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Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

  • First Reading1 Thessalonians 2:9-13: We worked tirelessly to share God’s Gospel without burdening you. We acted like loving fathers, encouraging you to live worthy of God. We’re grateful you embraced the message as God’s true word.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 139: No matter where I go, you are there. Your hand guides me whether I’m in heaven or in the depths, and even darkness is light to you.
  • Gospel Matthew 23:27-32: Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They look righteous but are inwardly corrupt. They honor the prophets’ graves but admit their connection to those who killed the prophets.

When this falls on August 29, the gospel for the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist is used.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.

Matthew 23:27

Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings highlight important lessons about our faith and actions. The First Reading from 1 Thessalonians and the Gospel from Matthew offer guidance on how to live according to God’s will.

  • Hard Work and Witness: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his hard work to not be a burden to them. He also speaks of their example as witnesses to others, showing the importance of living out our faith.
  • Receiving the Word: Paul praises the Thessalonians for accepting God’s word, not as human words, but as the true message of God. This theme emphasizes the power of Scripture in guiding our lives.
  • Hypocrisy Warning: In the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, especially among religious leaders. He criticizes those who appear righteous outwardly but are corrupt inside, calling us to genuine faith.
  • Inner Purity: Jesus’ rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees for focusing on external appearances highlights the need for inner purity. True righteousness comes from a clean heart, not just outward actions.
  • Prophets and Persecution: Jesus laments how prophets have been mistreated throughout history. He connects this to the current generation, showing the importance of respecting God’s messengers.
  • God’s Patience and Justice: The readings reflect God’s patience and the eventual justice that will come to those who do wrong. It reminds us that while God is patient, justice will prevail.

In these readings, we are called to live honestly and embrace God’s word with open hearts. They challenge us to examine our actions and seek true inner righteousness.

Reflection for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

The readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer us valuable lessons on faith and conduct. Through Paul’s message to the Thessalonians and Jesus’ teachings, we are called to reflect on the importance of Scripture, the need for inner purity, and the certainty of God’s justice. These reflections help us understand how to live a life that pleases God and aligns with His will.

The Guiding Light of Scripture

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul praises the Thessalonians for accepting his preaching as the true message of God. This act of faith is significant because it shows their recognition of Scripture’s authority. Scripture is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is God’s word given to us for guidance and instruction.

The Thessalonians’ acceptance of Scripture highlights the importance of listening to God’s word with an open heart. When we read the Bible, we are not just reading stories or advice; we are encountering God Himself. This calls us to respect and cherish Scripture as a vital part of our spiritual lives.

In our daily lives, the teachings of the Bible guide us in making decisions and understanding God’s will. By valuing Scripture, we allow it to shape our thoughts, actions, and values. It helps us grow in our relationship with God and live in a way that pleases Him.

Paul’s message encourages us to regularly engage with the Bible. Whether through reading, study, or meditation, we should seek to understand and apply its teachings. This dedication helps us to deepen our faith and align our lives with God’s plan.

The Thessalonians’ example reminds us of the power of Scripture in our lives. As we embrace the Bible’s teachings, we find guidance, comfort, and wisdom. Let us, like the Thessalonians, recognize and honor the Bible as God’s true message to us.

The Call for Inner Purity

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus addresses the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He points out their focus on outward appearances while neglecting their inner moral state. This teaching is a call to cultivate inner purity and sincere faith.

Jesus’ critique of the religious leaders is a reminder that true holiness is not about looking good on the outside. It is about being good on the inside. Our actions should reflect a pure heart and true intentions, rather than just trying to appear righteous to others.

This message challenges us to examine our own lives. We may find ourselves tempted to put on a façade, trying to impress others or follow rules without true conviction. However, Jesus teaches that God sees beyond our outward actions to our inner motivations.

True righteousness comes from a heart that is aligned with God’s will. This means being honest, kind, and humble, not just when others are watching, but always. It involves seeking to please God rather than seeking the approval of people.

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to reflect on our inner lives. Are we living with integrity and sincerity? Do our actions match our beliefs? Jesus invites us to pursue a deeper, more authentic faith that flows from a clean and honest heart.

God’s Patience and the Promise of Justice

The readings on Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s patience with sinners. God gives us time to turn away from wrongdoing and seek His forgiveness. This patience is a sign of God’s love and mercy, offering everyone a chance to repent.

However, the readings also speak of a day of justice when all actions will be judged. This reminds us that while God is patient, His justice is sure. Those who persist in wrongdoing without repentance will face consequences. It is a call to take our moral choices seriously.

In our daily lives, we may sometimes take God’s patience for granted. We might delay making changes or repenting, thinking we have plenty of time. The readings urge us not to wait but to act now, choosing to live in a way that aligns with God’s will.

God’s justice assures us that evil will not go unpunished. This is a comfort to those who suffer injustice and a warning to those who do wrong. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we are accountable to God.

On Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are encouraged to seek God’s forgiveness and live righteously. God offers us His mercy, but we must also strive to live according to His teachings. By doing so, we honor God’s patience and prepare ourselves for His just judgment.


As we meditate on the readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to embrace Scripture, seek inner purity, and live with the awareness of God’s justice. These themes challenge us to deepen our faith and examine our actions and motives. By doing so, we strive to grow closer to God and live according to His teachings.

Prayer

Lord, help us to value Your Word and seek true purity in our hearts. Guide us to live with honesty and integrity, always aware of Your loving patience and just judgment. May our lives reflect Your truth and love in all we do. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  • How can you make Scripture a more important part of your daily life?
  • Are there areas in your life where you focus more on outward appearances than inner purity?
  • How does God’s patience encourage you to seek forgiveness and make changes in your life?
  • In what ways can you live with greater integrity, ensuring your actions match your beliefs?

Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Finding God’s Presence in His Word

The USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlights the blessing of reading and reflecting on God’s word. It acknowledges that while we may not always feel God’s presence, especially during tough times, His word is a constant source of guidance and renewal.

Jesus warns against superficial righteousness and calls out hypocrisy. The reflection reminds us that turning to God’s word reveals His truth and love, encouraging us to pray and trust in His presence.

The Trap of Auto-Salvation

In his reflection for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron warns against the danger of trying to achieve salvation through our own efforts. He explains that this self-reliance leads to egotism and the illusion of righteousness.

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for this behavior, likening them to whitewashed tombs—beautiful outside but corrupt inside. Bishop Barron emphasizes that sin is a condition needing God’s grace, not something we can overcome alone. True spiritual growth requires surrender and reliance on God’s mercy.

Unmasking Hypocrisy

This video reflection for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, explains that Jesus calls out the Pharisees for focusing too much on outward appearances and titles while lacking true faith and goodness inside.

He warns that real religious devotion should stem from a genuine change of heart and emphasizes that greatness is found in humble service, not in showing off religious rituals.

Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

What date is Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday August 27, 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 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday August 27, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13: Living the Gospel
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 139: Inescapable Presence
Gospel – Matthew 23:27-32: Hypocrisy Condemned

What does Paul mean by “working night and day” in the first reading for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Paul means he and his companions worked hard to support themselves while preaching. They did not want to be a burden to the Thessalonians, showing the importance of self-sufficiency and dedication.

How did the Thessalonians receive the Word of God?

The Thessalonians accepted Paul’s teachings as God’s message, not just human words. This shows the importance of valuing and trusting in the truth of Scripture.

How does the first reading connect to our lives today for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The First Reading encourages us to work hard and be good examples for others. It reminds us that our actions can inspire others in their faith.

Why is receiving the Word of God important?

Receiving the Word of God helps guide our lives and decisions. It shows our respect and love for God’s teachings, which can lead us to live better lives.

Why does Jesus criticize the Pharisees in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being hypocrites. They focus on looking good on the outside but have bad intentions inside, teaching us to be genuine in our faith and actions.

What does “clean the inside of the cup” mean?

This phrase means we should focus on inner purity, not just outward appearances. Jesus teaches that true goodness starts from the heart.

Why does Jesus mention the tombs of the prophets?

Jesus mentions the tombs to point out that past generations persecuted prophets. He warns that current leaders are continuing this pattern, showing the danger of rejecting God’s messengers.

What lesson can we learn from the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Gospel teaches us to avoid hypocrisy and focus on being sincere in our faith. It calls us to examine our actions and intentions, seeking to be good inside and out.

How can we apply the message about hypocrisy to our lives?

We can apply this message by being honest and true to our beliefs. It means avoiding pretending to be good when we are not, and working on being good from the inside.

What does it mean for God to be patient but just?

God gives us time to change and repent from our wrongdoings. However, God’s justice will eventually come, so we should strive to live rightly and avoid sin.

Seeking Truth and Purity in Faith

The readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to live with integrity and to value Scripture as a guide for our lives. In the first reading, Paul praises the Thessalonians for accepting his message as God’s word. This shows their faith and willingness to let Scripture shape their lives. It encourages us to read the Bible with open hearts, allowing it to guide our actions and deepen our faith.

In the Gospel, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their focus on outward appearances while neglecting their inner lives. He challenges us to seek inner purity and align our hearts with God’s will. True faith is not about looking good but about living sincerely, with our actions reflecting our beliefs.

Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 also reminds us of God’s patience and justice. While God gives us time to change and seek forgiveness, we are called to act now and live in a way that pleases Him. By striving for inner purity and valuing Scripture, we grow closer to God and prepare ourselves for His just judgment.

Your Turn

The readings for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 call us to reflect on our faith and actions. Are we living with sincerity and seeking inner purity? Are we making time to read and follow Scripture?

Take a moment to think about how these readings speak to you. How can you grow in faith and align your life with God’s teachings? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and encourage others to live with integrity and faithfulness.

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