Wednesday of Holy Week (Spy Wednesday)

• First Reading – Isaiah 50:4-9a: The LORD has granted me eloquence and resilience. Daily, He instructs me, and I’ve faced adversity without retreat. With God as my defender, I stand unashamed and ready to face any accuser, assured of my vindication.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: Enduring scorn for devotion to God, feeling isolated even among kin, my zeal mirrors the trials faced for His name. Amidst sorrow, I find no solace among men, yet in praising God, I find joy and assurance that He hears the afflicted.
• Gospel – Matthew 26:14-25: Judas Iscariot negotiated with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. During the Passover meal, Jesus disclosed that one of the Twelve would betray him, causing distress among the disciples. Each wondered if he was the betrayer. When Judas inquired if it was he, Jesus confirmed his betrayal.

Lectionary Reference: 259

Upcoming dates: April 16, 2025, April 1, 2026, March 24, 2027, April 12, 2028, March 28, 2029, April 17, 2030, April 9, 2031, March 24, 2032, April 13, 2033

They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

Matthew 26:15-16

Wednesday of Holy Week focuses on themes of betrayal, trust in God, and the courage to remain faithful. The readings highlight the suffering servant’s endurance and Jesus’ journey toward the cross.

• Trusting in God’s Help: The first reading shows the servant relying on God for strength and guidance. This reminds us that God is with us, even when we face challenges and hardships.
• The Pain of Betrayal: The Gospel recounts Judas agreeing to betray Jesus, revealing the deep pain caused by someone close. This reminds us of the human struggle with betrayal and the need for forgiveness.
• Faithful Obedience in Suffering: The servant in the first reading accepts suffering and insult with trust in God’s plan. This reflects Jesus’ own willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others.
• Self-Reflection in Faith: In the Gospel, Jesus’ words cause the disciples to question themselves, asking if they are the one who will betray him. This encourages us to examine our hearts and actions in light of our faith.
• God’s Strength Through Trials: The first reading emphasizes that God will not let his servant be put to shame. This shows that faith in God provides the strength to face opposition and remain steadfast.
• Human Weakness and Sin: Judas’ betrayal shows how human weakness can lead to serious consequences. It reminds us of the need to rely on God’s help to resist temptation and make better choices.
• The Suffering Servant’s Mission: The servant’s endurance and faithfulness point to Jesus’ mission to bring hope and salvation. This shows how trust in God helps fulfill his purpose, even in difficult times.

Wednesday of Holy Week reminds us to trust in God’s care and reflect on our own faithfulness. The readings encourage us to rely on God’s strength and to remain steadfast, even in times of trial or suffering.

Wednesday of Holy Week encourages us to reflect on trust, self-examination, and faithfulness in the face of hardship. The readings highlight the servant’s reliance on God for strength and Jesus’ experience of betrayal by someone close to him. These moments invite us to consider how we respond to challenges and how we align our actions with our faith.

Relying on God’s Strength

In the first reading for Wednesday of Holy Week, the servant trusts in God to give him strength and guide him through suffering. Even when facing rejection and insult, the servant remains faithful, knowing that God will not abandon him. This trust is what allows the servant to continue his mission with courage.

This example reminds us that God is always present, even when life feels hard or uncertain. Like the servant, we are called to rely on God’s care and guidance when we face challenges. Turning to him in prayer and trust gives us the strength to move forward.

Wednesday of Holy Week invites us to reflect on how we lean on God during difficult times. By trusting in his help, we can face life’s struggles with hope and confidence, knowing that he is with us.

Examining Our Hearts

In the Gospel for Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus speaks about betrayal, causing the disciples to question themselves. Each one wonders if they could be the one who betrays him. This moment shows the importance of self-reflection and honestly examining our hearts.

Faith calls us to look at our thoughts and actions and consider how they align with what God asks of us. Like the disciples, we must be willing to ask if we are following God’s will or letting other things pull us away. This reflection is not about guilt but about returning to God when we fall short.

Wednesday of Holy Week reminds us to examine our hearts regularly. By seeking God’s guidance and being honest with ourselves, we can grow closer to him and strengthen our faith.

Faithfulness in the Face of Betrayal

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of Holy Week show the pain of rejection and betrayal. The servant endures insults and hardship but continues to trust in God. In the Gospel, Jesus faces betrayal from Judas, someone close to him, yet he does not abandon his mission.

This faithfulness teaches us that God’s work often comes with challenges. Betrayal and rejection can hurt deeply, but they do not have to stop us from living out our faith. Like the servant and Jesus, we can trust that God’s plan is greater than the difficulties we face.

Wednesday of Holy Week encourages us to stay faithful, even when others let us down. By trusting in God and staying focused on his will, we find the strength to continue serving and loving others.

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The reflections for Wednesday of Holy Week call us to deepen our trust in God and stay faithful, even during difficult times. By examining our hearts and relying on God’s strength, we can continue to follow his will and grow in our relationship with him. May we find courage and hope in these readings.

Prayer

Lord, you are our strength and guide. Help us to trust in you when we face challenges and to stay faithful in all we do. Teach us to reflect on our choices and return to you when we fall short. May your love sustain us and guide us each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you rely on God’s strength in difficult times?
• What steps can you take to reflect on your thoughts and actions honestly?
• How can you stay faithful to God when facing rejection or betrayal?
• What does it mean to trust God’s plan, even when it is hard to see?

Word on Fire: Lamb of God

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Wednesday of Holy Week, highlighting the Last Supper’s connection to the Passover. Jesus, preparing for the Passover meal, signifies Himself as the Lamb of God, fulfilling John the Baptist’s prophecy.

This act prefigures the Mass, where Jesus’ sacrifice is sacramentally present, not for God’s benefit but for ours. Through the Mass, we partake in the divine reconciliation, consuming the body and blood of Christ, the ultimate sacrifice that bridges humanity with divinity.

What date is Wednesday of Holy Week?

The next date is Wednesday April 16, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of Holy Week?

The Mass readings for Wednesday April 16, 2025 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 50:4-9a: The Suffering Servant’s Trust in God’s Deliverance
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: Hope in the Midst of Suffering
Gospel – Matthew 26:14-25: The Betrayal of Jesus

Why does the servant in the first reading for Wednesday of Holy Week rely on God?

The servant trusts in God to help and strengthen him during his mission. This shows that God provides support, even when facing challenges or rejection.

What does the suffering servant teach us?

The servant teaches us to remain faithful and trust in God, even when we endure suffering or hardship. This example encourages us to stay strong in our faith.

What does the first reading for Wednesday of Holy Week say about trusting God in trials?

The servant trusts that God will not let him be shamed, even in suffering. This teaches us to rely on God’s care when we face difficulties.

Why is the servant’s endurance important?

The servant endures insults and suffering to fulfill his mission. This points to Jesus’ example of staying faithful to God’s plan, even when it is hard.

Why does Judas betray Jesus in the Gospel for Wednesday of Holy Week?

Judas betrays Jesus for money, showing how greed and human weakness can lead to harmful actions. This reminds us to guard against selfish choices that hurt others.

What does the Gospel reveal about the disciples?

The disciples are shocked by Jesus’ words about betrayal and wonder if it could be them. This shows the importance of examining our hearts and actions to stay faithful to God.

What does Judas’ betrayal teach us about human weakness?

Judas’ actions show how temptation and selfishness can lead to sin. This reminds us to seek God’s help in resisting temptation and making better choices.

How can the readings for Wednesday of Holy Week help us in our lives?

The readings remind us to trust God, reflect on our choices, and stay faithful during challenges. They encourage us to rely on God’s strength and follow Jesus’ example.

What is the main message of Wednesday of Holy Week?

Wednesday of Holy Week calls us to trust in God, stay faithful during trials, and examine our hearts. The readings encourage us to rely on God’s care and strength in all circumstances.