Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20: In a time of rare divine messages, the Lord called young Samuel, initially mistaken for Eli. Upon realization, Eli guided Samuel to respond to God, marking Samuel as a trustworthy prophet.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: Patiently awaiting the Lord, He heard my cry. He desires obedience over offerings. Joyfully doing His will, I openly declare His justice, keeping His law in my heart.
• Gospel – Mark 1:29-39: In Capernaum, Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever at her home, leading her to serve them. As night fell, the town brought their sick and demon-possessed to Him. He healed many and cast out demons, aware of His identity. Seeking solitude, Jesus prayed early in the morning. When found by His disciples, He expressed His mission to preach in nearby villages, emphasizing His purpose. He continued throughout Galilee, preaching in synagogues and expelling demons.

The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Mark 1:33-34

On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings highlight themes of listening to God and responding to His call. The story of Samuel’s call and Jesus’ ministry invite reflection on how God reaches out to each person and asks for a faithful response.

• Listening to God’s Call: Samuel’s experience reminds us that God often speaks quietly, and we must be attentive to hear Him. Being open to His voice is the first step in deepening our relationship with Him.
• Recognizing God’s Voice: Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice at first. This theme shows that learning to recognize God’s presence can take time and often requires guidance, as shown in Samuel’s interactions with Eli.
• Obedience in Faith: When Samuel finally understood, he responded with obedience. This shows that faith involves trust and a willingness to act, even when we do not understand everything.
• Healing and Service: Jesus healed many people, showing the importance of service in His mission. Serving others in love is a way to bring hope and healing, following Jesus’ example.
• Prayer as a Foundation: Jesus often took time to pray in solitude. This theme highlights that prayer strengthens us, guiding our actions and keeping us close to God.
• Commitment to God’s Mission: Jesus did not stay in one place but moved to spread the Good News. This theme teaches that following God may mean moving beyond our comfort zones to share His message.

These themes encourage a life of openness, prayer, and service. On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we are invited to listen for God’s call and respond faithfully, just as Samuel and Jesus did.

On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings invite us to listen for God’s call, to pray as Jesus did, and to respond with faith. Through the story of Samuel and the actions of Jesus, we see how important it is to seek God’s guidance and to be open to His mission. These reflections explore how we can hear, pray, and respond in our own lives, drawing closer to God each day.

Learning to Hear God’s Voice

On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we hear about Samuel’s early experiences with God. Samuel was young and hadn’t learned yet to recognize God’s voice. When he first heard God calling, he thought it was Eli and went to him for guidance. Eli helped Samuel realize that it was God speaking, and this led Samuel to respond with openness and readiness. This story reminds us that understanding God’s call can take time and sometimes the support of others.

Often, we expect God’s call to be obvious, but Samuel’s experience shows us that recognizing God’s voice is something we grow into. We may not understand right away when or how God is speaking. It takes practice and patience, just like learning any new skill. As Samuel learned from Eli, we can also benefit from others in our lives who can help guide us in our faith journey.

This theme of learning to hear God’s voice reminds us to stay open to His presence in our lives, especially in times of quiet. We don’t have to understand everything right away; God is patient with us. As we continue listening and seeking His guidance, we become more familiar with the ways He may be calling us. On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we are encouraged to trust in this process of growth and to keep listening for God in the quiet moments of our lives.

Making Time for Prayer

The Gospel reading on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, shows us that Jesus took time to pray, even though He was busy healing and teaching. He served many people and then found a quiet place to pray, connecting with God for strength and direction. Jesus’ choice to pray reminds us that prayer is essential, even when we feel we have too much to do. Prayer helps us stay connected to God and find the guidance we need.

It’s easy to let prayer slip when life feels hectic or overwhelming. We may think we don’t have enough time to pray, but Jesus’ example shows that prayer is what gives us strength for the work we are called to do. When we pray, we can lay our concerns before God, receive His peace, and let Him refresh our spirit. Prayer is not just another task; it’s the foundation that helps us do everything else with love and purpose.

On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we are invited to see prayer as a part of our daily lives. Even a few minutes spent in quiet prayer can help us refocus and feel God’s presence. Jesus prayed to stay close to God, and we, too, are called to find time for prayer, even if it means pausing in the middle of a busy day.

Responding to God’s Call with Faithful Action

Both the story of Samuel and the Gospel on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, emphasize the importance of responding to God’s call. Samuel, after realizing it was God who was speaking, answered with a willingness to serve. Jesus, after praying and finding direction from God, moved to other towns to continue His mission. Both examples show that listening to God leads to action; when we hear His call, we are invited to respond with faith and purpose.

Samuel’s response to God was simple but significant. He didn’t know exactly what God would ask of him, but he trusted enough to say, “Here I am.” This reminds us that we don’t need all the answers to follow God’s call; we just need a heart willing to say yes. When we respond to God’s call, even in small ways, we open ourselves to grow in faith and become more like Him.

Jesus also teaches us that responding to God’s call may take us beyond our comfort zones. He could have stayed in one town, but He knew God’s mission was larger, so He traveled to reach more people. Sometimes, God’s call invites us to step out in faith, perhaps to help someone in need or to serve in a new way. On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we are reminded to listen, trust, and take steps of faith, knowing that God will guide us as we go.

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Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourages us to deepen our relationship with God by listening, praying, and acting in faith. Samuel’s response and Jesus’ mission show us that God calls each of us in unique ways. As we reflect, may we be inspired to listen more closely and to live out our faith with trust and openness.

Prayer

Lord, help us to hear Your voice and recognize Your guidance in our lives. Give us the strength to follow Your call with faith. May we find time for prayer and stay open to serving others, as Jesus showed us. Guide us in all that we do. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you take time to listen for God’s voice in your life?
• When life gets busy, how can you make more room for prayer?
• What are some ways you feel God may be calling you to serve others?
• How can Samuel’s and Jesus’ examples help you trust God’s guidance more fully?

USCCB Reflection: Speak Lord

This USCCB reflection for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 emphasizes that prayer is fundamentally a conversation with God, involving both speaking and listening. While we speak to God through psalms, Mass responses, memorized prayers, and spontaneous words, listening to God is even more crucial. By cultivating a heart of listening in prayer, we become more attuned to hearing God’s call. The reflection uses the story of Samuel, who learns to recognize and respond to God’s voice with Eli’s guidance. Similarly, the Church offers teachings to help us discern God’s loving and merciful call. The reflection concludes by encouraging us to develop a listening heart, echoing Samuel’s response to God.

What date is Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday January 14, 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 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday January 14, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20: Samuel’s Call by the Lord
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: Obedience and Joy in the Lord
Gospel – Mark 1:29-39: Ministry in Galilee

Why didn’t Samuel recognize God’s voice at first in the first reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Samuel was young and didn’t yet know God’s voice. This shows that it can take time and guidance to learn to hear and recognize when God is speaking to us.

How can we learn to listen for God like Samuel did?

Like Samuel, we need to be open and patient to hear God’s call. Spending time in prayer, quiet reflection, and being willing to follow God’s guidance helps us grow in listening.

What does Samuel’s response teach us?

Samuel’s response teaches us to be ready and willing to serve when we sense God calling. It reminds us to have an open heart and to say yes to what God may ask.

Why does Samuel’s story in the first reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focus so much on obedience?

Samuel’s story highlights that faith requires listening and doing what God asks, even when it isn’t easy. Obedience helps us trust God’s plan and become who He wants us to be.

Why did Jesus spend time in prayer even though He was busy?

Jesus prayed to stay close to God and to find strength and direction. His example shows us that we need to make time for prayer, even when life is busy, so we can receive guidance and strength.

What is the importance of healing in Jesus’ ministry?

Healing was a way Jesus showed compassion and brought hope to people in need. This reminds us to care for others and help them in their struggles.

Why did Jesus move from place to place instead of staying in one town in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus wanted to spread God’s message to as many people as possible. This shows that sometimes following God means going beyond our comfort zone to reach others.

How can we follow Jesus’ example of service?

We can follow Jesus’ example by helping those around us who are in need, whether it’s through small acts of kindness or offering support. Serving others is a way to share God’s love.

What can we learn from both Samuel and Jesus?

Samuel and Jesus both show the importance of listening to God and being ready to act. This teaches us to seek God’s guidance in prayer and to respond with faith and service.

How can we apply these readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our daily lives?

These readings encourage us to listen for God’s guidance, to spend time in prayer, and to serve others with love. By following these practices, we can grow closer to God and help bring His message to those around us.