• 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 readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 present several interwoven themes:

• Divine Call and Obedience: The first reading from 1 Samuel highlights the theme of divine calling and the importance of obedience. Young Samuel's experience of being called by God, initially mistaking it for Eli's voice, underscores the need for discernment in recognizing God's call. This theme is further echoed in Psalm 40, which emphasizes obedience to God's will over mere offerings.
• Patient Trust and Willingness to Serve: The Responsorial Psalm expresses a theme of patient trust in the Lord. The psalmist waits for God, and upon being heard, commits to doing God's will joyfully. This is mirrored in the Gospel, where Simon's mother-in-law, upon being healed by Jesus, immediately begins to serve them, demonstrating her gratitude and willingness to serve.
• Jesus' Healing Ministry and Purpose: In the Gospel reading from Mark, the focus is on Jesus' healing ministry. His actions in Capernaum, healing the sick and casting out demons, highlight His compassion and power. Additionally, Jesus' seeking solitude for prayer and His determination to preach in other villages emphasize His clear sense of mission and purpose.
• Role of Prayer in Ministry: Jesus' early morning prayer in a solitary place presents prayer as an essential aspect of His life and ministry. It shows the importance of connecting with God amidst the demands of ministry and the busyness of life.
• Announcing the Kingdom of God: Both in His healing actions and His preaching in synagogues, Jesus is actively announcing the Kingdom of God. His expelling of demons and healing of the sick are tangible signs of the Kingdom's presence and power.

In the context of Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, these themes invite reflection on our own response to God's call, the importance of service and obedience in our Christian life, the role of prayer, and our participation in the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God in our daily lives.

The readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us into a deep reflection on our response to God's call, highlighted through the lens of service, prayer, and mission.

The Gospel of Mark presents us with a day in the life of Jesus, filled with service and purpose. In Capernaum, Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law. This miracle, simple yet profound, brings to light the transformative power of Christ's touch. The healing leads to an immediate response: she begins to serve them. Here, we see a beautiful cycle of receiving and giving, a theme that resonates with the Responsorial Psalm's emphasis on doing God's will joyfully and openly declaring His justice.

As night falls, the entire town gathers at the door, bringing their sick and demon-possessed. Jesus, the healer and comforter, attends to each one. In these actions, we see the embodiment of God's mercy and compassion, echoing the call of Samuel in the first reading. Just as Samuel was called to be a prophet in a time of rare divine messages, Jesus brings the message of God's love and healing to a people in dire need.

But amidst this flurry of activity, Mark offers a crucial insight into the source of Jesus' ministry. Early in the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus seeks solitude and prays. This act of prayer is not merely a personal practice but the wellspring of His ministry. It reflects a deep communion with the Father, from which He draws strength and direction. It is a model for us, reminding us of the need for prayerful discernment in our lives, akin to Eli's guidance to Samuel to recognize and respond to God's call.

After this moment of communion with the Father, Jesus makes a striking declaration to His disciples: "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose, I have come." Here, Jesus articulates His mission - to preach and manifest the Kingdom of God. His ministry is not confined to one place or one group of people; it is a mission that is expansive and inclusive.

This passage challenges us to reflect on our response to God's call in our lives. Like Simon's mother-in-law, are we quick to serve others in gratitude for the blessings we have received? Do we recognize the importance of prayer in discerning our path, as Jesus did? And finally, are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to share the Good News, as Jesus moved from town to town preaching and healing?

In our daily routines, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture of God's plan. But the readings for this Wednesday remind us that each of us has a role to play in God's story. Like Samuel, we are called to listen and respond; like the Psalmist, to do God's will joyfully; and like Jesus, to serve, pray, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. Let us embrace these themes in our lives, allowing them to guide our actions and decisions, as we journey through Ordinary Time.

Prayer

Jesus, please forgive me for the times when I put other things ahead of spending time with you. I need you every day. Amen.

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?

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

What is the main theme of the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Gospel focuses on Jesus' healing ministry and His dedication to prayer and preaching.

How does the first reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to discerning God's call?

The reading from 1 Samuel 3 describes how young Samuel learns to recognize and respond to God's call.

What lesson can we learn from Psalm 40 in the context of Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Psalm 40 emphasizes the importance of patience, obedience, and joy in doing God's will.

How does the story of Samuel in the first reading apply to our lives today, especially on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

It teaches the importance of listening for and responding to God's call in our daily lives.

What significance does Jesus’ early morning prayer in Mark 1:29-39 have for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

It highlights the essential role of prayer in sustaining our spiritual life and ministry.

How does the healing of Simon's mother-in-law in the Gospel relate to the theme of service on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Her immediate service after being healed exemplifies our call to serve others in response to Christ's work in our lives.

What is the key message from the Gospel of Mark for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The key message is about Jesus’ compassionate healing, the importance of prayer, and His commitment to preaching the Kingdom of God.

What connection is there between the readings of 1 Samuel 3 and Mark 1 for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Both readings emphasize listening to God's call and responding with action – Samuel as a prophet and Jesus in His ministry.

How should we interpret Jesus’ actions in the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 in our modern context?

Jesus’ actions inspire us to show compassion, seek personal prayer time, and actively participate in spreading God’s word today.

What does the first reading on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about mentorship and spiritual guidance?

Eli's role in helping Samuel recognize God's voice highlights the importance of mentors in our spiritual journey.

Why is Jesus' practice of prayer in Mark 1:29-39 significant for our reflection on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

It emphasizes the need for solitude and prayer in our lives for spiritual strength and clarity.

What can we learn from Psalm 40 about responding to God's call, especially on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

It teaches us to wait patiently for the Lord and to joyfully follow His commands, reflecting a heart obedient to God.

In what ways do the readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us in our daily Christian living?

They encourage us to listen for God’s guidance, engage in prayerful reflection, and serve others as part of our Christian mission.

How does the theme of mission in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire us in our faith journey?

Jesus’ mission to preach and heal encourages us to share the Good News and offer compassionate service in our communities.