Wednesday of the 25th 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) - Ezra 9:5-9: Ezra confesses the long-standing guilt of his people and their leaders, acknowledging the punishments they've faced. He also recognizes recent mercy from God, including support from Persian kings to rebuild their holy place.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Proverbs 30:5-9: I ask for just two things: keep falsehood and wealth away from me and provide only what I need. If I have too much, I might forget the Lord; if too little, I might steal and disgrace God's name.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Tobit 13: In exile, I still praise God and reveal His power to a sinful nation. He punishes but also shows mercy, controlling life and death. Praise Him, Israel, even when scattered among Gentiles.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 119: I seek God's law to guide me and value it above riches. It provides eternal wisdom and protects me from evil paths. I love His commandments and despise deceit.
• Gospel - Luke 9:1-6: Jesus empowers the Twelve to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel light and depend on hospitality. They go, spreading God's Kingdom and performing miracles.

He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Luke 8:20-21

• Delegation of Authority: Jesus gives his disciples the power to heal and cast out demons. This shows a transfer of divine authority and extends the reach of Jesus' ministry.
• Dependency on Hosts: The disciples are told not to carry provisions, relying instead on hospitality. This theme highlights the importance of community support in missionary work.
• Rejection and Consequence: If a town does not welcome them, the disciples are instructed to shake off the dust from their feet. This act symbolizes disassociation and warns of spiritual consequences for the rejecting community.
• Urgency of Mission: The lack of provisions and the directive to stay in one house per village imply a sense of urgency. This theme suggests that the mission's message is of immediate importance.
• Minimalist Approach: By instructing them not to carry extra supplies, Jesus encourages a simple, unencumbered approach. This emphasizes focus on the message over material concerns.

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Luke 9:1-6, Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey, relying solely on the hospitality of those they encounter. Several elements in this passage offer insights for contemporary Catholics.

First, the instruction to take nothing signifies a reliance on God and the community. It's a lesson in simplicity and trust. For modern Catholics, it's a reminder to focus on what's essential in religious life and to trust that their needs will be met when doing God's work.

Second, the Apostles are given the power to heal and cast out demons, indicating that their mission is not just about words but also about tangible acts of kindness and liberation. It's a call for today's Catholics to be involved in practical acts of charity and social justice, not just in doctrinal discussions.

Third, Jesus tells them to shake the dust off their feet when leaving a place that does not welcome them. This isn't about holding a grudge but about knowing when to move on. For contemporary Catholics, it can mean focusing efforts where they’re more likely to bear fruit, rather than getting bogged down by constant rejection or confrontation.

Fourth, the instruction to stay in one house rather than moving from one to another when they are welcomed speaks to the value of forming meaningful relationships. This could encourage Catholics today to cultivate deeper bonds within their community instead of spreading themselves too thin.

Luke 9:1-6 encourages Catholics to rely on God and community, to pair preaching with actionable good deeds, to know when to move on from unfruitful situations, and to focus on forming deep, meaningful relationships. These points are practical and applicable to daily life.

Prayer for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Heavenly Father, equip us with the courage and faith to carry Your message to the world, relying on Your grace rather than material provisions. May we shake off the dust from places that reject us, continuing steadfastly on our mission. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Trusting the Journey

This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time discusses Jesus instructing his disciples to go on a mission to heal the sick and spread the message of God's kingdom. Jesus advises them to take nothing with them—not even basic provisions like food or money. The focus here is on trusting that the mission itself is guided by divine intent and that all necessities will be provided for. It suggests that fulfilling a mission in the name of Jesus requires trust and complete dependence on God's guidance and provision. This teaching is framed as a valuable lesson for modern-day followers, challenging them to place their full trust in divine guidance.

What date is Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is September 25, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time?

The Mass readings for September 25, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Ezra 9:5-9: Ezra's Prayer
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Proverbs 30:5-9: God's Word and Prayer
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Tobit 13: Everlasting Praise
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 119: Love for God's Law
Gospel - Luke 9:1-6: Apostles Sent Forth
See the readings section of this page for a longer summary of these readings for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time and links to the readings.

What happens in the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 9:1-6)?

In this passage, Jesus gives his twelve disciples the power and authority to heal diseases and cast out demons. He sends them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He instructs them to take no provisions and to rely on the hospitality of those who welcome them. If a town rejects them, they are to shake the dust off their feet as they leave.

What are the themes for the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time?

The themes in the gospel for September 25, 2024, Luke 9:1-6, include empowerment, mission, dependence on community, and the consequences of rejection. Jesus not only gives the disciples authority but also sends them out with a specific task, emphasizing communal support and a sort of divine reciprocity.
See the themes section of this page for more themes for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time. A reflection, prayer, and homily links are also available.

What is the key instruction Jesus gives to the Twelve in the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 9:1-6)?

Jesus tells them to travel light and rely on the hospitality of others. Their primary task is to spread God's Kingdom and heal the sick. The focus is on simplicity, trust, and the power of faith to enact change.

Why are the disciples instructed to take no provisions in the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 9:1-6)?

The instruction to take no provisions is about dependence on God and the community they are serving. It underscores the idea that the mission is not a commercial enterprise but a spiritual endeavor supported by those who benefit from and believe in it.

What does "shake the dust off your feet" signify in the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 9:1-6)?

This act is symbolic of disassociating from those who reject the message. It serves as both a protest and a ritualistic way of moving on, indicating that the disciples should not waste time where their message is not welcomed.

How can we apply this principle of 'traveling light' from the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 9:1-6) in life?

Prioritizing the basics like faith, community, and service while eliminating the non-essential stuff can clear your mind and emotions. This makes it simpler to concentrate on important duties and relationships, facilitating a faith-centered life.

How can the gospel for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 9:1-6) be applied to everyday life?

The passage prompts us to consider how we approach our own 'missions,' whatever they may be. It raises questions about what we consider essential for our work and encourages us to rely on community support. It also teaches us to recognize when our efforts are not welcome or fruitful and to move on without bitterness.

What is Ezra confessing in the first reading for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 (Ezra 9:5-9)?

Ezra is acknowledging the collective guilt of his people and their leaders for their disobedience to God, which led to their exile and suffering.

How can the concept of confession and acknowledgment of guilt from the first reading for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 (Ezra 9:5-9) apply to us today?

This serves as a reminder that personal and communal acknowledgment of shortcomings is the first step towards transformation. It also highlights the importance of recognizing God's mercy when it manifests.

What does the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 (Tobit 13) say about God's duality?

It discusses God's ability to punish but also to show great mercy. The Psalm invites praise even during times of suffering or exile.

How can we relate the message of the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 (Tobit 13) in our daily lives?

It teaches us to maintain faith and gratitude towards God, even in difficult circumstances. Recognizing God's control over life events can provide comfort and perspective.

How do the readings for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 discuss the balance between human action and divine intervention?

Ezra and the Psalm focus on human failings and divine mercy. The Gospel highlights human action empowered by divine authority. Together, they suggest that human effort and divine grace are both essential.

What common themes appear in these readings for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Acknowledgment of failings, divine mercy, and the empowerment to enact change are recurring themes. These messages prompt us to reflect on our own lives and consider where we might need transformation or renewed focus.

What is the central message of the first reading for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 (Proverbs 30:5-9)?

The reading emphasizes the value of moderation and warns against the pitfalls of extreme wealth or poverty. It advocates for a balanced approach to life where one neither forgets God due to abundance nor disrespects Him due to lack.

How can the notion of asking only for what is needed from the first reading for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 (Proverbs 30:5-9) apply in modern life?

The concept can apply as a call for minimalism and a focus on essentials. By striving for just what's necessary, one is more likely to maintain a conscious connection to God and ethical behavior.

What virtues does the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 (Psalm 119) emphasize?

The Psalm values truth, wisdom, and ethical living, elevating God's law above material wealth. It asserts that God's commandments serve as a protective guide.

How can one practically 'value God's law above riches' today as describe in the responsorial psalm for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 (Psalm 119)?

Prioritizing ethical and moral choices over financial gain is a direct application. This could mean opting for a job that aligns with one's values over a more lucrative but ethically dubious option.

What overarching theme can be seen in all three readings for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The common thread is the virtue of simplicity and moderation, whether it's in material possessions or life choices. All readings advocate for a balanced, God-focused life.

What are some daily habits to align with these readings for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Consider decluttering physical and digital spaces to focus on essentials. Make ethical choices in work and relationships. Make time for prayer or reflection to stay connected to God's teachings.