Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time (July 30, 2025)

• First Reading – Exodus 34:29-35: Moses’ face became radiant after speaking with the LORD. Aaron and the Israelites were afraid to approach him. Moses shared God’s commands and wore a veil except when speaking with the LORD.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 99: Praise and worship the holy Lord, our God. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel called on Him, and He answered from the pillar of cloud, giving them His decrees and law.
• Gospel – Matthew 13:44-46: The kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure or a precious pearl. When found, one joyfully sells everything to obtain it.

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:44

On Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings guide us through powerful lessons in faith and commitment. The themes reflect key aspects of the Christian journey and God’s presence in our lives.

• Radiance of God’s Presence: Moses’ face shone after speaking with God. This shows how close encounters with God can change us.
• Commitment to God: The man who finds treasure in the field sells everything to buy it. This highlights the importance of prioritizing God above all else.
• Joy of Discovery: The joy of finding the treasure or pearl is immense. This joy represents finding God’s kingdom.
• Transformation through Faith: Moses’ face changed after meeting God. Our faith in God should change how we live and act.
• Valuing the Kingdom: The man and merchant sold all they had for their treasures. This shows that God’s kingdom is worth everything we have.
• Obedience to God: Moses covered his face to show respect for God’s instructions. Following God’s guidance is essential for believers.
• Sacrifices for Faith: Both the man and the merchant gave up everything for their treasures. This teaches that sacrifices are part of following God.

The readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help us reflect on our relationship with God. They remind us to value and seek God above all else.

The readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect deeply on our faith and our relationship with God. These reflections help us understand the importance of God’s presence, our commitment to His kingdom, and the changes faith brings to our lives.

The Radiance of God’s Presence

In the first reading, we see Moses coming down from Mount Sinai. His face was shining because he had been speaking with God. The people were afraid to come near him because of this radiance.

This story shows us how close encounters with God can change us. Moses’ face shining is a clear sign of God’s presence in his life. It also reminds us that when we spend time with God, others can see the change in us too.

We are called to seek God’s presence in our lives. Like Moses, we should let God’s light shine through us. Our actions and words can reflect God’s love to those around us.

The Joy of Discovery

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value. In both stories, the man who finds the treasure and the merchant who finds the pearl sell everything they have to buy these treasures. Their joy is so great that they give up all they own.

These parables show us the immense joy of discovering God’s kingdom. It is like finding something so valuable that we are willing to give up everything else for it. This joy is a key part of our faith journey.

We should seek God’s kingdom with the same joy and commitment. When we find it, we should be willing to let go of anything that stands in the way. This shows how much we value our relationship with God.

Valuing the Kingdom

The parables also teach us about the value of God’s kingdom. The man and the merchant recognized the worth of what they found. They did not hesitate to sell all they had to obtain the treasure and the pearl.

God’s kingdom is more valuable than anything else we can have. We are called to put God first in our lives. This might mean making sacrifices, but it is worth it because of the great value of our faith.

We should always remember the importance of God’s kingdom. Our actions and choices should reflect that we value it above all else. By doing this, we show our true commitment to God.

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The readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help us focus on God’s presence, the joy of discovering His kingdom, and the value we place on our faith. These reflections encourage us to let God’s light shine through us, to seek His kingdom with joy, and to value it above all else. May these lessons guide us in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us to seek Your presence daily. May Your light shine through us and guide others to You. Give us the joy of discovering Your kingdom and the courage to value it above all else. Amen.

Word On Fire: Discovering the Treasure of God’s Love

From Bishop Robert Barron for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time. Like stumbling upon a treasure while walking through the fields, God’s love can unexpectedly find us in our everyday lives. Often, it comes when we least expect it, illuminating the true purpose of life. Jesus encourages us to be open to the inrushing of grace and to let go of anything that holds us back from embracing God’s love fully. Let us be attentive and receptive to the divine presence in the ordinary moments, for that is where we may encounter the precious treasure of God’s love.

What date is Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday July 30, 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 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday July 30, 2025 are:
First Reading – Exodus 34:29-35: Moses’ Radiant Face
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 99: Exalt the Holy LORD
Gospel – Matthew 13:44-46: Parables of Hidden Treasure and Precious Pearl

Why did Moses’ face shine in the first reading for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Moses’ face shone because he had been speaking with God. This shining showed that he had been in God’s presence.

Why were the people afraid of Moses?

The people were afraid of Moses because his face was shining. They knew it meant he had been with God, and this scared them.

Why did Moses cover his face?

Moses covered his face because the people were afraid of the shine. He did this to help them feel more comfortable.

What can we learn from Moses’ shining face?

We learn that being close to God changes us. Others can see God’s presence in us through our actions and words.

What is the hidden treasure in the parable told in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The hidden treasure represents the kingdom of God. It is something very valuable and worth giving up everything for.

Why did the man sell everything to buy the field?

The man sold everything to buy the field because he knew the treasure was worth more than anything else he owned. This shows the value of God’s kingdom.

What does the pearl of great value represent?

The pearl of great value represents the kingdom of God. Like the hidden treasure, it is worth everything we have.

How should we apply the parables to our lives?

We should seek God’s kingdom above all else. We should be willing to give up anything that stands in the way of our relationship with God.

What is the main lesson from the Gospel parables?

The main lesson is that God’s kingdom is very valuable. We should seek it with joy and be ready to give up everything for it.

How do the readings for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help us grow in faith?

The readings help us focus on God’s presence, the joy of finding His kingdom, and valuing it above all else. They guide us to live with commitment and joy in our faith.