Wednesday of the 33rd 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) - 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31: A mother and her seven sons endure torture and martyrdom rather than violate God's law by eating pork. Their unwavering faith confronts tyranny with hope in God's mercy.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 4:1-11: In a vision, John sees heaven's throne with God, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four creatures, all worshiping Him ceaselessly, acknowledging His eternal glory and creation.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 17: I plead for God's attention to my just cause, confident in my steadfastness on His path and assured of His response, seeking His protection and presence.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 150: Praise the Lord in every place for His mighty acts and majestic sovereignty, with music and dance, with every instrument and breath, exalting His holy name.
• Gospel - Luke 19:11-28: In a parable, Jesus described a nobleman who, before seeking kingship, entrusted his servants with gold coins to trade. Upon his return, he rewarded those who increased their coins but condemned the servant who hid his, taking his coin and giving it to the most successful servant. The nobleman ordered the execution of those who rejected his reign, illustrating consequences of action and inaction in stewardship.

A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.'

Luke 19:12-13

• Responsible Stewardship: The parable emphasizes the importance of using the resources and opportunities God gives us responsibly. It suggests that God entrusts us with certain gifts and expects us to use them wisely and productively.
• Accountability to God: The return of the nobleman and his evaluation of the servants' actions symbolize the eventual accountability of all people to God. This theme highlights that everyone will have to give an account of how they used what God gave them.
• Reward for Faithfulness: The servants who use their coins (minas) wisely are rewarded, illustrating the principle that faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities. This reflects the Christian belief in rewards for faithful service to God.
• Consequences of Inaction: The servant who does nothing with his coin (mina) faces negative consequences, underscoring the spiritual peril of inaction or negligence in one's spiritual life. It serves as a warning against complacency.

In the gospel reading for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 19:11-28, Jesus shares the parable of the ten gold coins. This parable serves as a profound metaphor for the stewardship of the gifts God bestows upon us. The central message is clear: those who diligently use and multiply the gifts they receive are rewarded, whereas those who fail to utilize them face loss. This parable is not merely a lesson in financial wisdom but a deeper call to spiritual responsibility.

Reflecting on this passage, we are invited to introspect on how we manage the gifts and talents entrusted to us by God. Often, it's tempting to hold tightly to what we have, out of fear or complacency, treating these gifts as personal possessions rather than tools for service. However, Jesus' parable challenges this mindset. It prompts us to ask ourselves if we are merely preserving what we have or actively using it to contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom. This is a critical distinction in our spiritual journey. The gifts we have, whether they be talents, time, or treasure, are not ours to own but to steward for a greater purpose.

Moreover, this gospel passage underscores a fundamental truth of the Kingdom of God: what we do with what we have matters immensely. The servants who multiplied their coins did so by engaging with the world around them, taking risks, and putting their resources to work. In contrast, the servant who hid his coin did so out of fear, misunderstanding the nature of his master. This invites us to reflect on our perception of God. Do we view Him as a harsh judge, which might lead us to hide in fear? Or do we see Him as a generous giver, who entrusts us with gifts meant to be shared and multiplied?

In conclusion, this parable for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time is a powerful reminder that the gifts we receive are not meant to be hoarded but used in service to others and to God. This use is a testament to our understanding of God's nature and our role in His plan. As we journey through Ordinary Time, this passage calls us to a renewed commitment to use our gifts actively and creatively in building the Kingdom of God. It's a call to move beyond mere preservation and into fruitful multiplication, aligning our actions with the generous and trusting nature of our Creator.

Prayer for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Holy Spirit, grant me the courage to use my gifts wisely. Help me remember that they are not just for me. Amen.

Word on Fire: Divine Investment

In his reflection for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron interprets the parable of the ten gold coins as a lesson in Christian living, using the principles of business investment, risk, and return. He explains that God's existence is in the form of a gift, and to embrace His life, one must learn to give it away. The coins represent all that we receive from God, such as life and abilities, which are intended to be shared as gifts. The servants in the parable succeed by risking their gifts, thereby doubling them, illustrating that making the divine life a gift leads to its increase. Conversely, hoarding these gifts leads to loss.

USCCB Reflection: Embracing Eternity in God's Presence

This is a reflection for Cycle 2.

As the liturgical year nears its end, the USCCB reflection for Wednesday of the 33rd week in Ordinary Time focuses on the theme of the end times and our ultimate destiny. Drawing from the Book of Revelation, it reflects on John's vision of heaven, emphasizing our life's goal to be in God's loving presence eternally. This heavenly vision is paralleled with our purpose to live in praise, adoration, and worship of God, both now and in the afterlife. It highlights God's desire for our friendship, shown through Jesus' sacrifice, which leads us to true happiness, peace, and the fulfillment of our creation: to joyfully praise and love God.

What date is Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Wednesday November 20, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 19, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31: Courageous Faith and Martyrdom
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 17: Prayer for Divine Justice
Gospel - Luke 19:11-28: Parable of the Ten Gold Coins

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 20, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 4:1-11: Heavenly Vision of John
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 150: Universal Call to Praise
Gospel - Luke 19:11-28: Parable of the Ten Gold Coins

What is the Gospel for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time about?

Luke 19:11-28 features the parable of the nobleman and his servants. In the parable, the nobleman entrusts his servants with gold coins to trade while he is away. Upon his return, he rewards those who have increased their coins but condemns the servant who hid his coin, taking it away and giving it to the most successful servant. The parable illustrates the consequences of action and inaction in stewardship.

What is the message behind the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

Luke 19:11-28 reminds us of our responsibility to use the gifts and talents that God has given us for the benefit of others and the growth of His kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us and warns against complacency and inaction. The parable challenges us to reflect on how we are using our time, talents, and resources and encourages us to be proactive in our service to God and others.

What is the significance of the readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The readings offer lessons on faith, martyrdom, and stewardship. They invite us to reflect on the unwavering faith of the mother and her seven sons in the face of persecution, the plea for God's attention and protection in the psalm, and the parable of the nobleman and his servants, which teaches us about the consequences of action and inaction in our stewardship.

What is the message behind the first readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31 reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to God's commandments, even in the face of adversity. It teaches us that true strength lies in our unwavering trust in God and our willingness to endure hardships for the sake of our faith. The story of the mother and her sons serves as a powerful example of courage and conviction.

What is the main theme of the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main theme of Psalm 17 is the psalmist's trust in God's justice and protection. They confidently plead for God's attention to their just cause, knowing that God will respond and provide them with the strength and support they need. It is a beautiful expression of faith and reliance on God's providence.

How does the Gospel reading relate to the other readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Luke 19:11-28 complements the other readings by highlighting the theme of stewardship and the consequences of our actions. It echoes the unwavering faith and courage of the mother and her sons in the First Reading and emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection, as expressed in the Responsorial Psalm. Together, these readings provide a comprehensive message about faith, trust, and responsible stewardship.

What can we learn from the readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

From these readings, we can learn the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even in the face of challenges and persecution. We are reminded of the need to trust in God's providence and seek His guidance and protection. The readings also call us to reflect on how we are using our talents and resources, urging us to be proactive and responsible stewards. Ultimately, these readings invite us to deepen our relationship with God and live out our faith in practical ways.

How can we apply the teachings from these readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 in our daily lives?

We can apply the teachings from these readings by cultivating a strong and unwavering faith, trusting in God's mercy and providence. We can seek God's guidance and protection through prayer and strive to be good stewards of the gifts and resources entrusted to us. This may involve using our talents to serve others, being proactive in our responsibilities, and making wise choices that align with God's will. By living out these teachings, we can grow in our relationship with God and make a positive impact in the world around us.

What are the themes of the readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The readings offer insights into the heavenly worship, the praise of God, and the consequences of our actions in stewardship. They invite us to reflect on the eternal glory of God and His creation, the importance of praising Him in every place, and the parable of the nobleman and his servants, which teaches us about the rewards and consequences of our actions.

What is the message behind the first reading for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Revelation 4:1-11 reminds us of the eternal glory and sovereignty of God. It shows us that heaven is a place of ceaseless worship, where all creatures acknowledge and praise God for His mighty acts and creation. This reading calls us to join in this heavenly worship and recognize God's eternal reign over all things.

What is the main theme of the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main theme of Psalm 150 is the praise and exaltation of God. It emphasizes the importance of praising God in every place and with every instrument. The psalmist invites us to use music, dance, and our every breath to acknowledge and glorify God's mighty acts and majestic sovereignty.

How does the Gospel for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to the other readings of the day?

Luke 19:11-28 complements the other readings by highlighting the theme of stewardship and the consequences of our actions. It echoes the heavenly worship and acknowledgment of God's eternal glory in the First Reading. It also aligns with the theme of praise and exaltation of God in the Responsorial Psalm. Together, these readings provide a comprehensive message about the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty, praising Him, and being responsible stewards of His gifts.

What can we learn from the readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

From these readings, we can learn the importance of acknowledging and praising God's eternal glory and sovereignty. We are reminded of the heavenly worship that surrounds God's throne and are invited to join in this worship. The readings also call us to reflect on our stewardship and the consequences of our actions. They challenge us to be proactive and diligent in using the gifts and resources that God has entrusted to us.

How can we apply the teachings from these readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 in our daily lives?

We can apply the teachings from these readings by recognizing and praising God's eternal glory and sovereignty in our daily lives. We can join in the heavenly worship by offering our prayers, songs, and actions as acts of praise and exaltation. Additionally, we can be responsible stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given us. This may involve using our talents to serve others, being diligent in our responsibilities, and making wise choices that align with God's will. By living out these teachings, we can deepen our relationship with God and contribute to the growth of His kingdom.