Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

• 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

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.

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.

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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.

Word on Fire: 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.

USCCB Reflection: Believing in the Apostolic Church

This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time focuses on the importance of believing in an Apostolic Church. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus commissions His disciples as apostles, the reflection emphasizes that the word “apostle” means “one who is sent.” The apostolic ministry continues through the successors of the first apostles, the Bishops. We should pray for the bishops, who carry out the ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church. By recognizing the apostolic nature of the Church and praying for its leaders, believers can deepen their understanding and appreciation of the faith.

What date is Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday July 9, 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 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday July 9, 2025 are:
First Reading – Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a: Joseph’s Brothers Come to Egypt
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: The Lord’s Mercy and Everlasting Plan
Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7: Commissioning the Twelve Apostles

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.