Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18: Avoid those who don’t follow our teachings; imitate our hard work instead. We labored day and night to not burden you but to set a good example. Peace and grace to you all.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: If you fear and follow the Lord, you’ll be blessed and prosperous. You’ll enjoy your own efforts and witness the thriving of Jerusalem.
• Gospel – Matthew 23:27-32: Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He compares them to whitewashed tombs, beautiful outside but corrupt inside. They honor prophets’ tombs but deny their ancestors’ guilt, revealing their own hypocrisy and complicity.

When this falls on August 29, the gospel for the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist is used.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.

Matthew 23:27

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us of important aspects of our Christian life. The First Reading from 2 Thessalonians warns against idleness, while the Gospel from Matthew criticizes hypocrisy and calls for sincerity.

• Avoiding Idleness: Paul advises the Thessalonians to avoid idleness and work diligently. He sets an example by working hard, emphasizing that everyone should earn their living.
• Living in Peace: Paul prays for peace among the believers. He stresses the importance of harmony and encourages them to follow his teachings.
• Sincerity in Faith: Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, comparing them to whitewashed tombs. He warns against outward appearances that hide a lack of genuine faith.
• Rejecting Hypocrisy: The Gospel highlights the need for authenticity in our actions and words. Jesus calls out the religious leaders for not practicing what they preach.
• Importance of Example: Both readings emphasize leading by example. Paul works hard to support himself, and Jesus calls for true righteousness from the heart.
• Responsibility to Others: The readings encourage believers to be responsible and not burden others unnecessarily. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of their duty to work and not be a burden.

These themes call us to live our faith with sincerity and responsibility. They remind us to avoid hypocrisy and to work diligently, setting a good example for others.

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings invite us to reflect on important themes in our Christian journey. Paul calls for peace among believers and stresses the value of hard work, while Jesus condemns hypocrisy and urges us to seek true righteousness. These themes challenge us to live authentically and responsibly in our faith.

Seeking Peace and Harmony

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul prays for peace among the believers. Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is a state of harmony and unity. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to live in peace with one another, reminding them that this is a key aspect of a Christian life.

Paul knows that divisions can weaken a community. When people argue and fight, they are not able to work together effectively. This is why he emphasizes the importance of harmony. Harmony allows believers to support and encourage each other, making the community stronger.

In our lives, we can seek peace by resolving conflicts and being kind to others. It means forgiving those who have wronged us and letting go of grudges. We can also promote peace by being peacemakers, helping others to reconcile and find common ground.

Paul’s teachings remind us that peace is not just a personal matter but a community goal. When we live in peace, we reflect the love of Christ to the world. This is a powerful witness to the Gospel, showing that we are truly followers of Jesus.

Authentic Faith Over Outward Appearances

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He compares them to whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but are full of decay inside. This strong image shows the importance of authentic faith.

Jesus warns against putting on a show of being religious while lacking true devotion. The Pharisees focused on outward rituals and rules but neglected the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Their behavior was not in line with their words.

For us, this message is a call to examine our own lives. Are we more concerned with looking good to others than with being true to God? It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing things just to be seen as holy, but true faith comes from the heart.

We can apply this teaching by being honest with ourselves and others. We should strive to be the same person in private as we are in public. This means living with integrity and ensuring that our actions match our beliefs.

The challenge of the Gospel is to be real and genuine in our faith. It calls us to focus on what truly matters, not just appearances. By doing so, we live a faith that is alive and pleasing to God.

Leading by Example in Faith

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, both Paul and Jesus emphasize the importance of leading by example. Paul works hard to support himself, showing that leaders should not just give instructions but also live them out. This principle is important for all Christians, not just leaders.

Paul’s hard work is a practical lesson for the Thessalonians. He wanted to show them that it’s important to be responsible and not depend on others unnecessarily. His example teaches us that actions speak louder than words.

Jesus, in the Gospel, calls for true righteousness from the heart. He criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, reminding us that our actions must align with our teachings. Jesus led by example, showing love, compassion, and humility in all He did.

In our lives, we can lead by example by living according to our faith. This means being honest, kind, and fair in our dealings with others. It also means being willing to admit our mistakes and work on improving ourselves.

Leading by example is a powerful way to witness to others. It shows that our faith is not just words but a way of life. By living authentically and responsibly, we can inspire others to follow the teachings of Jesus.

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The lessons from Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the importance of peace, sincerity, and leading by example. They call us to be true to our faith in all aspects of life. As we reflect on these teachings, let us strive to grow in our love for God and others, living out our beliefs with integrity and kindness.

Prayer

Lord, help us to live in peace and harmony, avoiding hypocrisy and showing true love. Guide us to lead by example, working diligently and sincerely in all we do. May our lives reflect Your goodness and inspire others to follow You. Amen.

Word on Fire: The Danger of Spiritual Egotism

In his reflection for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron warns against the danger of trying to achieve salvation through one’s own efforts, which can lead to egotism. He explains that Jesus criticized the Pharisees for appearing righteous on the outside while being filled with hypocrisy inside. Barron emphasizes that sin is not just a weakness to overcome but a condition from which we need saving, and trying too hard on our own can lead to failure and self-reproach. He encourages us to relax and surrender, trusting in God’s grace.

What date is Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday August 26, 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 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday August 26, 2026 are:
First Reading – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18: Model of Discipline
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Blessings for the Faithful
Gospel – Matthew 23:27-32: Hypocrisy Condemned

Why does Paul warn against idleness in 2 Thessalonians?

Paul warns against idleness because it can lead to disorder and laziness. In 2 Thessalonians, he encourages people to work and support themselves, avoiding dependence on others unnecessarily.

How can we apply the lesson of avoiding idleness today?

We can apply this lesson by being diligent in our work and responsibilities. It teaches us to avoid being lazy and to contribute positively to our community.

What does Paul mean by living in peace?

Living in peace means having harmony and avoiding conflict. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be peaceful in their relationships and to follow his teachings for a peaceful life.

How does Paul set an example for the Thessalonians?

Paul sets an example by working hard and not being a burden to others. He shows that leaders should lead by example and not just by words.

What does Paul mean by earning one’s living?

Earning one’s living means working and providing for oneself, rather than relying on others. Paul emphasizes this to encourage self-sufficiency and responsibility.

What does “whitewashed tombs” mean in Matthew’s Gospel?

In the Gospel, “whitewashed tombs” refers to the Pharisees who appear good on the outside but are spiritually empty inside. Jesus uses this image to criticize hypocrisy, calling for genuine faith.

Why is sincerity in faith important, according to the Gospel for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Sincerity in faith is important because it shows true devotion and honesty in our relationship with God. The Gospel on Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teaches that outward appearances are not enough; our hearts must also be right with God.

What is the main message of the Gospel for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is a warning against hypocrisy and the importance of true righteousness. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their false piety and calls for a sincere and authentic faith.

How can we practice sincerity in our faith?

We can practice sincerity by being honest with ourselves and others, avoiding pretending to be something we are not. It means aligning our actions with our beliefs.

How do these readings help us live better lives?

The readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us to avoid idleness, practice sincerity, and live in peace. They guide us to be responsible and authentic in our faith and actions.