Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Wednesday July 8, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

First Reading – Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12: Israel’s false hearts lead to God’s judgment. Their altars and high places will be destroyed. They are urged to seek the Lord and sow righteousness to receive His justice.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Praise the Lord, remember his miracles, and serve him always. He is our God, and his judgments govern the earth.
Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7: Jesus empowered his Twelve disciples to heal and cast out demons. He sent them to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them to proclaim the Kingdom of heaven is near.

Upcoming dates: July 8, 2026, July 12, 2028, July 10, 2030, July 7, 2032

Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:6

Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on God’s call for true worship and the mission of Jesus’ disciples. They show us the consequences of turning away from God and the need to spread the Good News.

False Worship: The Israelites worshiped idols and false gods. This led to their downfall and judgment by God.
Call to Repent: God calls His people to repent and seek righteousness. True repentance will bring justice and mercy.
Destruction of Idols: God promises to destroy the altars and high places of false worship. He wants His people to turn back to Him.

Empowering Disciples: Jesus gave His disciples the power to heal and cast out demons. He prepared them to spread His message.
Mission to the Lost: Jesus sent His disciples to the lost sheep of Israel. They were to proclaim that the Kingdom of heaven is near.
Proclaiming the Kingdom: The disciples’ mission was to announce God’s Kingdom. Their message was one of hope and salvation.

These themes show the importance of true worship and the mission to spread the Gospel. They remind us to turn away from false ways and follow God’s call.

Reflection for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings guide us to reflect on our relationship with God and our mission as His followers. This helps us understand the importance of genuine worship, repentance, and spreading the Good News.

False Worship and Its Consequences

The first reading from Hosea reminds us of the dangers of false worship. Israel turned to idols and false gods, thinking they could find security and success. But their actions led them away from God, and they faced judgment.

God’s judgment came as a result of their false hearts. Their altars and high places, where they worshipped idols, were destroyed. This destruction showed that only true worship of God can bring lasting peace and security.

We must reflect on our own lives. Are there things we place above God? Do we seek security in things other than Him? We are called to turn back to God with sincere hearts.

The Call to Repentance

Hosea urges Israel to seek the Lord and sow righteousness. True repentance means turning away from sin and seeking God’s ways. When we repent, we open our hearts to receive God’s justice and mercy.

Repentance is more than just saying sorry. It means a change of heart and action. It involves a sincere effort to live according to God’s commandments and teachings.

On Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to examine our lives and seek repentance. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and open ourselves to His blessings.

The Mission of the Disciples

In the Gospel, Jesus empowers His Twelve disciples to heal and cast out demons. He sends them to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them to proclaim that the Kingdom of heaven is near. This mission shows the importance of spreading God’s message.

Jesus gave His disciples authority and power for their mission. They were to bring healing and hope to the people. Their work was a sign of God’s presence and His Kingdom.

We too are called to continue this mission. As followers of Christ, we must share the Good News and bring hope to those around us. Our actions and words should reflect the love and mercy of God.

The readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about true worship, repentance, and spreading the Good News. We are called to turn away from false idols, seek God’s justice, and share His message with others.

Prayer

Lord, help us to worship You with true hearts. Guide us to repentance and lead us to share Your message of hope with others. Amen.

Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

USCCB Reflection: Seeking the Face of the Lord

In a USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to “seek the face of the Lord.” This means striving for holiness and nurturing our innate desire for God. Pope Francis encourages us to open every aspect of our lives to God and let the Holy Spirit work in us.

True holiness is living as witnesses to Jesus in all we do. As we enjoy summer’s slower pace, we are called to deepen our trust and dependence on God, reflecting his love and truth in the world.

Word on Fire: A Call to Follow Jesus

In this reflection for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus calls his disciples to follow him, offering himself rather than just teachings. Jesus promises to “make you fishers of men,” highlighting that God is the creator who shapes us.

By following Jesus, we join his mission to bring others into a loving community centered around God. Jesus invites us to share in his work of gathering people to God, reflecting God’s desire to draw all people to him.

USCCB Reflection: Apostolic Mission and Ministry

The USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 explains the meaning of the Church being apostolic. Jesus called and empowered His disciples, sending them to proclaim God’s Kingdom.

This moment marked their transition to apostles, continuing the evangelizing mission of the Church through word and sacrament. The reflection highlights the importance of praying for bishops, the successors of the apostles, who carry on this mission today.

Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

What date is Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday July 8, 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 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday July 8, 2026 are:
First Reading – Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12: Israel’s False Heart and the Call for Justice
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Unceasing Praise and Service
Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7: The Mission of the Twelve

What does Hosea mean by “Israel is a luxuriant vine” in the first reading for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Hosea compares Israel to a vine that grows many fruits but uses them for idols. This means Israel was blessed but used their blessings to worship false gods instead of God.

Why did God destroy the altars and high places?

God destroyed the altars and high places because they were used for idol worship. He wanted to show that only He should be worshiped.

What does it mean to “sow righteousness”?

To “sow righteousness” means to do good deeds and follow God’s ways. When we do this, we can expect to receive God’s justice and mercy.

Why is it important to seek repentance?

It is important to seek repentance to align our lives with God’s will. Repentance brings us back to God and opens our hearts to His mercy.

What should we do if we find ourselves worshiping “idols”?

If we find ourselves worshiping “idols” like money or status, we should turn back to God. We need to focus on worshiping Him and living according to His ways.

Why did Jesus give His disciples power over unclean spirits in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus gave His disciples power over unclean spirits to show His authority over evil. This power helped them in their mission to heal and bring people to God.

Who are the “lost sheep of Israel”?

The “lost sheep of Israel” refers to the people of Israel who had gone astray from God. Jesus sent His disciples to bring them back to God.

What does it mean to proclaim “the Kingdom of heaven is near”?

To proclaim “the Kingdom of heaven is near” means to tell people that God’s rule is coming soon. It is a message of hope and preparation for God’s reign.

How can we apply these readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our lives?

We can apply these readings by worshiping God alone, repenting from our sins, and sharing the Good News. We should follow Jesus’ teachings and live righteously.

What is the main message of the readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is to turn away from false worship, seek true repentance, and spread the Good News. We are called to live in a way that reflects God’s love and mercy.

Turning Back to God and Embracing the Mission

The readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to repentance and action. In the first reading from Hosea, God speaks of Israel’s unfaithfulness. The people have relied on their wealth and idols instead of trusting in God. God calls them to “sow justice” and “reap love” by seeking Him with humble hearts. This shows us the importance of turning away from sin and returning to God with sincerity.

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to share His message. He gives them power to heal, drive out demons, and announce that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Jesus calls them to focus on the lost sheep of Israel, showing His care for those in need. This reminds us that God sends each of us on a mission to serve and share His love with others.

These readings teach us to rely on God instead of worldly comforts and to live out our faith through action. Hosea’s call for justice and love and Jesus’ instructions to the apostles show us how to stay close to God and share His message with the world.

Your Turn

Take time today to reflect on Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Are there areas in your life where you need to turn back to God? How can you embrace the mission Jesus has for you?

Share your reflections in the comments. Let’s support one another as we seek God’s love and carry out His call to serve others.