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.

Lectionary Reference: 355

Upcoming dates: June 3, 2026, June 7, 2028, June 2, 2032

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 readings for Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we encounter powerful messages of faith, endurance, and eternal life. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is a call to strengthen our faith and use the gifts God has given us to serve others. Jesus, in His conversation with the Sadducees, points us toward the eternal nature of life with God.

The Strength to Endure

In his letter to Timothy, Paul encourages him to be strong in his faith despite the challenges he may face. Paul knows that spreading the Gospel is not always easy, and he warns Timothy not to be ashamed of the message of Christ. Instead, he calls him to rely on God’s strength. This is a reminder for all of us that faith is not just about what we believe; it’s also about how we live and endure through hardships.

Paul talks about the gifts that God has given Timothy. These gifts are not for Timothy alone but are meant to be shared and used to build others up. In the same way, we are all given gifts by God, and it is our responsibility to use them. The strength to endure trials and the wisdom to use our gifts come from God. We are never asked to face life’s challenges alone.

When we are faced with tough situations, we can often feel overwhelmed or unsure. However, we can be confident that God gives us the strength to keep going. Just as Paul encouraged Timothy to rekindle his gifts, we can do the same. Whether it’s through prayer, acts of kindness, or sharing the Gospel, we are called to use what God has given us to help others.

Life Beyond Death

In the Gospel, the Sadducees challenge Jesus with a question about marriage in the resurrection. Jesus answers them by explaining that in the afterlife, people will be like angels and will not marry. This teaching offers a glimpse into the nature of eternal life, where earthly concerns are no longer relevant. Jesus reminds us that life with God continues beyond death.

The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection, but Jesus used their question to teach a key truth: God is the God of the living. By referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Jesus shows that these figures are alive in God, even though they have died. This teaching gives us hope in the promise of eternal life. We are not just living for today but for something far greater, something that lasts forever.

Our earthly lives are temporary, but the relationship we have with God does not end with death. The hope of resurrection and eternal life encourages us to live with an eye toward the future, knowing that God is with us now and forever. In times of difficulty, we can remember that death does not have the final word.

The Gifts We Are Given

Paul writes to Timothy about the spiritual gifts he has received. These gifts are not just for Timothy but for all Christians. God gives us unique talents and abilities to serve others and share His love with the world. Paul urges Timothy to rekindle his gifts, and we are called to do the same. These gifts are meant to be used for the greater good, not to be hidden away.

In both readings, there is a clear call to action: we are not to keep our faith or our gifts to ourselves. Just as Paul encourages Timothy to share the Gospel boldly, Jesus teaches us that our relationship with God is not something to be kept private. Our faith is meant to be shared with others, whether through words or actions.

Rekindling our gifts means using them to build up others and strengthen the community. It can be easy to forget about the gifts we’ve received, but we are reminded that these gifts are valuable and should be used. In doing so, we serve God and share His love with those around us.

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These readings remind us that our faith and relationship with God are not limited to this life but extend into eternity. The following reflections explore themes of strength in faith, the hope of eternal life, and the importance of sharing God’s gifts.

Prayer

Lord, give us the strength to endure in our faith, just as Paul encouraged Timothy. Help us to use the gifts You have given us to serve others and spread Your love. Guide us in living with the hope of eternal life and remind us that You are the God of the living. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you use the gifts God has given you to serve others?
• What are some challenges you face in living out your faith, and how can you overcome them with God’s strength?
• How does the promise of eternal life with God change the way you approach life on earth?
• In what ways can you share your faith with others, especially during difficult times?

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.