Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
Wednesday May 19, 2027

Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Sirach 4:11-19: Embracing wisdom brings life, guidance, and blessings. She tests loyalty, rewarding the faithful with knowledge and justice, but abandoning those who fail her.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Loving God’s law brings profound peace and stability, guiding life with righteousness and support.
- Gospel – Mark 9:38-40: Jesus teaches that anyone doing good deeds in His name should not be hindered, emphasizing unity and support among those who act in His spirit.
Upcoming dates: May 19, 2027, May 23, 2029, February 23, 2033
Whoever is not against us is for us.
Mark 9:40
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle from Sirach and the Gospel of Mark focus on wisdom and unity. They guide us in following Jesus’s teachings and appreciating the virtues of wisdom.
- Value of Wisdom: Sirach tells us wisdom is life-giving. It helps guide our choices and blesses those who stay true to it.
- Tests of Faith: Wisdom tests our loyalty. If we remain faithful, we gain more knowledge and justice.
- Unity in Action: Jesus’s words in Mark encourage unity. He tells us not to stop anyone doing good in His name.
- Inclusion and Support: We learn to support everyone working for good. This helps us grow together in faith.
On Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle , we are reminded that wisdom and unity are crucial in our lives. By embracing wisdom and supporting each other, we grow closer to living as Jesus taught us.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer us valuable lessons about unity, wisdom, and support within the community of believers. These themes remind us of the importance of working together, living wisely, and encouraging one another in good deeds. As we reflect on these messages, we are invited to grow in faith and strengthen our relationships with God and each other.
Encouraging Unity in Good Works
The Gospel for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of the value of unity and support among believers. Jesus teaches that anyone who does good in His name should not be stopped or judged. Instead, their efforts should be recognized and encouraged.
This lesson invites us to shift our focus from criticism to encouragement. Often, we may be tempted to compare or question others’ ways of serving God. Jesus calls us to recognize goodness wherever it is found. By supporting each other, we create a more united and loving community of faith.
As we reflect on this teaching, we can ask ourselves how we respond to others who serve in ways different from our own. Do we offer encouragement and partnership, or do we create divisions? Let us seek to build each other up, celebrating the good works that bring glory to God.
Wisdom Guides Our Journey
The first reading for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlights the importance of wisdom. Wisdom leads us to make better choices and live according to God’s will. By seeking wisdom, we allow God to guide our decisions and shape our daily lives.
This reading reminds us to reflect on how we seek wisdom. It is not just about knowledge but about understanding how to live in a way that pleases God. Wisdom helps us to approach life’s challenges with patience and humility, trusting God to lead the way.
We are also called to share wisdom with others through our words and actions. By living wisely, we become examples of faith for those around us. Let us pray for the grace to seek and follow God’s wisdom each day.
Building Community Through Support
Both the Gospel and the first reading for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about the value of supporting one another. Whether through wisdom or good works, we are stronger when we work together as believers.
This shared mission encourages us to see ourselves as part of a larger community. When we support others, we help strengthen the faith of the whole group. Whether it’s offering advice, lending a hand, or praying for someone, small acts of support can make a big difference.
Let us take time to reflect on how we can contribute to the unity of our faith community. By encouraging good works and sharing God’s wisdom, we fulfill our role in Christ’s mission. Together, we can build a stronger, more faithful community of believers.
Through these reflections, we are reminded of the call to live as one community, guided by wisdom and united in good works. May these lessons inspire us to build each other up, seek God’s guidance, and share His love in all that we do.
Prayer
Lord, guide us to live in unity and wisdom, supporting one another in good works. Help us to see Your hand in the efforts of others and to encourage them with love. Teach us to follow Your ways each day and strengthen us to serve You together as one faithful community. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you encourage unity and support among believers in your daily life?
- In what ways can you seek and apply God’s wisdom when making decisions?
- How do you respond when you see others serving God in ways different from your own?
- What small steps can you take to strengthen your faith community this week?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
This Is God’s Territory
In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, John tells Jesus that they stopped a man from casting out demons in His name because he was not part of their group. Jesus responds, “Do not forbid him… for he that is not against us is for us.” This challenges the disciples’ sense of control and reminds them that God’s work is bigger than any one group. Jesus teaches that faith is not about territorialism but about serving God with an open heart.
Matthew Kelly reflects on Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 by pointing out how people often create divisions in families, workplaces, and churches. He explains that territorialism limits God’s work and leads to unnecessary conflict. Instead of focusing on who belongs to which group, Kelly encourages people to recognize that everything belongs to God. He invites people to move beyond division and embrace unity in faith and mission.
The Mission Matters Most
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on how John complains to Jesus about someone outside their group driving out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus tells him, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” John’s reaction likely came from jealousy or a desire to protect his group’s status. This kind of attitude still exists in the Church today, where people can become more focused on power, recognition, and structure than on the mission itself.
Jesus reminds us that what truly matters is spreading God’s love and being a channel of his grace. Our own status, position, or recognition is unimportant. The mission of bringing Christ to the world should come first. If someone is doing good in Jesus’ name, we should rejoice, not compete. This message comes from Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
Accept the Good Wherever You Find It
Sr. Magdalen Coughlin reflects on Jesus’ teaching about recognizing good in others for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. The disciples see someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name and try to stop him because he is not part of their group. But Jesus tells them not to interfere, teaching that good should be welcomed wherever it is found. People can become jealous or protective of their status, but Jesus reminds His followers to be open and accepting of others who do God’s work.
Sr. Magdalen connects this to naming and confronting personal struggles. Sin often comes from the heart, as Jesus and St. Paul warn. Feelings like jealousy or pride can lead people to reject others instead of embracing their good works. Jesus calls His followers to focus on what is good, to encourage others in their efforts, and to recognize that God’s grace is at work in many ways beyond their own expectations.
God’s Law Brings True Freedom
Dr. Sullivan reflects on the responsorial Psalm for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, which praises God’s commandments as a source of peace. Many people see God’s laws as burdens, but the psalmist sees them as a gift. Christianity is often misunderstood as a religion of strict rules, but those who live by faith know that God’s laws lead to true freedom. They guide people toward what is good and help them live with dignity as children of God.
Following God’s commands allows people to love others selflessly and find peace in daily life. Rather than restricting freedom, God’s laws open the way to joy and fulfillment. By staying close to Scripture and embracing God’s ways, believers grow in faith and experience a deep sense of peace. Like the psalmist, they can pray with gratitude, knowing that God’s laws bring life and true happiness.
Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Wednesday May 19, 2027.
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 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Wednesday May 19, 2027 are:
First Reading – Sirach 4:11-19: Guidance Through Wisdom
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Harmony in Following God’s Law
Gospel – Mark 9:38-40: Unity in Christ’s Name
What is the main message of Sirach in the readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Wisdom brings life and tests our loyalty. If we stay faithful, we gain knowledge and justice.
How can we apply the message from Sirach in our daily lives?
We can choose to follow God’s guidance and remain loyal to His teachings, knowing that it will lead to greater wisdom and blessings.
What does it mean to be tested by wisdom?
Being tested by wisdom means facing challenges that assess our commitment to living wisely and righteously.
Why is it important to embrace wisdom?
Embracing wisdom helps us make better decisions and leads us to a life filled with God’s blessings.
What is the reward for staying faithful to wisdom, according to Sirach?
The reward is gaining deeper knowledge and a sense of justice.
What does Jesus teach in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus teaches us to support anyone who does good in His name and to seek unity among believers.
How can the message of unity from the Gospel affect our community?
Encouraging and supporting good deeds can strengthen community bonds and spread positivity.
How can we support others in doing good, as mentioned in the Gospel reading?
We can offer help, encouragement, and recognition to others who are working to make a positive impact.
Can we prevent others from doing good in Jesus’s name?
No, the Gospel tells us not to hinder anyone who is doing good in His name but to support them instead.
How do the readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage personal growth?
They teach us to seek wisdom and to live in unity with others, which helps us grow as individuals and as a community.
A Message of Wisdom and Unity
The readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us important lessons about how to live our faith. In the first reading, we learn about the value of wisdom. Wisdom helps us make good choices and live the way God wants us to live. It guides us through challenges and reminds us to trust in God’s plan.
In the Gospel, Jesus talks about unity among believers. He tells us to support those who do good, even if they are not part of our group. Jesus wants us to encourage goodness wherever we see it. This builds a stronger community of faith.
Together, these readings remind us to live wisely and support others in their good works. They show us that God calls us to work together as one family of believers.
Your Turn
The readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 inspire us to live with wisdom and support others. Take a moment to reflect on the message. How have you seen God’s wisdom in your life? How can you encourage others in their good works?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Leave a Reply