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Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

Wednesday November 13, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 32nd 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) - Wisdom 6:1-11: Kings and magistrates are reminded that their power is from God, who will judge their actions. They must rule justly, as they will face a strict accounting.
  • First Reading (Cycle 2) - Titus 3:1-7: We are advised to respect authorities, be obedient and kind, acknowledging our past flaws. God's mercy, shown through Jesus, saves us and offers hope for eternal life.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 82: God commands the defense of the vulnerable and the poor, seeking justice against the wicked, while reminding that even those with power are mortal.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 23: The Lord, as my shepherd, provides, guides, and protects me. Even in darkness, I fear not, for He is with me, blessing me in abundance and forever.
  • Gospel - Luke 17:11-19: On his journey, Jesus encountered ten lepers near a village. Upon their plea for mercy, He instructed them to see the priests, and they were healed en route. Realizing his healing, one, a Samaritan, returned to praise God and thank Jesus. Jesus acknowledged his gratitude, questioning the absence of the others, and affirmed the Samaritan's faith as the source of his salvation.

Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?

Luke 17:17

Themes for the Gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

  • Gratitude to God: This passage highlights the importance of expressing gratitude to God for His blessings and interventions. The one leper who returns to Jesus to give thanks exemplifies a heart that recognizes and appreciates divine mercy, setting an example for all believers.
  • Faith and Healing: The story illustrates the connection between faith and divine healing. Jesus' response to the healed leper, "Your faith has made you well," suggests that faith is a crucial component in receiving God's healing grace.
  • Outsider as Exemplar: The grateful leper is noted as a Samaritan, an outsider in the Jewish community. This theme emphasizes that faith and righteousness are not confined to a specific group; often, those considered outsiders can exhibit profound faith and gratitude.
  • Jesus as Healer: The narrative reaffirms Jesus' role as a healer, not just of physical ailments but of deeper spiritual maladies. His compassion and power to heal leprosy, a significant illness of the time, signify His divine authority and mercy.
  • Response to Divine Intervention: This passage calls attention to the varied responses to Jesus' miracles. While many receive blessings, few return to acknowledge the source of their healing, teaching the value of a grateful heart in response to God's work in our lives.
  • Salvation for All: The inclusion and healing of a Samaritan leper reflect the universal scope of Jesus' mission. It underscores the message that salvation and God's grace are available to all, regardless of societal or religious boundaries.

Thoughts for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers, offers insights into faith, gratitude, and the nature of Jesus' mission. Luke 17:11-19 occurs as Jesus travels to Jerusalem, symbolizing a journey not just in a physical sense, but also a spiritual odyssey towards the fulfillment of God's plan. The lepers, standing at a distance due to their condition, call out to Jesus for mercy. This scene highlights two key elements: their faith in Jesus' ability to heal and their recognition of their own marginalization due to their ailment.

The response of Jesus is instructive. He asks the lepers to show themselves to the priests, an act in line with Jewish law for the verification of healing from leprosy. Importantly, they are healed as they go, indicating that their faith and obedience precede their healing. This sequence emphasizes the concept of faith in action. It's a powerful reminder that faith is not just a passive belief but involves active participation and trust in God's plan, even when the outcome is not immediately visible.

What follows is a lesson in gratitude and recognition. Only one of the ten, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus. This detail is significant, given the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans. The Samaritan's act of returning to Jesus breaks cultural barriers, illustrating that gratitude transcends ethnic and religious divides. His thankfulness also signifies a deeper understanding and appreciation of the gift he has received. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of gratitude in our spiritual journey, recognizing God's work in our lives, and responding with a heart of thankfulness.

Finally, Jesus' statement to the Samaritan, "Your faith has made you well," goes beyond physical healing. It implies a deeper, more comprehensive salvation and wholeness. This encounter illustrates that faith in Jesus brings about not just physical healing but also spiritual restoration and salvation. For those reflecting on this passage, it's an invitation to examine our own response to God's blessings. Do we, like the nine, receive God's gifts without acknowledgment, or do we, like the Samaritan, return to offer thanks, thereby experiencing a deeper encounter with Christ?

This gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time challenges us to live a life of faith, marked by active participation and heartfelt gratitude, recognizing the holistic salvation offered in Jesus.

Prayer for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

Father in Heaven, I thank you for all the gifts you have given to me. Help me to recognize your presence in my life and to have a grateful heart. Amen.

Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

The Grateful Leper was Probably Grateful Before His Healing

Father Richard Rohr's reflection on Luke 17:11-19 delves into the concept of gratitude and its rare, yet profound presence in our lives. He suggests that individuals generally fall into two categories: those who are inherently grateful and those who are not. Fr. Rohr ties this to the Gospel story for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, emphasizing that gratitude is a reflection of divine forgiveness and mercy, encouraging us to embrace a more gracious, forgiving attitude towards others and life itself, much like the one grateful leper in the story. This approach, he asserts, brings us closer to the divine nature of grace and forgiveness.

Be Healed

Physical healing in Jesus’ ministry was often accompanied by, or symbolic of, deeper spiritual and emotional restoration. The emphasis on the healing power of God, channeled through the Holy Spirit and the sacraments, resonates deeply with the story of the ten lepers. In this biblical narrative, the lepers experience a profound physical healing, but the story goes beyond mere physical cure. It touches on themes of faith, gratitude, and spiritual restoration, particularly highlighted in the return of the one leper who comes back to express his gratitude to Jesus. Learn to understand the multifaceted nature of healing as exemplified in the parable of the ten lepers, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering Jesus' love.

Frequently Asked Questions for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

What date is Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Wednesday November 13, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 12, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Wisdom 6:1-11: Warning to Rulers
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 82: Divine Justice
Gospel Luke 17:11-19: "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 13, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Titus 3:1-7: Guidance in Faith
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 23: Shepherd's Guidance
Gospel Luke 17:11-19: Grateful Samaritan Healed

Why is the story of the ten lepers in the gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time significant?

Luke 17:11-19 passage illustrates the power of faith and gratitude. It not only showcases Jesus' miraculous healing but also emphasizes the importance of returning to give thanks, as exemplified by the Samaritan leper. This narrative invites reflection on recognizing and appreciating God's blessings in our lives.

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, why does only one leper, a Samaritan, return to thank Jesus?

Luke 17:11-19 highlights the theme of gratitude and faith, particularly in unexpected places. The Samaritan's return to Jesus, despite cultural and religious differences, shows a deep recognition and appreciation of Jesus' healing power, emphasizing that faith and thankfulness transcend boundaries.

What lessons can we learn about faith from the Samaritan leper's actions in the gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

The Samaritan leper's return to Jesus to express gratitude highlights the depth of his faith. This action in Luke 17:11-19 teaches us the importance of acknowledging God's work in our lives and the power of a thankful heart, which is an integral part of faith.

What is the message of Jesus to the other nine lepers who did not return to thank Him in the gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

While Jesus questions the absence of the nine in Luke 17:11-19, the focus is more on the importance of gratitude and recognition of God's blessings, as demonstrated by the Samaritan. The implied message is an invitation to all to not overlook the grace and healing God provides in our lives.

Why is the Samaritan's response in the gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time to Jesus’ healing important for contemporary Christians?

The Samaritan's response in Luke 17:11-19 exemplifies profound gratitude and faith, serving as a model for how contemporary Christians might recognize and respond to God's work in their lives. It challenges believers to not take God's blessings for granted and to openly express gratitude and faith.

What is the significance of the first reading for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Wisdom 6:1-11 emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to govern justly, as their power is granted by God. It's particularly relevant in reflecting on the moral and ethical responsibilities of those in authority and serves as a reminder of the divine judgment they will face.

How can we apply the teachings of the first reading for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 in our daily lives, even if we are not kings or magistrates?

Wisdom 6:1-11 calls everyone to exercise responsibility and justice in their roles, no matter how small. In daily life, this can mean acting with integrity, showing fairness in our interactions, and remembering that our actions are accountable to God.

How does Psalm 82 complement the themes of the other readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Psalm 82's call for justice, especially in defense of the vulnerable and poor, resonates with the themes of responsible leadership and divine judgment in the first reading. It also ties in with the Gospel's emphasis on faith and gratitude, highlighting God's care for all, especially the marginalized.

In what way does the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 call us to action in our communities?

Psalm 82's emphasis on defending the vulnerable and seeking justice is a call to action for believers to engage in social justice, care for the needy, and actively work against injustice in their communities, reflecting God's concern for all, especially those marginalized.

What is the key message in the first reading for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Titus 3:1-7 teaches the importance of living a life of respect, obedience, and kindness, recognizing our own imperfections and the transformative power of God's mercy through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the need for humility and a spirit of service in our daily lives.

What lessons can be drawn from the instruction to respect authorities in the first reading for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Titus 3:1-7 encourages believers to respect and obey those in authority as a part of leading a peaceful and righteous life. It teaches that such respect is part of our Christian duty, reflecting our transformation through God's grace and our commitment to living a godly life.

How does the gospel connect with the theme of mercy in the first reading for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Both the gospel and the first reading emphasize God's mercy—through Jesus' healing of the lepers and the salvation offered in Titus. The Gospel particularly illustrates the mercy of Jesus and the transformative impact it has on those who receive it with a thankful heart.

How does the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 enhance the understanding of the gospel and first reading?

Psalm 23, with its imagery of God as a caring shepherd, complements the theme of God's mercy and guidance in the First Reading and the Gospel. It underscores the idea of divine providence, protection, and the abundance of God's blessings, linking well with the themes of salvation and gratitude.

What is the significance of the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 in the context of everyday challenges?

Psalm 23 is a powerful reminder of God's constant presence and support in our lives, even in difficult times. Its message of divine guidance and protection offers comfort and reassurance, encouraging believers to trust in God's care and provision in all circumstances.

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