Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – James 4:13-17: Boasting about future plans is wrong; we should acknowledge God’s will in our actions. Failing to do what is right is sinful.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 49: Wealth cannot extend life; both the wise and foolish die and leave wealth behind. True fortune lies in spiritual humility, rewarded with heaven.
• Gospel – Mark 9:38-40: Jesus teaches that those performing acts in His name, even if not among His closest followers, should not be hindered, as their deeds align with His mission.

Whoever is not against us is for us.

Mark 9:40

Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to reflect on how we live out our faith daily. These themes can guide our understanding and actions.

• Trust in God’s Plan: We must remember that God guides our lives. We should not boast about future plans without considering God’s will.
• Sin of Omission: Failing to do the right thing is a sin. We need to act when we know what is good.
• Inclusivity in Faith: Jesus accepts the good actions of those who work in His name, even if they are not His closest followers. We should also be inclusive in recognizing the good deeds of others.
• Unity in Christ: Everyone doing good in Jesus’ name is part of His mission. This unity is important for strengthening our faith community.

These readings teach us to involve God in our plans and recognize His work in others. They help us to see how we can be better Christians every day.

The readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 bring our attention to how we approach our future. James tells us it’s wrong to boast about future plans without considering God’s will. It’s a reminder that we don’t control everything and that we should trust more in God’s plan than our own.

James also warns us about the sin of not doing the good we know we should do. It’s easy to overlook or put off actions that could help others. This teaching pushes us to be active in our goodness, stepping forward when we see a chance to do what’s right.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus explains that anyone who does good in His name should be welcomed. This encourages us to accept and appreciate the good deeds done by others, even if they are not within our immediate circle. It broadens our view of community and fellowship in Christ.

These readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 urge us to look beyond our group of friends or community. They call us to be inclusive and to recognize the value of all who work in Jesus’ name. This approach fosters unity and helps build a stronger community of believers.

Understanding that delaying good action can be sinful helps us prioritize our daily activities. It motivates us to be more diligent and responsive to the needs around us, aligning our actions with God’s desires.

Trusting in God’s will requires humility. We have to admit that we don’t always know what’s best, but God does. This can be freeing, letting us live more fully in the moment and less in worry about the future.

Prayer

Lord, help us to remember your will in our daily lives. Teach us to act when there’s good to be done and to welcome others who work in your name. Amen.

Word on Fire: The Mission Matters Most

In the reflection for the Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron highlights Jesus’ response to John complaining about an outsider driving out demons. Jesus says, “Whoever is not against us is for us,” showing a generous attitude. Bishop Barron explains that this problem persists today in the Church. People often focus on protecting their roles and structures instead of the mission. Jesus teaches that the mission of bringing God’s love to the world is what truly matters, not personal glory or position.

What date is Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Wednesday February 23, 2028.

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 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Wednesday February 23, 2028 are:
First Reading  – James 4:13-17: Humility in Life’s Plans
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 49: Fortunes of the Spirit
Gospel – Mark 9:38-40: Unity in Christ’s Work

What does it mean to boast about future plans according to James 4:13-17?

It means to talk proudly about what you plan to do without considering what God wants. James tells us to remember that God is in charge, not us.

Why does James say failing to do what is right is sinful?

James teaches that when we know the good we should do and don’t do it, we are sinning. It’s important to act on what is right.

How can acknowledging God’s will help avoid the wrong of boasting?

Recognizing that God’s plans are the key, not ours, helps us stay humble and avoid boasting about our own plans.

How should we include God’s will in our daily actions?

We should ask God to guide our decisions and make plans that align with His teachings and desires.

What does Jesus mean by saying not to stop someone doing good in His name in Mark 9:38-40?

Jesus means that if someone is helping others and doing good, even if they are not part of our group, we should not stop them because they are on our side.

What does the Gospel for Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach about working together for good?

The Gospel encourages us to see that anyone who does good in Jesus’ name helps spread His message, showing that we can work together for a greater good.

How can I apply the message of not hindering others to my life?

Support and encourage people who do good things, even if they are different from you or not in your close circle.

How do these readings from Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help me in everyday life?

They teach us to be humble about our future, to always do good when we have the chance, and to be open to the good actions of others, no matter who they are.