Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

Wednesday June 28, 2028

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

First Reading – 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3: The high priest found the book of the law. The king read it, realized their disobedience, and renewed the covenant with the LORD, involving all the people.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Guide me in your laws, O Lord. Help me understand and follow them with all my heart, finding joy and life in your commands.
Gospel – Matthew 7:15-20: Jesus warned his disciples about false prophets, saying they can be identified by their actions, just as good and bad trees are known by their fruit.

Upcoming dates: June 28, 2028, June 26, 2030, June 23, 2032

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.
Matthew 7:18

Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

The readings for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight important lessons. These lessons remind us to stay faithful to God and be cautious of false leaders.

Rediscovery of God’s Word: The high priest found the book of the law. This event shows the importance of knowing and following God’s commandments.
Recognition of Disobedience: The king realized they had disobeyed God’s laws. He understood the need for repentance and change.
Renewal of the Covenant: The king renewed the covenant with the LORD. This act involved all the people and showed their commitment to God.

Importance of Obedience: The people agreed to follow the laws in the book. Obedience to God’s laws is crucial for a faithful life.
Warning Against False Prophets: Jesus warned about false prophets in the Gospel. He said we can identify them by their actions.
Identifying True Faith: Jesus compared good and bad trees to people’s actions. Good actions come from true faith, like good fruit from a good tree.

The readings teach us to stay true to God’s word and be wary of false leaders. By following these lessons, we can live a faithful life.

Reflection for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

The readings for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us to reflect on obedience, faithfulness, and good actions. In the first reading, the rediscovery of the law calls the people to renew their covenant with God. The Gospel reminds us that a faithful heart will produce good actions, just as a good tree produces good fruit. Both readings challenge us to align our hearts and lives with God’s word.

Rediscovering God’s Word

In the first reading, the high priest finds the book of the law during temple repairs. This discovery shocks King Josiah and leads to a renewed commitment to God. Josiah gathers the people and reads the law to them. Together, they renew their promise to follow God’s commandments.

This story shows how important it is to know and follow God’s word. When Josiah heard the law, he realized how far the people had drifted from it. He acted immediately to bring them back to faithfulness. This reminds us to reflect on how closely we follow God’s commandments in our lives.

Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to rediscover God’s word in our own lives. We might not find a lost book of the law, but we can still find renewal by reading Scripture. When we turn back to God’s word, we reconnect with His will for us and can commit to living faithfully.

Good Fruit Comes from a Faithful Heart

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that a good tree produces good fruit. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit, and a good tree cannot produce bad fruit. This teaching reminds us that our actions come from what is in our hearts. If our hearts are rooted in God, our lives will bear good fruit.

The first reading also shows this truth. When Josiah heard the law, his actions showed his faithfulness. He didn’t just feel sorry for the people’s mistakes. He led them to make a real change by returning to God’s commandments. His good actions were the fruit of his faithful heart.

Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenges us to look at the fruit in our own lives. Are our actions rooted in faith and love? Do they reflect our commitment to God? By staying close to God, we can make sure our lives bear good fruit for His glory.

Returning to Faithful Obedience

Both readings point to the need for faithful obedience to God. In the first reading, the people renew their covenant to follow God’s law. In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to discernment, reminding us that true faith shows itself in good actions. Both readings stress that faith is not just about words but about living in obedience to God.

King Josiah’s response to the book of the law shows what true obedience looks like. He doesn’t just acknowledge the law. He takes immediate steps to align his life and his kingdom with God’s commandments. His example inspires us to take God’s word seriously and to live it out in our actions.

On Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that true faith calls for obedience. This means listening to God’s word and letting it guide every part of our lives. When we do this, we live as faithful followers and bear good fruit that honors God.

On Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that faith is not just about words but about action. These readings invite us to renew our commitment to God and live out our faith with sincerity and love. May we respond to this call with open hearts and faithful lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us to rediscover Your word and live it fully each day. Teach us to obey Your commandments and guide our hearts to bear good fruit. May our actions reflect our faith and draw us closer to You. Give us the strength to follow Your ways with love and humility. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How can I rediscover God’s word in my life?
What actions show that my heart is rooted in faith?

How do I respond when I realize I’ve drifted from God’s commandments?
What steps can I take to grow in faithful obedience to God?

Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Word on Fire: Recognizing the Fruits of the Spirit

In this reflection from Bishop Robert Barron for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus teaches that a tree is known by its fruits. Paul, in his Letter to the Galatians, lists these fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities indicate the Spirit’s presence and manifest an expansive, outward-looking soul.

They contrast with the self-centered soul of a sinner. The Spirit is present when these attributes are awakened and sustained, making our souls great and radiant with God’s love and goodness.

USCCB Reflection: Bearing Good Fruit

In this video reflection from the USCCB for the Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus warns against false prophets, using the image of trees and their fruit to illustrate the importance of our words and actions. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Our actions and words reflect our inner faith and trust in God. They show whether we are rooted in God’s word and will. We must discern carefully and strive to produce good fruit that leads others to God.

Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

What date is Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday June 28, 2028.

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 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday June 28, 2028 are:
First Reading – 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3: Discovery of Lost Knowledge
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: A Plea for Guidance
Gospel – Matthew 7:15-20: Recognizing False Prophets by Their Fruits

What is the significance of finding the book of the law in the first reading for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Finding the book of the law was important because it reminded the people of God’s commandments. They had forgotten these laws and needed to return to following them.

Why did the king renew the covenant with the LORD?

The king renewed the covenant to show his commitment to God. He wanted all the people to follow God’s laws and live faithfully.

What lesson do we learn from the people agreeing to follow the book of the law?

We learn the importance of obedience to God’s laws. The people’s commitment shows us that following God’s ways is essential.

What does Jesus mean by warning about false prophets in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus warns us to be careful of those who pretend to be good but are not. He says we can know them by their actions, like knowing trees by their fruit.

How can we identify false prophets according to the Gospel?

We can identify false prophets by their actions. Good actions come from good people, just as good fruit comes from good trees.

Why is it important to bear good fruit in our actions?

Bearing good fruit means showing good deeds and living according to our faith. It reflects a true commitment to God.

How do the readings for the Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 apply to our lives?

The readings teach us to rediscover God’s word, repent for our mistakes, and live faithfully. They also remind us to be careful of false leaders.

What should we do when we realize we have strayed from God’s ways?

We should repent and seek to renew our commitment to God. Just like the king and the people did in the readings.

How can we ensure we stay true to God’s word?

We can stay true by regularly reading the Bible, praying, and following God’s commandments. Being part of a faith community also helps.

What is the main message of the readings for the Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is to rediscover God’s word, obey His laws, repent for our mistakes, and be wary of false prophets. This helps us live a faithful life.

Faithfulness and Action

Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focuses on rediscovering God’s word and living it out. In the first reading, King Josiah learns that the book of the law has been found in the temple. This discovery leads him to call the people together to renew their promise to follow God’s commandments. Their response shows the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God.

In the Gospel, Jesus warns about false prophets and tells us to look for good fruit. A good tree produces good fruit, while a bad tree produces bad fruit. Jesus teaches that actions reveal what is in a person’s heart. Faith is not just about what we say; it is about how we live.

These readings remind us that faith is active. Rediscovering God’s word, as Josiah did, should lead to real change in our lives. Like a tree growing good fruit, our faith should result in good actions. On Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are called to reflect on how we are living our faith and bearing fruit for God.

Your Turn

Take some time to reflect on the readings for Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Think about King Josiah’s response to God’s word and Jesus’ teaching about good fruit. How are these messages speaking to your life?

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. How can you grow in obedience and faithfulness? What actions can you take to bear good fruit in your life? Let us reflect together and encourage one another in faith.