Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Wednesday July 7, 2027
Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a: During a famine, Joseph’s brothers came to buy grain in Egypt. Joseph recognized them but hid his identity. He tested their honesty, leading them to reflect on their past actions.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Give thanks and praise to the Lord, who thwarts human plans but whose design lasts forever. The Lord watches over and saves those who trust in him.
- Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7: Jesus gave his twelve disciples power to heal and cast out demons. He sent them to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them to announce that the Kingdom of heaven is near.
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Matthew 10:7
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on key moments in the lives of Joseph and Jesus’ disciples. These moments reveal important lessons about faith, responsibility, and God’s plan.
- Famine and Trust: Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for grain during a famine. This shows the need to trust God during hard times.
- Hidden Identity: Joseph hides his identity from his brothers. This reminds us that God’s plans may not always be clear to us.
- Testing Honesty: Joseph tests his brothers’ honesty. This teaches the importance of truth and repentance.
- Jesus Empowers Disciples: Jesus gives his disciples power to heal and cast out demons. This shows that Jesus equips us to do God’s work.
- Mission to Israel: Jesus sends his disciples to the lost sheep of Israel. This highlights the importance of reaching out to those in need.
- Kingdom of Heaven: The disciples are to announce that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. This message is central to Jesus’ mission and our faith.
Reflecting on these themes for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us see how God works through our lives and calls us to act with faith and integrity. We are reminded of the power and responsibility given to us as followers of Christ.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings highlight key lessons about trust, mission, and God’s plan. We see how Joseph’s story unfolds and how Jesus equips his disciples for their mission.
Trusting in God’s Plan
In the first reading, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt during a famine to buy grain. They do not know that the official they speak to is their brother Joseph, whom they sold into slavery years earlier. Joseph’s story shows us that even when life seems unfair, God has a plan.
Joseph could have been angry or bitter about his past. Instead, he saw that God used his situation for good. He became a leader in Egypt and was able to help his family during the famine. This teaches us to trust God, even when things are difficult.
We may not always understand why things happen. Like Joseph, we can trust that God has a purpose for our struggles. When we look back, we might see how God used those times for good.
The Power to Heal and Help
In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus gives his twelve disciples power to heal the sick and cast out demons. He sends them to the lost sheep of Israel to announce that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. This shows us that Jesus gives us what we need to do God’s work.
Jesus did not send his disciples out empty-handed. He gave them the power to help others and spread His message. This reminds us that when God calls us, He also equips us with the tools we need.
We are called to help and heal in our own ways. We can bring comfort, hope, and God’s love to those around us. By doing so, we continue the mission that Jesus started with his disciples.
The Call to Reach Out
Jesus sent his disciples to the lost sheep of Israel. He wanted them to reach out to those who were struggling and needed guidance. This mission shows us the importance of reaching out to those in need.
We all know people who are lost or struggling. They might need help, comfort, or just someone to listen. Jesus calls us to be there for these people, just as his disciples were there for the lost sheep of Israel.
By reaching out to others, we show them God’s love. We become a light in their darkness, helping them find their way. This is part of our mission as followers of Christ.
The readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of important lessons about trust, mission, and reaching out to others. Joseph’s story teaches us to trust God’s plan. Jesus’ instructions to his disciples show us that we are equipped to help others and spread God’s message. Reaching out to those in need is part of our mission as Christians.
Prayer
Lord, help us trust in Your plan, even when life is hard. Equip us with the strength and tools we need to do Your work. Guide us to reach out to those in need and share Your love with them. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you trust in God’s plan, even during difficult or uncertain times?
- In what ways can you use your gifts to help and heal those around you?
- Who in your life might be feeling lost or in need of guidance, and how can you reach out to them?
- How does Jesus’ example inspire you to share God’s love with others in your daily life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Is the Kingdom of Heaven Actually Near?
Deborah Wilhelm reflects on the mission of the Twelve in Matthew 10, where Jesus gives them authority to heal and sends them to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. She asks whether the kingdom really has come near, especially when people are suffering—waiting for news, grieving, or hurting in so many ways. She points out that Jesus joined healing with proclamation, showing us what God’s kingdom truly is.
The kingdom is not about power or personal gain. It is about presence, healing, and mercy. Deborah Wilhelm reminds us that we see the kingdom when healing and truth come together. Even when there is no miracle, we witness the kingdom in comfort, compassion, and freedom. Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to notice God’s nearness in acts of love and in choosing to follow Jesus.
What Healing Do You Need?
In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus gives the Twelve authority to heal and cast out demons. He sends them to care for the lost sheep of Israel and to announce that the Kingdom of heaven is near. The word “heal” stands out. It reminds us that healing was a big part of Jesus’ mission. People around us may not need physical healing, but many are hurting in other ways—emotionally, spiritually, or in relationships.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how we all carry wounds, even if they’re hidden. He asks us to think about what kind of healing we need and encourages us to ask Jesus for it. When we remember our own need for healing, we become more patient and gentle with others. It helps us see people with compassion. This message is a simple reminder: we all need God’s help, and we’re all called to bring healing to others.
Called and Sent by Jesus
The Gospel shows Jesus giving his disciples the authority to heal and sending them to the lost sheep of Israel. This moment marks their change from followers to apostles. The word apostle means someone who is sent. Jesus gives them his mission, his power, and his grace. This helps us understand what we mean when we say the Church is apostolic.
Dr. Sullivan explains that the ministry of the apostles continues through the bishops. They carry on the mission Jesus gave the Twelve. On Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to pray for our bishops and ask God to give them the same grace and strength. We are also called to be faithful in our own part of the Church’s mission.
The Crucial Role of Priests
In this reflection for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes the importance of priests in today’s world. Jesus chose and trained his Apostles, who became the first priests, passing down their mission through generations.
Priests are essential for proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, serving the poor, worshiping God, and administering sacraments. In our secular society, where worldly pursuits promise happiness, priests serve as spiritual guides, reminding us of our innate longing for God.
Resources
The Book of Genesis: Joseph Tests His Brothers
In Genesis 41:55–57; 42:5–7a, 17–24a, we see Joseph in a position of power during a time of great need. His brothers, unaware of his identity, come seeking food. Joseph chooses not to reveal himself right away. This moment ties into the larger Genesis theme of reconciliation and divine providence. What began as betrayal years earlier becomes part of God’s plan to preserve life. Joseph’s decision to test them shows how God can use even pain and separation to bring about healing and justice.
This reading also reflects the ongoing theme of family restoration in Genesis. The book begins with creation and quickly shifts to the struggles within families—Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau. Now, Joseph’s family story moves toward repair. His brothers’ guilt and Joseph’s compassion foreshadow a deeper unity still to come. Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to consider how God works through brokenness.
Psalm 33: The Steadfast Plan of the Lord
Psalm 33 praises God as Creator and protector. In a world where human plans fail, God’s design stands firm. This psalm reflects themes of trust, worship, and divine faithfulness. It highlights how God sees all people and watches over those who place their hope in him. In the context of Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the psalm reminds us to rely on God, not on human strength or schemes.
Psalm 33 fits into the broader message of the Psalms by emphasizing God’s justice and care. The Psalter often contrasts the temporary nature of human power with the eternal strength of God’s word. This psalm assures us that God’s love surrounds those who revere him. The call to praise is not just for Israel but for all nations, showing God’s wide-reaching concern.
The Gospel of Matthew: Sent to the Lost Sheep
In Matthew 10:1–7, Jesus sends out the Twelve with authority to heal and cast out demons. He directs them to the lost sheep of Israel, continuing Matthew’s focus on Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to his people. The passage fits the Gospel’s larger message of the Kingdom of heaven breaking into the world. This mission shows that God’s care is personal, especially toward the outcast and forgotten.
Matthew often emphasizes discipleship, and this reading highlights the cost and responsibility that come with following Jesus. The disciples are not just students; they are now apostles—sent ones. Their mission is to bring hope and healing. Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to reflect on how we are sent to serve others with compassion.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Images
Sent Forth: The Walk of the Twelve
Looking for a vibrant, faith-filled image to enhance your next church bulletin or newsletter? This artwork inspired by Matthew 10:1-7 captures the moment Jesus sends out his disciples to proclaim the Good News. It’s available as a digital download and perfect for parish communications, ministry materials, and more. Bring color and movement to your message with this beautiful visual reminder of discipleship.
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Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Why did Joseph hide his identity from his brothers in the first reading for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Joseph hid his identity to test his brothers’ honesty and repentance. He wanted to see if they had changed since they sold him into slavery.
What does Joseph’s story teach us about trust?
Joseph’s story teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when things seem unfair. God used Joseph’s hardships for a greater good.
Why did Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt?
Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. They did not know that Joseph, their brother, was the one selling the grain.
How does Joseph’s story show God’s plan?
Joseph’s story shows God’s plan by turning a bad situation into something good. Joseph’s hardships led him to a position where he could save his family during the famine.
What power did Jesus give his disciples in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus gave his disciples the power to heal the sick and cast out demons. This power helped them spread the message of the Kingdom of Heaven.
What was the mission of the disciples?
The mission of the disciples was to go to the lost sheep of Israel. They were to announce that the Kingdom of Heaven was near and help those in need.
How can we apply the mission of the disciples to our lives?
We can apply the mission of the disciples by helping others and sharing God’s love. We are called to be a light for those who are lost or struggling.
What does the Kingdom of Heaven mean?
The Kingdom of Heaven refers to God’s rule and presence. It is the message of hope and salvation that Jesus brought to the world.
Why did Jesus send the disciples to the lost sheep of Israel first?
Jesus sent the disciples to the lost sheep of Israel first because they were God’s chosen people. He wanted them to receive the message of the Kingdom of Heaven.
What lesson can we learn from Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
We learn to trust in God’s plan, use the gifts He gives us, and reach out to those in need. These actions help us live out our faith and follow Jesus’ example.
God’s Guidance and Jesus’ Mission
The readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s guidance in difficult times and Jesus’ call to serve. In Genesis, a famine affects the land, and the people turn to Joseph for help. Pharaoh trusts Joseph’s wisdom, and the people are directed to him for food. Meanwhile, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food, unaware that they are standing before the brother they sold into slavery. Joseph recognizes them but does not reveal himself right away. This moment shows how God’s plan unfolds, even in unexpected ways.
In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus calls the twelve apostles and gives them authority to heal and cast out unclean spirits. He sends them out to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. This marks the beginning of their mission to share the good news and care for others as Jesus taught them.
These readings remind us that God works through people to accomplish His will. Joseph’s leadership saves many during a famine, while the apostles are called to bring healing and hope. We are reminded to trust in God’s plan and respond to His call to serve others.
Your Turn
Take a moment to reflect on Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. How can you trust God’s plan, even when it is not clear? What opportunities do you have to share Jesus’ message of healing and hope?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to follow God’s guidance and serve others with faith and trust.
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