Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Wednesday October 14, 2026
Learning To Live By The Spirit
Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 invites us to look closely at how faith shapes daily life. The readings speak about choices, actions, and the way we treat others. They remind us that faith is not only spoken. It is lived through habits, attitudes, and care for the people around us.
In the first reading, Paul speaks about life guided by the Spirit. He contrasts selfish actions with qualities that build peace and trust. This message fits well with Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, which calls us to think about what guides our decisions each day.
The psalm shows two clear paths. One leads to life and growth. The other fades away. It reminds us that delighting in God’s ways brings stability. Small daily choices shape who we become over time.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges leaders who focus on rules but ignore justice and love. He calls for faith that helps others rather than weighing them down. Together, the readings ask us to live with care, honesty, and steady trust in God.
Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
- First Reading – Galatians 5:18-25: If you’re guided by the Spirit, you’re not subject to the law. Works of the flesh lead away from God’s Kingdom, while the Spirit’s fruits bring you closer. Live and follow the Spirit.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1: The man who avoids wickedness and delights in God’s law is blessed. He’s like a flourishing tree, while the wicked are like wind-blown chaff. God watches over the just.
- Gospel – Luke 11:42-46: The Lord criticizes Pharisees for neglecting justice and love while focusing on minor rituals. They seek social honors but ignore true virtues. Scholars of the law also receive rebuke for burdening others without helping.
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 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.
Luke 11:46
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings from Galatians 5:18-25 and Luke 11:42-46 focus on the contrast between living by the Spirit and living by the flesh. Jesus also challenges the Pharisees for focusing on external rituals while neglecting justice and love.
Here are six themes for this day:
- Living by the Spirit: Paul urges believers to follow the Spirit, not the desires of the flesh. Living by the Spirit leads to love, joy, and peace, which contrasts with selfishness and sin.
- Fruits of the Spirit: Paul lists qualities like kindness, patience, and self-control. These fruits show the effects of following the Spirit and help Christians grow in faith.
- Warning Against Hypocrisy: Jesus warns the Pharisees against focusing only on outward religious practices. He criticizes them for neglecting justice and love of God, calling for an authentic faith.
- Love and Justice: Jesus emphasizes that love and justice are central to living a faithful life. He criticizes religious leaders for ignoring these while pretending to be holy.
- Humility in Faith: Jesus calls out the Pharisees for their pride in religious titles and honors. True faith is humble and serves others, not seeking recognition.
- Avoiding Legalism: Paul and Jesus both challenge the idea of rigidly following rules without understanding the heart of the law. They teach that the Spirit gives life and freedom, while legalism can lead to spiritual blindness.
The readings from this day remind us to live by the Spirit and not just follow rules. We are called to seek justice, love, and true humility in our faith journey.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings invite us to reflect on the deeper meaning of living our faith. Paul encourages us to be guided by the Spirit, while Jesus warns against hypocrisy and emphasizes justice. These themes call us to examine our hearts and actions, making sure that our faith is authentic and expressed through love and fairness.
Guided by the Spirit
In Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the first reading from Galatians reminds us of the importance of living by the Spirit. Paul explains that when we follow the Spirit, we turn away from selfish desires and focus on things like love, patience, and kindness. These qualities help us grow closer to God and live in peace with others.
Living by the Spirit means making choices based on what is right, not just what we want. It means putting the needs of others before our own desires. This can be challenging, but the Spirit helps us to show love and kindness in all situations, even when it’s hard.
The Gospel also shows the danger of living for outward appearances instead of following the Spirit. Jesus calls out the Pharisees for focusing too much on following rules while neglecting justice and love. Like the Pharisees, we can sometimes get caught up in doing the “right” things outwardly, but real faith comes from allowing the Spirit to guide us from the inside.
Justice and Fairness in Faith
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, justice plays an important role in both the first reading and the Gospel. Justice means caring about what is right and fair, not just for ourselves but for everyone. Paul encourages us to live by the Spirit, and this includes seeking justice for others. The Spirit leads us to do what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Jesus speaks about justice in the Gospel when he criticizes the Pharisees. They were more concerned with appearances than doing what is fair and just. Jesus calls out this kind of hypocrisy because true faith demands that we care for others and stand up for justice, especially for those who are vulnerable.
Justice isn’t just about following the law. It’s about doing what is right in the eyes of God. In our own lives, we are called to seek justice by helping those in need, being honest in our dealings, and standing up for fairness. Living justly is a key part of following Jesus and being guided by the Spirit.
Avoiding Hypocrisy
Another key theme in Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is the need to avoid hypocrisy in our faith. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing too much on religious rules and missing the heart of God’s message. They looked good on the outside but were not living with love and sincerity.
Hypocrisy can also be a temptation for us. It’s easy to go through the motions of religion without letting it change our hearts. We may follow rules and attend Mass, but if we ignore justice, love, and humility, we are not truly living our faith.
Paul encourages us to avoid this by living by the Spirit. When we are guided by the Spirit, we don’t just look good on the outside; we live with true love and compassion for others. Avoiding hypocrisy means letting our faith show in how we treat others and how we live each day.
The reflections for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us that true faith is more than just following rules. It’s about living by the Spirit, seeking justice, and avoiding the trap of hypocrisy. By reflecting on these readings, we are encouraged to live with love, sincerity, and a desire to do what is right.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live by your Spirit each day. Give us the grace to seek justice, to love sincerely, and to avoid hypocrisy in our actions. May our hearts be open to your guidance, and may we follow your will in all that we do. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you better allow the Spirit to guide your actions in daily life?
- What are some ways you can seek justice for others in your community?
- Are there areas in your faith where you may be acting outwardly but not sincerely?
- How can you show more kindness and love in your relationships with others?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
All the Good Tunes
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Deborah Wilhelm reflects on Galatians 5:18-25. St. Paul warns against the “works of the flesh,” such as anger, envy, and immorality, which harm us and those around us. Instead, he urges us to live by the Spirit, producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Wilhelm emphasizes that Christian freedom is demanding because it seeks to uplift everyone. Even our everyday actions can either harm or foster grace. We are called to create cycles of goodness, not just for the future, but for now.
The Secret to Excellence
Matthew Kelly, from Dynamic Catholic, reflects on Luke 11:42-46 for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. In this passage, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and lawyers for focusing on small rituals while neglecting justice and love.
Kelly notes that Jesus seeks growth and openness, not perfection. He points out that being “coachable” is key to spiritual growth, as it means being open to God’s guidance and correction. Jesus never condemns those who are trying to improve; instead, He urges everyone to be open to change. Kelly encourages self-reflection, asking how open we are to God’s coaching and transformation.
Sharing Burdens in Faith
In this reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on Jesus’ critique of scholars of the law who impose difficult burdens on people without helping to ease those burdens.
Bishop Barron notes that the essence of Jesus’ teaching is the importance of sharing others’ burdens, particularly in the moral and spiritual realms. This idea encourages self-reflection on moments when one felt healed or accepted by Christ through the Church, highlighting the importance of community and support in the Christian life.
Responding to Jesus’ Call
In a USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Dr. Jem Sullivan speaks about avoiding the temptation to judge others. Both the first reading and the Gospel warn against harsh judgment. Instead, they invite us to grow in charity, patience, and kindness.
Dr. Sullivan emphasizes that missionary discipleship starts with experiencing God’s love in Jesus, which transforms us. As baptized Christians, we are called to bring this love to all, including those on the margins. Following Jesus means showing kindness, mercy, and patience in our daily actions and thoughts.
More Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
The Call to Kindness and Understanding (USCCB: Dr. Jem Sullivan)
Resources
The Letter to the Galatians: Spirit And Freedom
In Galatians, Paul writes to communities struggling with how to live the covenant after Christ. This reading sits near the heart of the letter, where Paul explains that faith in Christ, not strict rule-keeping, shapes Christian life. For Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, it highlights freedom guided by the Spirit rather than fear of the law.
The contrast between flesh and Spirit reflects Galatians’ larger message about new life in Christ. Paul urges believers to form a community marked by love, patience, and self-control. These fruits show what salvation looks like in daily life. They point to a people living together under grace, not division.
Learn more about the Letter to the Galatians and its message for Christian life.
Psalm 1: The Way Of The Just
Psalm 1 opens the whole Book of Psalms by setting a clear path before the listener. It frames the psalms as a guide for life rooted in trust in God’s law. For Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, it reminds us that prayer and moral choice belong together.
The image of the tree and the chaff introduces a theme repeated across the psalms. God watches over those who seek what is right and warns against paths that harm the community. This psalm teaches that faith shapes daily actions and leads to lasting stability.
Read more reflections on Psalm 1 and its place in the Book of Psalms.
The Gospel of Luke: Justice And True Teaching
Luke’s Gospel often shows Jesus challenging leaders about how faith is lived in public life. In this passage, Jesus speaks directly to Pharisees and scholars who miss the heart of God’s law. For Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, it fits Luke’s focus on justice, mercy, and care for others.
Luke consistently highlights how authority should serve, not burden. Jesus’ rebuke points to the Gospel theme of responsibility toward the poor and vulnerable. True teaching leads people closer to God, not into heavier loads. Luke calls believers to match belief with action.
Explore the Gospel of Luke and its call to mercy and justice.
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Carrying Heavy Burdens
This image reflects the Gospel for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, when Jesus speaks about leaders who place heavy burdens on others without offering help. The hands straining to move the weight remind us how faith can become difficult when care and justice are ignored.
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Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What does it mean to live by the Spirit in Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Living by the Spirit means letting God’s Spirit guide our actions and choices. It means practicing love, kindness, and self-control instead of selfishness or sin.
What are the fruits of the Spirit mentioned?
The fruits of the Spirit are qualities like love, joy, peace, and patience. These show that we are living according to the Spirit and not just following rules.
What does Paul mean by avoiding the desires of the flesh?
Paul is warning us not to give in to selfishness or harmful desires. Instead, we should follow the Spirit and grow in love and goodness.
Why does Jesus criticize the Pharisees in Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees because they focus on following religious rules but forget justice and love. He wants them to focus on what is important—helping others and loving God.
How can we avoid being like the Pharisees?
We can avoid being like the Pharisees by not just following religious rituals but also caring for others and seeking justice. Jesus teaches us to live with love and humility, not pride.
Why is justice so important?
Justice is important because it shows we care about what is right and fair. Jesus teaches that justice should not be forgotten in our lives of faith.
What does humility mean?
Humility means not seeking attention or praise for being religious. Jesus calls us to serve others and not be proud of our religious titles or actions.
How do we apply the message of Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our daily lives?
We can apply the message by trying to live by the Spirit in our daily choices. This means acting with love, kindness, and fairness toward others.
How does Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to live better?
It challenges us to focus on what truly matters—justice, love, and humility. It reminds us to live by the Spirit, not just follow rules.
Living by the Spirit and Avoiding Hypocrisy
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings encourage us to live by the Spirit, seek justice, and avoid hypocrisy. In the first reading, Paul contrasts living by the desires of the flesh with living according to the Spirit. He highlights the fruits of the Spirit—qualities like love, joy, and peace—and teaches that living by the Spirit brings us closer to God, away from selfish desires.
The Gospel reading emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for focusing on outward rituals while ignoring justice and love. He calls them to a faith that is rooted in sincerity, not just in appearances. Jesus reminds us that true faith must reflect love for God and others, and we should not be merely concerned with following rules.
Both readings challenge us to focus on inner transformation and to live authentically. Following the Spirit means practicing love, kindness, and justice in our daily lives. Jesus calls us to avoid the trap of appearing righteous without living justly and mercifully. True faith involves both action and sincerity.
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to live with integrity, allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and ensuring that our faith is not just a matter of appearances.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. How can you allow the Spirit to guide your daily actions?
Think about ways you can practice justice and love in your life. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.
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