Wednesday of the 34th 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) - Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28: King Belshazzar, using sacred vessels for a feast, sees a mysterious hand writing on the wall. Daniel interprets it as God's judgment: the end of Belshazzar's kingdom and its division.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 15:1-4: John witnesses seven angels with final plagues and victorious souls singing praises to God, celebrating His mighty works and just ways, acknowledging His holiness and universal worship.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: All elements of creation - sun, moon, stars, weather, fire, and cold - are called to bless, praise, and exalt the Lord eternally, above all else.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 98: A new song praises the Lord for His marvelous deeds and victorious salvation, shown to all nations. Creation rejoices as He comes to rule with justice and fairness.
• Gospel - Luke 21:12-19: Jesus forewarned the crowd of coming persecutions for His name's sake, including arrests and trials before rulers. He assured them of divine wisdom in their defense, rendering adversaries powerless. Despite betrayals and hatred, even unto death, Jesus promised protection and proclaimed that through perseverance, they would secure their lives.

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

Luke 21:14-15

• Persecution of Believers: Jesus forewarns that His followers will face persecution because of their faith in Him. This theme reflects the Christian understanding that following Jesus may lead to opposition and suffering in a world often hostile to the Gospel.
• Opportunity for Testimony: Jesus sees these persecutions as opportunities for testimony. This perspective shifts the focus from the suffering itself to the chance to witness for Christ and spread the Gospel in challenging circumstances.
• Divine Assistance in Defense: Jesus promises divine assistance, assuring that He will give wisdom and words to His followers when they face trials. This theme encourages reliance on God for strength and guidance rather than solely on one's abilities.
• Faithfulness Until the End: The call to endure and stand firm underlines the importance of perseverance in faith. This theme emphasizes that steadfastness, even under persecution, is integral to the Christian journey.

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 21:12-19, we are confronted with a sobering yet empowering message from Jesus. He warns his followers about the inevitable persecutions they will face, a reality that many Christians throughout history and in contemporary times can resonate with. This warning is not just a foretelling of hardship, but also a promise of divine assistance. Jesus assures us that, in the midst of these trials, we will be given an opportunity to testify to our faith, and with it, the wisdom to speak eloquently and effectively. This wisdom is not of our own making, but a divine gift that comes directly from our relationship with God.

The anxiety of having to defend our faith or speak about deeply personal spiritual experiences is common among believers. Often, we find ourselves rehearsing conversations in our minds, trying to anticipate every possible question or objection, and crafting perfect responses. However, this approach can sometimes lead us to rely more on our own abilities than on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' promise of wisdom in speaking is a call to trust in God's providence rather than our own preparedness. It invites us to a deeper faith, where we allow ourselves to be instruments of the Holy Spirit, speaking through us in moments of need.

To truly embrace this promise, we must cultivate a habit of listening - both to the people we are engaging with and to the Holy Spirit guiding us. This means approaching conversations with an open heart, free from preconceived notions or rehearsed speeches. It's about being present in the moment, attentive to the nuances of the conversation, and sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit. This kind of active listening allows for genuine dialogue, where our words are not just our own, but are imbued with the wisdom and love that comes from God.

In conclusion, today's Gospel challenges us to rethink how we approach moments of testimony and witness. It is a reminder that our strength and wisdom in such moments do not originate from within ourselves, but are gifts granted by God. As we navigate the complexities of defending and explaining our faith, let us remember to lean not on our own understanding, but to trust in the Holy Spirit to provide us with the words and wisdom needed. In doing so, we open ourselves to being authentic vessels of God's truth and love, capable of touching hearts and minds in ways we could never have imagined on our own.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, be with me in my conversations today. Let the words come from you rather than me. Then the other person can know your love. Amen.

Word on Fire: Perseverance Through Faith

Bishop Robert Barron, in his reflection for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, emphasizes that persecution is an inherent part of Christian life until the Lord's return. He dispels the misconception that faith leads to a trouble-free life, highlighting that even saints faced challenges. The Bible and Church tradition never promise an easy journey for believers. However, the Lord equips the faithful with wisdom and courage to withstand adversity. This strength, drawn from faith, enables believers to remain steadfast amidst trials, echoing the sentiment of unwavering peace and joy in God's love, as expressed in an Eva Cassidy song.

USCCB Reflection: Praise and Thanksgiving

This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, during the final week of the Church's liturgical year, focuses on the theme of praise and thanksgiving. Drawing from the responsorial Psalm, the reflection encourages believers to adopt a prayerful attitude of gratitude and praise towards God. It emphasizes that praising God, recognizing His sovereignty, encompasses all forms of prayer and draws us closer to Him. As the year closes, believers are invited to reflect on God's eternal love, acknowledging His presence in all aspects of life. This act of praise transforms life's joys, sufferings, and experiences through God's loving power.

What date is Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Wednesday November 27, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 26, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28: Belshazzar's Downfall Foretold
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: Creation Praises the Lord
Gospel - Luke 21:12-19: Assurance in Persecution

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 27, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 15:1-4: Victory and Worship in Heaven
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 98: Song of God's Victory
Gospel - Luke 21:12-19: Assurance in Persecution

What does Jesus mean by promising divine wisdom in defense during persecutions in the gospel for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 21:12-19, Jesus promises that during persecutions, His followers will be given divine wisdom to speak in their defense. This wisdom will be so profound that adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist it, signifying the presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit.

What lessons can we learn about faithfulness from Jesus' assurance of protection despite betrayals and hatred in the gospel for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

Jesus' assurance teaches that true protection lies in spiritual integrity and perseverance in faith, not in avoiding physical harm. His words in Luke 21:12-19 encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of betrayal and hatred, promising eternal life and salvation.

What is the significance of King Belshazzar using sacred vessels for a feast in the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Belshazzar's use of sacred vessels from the Jerusalem Temple was an act of sacrilege, showing disrespect to God. This action in Daniel 5 symbolizes the king's arrogance and irreverence towards the divine, which precipitates the judgment revealed in the mysterious writing on the wall.

How does Daniel's interpretation of the writing on the wall in the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reflect God's judgment?

Daniel interprets the writing as a divine judgment against Belshazzar for his arrogance and idolatry. The message foretells the end of Belshazzar's kingdom and its division, signifying God's ultimate authority over earthly powers and His ability to bring them to an end.

What is the purpose of the Responsorial Psalm for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Daniel 3 emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all creation. By calling all elements of creation to praise God, it contrasts with Belshazzar’s disrespect and highlights that all creation, including human authorities, should glorify God.

What does the Responsorial Psalm for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about the relationship between creation and the Creator?

Daniel 3 teaches that all creation is intrinsically connected to and dependent on the Creator. It suggests a harmonious relationship where every part of creation has a role in praising and glorifying God, reflecting His majesty and power.

How do Jesus' forewarnings of persecutions relate to the theme of divine judgment in the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus' forewarnings of persecutions echo the theme of divine judgment by illustrating the trials and challenges that believers will face. Both readings convey the idea that faithfulness to God may lead to earthly trials, but divine justice and vindication will ultimately prevail.

How can these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 guide us in facing moral and ethical challenges in our lives?

These readings provide guidance on maintaining integrity and faithfulness to God's teachings, even when faced with moral and ethical challenges. They remind us that God's judgment and justice are supreme, and our ultimate accountability is to Him.

What are some reflection points or homily ideas based on these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

A homily or refection could focus on themes of divine judgment, the transient nature of earthly power, and the enduring strength of faith in times of trial. It could also emphasize the importance of respecting the sacred and living a life that honors God.

How do these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 inspire us to persevere in our faith journey?

These readings inspire perseverance by illustrating that trials and challenges are part of the faith journey. They encourage believers to trust in God’s wisdom and protection, and to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, even when faced with adversity or opposition.

What is the significance of the seven angels with the final plagues in the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

In Revelation 15:1-4, the seven angels with the final plagues represent the completion of God's judgment upon the earth. These plagues symbolize the final acts of divine retribution against evil, leading to the culmination of God's plan for redemption and justice.

How do the victorious souls singing praises in the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to the concept of divine justice?

The victorious souls celebrate God's mighty works and just ways, acknowledging His holiness. Their praises in Revelation 15:1-4 reflect the fulfillment of divine justice, where those who have remained faithful are vindicated and evil is ultimately defeated.

What is the purpose of the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Psalm 98 complements the themes of Revelation by celebrating God's marvelous deeds and victorious salvation. It proclaims God's justice and fairness, aligning with the idea of God as the righteous judge who triumphs over evil.

How does the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to the themes of justice and victory?

The portrayal of creation rejoicing in Psalm 98 reflects the universal impact of God's victory and justice. It suggests that God's righteous rule brings harmony and joy to all creation, not just humanity.

How do Jesus' forewarnings of persecutions relate to the theme of divine judgment in the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus' forewarnings of persecutions parallel the theme of divine judgment in Revelation. Both passages acknowledge the presence of suffering and evil, yet they emphasize the ultimate triumph of God's justice and the vindication of those who remain faithful.

How can these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us in facing challenges to our faith?

These readings offer guidance and encouragement to remain steadfast in faith when facing challenges. They remind us that trials and persecutions are part of the Christian journey, and that God’s justice and faithfulness will prevail.

What themes can be explored in a homily or reflection based on these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

A homily could explore themes of divine justice, the final victory over evil, the importance of faithfulness in times of trial, and the hope and encouragement found in God’s promise of protection and vindication.

How do these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire us to persevere in our faith journey?

These readings inspire perseverance by showing that God's justice will ultimately triumph over evil. They encourage believers to remain faithful and steadfast, assuring them of God's presence and support, and the promise of eternal salvation for those who endure.