and the importance of living with the right priorities. Both St. Paul and Jesus speak about the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life.

  • Living with urgency: St. Paul urges Christians to live as if time is short. He reminds us that the world is passing away, so we should focus on God.
  • Detachment from the world: St. Paul encourages us to hold loosely to worldly things. He says that those who use the world should not become too attached to it.
  • Blessed are the poor: Jesus teaches that those who are poor, hungry, and weeping now are blessed. They will receive comfort and joy in God’s kingdom.
  • Woe to the rich: Jesus warns that those who are rich and comfortable now may face sorrow later. He contrasts the temporary happiness of wealth with the lasting joy of God’s kingdom.
  • Focus on eternity: Both readings remind us to keep our eyes on heaven. The things of this world will not last, but the kingdom of God is forever.
  • Reversals of fortune: Jesus speaks of a great reversal where the poor are lifted up, and the rich are brought low. This challenges us to consider how we live and what we value.

These themes invite us to examine our lives and our priorities. We are called to focus on what truly matters and to live with our eyes set on God’s kingdom.

Reflection for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings encourage us to reflect on where our priorities lie. St. Paul and Jesus both remind us of the importance of keeping God first, trusting in Him, and living simply. These reflections help us understand how to live out these teachings in our daily lives.

Keeping God First

On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, St. Paul talks about being detached from the world. This means not letting material things control us. It can be easy to get caught up in wanting more money, possessions, or status. But St. Paul reminds us that these things are temporary.

To live the way St. Paul suggests, we should use what we need but not let our hearts get too attached to them. Our true focus should be on God. If we always keep God as our first priority, everything else will fall into place.

This does not mean we cannot enjoy the good things in life. But it means we should not let these things take over our lives. By keeping our eyes on God, we find true peace and happiness, which cannot be found in material things. On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to keep God at the center of our lives.

True Happiness in God’s Kingdom

On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus teaches that those who are poor often rely more on God. This is because they do not have many material things to depend on. When people do not have much, they learn to trust God more deeply.

Jesus says that those who trust in God will find true happiness in His kingdom. This happiness is not about having lots of things or being comfortable. It is about having a close relationship with God. This relationship brings a joy that nothing in the world can take away.

We can learn from the poor about trusting God. Even if we have enough, we should still put our trust in God, not in our possessions. On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that true happiness comes from God alone.

Living Simply with Trust in God

The readings for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us to prioritize our relationship with God. This means living simply and not getting caught up in wanting more. It also means trusting in God to provide what we need.

When we live simply, we have more time and energy to focus on what truly matters. We can spend more time with God in prayer and more time helping others. By trusting in God, we can let go of our worries and know that He will take care of us.

Caring for others is another way to live out these teachings. When we focus on others’ needs instead of our own wants, we grow closer to God. On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are called to live simply, trust in God, and care for others, especially those in need.


As we reflect on the teachings from Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to keep our focus on God and not on material things. By trusting in Him, living simply, and caring for others, we can draw closer to God and find true happiness in His kingdom.

Prayer

Lord, help us to keep You first in our lives. Teach us to live simply and trust in Your care. Guide us to care for others, especially those in need. May we always seek Your kingdom above all else. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  • What steps can you take to keep God as your first priority in daily life?
  • How can you practice detachment from material things while still appreciating the blessings you have?
  • In what ways can you trust God more deeply, especially in times of uncertainty?
  • How can you live more simply and use your time and resources to care for others?

Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Right Now

In her reflection for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Sr. Marianne Watts encourages us to view our lives through Christ’s truth, not through worldly standards. She reflects on Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes, asking if we can truly find joy in suffering, hunger, and persecution.

Rather than focusing only on the future, Christ calls us to find blessing and fulfillment in the present, even in poverty or chaos. The message is clear: we are already blessed in belonging to God’s kingdom, and we must choose to embrace His truth and joy, no matter the cost.

The Secret to a Bigger Future

In a reflection for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly focuses on the Gospel of Luke 6:20-26, where Jesus contrasts the blessings of the poor and suffering with the woes of the rich and satisfied.

Kelly highlights the theme of delayed gratification, explaining that Jesus calls us to sacrifice small pleasures now for the greater reward of heaven. This wisdom applies not only to our spiritual lives but also to areas like health, finances, and relationships. Kelly challenges us to embrace this mindset and pursue the “bigger, better future” that God offers in eternity.

Living the Beatitudes in a Busy World

In this USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Dr. Jem Sullivan explains that living the Beatitudes invites us to a new life in imitation of Jesus. This path is countercultural, requiring us to turn away from distractions and focus on God.

Even in a fast-paced digital world, we are called to pause and set our minds on God’s ways. By following the Beatitudes, we discover lasting peace and happiness that only God can provide, filling our hearts with His healing love and mercy.

The Cycle of Material Want

In this reflection for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, emphasizing the importance of spiritual detachment from worldly values. Luke’s Beatitudes are more direct in conveying that material goods cannot satisfy our deeper spiritual needs. When we become too focused on accumulating material possessions, we enter an unending cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.

Bishop Barron suggests that true contentment comes when we are unattached to these goods, which frees us to seek the ultimate good, God.

Luke’s Beatitudes

This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time delves into the difficulty of truly living the beatitudes, emphasizing that it’s the genuine challenge of the Gospel. Being blessed by God means looking at life through the lens of faith, seeing the world and people as God does, with compassion for the poor, hungry, burdened, and those persecuted for their faith in Jesus.

The message encourages us to strive to live as those blessed by God, being poor in spirit, hungering for God’s ways, and finding joy in drawing closer to Him, even when facing insults for our faith. It invites us to see as God sees and embrace the beatitudes with faith.

Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

What date is Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday September 9, 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 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday September 9, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 7:25-31: Advice on Marriage
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 45: The King’s Daughter
Gospel – Luke 6:20-26: Blessings and Woes

What does St. Paul mean by saying time is short in the first reading Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

St. Paul wants us to remember that our time on earth is limited. We should focus on living for God and not get too caught up in things that do not last.

How can I be detached from the world as St. Paul suggests?

Being detached from the world means not letting material things control us. We should use what we need but always keep God as our first priority.

Why does Jesus say the poor are blessed in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus teaches that those who are poor often rely more on God. They will find true happiness in His kingdom.

Why does Jesus warn the rich?

Jesus warns that if we trust in wealth, we might forget our need for God. He wants us to understand that wealth can be dangerous if it keeps us from God.

How can I focus on eternity as the readings suggest?

Focusing on eternity means thinking about how our choices affect our relationship with God. We should try to make decisions that help us grow closer to Him.

What does Jesus mean by reversals of fortune in the Gospel?

Jesus speaks of a time when the poor will be lifted up, and the rich will be brought low. This teaches us that God’s kingdom has different values than the world does.

How can I apply the teachings of Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to my life?

You can apply these teachings by prioritizing your relationship with God. Focus on living simply, trusting in God, and caring for others, especially those in need.

What should I do if I struggle with detachment as taught on Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Pray for God’s help to trust in Him more and to let go of things that keep you from loving Him fully. Start by making small changes, like giving to those in need and spending more time in prayer.

Living Simply and Trusting in God

Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to focus on God and not on material things. St. Paul encourages us to live with detachment, reminding us that everything we have is temporary. Our true joy and purpose come from putting God first in our lives. When we keep our eyes on Him, we find peace that material wealth cannot give.

Jesus teaches that true happiness comes from trusting in God, not in possessions. He highlights how those who have less often rely more on God and find joy in His care. This reminds us that our faith and relationship with God are far more important than what we own.

Living simply allows us to prioritize what truly matters. By trusting in God and letting go of material attachments, we make room in our hearts to care for others and deepen our connection with Him. Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenges us to live in trust, simplicity, and love for others.

Your Turn

Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to reflect on how we prioritize God in our lives. Are material things distracting you from trusting Him fully?

Take some time to reflect on these readings. How can you live more simply and focus on what truly matters? Share your thoughts in the comments. Your reflections might encourage others to trust in God, live simply, and care for those in need.

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Comments

One response to “Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time (Sept 9, 2026) Free Resources and Reflections”

  1. Edward Avatar
    Edward

    Thank you. I found the matter was clearly explained, simple practical suggestions and probling questions and answers which can be used especially when the congregation is small, children or youth. Assuring my prayerful support.

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