Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12: Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in faith, reminding him of God’s gift of power, love, and self-control, and to bear hardship for the Gospel with God’s strength.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 123: We lift our eyes to the Lord, like servants to their masters, seeking his mercy and guidance.
• Gospel – Mark 12:18-27: Jesus teaches the Sadducees that in the resurrection, people will be like angels and not marry. He reminds them that God is the God of the living.

He is not God of the dead but of the living. 

Mark 12:27

On Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings encourage us to stay strong in faith and to understand the resurrection. The themes help us reflect on God’s power, love, and the promise of eternal life.

• Steadfast Faith: Paul encourages Timothy to hold onto his faith. He reminds Timothy that God’s gift includes power, love, and self-control.
• God’s Strength: Paul urges Timothy to bear hardships for the Gospel. He says God’s strength will help him endure.
• Life After Death: Jesus teaches the Sadducees about the resurrection. He explains that in the resurrection, people will be like angels and will not marry.
• God of the Living: Jesus reminds the Sadducees that God is the God of the living. He uses the example of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to show that they are alive with God.
• Spiritual Gifts: Paul speaks of the spiritual gifts Timothy has received. He encourages Timothy to use these gifts to serve the Gospel.

These themes remind us of the importance of faith, strength, and the hope of resurrection. They help us understand our call to live for God and trust in His promises.

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul writes to Timothy, encouraging him to remain strong in his faith. Paul reminds Timothy of the gift of God’s power, love, and self-control. This gift helps Timothy stay firm in his mission.

Paul also tells Timothy not to be ashamed of his faith. He urges him to bear any hardships that come with spreading the Gospel. Paul assures Timothy that God’s strength will help him through these challenges.

Paul speaks of the spiritual gifts Timothy has received. These gifts are meant to be used to serve others and spread the Gospel. Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle these gifts and use them boldly.

Jesus Teaches the Sadducees

In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus teaches the Sadducees about the resurrection. They ask Him a tricky question about marriage after resurrection. Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will be like angels and will not marry.

Jesus also reminds the Sadducees that God is the God of the living. He uses the example of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to show that they are alive with God. This teaching helps us understand that life with God continues beyond death.

Jesus’ words give us hope in the promise of eternal life. They remind us that our relationship with God does not end with death. We are called to live in a way that prepares us for this eternal life.

Living with Faith and Hope

Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 calls us to reflect on our faith. We are encouraged to stay strong, like Timothy, and trust in God’s gifts. We are also reminded of the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

This reflection challenges us to think about how we use our spiritual gifts. Are we serving others and spreading the Gospel? Are we living in a way that shows our hope in eternal life?

As we go through life, we may face hardships and questions about our faith. But like Timothy, we can rely on God’s power, love, and self-control. We can find strength in the promise that God is with us, always.

Prayer

Lord, help us to stay strong in our faith like Timothy. Give us the courage to bear hardships and use our gifts for your glory. Remind us of the hope of eternal life with you. Amen.

Word on Fire: Beyond Marriage in the Resurrection

In his reflection for the Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron addresses Jesus’ debate with the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection. They pose a hypothetical question about a widow who marries seven brothers, asking whose wife she will be in the resurrection. Jesus dismisses their question, explaining that earthly marriage does not apply in heaven. In the heavenly state, our bodies are transformed and elevated, allowing for deeper and more extensive communication with all who love the Lord. Through the Resurrection, we experience a more profound intimacy beyond earthly limitations.

What date is Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday June 3, 2026.

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 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday June 3, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12: Encouragement to Timothy
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 123: Looking to the Lord
Gospel – Mark 12:18-27: The Question of the Resurrection

What is the main message of Paul’s letter to Timothy?

Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong in faith. He reminds Timothy of God’s gifts of power, love, and self-control.

Why does Paul tell Timothy not to be ashamed of his faith?

Paul wants Timothy to be bold and strong. He knows that sharing the Gospel can be hard, but God’s strength will help him.

What does Paul mean by “spiritual gifts”?

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God. Timothy has these gifts to help him spread the Gospel and serve others.

How can we apply Paul’s message to our lives?

A6: We can stay strong in our faith, even when it’s hard. We can use our gifts to help others and share the Gospel.

Why is it important to remember that God is with us always?

Remembering that God is with us gives us strength. It helps us face challenges and remain faithful.

Why does Jesus say people will not marry in the resurrection?

Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will be like angels. They will not need to marry or have families as they do on earth.

What does Jesus mean by “God of the living”?

Jesus means that God is the God of those who are alive with Him. Even those who have died, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are alive with God.

What hope does Jesus give us in the Gospel?

Jesus gives us hope in the resurrection and eternal life. He reminds us that life with God continues after death.

How can we prepare for eternal life?

We can live with faith and hope, serving others and following God’s teachings. This prepares us for eternal life with God.

What can we learn from Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

We learn to stay strong in faith, trust in God’s gifts, and look forward to eternal life. These lessons help us live faithfully every day.