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Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Wednesday August 4, 2027
- First Reading – Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35: Moses sent leaders to explore Canaan. They returned with a mixed report, causing the Israelites to rebel. God decreed they would wander forty years and die in the desert.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Remember us, O Lord, as You favor Your people. We have sinned, forgotten Your wonders, and tempted You, but You are the God who saves and shows mercy.
- Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28: A Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, pleading for her daughter’s deliverance from a demon. Despite initial resistance, Jesus commends her great faith and grants her request, healing her daughter
Upcoming dates: August 4, 2027, August 8, 2029, August 3, 2033
Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
Matthew 14:31
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the themes present in the readings from Numbers and the Gospel of Matthew. These themes help us understand God’s message and our response as His followers.
- Faith and Trust: The Israelites doubted God’s promise to give them the land. Jesus praises the Canaanite woman’s faith, showing the importance of trusting in God’s power.
- Obedience to God: The Israelites disobeyed God’s command and faced consequences. Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman highlights the blessings of obedience to God.
- Fear and Courage: The Israelites were afraid to enter the Promised Land. The Canaanite woman showed courage by approaching Jesus, despite being a Gentile.
- God’s Justice: God punished the Israelites for their lack of faith. Jesus tested the Canaanite woman’s faith, showing that God’s justice is fair and merciful.
- Perseverance in Prayer: The Canaanite woman did not give up when Jesus initially ignored her. This shows the importance of perseverance in prayer.
- Inclusivity of God’s Love: Jesus healed the Canaanite woman’s daughter, showing that God’s love is for everyone. This theme contrasts with the Israelites’ exclusivity.
- Consequences of Disobedience: The Israelites faced severe consequences for their disobedience. This theme reminds us to follow God’s commands faithfully.
These themes from Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help us reflect on our faith and actions. They guide us to trust in God, obey His commands, and be persistent in our prayers.
Thoughts for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings guide us to reflect on faith, obedience, and perseverance. These reflections help us understand how these themes apply to our lives. By meditating on these messages, we can grow in our relationship with God and follow His path more closely.
Faith and Trust
The Israelites in the first reading did not trust God’s promise to give them the land. They focused on the challenges and forgot God’s power. This lack of faith led to their downfall.
In contrast, the Canaanite woman in the Gospel showed great faith. Despite being a Gentile, she believed Jesus could heal her daughter. Her faith impressed Jesus, and He granted her request.
We learn from these stories the importance of trusting God. When we face difficulties, we should remember that God is with us. Faith in God’s promises can help us overcome our fears and challenges.
Obedience to God
The Israelites disobeyed God’s command to enter the Promised Land. Because of this disobedience, they faced severe consequences. God wanted them to trust and obey Him fully.
In the Gospel, the Canaanite woman’s obedience to Jesus’ commands is evident. She approached Jesus with humility and faith. Her obedience and faith resulted in her daughter’s healing.
These readings remind us that obedience to God is crucial. God knows what is best for us, and following His commands leads to blessings. We should strive to obey God in all aspects of our lives.
Perseverance in Prayer
The Canaanite woman’s story is a powerful example of perseverance. Even when Jesus initially ignored her, she did not give up. She continued to ask for His help.
Her persistence showed her deep faith. Jesus eventually responded to her plea and healed her daughter. This teaches us the value of perseverance in prayer.
When we pray, we may not always receive an immediate answer. However, we should not lose hope. Persevering in prayer shows our trust in God’s timing and His will for our lives.
The reflections on Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to deepen our faith, obey God’s commands, and persevere in prayer. By embracing these themes, we can strengthen our relationship with God. Let us strive to trust, obey, and persist in our daily walk with Him.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your promises, obey Your commands, and persevere in prayer. Strengthen our faith and guide us in our daily lives. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Word On Fire: A Lesson in Perseverance
Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time explains that while Jesus’ primary mission was directed towards his fellow Jews, this encounter reveals the broader scope of God’s salvific plan for all of humanity. The woman, representing the world’s longing for God’s justice and mercy, reaches out to Jesus for help. Despite Jesus’ initial silence and indirect rebuke, her unyielding faith and perseverance shine through. This story teaches us the importance of persevering in prayer even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Just as the Canaanite woman’s faith pleased the Lord, our persistence in seeking God’s grace can lead us to a deeper connection with Him.
USCCB Reflection: Steadfast Trust in God’s Peace
This USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 focuses on the theme of having a steadfast heart that trusts in the Lord. The reflection draws from the psalmist’s words and emphasizes the challenges of daily life, the distractions that can cause fear and anxiety, and the longing for inner peace. The message centers on fixing our gaze on God, allowing Him to provide the abundant grace needed for all aspects of life. It also highlights the paradox of finding meaning and joy through selfless service to others, echoing the example set by Jesus.
Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Wednesday August 4, 2027.
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 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Wednesday August 4, 2027 are:
First Reading – Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35: The Spies’ Report and Israel’s Lack of Faith
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28: Healing and Demonstrating Great Faith
Why did the Israelites doubt God’s promise in the first reading for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Israelites saw the strong people and fortified cities in the Promised Land. They were afraid and did not trust that God would help them conquer it.
What was the consequence of the Israelites’ lack of faith?
Because of their lack of faith, God punished the Israelites. They were not allowed to enter the Promised Land and had to wander in the desert for 40 years.
How can we apply the Israelites’ story to our lives?
We should trust God even when situations seem difficult. Remembering His past help can strengthen our faith.
What does the first reading teach about obedience?
The first reading shows that disobedience to God leads to consequences. Obeying God’s commands brings us closer to His blessings.
Who is the Canaanite woman in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Canaanite woman was a Gentile who approached Jesus to heal her daughter. She showed great faith and perseverance despite initial rejection.
Why did Jesus test the Canaanite woman’s faith?
Jesus tested the Canaanite woman’s faith to show her strong belief. Her persistence and faith led to her daughter’s healing.
What can we learn from the Canaanite woman?
The Canaanite woman teaches us to be persistent in our prayers. Her faith and persistence were rewarded by Jesus.
How should we pray according to the Gospel?
We should pray with faith and perseverance. Even if we don’t get an immediate answer, we should continue to trust in God’s plan.
What is the main message of the readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The main message is to have faith, obey God, and persevere in prayer. These actions bring us closer to God and His blessings.
Why is faith important in the readings for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Faith is important because it shows our trust in God. Both the Israelites and the Canaanite woman’s stories highlight the impact of faith on their lives.
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