Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
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.
- First Reading (Cycle 1) - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11: Give willingly and cheerfully, and abundance will follow. God will ensure you have what you need, enhancing your ability to do good. This leads to thanks to God.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14: Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind, while Elisha watches. Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. When Elijah is gone, Elisha uses his mantle to part the water.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 112: The one who respects and follows the Lord is blessed. Their children will be strong, they will have wealth and they'll be kind, merciful, and fair. Their generosity lasts forever.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 31: The Lord's goodness is vast for those who respect and take refuge in Him. He provides shelter from conflict and plots. Love Him, for He rewards the faithful and humbles the proud.
- Gospel - Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18: Jesus teaches his disciples about genuine acts of piety, advising them not to seek recognition from others when giving to the needy, praying, or fasting. Instead, he encourages them to perform these acts with sincerity, humility, and a focus on God, rather than seeking the approval of others.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
- Genuine Piety: Jesus teaches about the importance of sincere and authentic acts of piety, cautioning against practicing righteousness merely for the sake of public recognition or personal gain.
- Acts of Piety in Secret: Jesus encourages His disciples to perform acts of charity, prayer, and fasting in secret, emphasizing the value of a humble and selfless heart that seeks to serve others without seeking praise or attention. This also highlights intimate nature of prayer and the need for humility.
- Motives and Rewards: Jesus reveals the importance of examining one's motives and intentions behind acts of piety, reminding His disciples that God, who sees in secret, will reward them accordingly.
- God's Awareness: The passage reassures believers that God is aware of their private acts of piety and will reward them openly in due time, emphasizing trust in God's knowledge.
Thoughts for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Wednesday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus provides guidance on practicing righteousness in a way that is pleasing to God. He warns against performing acts of righteousness to gain recognition from others, cautioning against the hypocrisy of seeking human applause rather than seeking God's approval.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in acts of giving, prayer, and fasting. When giving to the needy, he urges us not to make a public show or seek personal acclaim. Instead, our acts of kindness should be done in secret, without seeking attention or recognition. Similarly, when we pray, Jesus advises us to do so in the privacy of our rooms, away from the eyes of others, fostering a genuine connection with God. Likewise, when fasting, we should not outwardly display our sacrifice to gain sympathy or admiration, but rather maintain a cheerful countenance, ensuring that our devotion is directed solely towards God.
The essence of this teaching lies in the focus of our hearts. Jesus calls us to prioritize our relationship with God over the approval of others. He encourages us to seek God's reward, which comes from acts of righteousness performed with sincerity, integrity, and humility. Our faith should not be a performance for others to witness, but a personal connection with God that transforms our hearts and actions.
As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our motives in acts of righteousness. May we cultivate a genuine desire to please God rather than seeking human recognition. Let our giving, prayer, and fasting be characterized by sincerity, humility, and a deep desire to honor and connect with our Heavenly Father. By doing so, we will experience the true reward that comes from a genuine and intimate relationship with God.
Prayer for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
Heavenly Father, may our deeds of charity, prayer, and fasting be done with sincere hearts, free from the desire for recognition or reward. Teach us to seek your approval alone, so that our actions may reflect our love and devotion to you. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
Word on Fire: Nurturing the Passion for God
In Bishop Robert Barron's reflection for Wednesday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time, he delves into the significance of fasting and almsgiving as essential disciplines prescribed by Jesus. Fasting helps to quiet the immediate desires for food and drink, allowing the deeper hunger and thirst for God to be felt. Similarly, almsgiving serves as a form of fasting from material possessions, redirecting the focus from wealth to the passion for God. By practicing these disciplines, we nurture our spiritual longing and prioritize the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.
USCCB Reflection: Purity of Intentions
In this USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time, we consider what Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of having pure intentions when performing good deeds. He emphasizes that acts of charity, prayer, and fasting should not be done for the sake of recognition or praise from others, but rather with a humble and sincere heart. By aligning our intentions with God's will and seeking His approval alone, we store up lasting treasures in Heaven and experience the abundant rewards of God's generosity, surpassing the fleeting admiration of others.
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