Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51: Young David, trusting in the Lord, defeats the seasoned warrior Goliath with a sling and stone, proving that victory belongs to God, not to physical might or weapons.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 144: God, my rock, readies me for battle and shields me, a steadfast protector and savior. I sing His praises, grateful for His deliverance and victory over adversaries.
• Gospel – Mark 3:1-6: In a synagogue, Jesus faced scrutiny while healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. He challenged the Pharisees’ interpretation of Sabbath laws by asking whether it was better to save life or destroy it on this holy day, but they remained silent. Distressed by their lack of compassion, Jesus healed the man, provoking the Pharisees to conspire with the Herodians to eliminate Him. This incident underscored the growing conflict between Jesus’ teachings and the religious establishment’s rigid adherence to tradition.

Lectionary Reference: 313

Upcoming dates: January 21, 2026, January 19, 2028, January 23, 2030, January 21, 2032

Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?

Mark 3:4

The readings for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 bring us the story of David’s courage as he faces Goliath and Jesus’ healing act that challenges strict interpretations of the Sabbath. Both passages highlight the power of faith, courage, and compassion, calling us to reflect on God’s strength in overcoming obstacles and His desire for mercy over rigid rules.

• Courage in Faith: David’s boldness to face Goliath comes from his trust in God’s strength rather than his own. This theme reminds us that faith can inspire courage, allowing us to face challenges that might seem too big.
• Relying on God’s Strength: David does not rely on armor or weapons but on God’s power to help him. This teaches us that relying on God’s guidance is often more effective than depending on our own resources.
• Compassion Over Rules: Jesus’ decision to heal the man on the Sabbath shows that mercy is more important than strictly following rules. This act teaches us that love and compassion should guide our actions, especially when following rules might hinder kindness.
• Trusting the Unseen: David’s trust in God’s unseen strength leads him to victory. This encourages us to trust in God’s presence and power, even when we cannot see it directly.
• Standing Up for Good: Both David and Jesus stand up against opposition by choosing what is right. This theme calls us to follow their example by courageously doing what we know is good and just.
• Small Acts, Big Impact: David’s small stone and Jesus’ simple act of healing may seem insignificant but have great impact. This reminds us that even small, faith-filled actions can make a difference and bring about change.

Both readings for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire us to act with courage, compassion, and trust in God. They remind us to rely on God’s strength and choose mercy, knowing that God’s power can work through even the simplest acts of faith.

The readings for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the power of faith, mercy, and small acts done with trust in God. David’s reliance on God’s strength to face Goliath, Jesus’ decision to heal with compassion over strict rules, and the impact of simple acts done with faith all show how God works through us when we choose trust and kindness. These reflections encourage us to consider how we can bring God’s love into our daily actions and choices.

Relying on God’s Strength

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, David faces Goliath without the protection of armor or advanced weapons. David’s strength doesn’t come from physical power but from his confidence in God’s help. He recognizes that his victory depends on God’s strength, not on his own skill or equipment. David’s faith reminds us that God’s guidance is often more reliable than anything we can provide for ourselves.

This story encourages us to examine what we rely on in challenging situations. We often look for ways to protect ourselves or ensure success through our resources or strategies. However, David’s example teaches us that real strength comes from trusting God’s wisdom and care. When we allow God to guide us, we open ourselves to a strength beyond our own.

When we face obstacles, big or small, we can turn to God with confidence, knowing He is with us. This approach helps us to let go of fear and depend more fully on God’s support. Like David, we can trust that God is present and ready to help us when we lean on Him in faith.

Choosing Mercy Over Rules

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, knowing that His actions will upset the Pharisees. For them, following the Sabbath rule against work was essential. But Jesus chooses mercy over strict rule-following, showing that compassion for others matters more than simply following regulations. His actions show that the purpose of the law is to help, not to limit.

This story invites us to reflect on how we view rules in our own lives. Rules are often made to guide us, but they should never prevent us from being kind or helping others. Jesus teaches us that compassion should lead our actions. When we feel bound by customs or expectations, His example encourages us to make kindness our priority.

Following Jesus means sometimes stepping beyond the usual limits to offer help or love to someone in need. By acting with mercy first, we show that God’s love is meant to be shared openly. Jesus’ example helps us understand that rules serve us best when they lead us closer to love and kindness.

Small Actions with Great Impact

Both David’s battle and Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath involve seemingly small actions with powerful results. David defeats Goliath with a single stone, something very simple that becomes a tool for victory. Similarly, Jesus heals the man with a small action—simply stretching out His hand—yet the impact is life-changing. These readings from Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us that even small acts, when done with faith, can bring about great changes.

This theme encourages us to believe that small, positive actions matter. Sometimes, we feel that only big gestures can make a real difference. However, both David and Jesus show us that a simple act done with faith or compassion can have lasting effects. These stories teach us that God can use even the smallest things to make an impact.

In our own lives, we may have many chances to act in simple ways that bring hope or encouragement to others. A kind word, a small favor, or a prayer can change a person’s day. When we act with faith and care, God can work through these small actions to bring about growth and healing in ways we may not expect.

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As we reflect on Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see that God calls us to rely on His strength, to act with mercy, and to believe in the power of small, faith-filled actions. David and Jesus both show us how trusting in God allows us to face challenges and choose compassion over rigid expectations. May we open our hearts to God’s guidance in our daily choices, knowing that He works through even our simplest acts of kindness and faith.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in You as David did and to act with compassion as Jesus did. Teach us to see the power in small actions done with faith. May we bring kindness and courage into every choice we make, relying on Your presence in our lives. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of my life do I rely more on my own abilities than on God’s strength?
• How can I show compassion to others, even when it might go against strict rules or expectations?
• What small act of kindness or faith can I offer today, trusting that it will make a difference?
• How can I allow God to work through me, even in the smallest and simplest of my actions?

USCCB Reflection: Strength in God’s Faithfulness

The USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focuses on David’s faith in God as the source of his strength and courage in battling Goliath. Despite Saul’s hesitation, David reassures him of God’s faithfulness, drawing strength from his past experiences of divine deliverance. This reflection connects to the Eucharist, where recalling God’s faithfulness in our lives gives us strength to face current challenges. David’s trust in God and his victory over Goliath exemplify how the name of God and His word can empower us in our daily lives, providing confidence, strength, and grace.

What date is Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is .

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 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday January 21, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51: David’s Victory Over Goliath
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 144: God as Protector and Savior
Gospel – Mark 3:1-6: Sabbath Healing Confrontation

What does David’s victory over Goliath show us about faith?

David’s victory shows that faith can give us courage to face challenges that seem too big. His trust in God’s strength reminds us that we can rely on God even when we feel weak or afraid.

Why didn’t David wear armor or take a sword into battle?

David knew that his strength came from God, not from weapons or armor. By trusting in God alone, he teaches us to depend on God’s guidance more than on our own resources.

What does Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath mean?

Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath shows that compassion is greater than strict rules. He teaches us that helping others and showing mercy should always be a priority, even when it challenges the usual way of doing things.

How does the Gospel reading challenge us in our lives?

The Gospel reading challenges us to think about how we can put compassion first. It reminds us to look for ways to help others, even if it means going against what people expect or breaking from tradition.

Why did the Pharisees criticize Jesus for healing on the Sabbath?

The Pharisees believed that following rules strictly was the best way to honor God. They criticized Jesus because His actions went against their understanding of the law, but Jesus showed that love and mercy are more important than following rules alone.

What lesson can we learn from David’s approach to facing Goliath?

David’s approach teaches us to trust in God and not be overwhelmed by difficult situations. His confidence in God’s help encourages us to face our own challenges with faith and courage.

How can the readings from Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 apply to our everyday lives?

These readings remind us to trust in God’s strength, act with courage, and put compassion first. In our daily choices, they encourage us to rely on God and be willing to help others, even if it challenges our comfort or usual routines.

What is the main message of the readings for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is that God’s strength and compassion guide us to do what is right. Both David and Jesus show us that trusting in God can help us act with courage and mercy in our lives.