Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Corinthians 3:4-11: Our qualification comes from God. The ministry of the Spirit is more glorious than the ministry of the letter.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 99: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel called on God, and he answered them. He is holy, forgiving, and just. We should praise and worship him.
• Gospel – Matthew 5:17-19: Jesus emphasizes that he came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it. He stresses the importance of obeying and teaching the commandments, promising greatness in the Kingdom of heaven for those who do so.

Lectionary Reference: 361

Upcoming dates: June 11, 2025, June 9, 2027, June 13, 2029, June 11, 2031, June 8, 2033

Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:19

Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 readings focus on the importance of the Spirit and the fulfillment of the law. These readings remind us to rely on God and follow His commandments faithfully.

• God’s Qualification: God makes us worthy. Our abilities and strengths come from Him.
• Ministry of the Spirit: The Spirit’s work is greater. It brings life and glory beyond the old law.
• Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus completes the law. He does not remove it but shows its full meaning.
• Obeying Commandments: Following God’s rules is crucial. Jesus stresses their importance for the Kingdom of heaven.
• Teaching the Commandments: Teaching others to obey God’s laws is honored. Those who teach and follow the commandments will be great in heaven.

The themes from Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to trust in God and live according to His laws. They guide us to value the Spirit’s work and Jesus’ fulfillment of the law.

The readings for Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on God’s strength, the work of the Spirit, and the importance of following His commandments. Through Paul’s letter and Jesus’ words in the Gospel, we are reminded to trust in God, seek the Spirit’s guidance, and live faithfully according to His teachings. These reflections guide us to examine our relationship with God and how we can grow closer to Him by living out His call.

Trusting in God’s Strength

The first reading for Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that our strength and abilities come from God. Paul tells us that we are not qualified by our own efforts but by God. This helps us to see that we don’t have to rely only on ourselves. God gives us the strength and purpose we need to live out His plan for us.

This reading invites us to trust in God and to let Him guide us. When we feel weak or unsure, we can turn to Him for support. Paul’s words remind us that God knows what we need and will equip us for the work He calls us to do. Our worth is not based on our accomplishments but on the fact that we belong to Him.

By trusting in God’s strength, we can face challenges with courage. Knowing that God is with us helps us to keep going, even when things feel hard. The first reading encourages us to stop trying to handle everything on our own and to let God work in our lives.

Living by the Spirit

Paul contrasts the old law, written on stone, with the new ministry of the Spirit, which is written on hearts. The first reading for Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows us that the Spirit’s work brings life and glory, while the old law brought death. This reminds us to rely on the Spirit for guidance and strength.

True change comes from within, through the Spirit. We are called to open our hearts to God’s work and let Him shape us into people who live by His love. The Spirit gives us the wisdom to make good choices and the courage to follow God’s path.

This reading reminds us to seek the Spirit’s guidance every day. We are not left to figure things out on our own. God has given us the Spirit to lead us, comfort us, and help us grow. By living by the Spirit, we can become closer to God and live the life He wants for us.

Following and Teaching the Commandments

In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus explains that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He shows us the full meaning of the law and calls us to follow it faithfully. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of teaching the commandments to others. Those who do will be great in the Kingdom of heaven.

This reminds us that the commandments are not just rules but a way to live in a way that pleases God. By following Jesus’ example, we can understand what it means to love God and love others. Obeying the commandments helps us to stay close to God and to live in peace with those around us.

Teaching the commandments is also an important part of our faith. We are called to guide others with love and patience, helping them to see the beauty of living according to God’s way. Jesus promises that those who teach and follow the commandments will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. This gives us encouragement to live faithfully and to share God’s love with others.

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As we reflect on the messages of Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are encouraged to deepen our trust in God and follow His commandments with love. The Spirit helps us live faithfully and teaches us to share God’s love with others. Let us carry these lessons into our daily lives, asking God to guide us as we live by His word.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your guidance and love. Help us to trust in Your strength and rely on the Spirit each day. Teach us to follow Your commandments and guide others with love and kindness. May we live faithfully and grow closer to You in all that we do. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you rely on God’s strength instead of your own in challenging times?
• In what ways do you seek the guidance of the Spirit in your daily decisions?
• How do you live out the commandments in your relationships with others?
• What steps can you take to help others understand and follow God’s teachings?

Word on Fire: Fulfilling the Law

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the gospel for for Wednesday of the 10th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, emphasizing Jesus as the New Moses who fulfills the Law.

While some may have reservations about religious laws, Jesus presents a different perspective by offering a law that brings happiness and serves as a pattern for a fulfilling life.

USCCB Reflection: A Divine Qualification

This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 10th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 explores the concept of faith as a supernatural gift from God, enabling believers to experience true freedom, happiness, and full humanity.

Faith does not contradict human reason or freedom but rather allows us to cooperate more fully with God’s grace, becoming ministers of His love and mercy in the world.

What date is Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday June 11, 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 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday June 11, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 2 Corinthians 3:4-11: Confidence Through Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 99: Holy is Our God
Gospel – Matthew 5:17-19: Fulfillment of the Law

What does Paul mean by “our qualification comes from God” in 2 Corinthians 3:4-11?

Paul means that our abilities and strengths come from God. We do not rely on our own power but on God’s help.

How is the ministry of the Spirit more glorious than the ministry of the letter?

The ministry of the Spirit brings life and glory. The ministry of the letter (the old law) brings death because it focuses on rules without inner change.

What does living by the Spirit mean?

Living by the Spirit means letting God lead us each day. We open our hearts to His guidance and follow His commandments.

How can we rely on God’s qualification in our daily lives?

We rely on God’s qualification by trusting Him in everything we do. We pray for His help and believe He gives us the strength we need.

What is the difference between the old law and the new ministry of the Spirit?

The old law is written on stone and focuses on rules. The new ministry of the Spirit is written on our hearts and brings inner change and life.

What does Jesus mean when He says He came to fulfill the law in Matthew 5:17-19?

Jesus means He came to complete and show the full meaning of the law. He did not come to remove it but to make it clearer and deeper.

Why is it important to obey the commandments according to Jesus?

Obeying the commandments is important because it pleases God. Jesus says those who follow and teach the commandments will be great in the Kingdom of heaven.

How can we teach others to follow God’s commandments?

We teach others by our actions and words. Living a good life and sharing God’s teachings helps guide others.

How do the readings for Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help us understand our faith better?

The readings show us that our strength comes from God, and we need to follow Jesus’ teachings. They remind us to live by the Spirit and obey God’s commandments.