As an Amazon affiliate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

Wednesday May 15, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

  • First Reading - Acts 20:28-38: Paul gives a heartfelt farewell address to the elders of the Church in Ephesus, emphasizing their responsibility as shepherds to care for and protect the community of believers.
  • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 68: Let all the kingdoms of the earth sing praises to God's mighty power, as His majesty reigns over Israel and His strength empowers His people.
  • Gospel - John 17:11b-19: Jesus prays to God, asking for the protection and unity of his disciples. He also expresses his desire for them to be sanctified and set apart for God's purposes, emphasizing the transformative power of God's truth and the pursuit of holiness in their lives.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

  1. Taking Care of the Church: Church leaders have a responsibility to look after and protect the people who trust them. It shows how important it is for them to guide and support the community of believers.
  2. Goodbye Speech: The firs reading tells us about a speech that Paul gave when he was saying goodbye to the elders of the Church in Ephesus. He really cared about the community and was committed to spreading the teachings of the Gospel. Paul warns them about the challenges they might face and encourages them to stay strong in their faith.
  3. Jesus Prays for Unity: The gospel is a prayer that Jesus said for his followers. He asked God to keep them safe and united. Jesus really wanted his disciples to stick together, just like he and God are united. This prayer shows how important it is for Christians to be united with one another.
  4. Being Set Apart for God: Jesus prays for his disciples to be made special for God's purposes. He asks that they be made holy and protected from evil. This theme shows how powerful God's truth is and how important it is for Christians to strive for holiness in their lives.

Thoughts for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

In the readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter, we are reminded of the responsibility of Church leaders. They have the important task of caring for and protecting the community of believers, much like a shepherd tending to a flock. This highlights the significance of their role in guiding and nourishing us spiritually.

We also witness Paul's farewell address to the elders of the Church in Ephesus. His words reveal his deep affection for the community and his unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel. As he bids them farewell, he warns them about the challenges and trials they may encounter. It serves as a reminder to us all that our faith journey will not always be easy. Yet, Paul encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, drawing strength from God and persevering despite difficulties.

The Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter presents us with Jesus' prayer for unity among his disciples. Jesus deeply desires that his followers be united, just as he and the Father are one. This prayer emphasizes the importance of unity within the Christian community. It calls us to foster a sense of togetherness, love, and support among believers, working towards common goals and sharing in the same faith.

Additionally, Jesus prays for his disciples to be sanctified and set apart for God's purposes. This theme highlights the transformative power of God's truth and the pursuit of holiness in our lives. It reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to live in accordance with God's teachings, seeking to align our thoughts, actions, and intentions with His will.

As we reflect on these passages, let us consider our own role within the Christian community. Are we actively contributing to the unity and well-being of our fellow believers? Do we strive for holiness and allow God's truth to shape and guide our lives? Let us draw inspiration from the shepherds, like Paul, who faithfully cared for their flocks, and from Jesus' prayer for unity and sanctification.

Prayer for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter


Loving God, grant us the wisdom and strength to fulfill our roles as caretakers of your Church, guiding and nourishing those entrusted to our care. Help us to embrace unity, pursue holiness, and foster a supportive community that reflects your love and grace. Amen.

Share the Good News!

Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

Word on Fire: For the World

A reflection for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter from Bishop Robert Barron. "Friends, today’s Gospel is the high-priestly prayer of Jesus the night of the Last Supper. Here are the first words of the Lord: 'Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.'" Continue reading.

USCCB Reflection: Unity Is Not an Option

A video reflection from USCCB for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter. Jesus prays for the unity of his disciples. He knows that discord and division are part of the human condition.

Frequently Asked Questions for Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

Join our email list to receive weekly emails with Catholic reflections and more.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copy link