Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Hebrews 2:14-18: Jesus shared our humanity to defeat death and the Devil, freeing us from fear. Fully human, He became a merciful high priest, atoning for sins and aiding those in trials.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Praise and share the LORD’s mighty deeds. Rejoice in seeking Him, for He faithfully upholds His covenant with Abraham and his descendants, ruling justly over all.
• Gospel – Mark 1:29-39: In Capernaum, at Simon and Andrew’s home, Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law from a fever, who then served them. That evening, a multitude gathered, bringing the sick and demon-possessed. Jesus healed many and exorcised demons, who knew His identity. Seeking solitude, Jesus prayed early next morning. Found by His disciples, He emphasized His mission to preach in neighboring villages, continuing His journey through Galilee, teaching and liberating people from demonic influences.

He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”

Mark 1:38

Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offers themes that help us understand the love and care Jesus shows through his healing and his presence among people. These themes reflect Jesus’ compassion, his authority over sickness and evil, and his call to continuous prayer and service.

• Jesus Conquers Death and Fear: Jesus became fully human to face death, freeing us from fear and showing us his closeness to our struggles. His actions reveal that he is always with us, ready to bring peace to our fears.
• Healing and Compassion: In healing the sick, Jesus shows his compassion and readiness to respond to human suffering. His care for others reminds us to bring our own concerns to him and to care for those around us.
• Prayer and Solitude: Jesus goes off to pray alone, showing the importance of taking time with God. Through prayer, Jesus finds strength, and we are called to do the same in our lives.
• Authority Over Sickness and Evil: Jesus shows his power over evil as he drives out demons and heals sickness. His authority brings comfort, showing that he is stronger than any force that could harm us.
• Service to Others: After being healed, Simon’s mother-in-law serves others, showing that healing can lead to helping others. Her response to healing is a reminder to use our own health and gifts for the good of others.
• Seeking Jesus Daily: The people search for Jesus, showing how deeply they desire his presence. This reminds us to seek Jesus in our own lives, making time for him even in our busy days.

Each of these themes for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us ways to live out faith, compassion, and humility. They encourage us to draw close to Jesus and follow his example of love and care.

On Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter readings that speak to Jesus’ humanity, his healing power, and his commitment to prayer. These themes invite us to reflect on how Jesus shares in our struggles, how we can respond to his healing with service, and how essential quiet time with God is in our lives. Through these lessons, we can see that Jesus not only cares for us but also calls us to deeper trust, service, and prayer.

Jesus Shares Our Humanity

In the readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on Jesus’ choice to become fully human and face death. Through his humanity, Jesus experienced the pains, struggles, and fears that we do, especially the fear of suffering and death. By facing these fully, he overcame them on our behalf, helping us to understand that he truly knows and shares our struggles.

This closeness of Jesus to us is comforting. When we face difficult times or feel the weight of suffering, we can remember that Jesus understands. He willingly took on our experiences and has walked through the same dark places we sometimes find ourselves in. This makes him not only a Savior but also a companion in our journeys.

Because Jesus experienced all that we do, we can trust him with our deepest fears and anxieties. Knowing that he fully understands can strengthen us to face life’s challenges with greater confidence. His solidarity with us reminds us that he is always close, ready to help us overcome our fears and to give us peace.

Healing Leads to Service

In the gospel reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, who immediately rises to serve those around her. This simple act of service following her healing shows how receiving God’s care can lead us to help others. Her response reminds us that, when we are strengthened or healed, we have the chance to use our renewed health to support and serve those in need.

This example applies to us as well. When we experience God’s help or healing, we can be encouraged to look for ways to share that blessing. Whether it’s through acts of kindness or using our skills for good, we follow her example when we let our health and abilities serve a greater purpose.

In our daily lives, we can find simple ways to serve others, whether by listening to someone who is lonely or helping in small but meaningful ways. Just as Simon’s mother-in-law responded to her healing by serving, we, too, can use our gifts to make life a little brighter for others.

The Power of Quiet Prayer

Another theme we see on Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 is the importance of prayer. After a busy day of teaching and healing, Jesus takes time to go off by himself and pray. Despite his full schedule, he chooses to step away for a while to reconnect with God the Father. This shows us that, no matter how busy we are, prayer is essential for finding balance and strength.

Jesus’ example reminds us that we can turn to prayer to recharge and refocus. Sometimes, it’s easy to become so focused on tasks or helping others that we forget to make time for ourselves and for God. Jesus’ decision to pray encourages us to build quiet time into our own routines, knowing that this time with God will give us the peace and perspective we need.

In our daily lives, even a few moments of quiet prayer can make a difference. When we make time to pray, we renew our relationship with God and open our hearts to the guidance and strength he offers. Following Jesus’ example of prayer helps us stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

---

As we reflect on the messages from Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we’re encouraged to grow closer to Jesus by following his example. He knows our struggles, invites us to respond with love and service, and shows us the power of prayer. May these reflections help us live with greater compassion and peace, strengthened by Jesus’ presence with us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing in our struggles and for showing us how to live with love. Help us to trust in your care and to serve others with willing hearts. May we find strength in quiet prayer with you, following your example each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How does knowing that Jesus shared in human struggles affect how I approach my own challenges?
• When I feel strengthened or healed, do I seek ways to serve others as Simon’s mother-in-law did?
• How can I build quiet prayer time into my daily routine, following Jesus’ example?
• What areas of my life would benefit from greater trust in God’s love and guidance?

Word on Fire: Doctor of the Soul

Bishop Barron’s reflection for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlights Jesus’ role as a spiritual healer, emphasizing His capacity to heal not just physical ailments but also the soul. He discusses how much of Jesus’ ministry involved enabling people to experience God’s kingdom, hear the Spirit, and overcome spiritual paralysis. Barron likens Jesus to a ‘salvator,’ a healer whose presence reconciles us with God and revitalizes the soul, asserting that true health stems from a dynamic relationship with God. The reflection underscores that when the soul is healthy, it positively affects the whole person.

Jesus’ Universal Invitation to Healing

The USCCB reflection for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 focuses on Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law and many others in Capernaum. It emphasizes that Jesus’ healing extends beyond intimate circles to everyone in need, reflecting His desire to reconcile all to God. This universal invitation to faith in Jesus is open to all who seek God, demonstrating His extraordinary mercy and the transformative power of His love that restores us to new life.

What date is Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday January 15, 2025.

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 even numbered years see Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday January 15, 2025 are:
First Reading – Hebrews 2:14-18: Jesus’ Shared Humanity and Sacrifice
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Faithfulness of the Lord
Gospel – Mark 1:29-39: Healing and Preaching in Galilee

What does it mean that Jesus shared in our humanity?

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus became fully human to experience what we go through. By doing this, he understands our struggles and can help us face them with courage.

Why did Jesus pray in solitude?

Jesus often sought quiet moments to pray, as seen in the gospel for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. This time with God gave him strength, showing us that we also need quiet time to connect with God.

Why did Jesus heal so many people?

The gospel shows Jesus healing many who were suffering. He did this out of love and compassion, showing that he cares deeply for each of us.

What does Jesus’ authority over evil mean for us?

In the readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus demonstrates his power over evil. This reminds us that no matter our struggles, Jesus has the strength to help us overcome them.

What is the significance of Simon’s mother-in-law serving after she is healed?

After Jesus healed her, Simon’s mother-in-law immediately began serving others. Her response teaches us to use our gifts and health to care for others.

Why did people search for Jesus?

People were eager to find Jesus because they needed healing and hope. This encourages us to seek Jesus in our lives, knowing he is our source of strength.

What does Jesus’ compassion mean for us?

Jesus’ compassion shows his desire to be close to us in our need. It reminds us to turn to him for comfort and healing in difficult times.

How can we apply these readings to our own lives?

The readings for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show us Jesus’ compassion, humility, and dedication to prayer. By following his example, we can grow closer to God and find strength in prayer and service to others.