Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Wednesday June 17, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

First Reading – 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14: Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha receives a double portion of his spirit, showing God’s power through him.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 31: The Lord shows great goodness to those who fear and seek refuge in Him. He protects the faithful from harm and punishes the proud. Take comfort and hope in the Lord.
Gospel – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18: Jesus teaches his disciples to do good deeds, pray, and fast in secret, not for public praise. God, who sees in secret, will reward them.

Upcoming dates: June 17, 2026, June 21, 2028, June 19, 2030, June 16, 2032

When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
Matthew 6:6

Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on God’s power and the right way to practice our faith. We see Elijah taken to heaven and Jesus teaching about sincere actions.

God’s Power Revealed: Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind. This shows God’s power working through Elijah and then through Elisha, who receives a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.
Passing of Authority: Elisha inherits Elijah’s spirit and continues his work. This shows that God’s work goes on through new leaders.
Secret Good Deeds: Jesus teaches to do good deeds in secret. This means we should help others without seeking praise from people.
Private Prayer: Jesus tells us to pray in secret. This shows that our relationship with God is personal and not for show.
Hidden Fasting: Jesus advises fasting without drawing attention to ourselves. This teaches humility and focuses on our inner relationship with God.

These themes remind us of God’s power and the importance of humility in our faith. On Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we learn to live our faith quietly and sincerely.

Reflection for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

The readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show us how God continues His work through new leaders and calls us to a humble and personal faith. Elisha takes up the mission of Elijah, demonstrating that God’s plans are carried forward. Jesus teaches us to pray and serve quietly, focusing on our relationship with God rather than seeking attention. Together, these readings remind us of the importance of humility and trust in God’s guidance.

God’s Work Through New Leaders

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Elisha inherits the spirit of Elijah and continues his mission. Elijah’s work did not end with him. God chose Elisha to carry on, showing that His plans continue through new leaders.

This story reminds us that God’s work is never dependent on one person. He raises up others to continue His mission. When we trust in God, we see that He equips people to serve and lead in different ways, just as He prepared Elisha to follow Elijah.

We are also called to continue God’s work in our own lives. Each of us has a part to play, no matter how small it may seem. By following God’s call, we help share His love and carry His mission forward.

Praying in Secret

The Gospel for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teaches us to pray in secret. Jesus tells us not to make our prayers or fasting a show for others. Our relationship with God is personal and should be focused on Him, not on impressing people.

When we pray quietly, we can be honest with God. We don’t need to use fancy words or worry about what others think. Secret prayer helps us connect with God in a deeper way and reminds us that He cares about what is in our hearts.

This teaching also invites us to reflect on our intentions. Are we praying or serving to gain attention, or are we doing it out of love for God? When we pray in secret, we keep our focus on Him and grow in humility and faith.

Faith Passed On and Lived Out

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 speak to the importance of living out faith in a humble and personal way. Elisha’s acceptance of Elijah’s spirit shows how faith is passed on and continued, while Jesus’ teaching about secret prayer shows how faith is lived out in quiet, sincere ways.

God invites us to be part of His ongoing mission. Like Elisha, we are called to take up the work of those who came before us. At the same time, Jesus reminds us that this work is not about recognition but about love and faithfulness.

Living out our faith means trusting God to guide us and strengthen us. It also means focusing on Him, not on how others see us. By serving humbly and praying sincerely, we live in a way that honors God and helps carry His work forward.

God’s Word for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to live out our faith with sincerity and humility. Whether through quiet prayer or serving others, we are invited to trust in God and play our part in His ongoing work. May we follow His call and grow closer to Him each day.

Prayer

Lord, guide us as we follow Your call. Help us to live with humility and to serve others without seeking attention. Teach us to trust in Your plans and to grow in faith through prayer and love. May we always remember that our work is for Your glory. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How can you continue the work of faith passed on to you by others?
What does it mean to you to pray in secret, as Jesus teaches?
How do you keep your focus on God instead of seeking recognition from others?
In what ways can you humbly serve others and share God’s love this week?

Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Word on Fire: The Discipline of Fasting and Giving

In his reflection for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron explores Matthew 6:1-6 and 6:16-18, where Jesus teaches about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Bishop Barron emphasizes that fasting disciplines our basic appetites, allowing us to awaken a deeper passion for God. By controlling desires for food and drink, we create space to feel our true spiritual hunger. Similarly, fasting from material wealth through almsgiving redirects our focus from possessions to God. Giving to the poor is a way to mute the superficial desires and nurture our spiritual lives.

USCCB Reflection: Bold Faith Like Elisha

In the USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the story from 2 Kings highlights Elisha’s remarkable faith. As Elijah is about to pass on his ministry, Elisha boldly asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This request shows his deep trust in God’s power and generosity. Elisha’s faith inspires us to confidently ask God for the strength and wisdom to fulfill our own vocations.

By having bold faith like Elisha, we can experience the great wonders of God’s presence and love in our lives.

USCCB Reflection: The Importance of Prayer

On Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we hear Jesus teaching about prayer, giving alms, and fasting. Jesus emphasizes the need for sincere intentions behind our good works. Prayer is a vital path to grow spiritually and come into God’s presence.

Through prayer, we find strength, healing, and wisdom. Our actions should reflect God’s grace working in us. This reflection reminds us to renew our commitment to prayer as a response to God’s love and desire for our friendship.

Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

What date is Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday June 17, 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 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday June 17, 2026 are:
First Reading – 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14: Elijah Taken to Heaven
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 31: Hope in the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18: True Righteousness

Why was Elijah taken to heaven in a whirlwind?

Elijah was taken to heaven to show God’s power and to pass on his spirit to Elisha. This shows that God continues His work through new leaders.

What does it mean that Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit?

It means Elisha received extra strength and power from God to continue Elijah’s work. This shows God’s support for those who follow Him faithfully.

What can we learn from Elisha’s miracles?

Elisha’s miracles show that God’s power continues through those who trust and follow Him. It teaches us to have faith and trust in God’s power.

Why does Jesus tell us to do good deeds in secret?

Jesus wants us to focus on helping others, not on getting praise. Doing good deeds in secret keeps our intentions pure and sincere.

How should we pray according to Jesus?

Jesus tells us to pray in private, away from others. This helps us build a personal and sincere relationship with God.

Why does Jesus say not to make a show of fasting?

Jesus wants our fasting to be a private act of devotion to God. Making a show of it can lead to seeking attention from others instead of focusing on God.

Why is it important to do good deeds, pray, and fast in secret?

It is important because it keeps our faith genuine. It shows that we are sincere in our devotion to God, not looking for attention from others.

What does it mean for us that God sees what we do in secret?

It means God knows our true intentions and will reward our sincerity. This encourages us to be honest and humble in our faith practices.

What is the main message of the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is to practice our faith with sincerity and humility. We should seek God’s approval, not the praise of others.

How can we apply the teachings from Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our lives?

A: We can apply these teachings by doing good deeds, praying, and fasting in private. This helps us focus on our relationship with God and remain humble.

Continuing the Mission and Seeking God Quietly

Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us of how God’s work continues through faithful leaders and how our relationship with Him is personal and sincere. In the first reading, Elisha takes up the mission of Elijah, showing that God equips new leaders to carry His plans forward. God’s mission does not depend on one person but continues through those who respond to His call.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about praying and fasting in secret. He tells us not to do good works for attention or praise but to focus on God. Quiet acts of prayer and service deepen our connection with Him and keep our intentions pure.

Both readings remind us to trust in God’s plan and focus on serving Him humbly. Elisha’s example teaches us to be ready to take up God’s mission, while Jesus’ teaching encourages us to seek a personal relationship with Him through humble and sincere acts of faith.

Your Turn

Reflect on the readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Consider how God is calling you to serve humbly and pray sincerely. How can you carry on His mission in your daily life?

Share your reflections in the comments. Your thoughts and experiences can help encourage others to grow in faith and trust in God’s plan. Let’s learn and grow together.