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Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

  • First Reading2 Corinthians 9:6-11: Give generously and cheerfully, as God provides abundantly. He will multiply your resources and increase your righteousness, enriching you for all generosity, which results in thanksgiving to God.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 112: The one who fears the Lord and delights in His commands is blessed, with enduring generosity, blessed descendants, and a life marked by grace and justice.
  • GospelMatthew 6:1-6, 16-18: Jesus instructs his disciples to perform good deeds, pray, and fast in secret, not for public praise. God, who sees in secret, will reward them.

Lectionary Reference: 367

God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on how we should give and live our faith. We are reminded to act with sincerity and humility.

  • Generous Giving: Paul encourages us to give generously and cheerfully. God provides for us and blesses our giving, which leads to thanksgiving.
  • Sincere Charity: Jesus teaches us to perform good deeds without seeking attention. Acts of charity should be done quietly, for God sees our hearts.
  • Private Prayer: Jesus instructs us to pray in secret, not to show off our faith. Prayer is a personal conversation with God, best done in private.
  • Humble Fasting: Jesus tells us to fast without drawing attention. True fasting is between us and God, and He will reward our sincerity.

These themes guide us in living a humble and genuine faith. We are called to focus on our relationship with God rather than seeking human praise.

Reflection for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

The readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of how we give and serve. Paul encourages cheerful giving, not with resentment or for attention. Jesus teaches us to do good deeds in secret, focusing on God rather than seeking recognition from others. Together, these lessons guide us to serve with humility and trust in God’s care.

Giving with a Cheerful Heart

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver. Giving should not feel like a burden or something we do grudgingly. Whether it is our time, talents, or resources, we are called to give freely and with joy.

When we give with resentment, it can take the joy out of serving. It may even cause us to grumble or seek recognition for what we’ve done. But true giving comes from a heart that trusts in God’s care and wants to share His blessings with others.

God promises to provide for those who give generously. This doesn’t mean we will always get what we want, but we can trust that He will meet our needs. When we give cheerfully, it becomes an act of love and trust, not just a duty.

Doing Good in Secret

In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus teaches us to do good deeds quietly. He warns against drawing attention to ourselves when we help others or pray. Instead, we should let our good works remain between us and God.

When we seek praise from others, it takes away the focus from helping those in need. Jesus calls us to act out of love, not a desire for recognition. Helping in secret allows us to keep our intentions pure and shows that we care more about others than about being noticed.

This also helps us grow in humility. Serving quietly reminds us that our efforts are for God’s glory, not our own. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we can give without expecting anything in return, trusting that God sees and knows our hearts.

Trusting in God’s Rewards

Both readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to trust in God’s rewards. Paul speaks of how God blesses those who give cheerfully, while Jesus promises that those who serve in secret will be rewarded by the Father. Both call us to focus on God, not on what others think of us.

It is easy to seek immediate rewards or recognition for our efforts. But these readings remind us that God’s blessings are far greater than anything the world can give. When we trust in His care, we are free to give and serve without holding back.

Trusting in God’s rewards helps us stay focused on what truly matters. It encourages us to live with faith, generosity, and humility, knowing that God sees our efforts even when no one else does. This trust strengthens our relationship with Him and helps us live out our faith more fully.


God’s Word for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to examine our intentions when we give and serve. May we offer our time, talents, and resources with joyful hearts, seeking to glorify God in all we do.

Prayer

Lord, help us to give and serve with joyful hearts. Teach us to act out of love and humility, not seeking praise or recognition. May we trust in Your care and live in a way that honors You. Guide our hearts to focus on what truly matters. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  • How can you give your time, talents, or resources more joyfully?
  • When have you been tempted to seek recognition for your good deeds?
  • How can you trust more fully in God’s rewards instead of seeking approval from others?
  • What does it mean to you to serve in secret, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel?

Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Word on Fire: Nurturing the Passion for God

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Wednesday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time, he delves into the significance of fasting and almsgiving as essential disciplines prescribed by Jesus. Fasting helps to quiet the immediate desires for food and drink, allowing the deeper hunger and thirst for God to be felt. Similarly, almsgiving serves as a form of fasting from material possessions, redirecting the focus from wealth to the passion for God.

By practicing these disciplines, we nurture our spiritual longing and prioritize the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

USCCB Reflection: Purity of Intentions

In this USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time, we consider what Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of having pure intentions when performing good deeds. He emphasizes that acts of charity, prayer, and fasting should not be done for the sake of recognition or praise from others, but rather with a humble and sincere heart.

By aligning our intentions with God’s will and seeking His approval alone, we store up lasting treasures in Heaven and experience the abundant rewards of God’s generosity, surpassing the fleeting admiration of others.

Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

What date is Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday June 18, 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 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday June 18, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11: The Cheerful Giver
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112: Blessed is the One Who Fears the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18: Sincere Righteousness

What does Paul mean by “God loves a cheerful giver”?

Paul means that God is pleased when we give happily. When we give with joy, it shows our love and trust in God.

How does giving generously enrich us?

When we give generously, God blesses us in return. This doesn’t always mean more money, but it can be in other ways, like peace and joy.

Why should we give without seeking praise?

Jesus teaches us to give quietly so that we do not seek human praise. Our goal should be to please God, not to get attention.

How can I pray in secret?

Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Talk to God honestly and openly, without worrying about others.

What is the purpose of fasting?

Fasting helps us grow closer to God. It is a way to show our devotion and to remind ourselves to focus on spiritual things.

Why does Jesus say to fast without showing it?

Jesus wants us to fast for the right reasons. We should fast to honor God, not to get praise from people.

What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven?

It means to focus on spiritual things that last forever. Doing good deeds, praying, and loving others are ways to store up treasures in heaven.

How can I apply these teachings to my life?

Give, pray, and fast with a sincere heart. Do these things quietly, aiming to please God rather than seeking attention.

What should I do if I struggle with seeking praise?

Ask God to help you focus on Him. Practice doing good deeds in secret and remind yourself that God’s approval is what matters.

How do these readings connect to living a humble life?

They teach us to act without seeking attention and to focus on our relationship with God. Living humbly means putting God’s will first in everything we do.

Serving with Joy and Humility

Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to examine our intentions when we give and serve. In the first reading, Paul tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. He reminds us not to give grudgingly or with resentment. Whether we give our time, talents, or resources, it should come from a joyful heart that trusts in God’s care.

In the Gospel, Jesus warns against doing good deeds to be seen by others. He calls us to give, pray, and fast in secret, focusing on God rather than seeking attention or praise. This teaching invites us to act with humility and to trust that God sees our efforts, even when others do not.

Both readings highlight the importance of serving with joy and humility. They encourage us to avoid selfish motives and to focus on glorifying God in all we do. By giving generously and serving quietly, we reflect God’s love and care in our lives.

Your Turn

Reflect on the lessons from Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. How do these readings challenge you to give and serve differently? Consider how you can offer your time and resources with joy and humility.

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to serve faithfully and keep our focus on God’s goodness. Together, we can grow in love and generosity.

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