Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time

Wednesday February 12, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

First Reading – Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17: God created the earth, forming man from dust and breathing life into him. In Eden, amidst beauty and bounty, God placed man, allowing him to eat from all trees but one, warning that eating from the tree of knowledge would bring death.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 104: My soul exalts the Lord, vast in majesty, the source of all sustenance. Life ebbs and flows by His will, with creation renewed by His Spirit.
Gospel – Mark 7:14-23: Jesus taught that true defilement isn’t from external sources like food, but from one’s inner thoughts and actions. He emphasized that evil intentions and immoral behaviors originating from the heart are what truly corrupt a person. This teaching redirects focus from ritual purity to the importance of inner purity and moral integrity.

But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.
Mark 7:20-23

Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings from Genesis and Mark invite reflection on God’s creation, human freedom, and inner purity. They teach us about our relationship with God and the choices we make in our lives.

Gift of Creation: God created a beautiful world and placed humans in it to care for it. The reading from Genesis reminds us to respect and cherish what He has given.
Human Responsibility: God gave Adam work and a commandment to follow. This shows that humans are called to obey God and make good choices.

Free Will and Obedience: God allowed Adam to choose to follow His command. This freedom comes with the responsibility to trust and obey Him.
Purity of the Heart: Jesus teaches that what comes from within makes a person clean or unclean. This reminds us to examine our thoughts and actions.
Avoiding Sinful Thoughts: Jesus warns against evil desires that lead to sin. He shows that sin begins in the heart and mind, not just in actions.

Respecting God’s Commands: Both readings highlight the importance of following God’s instructions. This shows us how to live in harmony with His will.

The themes of this day remind us that God invites us to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His goodness. By choosing what is right and pure, we grow closer to Him.

Reflection for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

The readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on God’s creation, the purity of our hearts, and the importance of obedience and trust. They remind us that our actions, thoughts, and care for the world are all ways we can honor God. These themes call us to consider how we live our faith in our daily lives.

Caring for God’s Creation

The first reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 describes how God created a beautiful world and placed Adam in the garden to care for it. This shows that creation is not just for human enjoyment but also a responsibility. God invites us to work with Him in protecting and nurturing the world He has given us.

Caring for creation means respecting the gifts of nature and not taking them for granted. It means treating the earth, its plants, and animals with kindness and using resources wisely. This reflection reminds us that our daily choices, like reducing waste and helping the environment, are ways we live out God’s call.

We are stewards, not owners, of the world. The reading encourages us to think about how we can do better in taking care of the earth. God’s creation is a sign of His love, and caring for it shows our love for Him.

Purity Starts Within

The Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teaches that what comes from within makes a person clean or unclean. Jesus explains that our thoughts and desires matter as much as, if not more than, our outward actions. This shows that our hearts need to be guided by what is good and true.

Sin begins in the mind before it becomes an action. Evil thoughts, greed, or selfishness can lead to wrong choices. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine what is inside us and bring those thoughts to God in prayer.

Purity is about living with a heart that wants what is good and avoiding harmful desires. When we work to clean up our hearts, we can live in peace and follow God more closely. This reflection calls us to focus on being clean from the inside out.

Obedience and Trust

Both readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 speak about listening to God and trusting His guidance. In Genesis, God gives Adam a command to obey, reminding us that God knows what is best for us. The Gospel highlights how our choices, shaped by what is in our hearts, show whether we are following His will.

Obedience to God is not about control; it is about trust. When Adam is given the task to care for the garden and the command not to eat from a specific tree, God is teaching him responsibility. This lesson reminds us that trusting and obeying God brings us closer to Him.

We all face choices in life, and God calls us to listen to Him as we make them. These readings show that living with obedience and trust allows us to grow in love and faithfulness. God wants us to freely follow Him, not because we must, but because we know His way is good.

The reflections show how God’s instructions guide us to live responsibly, care for the world, and keep our hearts clean. On Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to examine our choices and draw closer to Him by following His will. May these reflections help us grow in faith and love.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help us to care for the world You have made, follow Your commands, and keep our hearts focused on what is good. Give us wisdom and strength to live in ways that honor You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How can I better care for creation in my daily life?

What thoughts or desires might I need to bring to God for help?
How do I show obedience to God in my choices?
What steps can I take to keep my heart pure and focused on good?

Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Word on Fire Reflection: Original Sin and Inner Evil

Bishop Barron reflects on Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, emphasizing that evil originates from within us, manifesting as various sins. He highlights the Catholic understanding of original sin, which pervades every aspect of human life, yet does not equate to total depravity. Through this doctrine, evident in our flawed nature and societal values, we’re encouraged to introspect on our aversions to others as a mirror to our spiritual condition.

USCCB Reflection: The Heart’s Role in Conversion

This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 emphasizes the private moments between Jesus and his disciples as crucial for understanding the deeper meanings of his teachings, particularly regarding the human heart’s propensity for evil. It highlights the need for daily conversion and God’s grace in transforming our hearts, as illustrated by Jesus’ teachings and the Catechism’s insights on the power of God’s love to overcome the evils within us.

Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

What date is Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday February 12, 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 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday February 12, 2025 are:
First Reading – Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17: Creation and Eden’s Garden
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 104: Creation’s Praise
Gospel – Mark 7:14-23: Understanding True Purity

What does it mean that God placed Adam in the garden to work and care for it?

God gave Adam the responsibility to take care of creation. This shows that humans are called to respect and take care of the earth as part of God’s plan.

Why did God give Adam a command about the tree?

God gave Adam the command to teach him obedience and trust. It reminds us that our freedom comes with the responsibility to follow God’s will.

What does the reading from Genesis say about our purpose?

The reading reminds us that God created us to live with Him and take care of what He has made. Our purpose includes loving God, working faithfully, and following His commands.

Why is free will important in the story of Adam?

Free will shows that God wants us to choose to love and obey Him. He does not force us but gives us the chance to make good choices.

What does Jesus mean when He says what comes out of a person makes them unclean?

Jesus explains that sin begins in our hearts and minds. He teaches us to be careful about our thoughts and actions because they show what is in our hearts.

How can we avoid the evil thoughts Jesus warns about?

We can pray and ask God to help us think and act in good ways. Avoiding bad influences and staying close to God also help us keep our hearts pure.

How does the Gospel challenge us to think about sin?

The Gospel challenges us to see sin as more than actions. It begins inside us, so we need to ask God to help us clean our hearts.

How can we follow God’s commands in everyday life?

We can follow God’s commands by being honest, kind, and faithful. Reading the Bible and praying help us know what God wants from us.

What does it mean to live a pure life?

Living a pure life means avoiding sin and keeping our thoughts and actions focused on what is good. It also means asking God to guide us and help us grow closer to Him.

How can the readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help us?

They remind us to take care of the world, follow God’s commands, and keep our hearts clean. They help us live in a way that pleases God.

Walking in God’s Ways

On Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings teach about creation, obedience, and inner purity. The first reading from Genesis describes how God formed humans, gave them life, and placed them in the garden. Adam was given the role of caring for the garden and was commanded to avoid eating from a certain tree. This command shows that God invites us to trust Him and follow His ways.

The Gospel from Mark focuses on purity. Jesus tells the crowd that what comes from the heart is what truly makes a person clean or unclean. He lists sins that begin in the heart, reminding us to be mindful of our thoughts and desires. This shows that true goodness starts within us, not just in our actions.

Together, these readings remind us to honor God through our choices. They invite us to care for the world, obey His teachings, and keep our hearts focused on what is good. By doing this, we live as God calls us to live.

Your Turn

Take time to reflect on the readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Think about what it means to follow God’s commands and keep your heart focused on what is good. How can you take better care of what God has entrusted to you?

Share your thoughts or your experience in the comment section below. Let’s encourage one another to grow closer to God in our daily lives.