Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

• First Reading - 1 Kings 10:1-10: The Queen of Sheba, intrigued by Solomon's fame, visited him with lavish gifts to test his wisdom. Astounded by his knowledge, palace, and court's grandeur, she acknowledged his wisdom surpassed what she'd heard. She praised Solomon's God for appointing him and generously gifted him, marking a significant exchange of respect and wealth.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 37: Trust in the Lord and He will illuminate your righteousness. The just speak wisdom, guided by God's law, steadfast in their ways, with the Lord as their refuge and deliverer.
• Gospel - Mark 7:14-23: Jesus emphasized that true impurity isn't dictated by dietary intake but by one's words and actions, stemming from the heart. He clarified that all foods are clean, redirecting the focus to internal morality, highlighting that evils such as greed, deceit, and malice are the true sources of defilement.

The Mass readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 present several interconnected themes:

• Wisdom and Discernment: The first reading highlights Solomon's renowned wisdom, which draws the Queen of Sheba to visit him. This theme is about the divine gift of wisdom and the ability to discern truth, justice, and right conduct, a gift that Solomon is noted for and which the Queen of Sheba comes to test and ultimately admire.
• Divine Providence and Blessing: Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom are depicted as blessings from God. The Queen of Sheba acknowledges this divine favor in Solomon's life, suggesting a theme of recognizing and giving thanks for the ways in which God's providence manifests in the world and in individual lives.
• The Heart as the Source of Action: In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that true purity or impurity comes not from external observances, such as dietary laws, but from the heart. This theme focuses on the interior life and the importance of nurturing a heart that produces good rather than evil actions.
• Moral Integrity and Authenticity: Jesus' teaching about the source of defilement challenges the Pharisaic focus on external purity and ritual observance, advocating instead for a morality that is rooted in the heart's intentions and manifested through one's actions. This theme emphasizes the call to an authentic life of virtue that transcends mere outward appearances.
• The Universality of God's Call: By declaring all foods clean, Jesus points to the breaking down of barriers that separated Jews from Gentiles, prefiguring the universal call to salvation. This theme resonates with the inclusivity of God's love and the extension of His covenant to all peoples, as illustrated by the encounter between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, a foreign dignitary.

In the readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we encounter two profound narratives that, though separated by centuries and context, converge on the timeless truth about the essence of true wisdom and purity.

The first reading from 1 Kings presents us with the enigmatic figure of the Queen of Sheba, who, driven by tales of King Solomon's legendary wisdom, embarks on a journey to Jerusalem. Laden with gifts, her mission is to test Solomon, to see if his reputed sagacity holds true. Solomon, blessed by God with wisdom that exceeds mere human intellect, not only answers her questions but also reveals the depth of understanding and discernment granted to him by the Divine.

The Queen's reaction is one of awe, not just for Solomon's wisdom but for the God who endowed him with such a gift. This encounter underscores a pivotal biblical theme: true wisdom transcends human knowledge and is a divine endowment meant to guide us in justice, governance, and living in harmony with God's will.

Transitioning to the Gospel of Mark, we witness Jesus challenging prevailing notions of purity. In a discourse that upends traditional Jewish dietary laws, Jesus asserts that it is not what enters the body that defiles a person but what emanates from the heart. This radical reorientation from external observance to internal integrity calls us to a deeper self-examination. It's a summons to scrutinize our hearts, the wellspring of our thoughts, words, and deeds.

The juxtaposition of these passages invites us to reflect on the nature of wisdom and purity in our spiritual journey. Solomon's wisdom, a divine gift, was not for personal aggrandizement but for leading his people with justice and righteousness. Similarly, Jesus teaches that true purity is a matter of the heart, where our intentions and desires align with God's will.

In our contemporary quest for wisdom and purity, these readings beckon us to seek beyond the temporal and transient. They challenge us to pray for wisdom that discerns God's will and to cultivate a heart that mirrors the purity of Christ's love. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember that the path to true wisdom and purity is illuminated by the light of God's word, guiding us to live in a way that honors Him and brings forth the kingdom of Heaven here on earth.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please help me to reflect on what is not pure in my life, and to focus more on changing my heart than on simply following laws. Guide me to live a life that is pleasing to you. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Heart of Conversion

This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 emphasizes the importance of private conversations between Jesus and his disciples for understanding his teachings. It focuses on the human heart as the source of evil actions and thoughts, as highlighted in the Gospel. Despite the heart's capacity for sin, the video underscores the possibility of conversion and renewal through God's grace, leading to a new heart and daily transformation. The power of God's love and grace offers a path to overcome inner evils and embark on continual repentance and renewal.

What date is Wednesday of the 5th 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 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday February 11, 2026 are:
First Reading  - 1 Kings 10:1-10: Wisdom Impresses Sheba's Queen
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 37: Wisdom of the Righteous
Gospel - Mark 7:14-23: Heart's Influence on Purity

What themes are explored in the readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The readings delve into themes of wisdom, divine blessings, true purity, and the importance of inner morality over external observances.

How does the First Reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 depict Solomon's wisdom?

Solomon's wisdom, as depicted in 1 Kings 10:1-10, is shown through his ability to impress the Queen of Sheba with his insightful answers and the grandeur of his court, reflecting a divine gift of wisdom.

What is the significance of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon in the context of Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Queen of Sheba's visit signifies the recognition of God's wisdom bestowed upon Solomon, highlighting themes of discernment and the acknowledgment of divine gifts.

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 how does Jesus redefine purity?

Jesus redefines purity by stating that it is not what comes from outside, like food, that defiles a person, but what comes from within, such as evil intentions and actions.

How does the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge traditional Jewish dietary laws?

By declaring all foods clean, Jesus challenges traditional Jewish dietary laws, emphasizing that moral and spiritual purity are not dependent on external observances.

What message can we take from the Gospel of Mark 7:14-23 for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 regarding our daily actions?

The message is to focus on the purity of our hearts and intentions, ensuring that our actions reflect inner goodness and integrity rather than merely adhering to external rules.

How do the readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage personal reflection on one's inner life?

The readings encourage examining our hearts and motives, urging us to cultivate inner purity and wisdom that align with God's will.

Can the encounter between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba in the First Reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 be seen as a metaphor for spiritual seeking?

Yes, the encounter can be viewed as a metaphor for the quest for divine wisdom and truth, symbolizing the journey of faith and spiritual discovery.

How do the readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 address the theme of divine providence?

Divine providence is evident in Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, seen as blessings from God, and in Jesus' teachings that reveal a deeper understanding of God's laws.

What practical advice can we draw from the Gospel reading on Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 for living out our faith?

The practical advice is to nurture a pure heart and engage in actions that reflect true Christian values, focusing on love, honesty, and compassion, rather than mere ritual observance.