Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Wednesday September 1, 2027
Faith That Spreads and Heals
On Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear about faith that grows and the healing touch of Jesus. Paul writes to the Church in Colossae, thanking God for their love and trust in Christ. He reminds them that the Good News is alive and bearing fruit in the world.
The psalm speaks of trusting in God’s mercy forever. It calls us to stand firm, like a healthy olive tree, and to praise the Lord among His people. This is the steady faith that gives strength in every season of life.
In the Gospel, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and many others. He shows care for both body and spirit. Even when the crowds want Him to stay, He goes on to other towns to share the Kingdom of God. Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to both receive and share the Good News.
Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- First Reading – Colossians 1:1-8: Paul and Timothy greet the faithful in Colossae, giving thanks for their faith, love, and the growth of the Gospel among them, as shared by Epaphras.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 52: I trust in God’s mercy forever. I am like an olive tree in His house. I will always thank Him and proclaim His goodness before His faithful people.
- Gospel – Luke 4:38-44: Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law and many others with diseases and demons. Despite the crowds wanting him to stay, he insisted on spreading the good news of God’s Kingdom to other towns.
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 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
Luke 4:40
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Here are some themes for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. The readings from Colossians and the Gospel of Luke provide lessons for our faith and daily lives. Let’s reflect on these themes to grow in our understanding and love for God.
- Faithfulness in Ministry: Paul praises the Colossians for their faith and love. He highlights the importance of being faithful in serving God and others.
- Hope in Heaven: Paul reminds the Colossians of their hope in heaven. This hope should guide and strengthen them in their journey of faith.
- Healing Power of Jesus: In the Gospel, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law. This shows Jesus’ care for the sick and His power to heal.
- Service to Others: After being healed, Simon’s mother-in-law immediately serves others. This teaches us to serve others with love and gratitude.
- Proclaiming the Good News: Jesus moves on to preach in other towns. He is committed to spreading the message of God’s kingdom.
- The Spread of the Gospel: Paul talks about how the Gospel is spreading and bearing fruit. The message of Jesus reaches many people and changes lives.
- Community of Believers: Paul mentions the love and support within the community of Colossians. A strong community of believers helps each other grow in faith.
Reflecting on these themes can help us live our faith more fully. Let’s strive to apply these lessons in our lives and share God’s love with others.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer valuable lessons for our faith journey. Through the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law, Paul’s message to the Colossians, and Jesus’ commitment to preaching, we learn about the importance of service, community, and spreading the Gospel. These reflections help us apply these lessons to our daily lives.
Serving with Love and Gratitude
In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law. After being healed, she immediately gets up and starts serving those around her. This simple act of service teaches us a lot about how we should respond to God’s blessings.
When we receive God’s help, it is natural to feel thankful. Simon’s mother-in-law shows us that we should express our gratitude through actions. Serving others is a way to show our thanks to God for the blessings we receive.
This story also reminds us that service is an important part of our faith. We are called to help those around us, just as Jesus helps us. By serving others with love and gratitude, we live out our faith in a practical and meaningful way.
Building a Strong Community of Believers
In the first reading for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul speaks to the Colossians about their strong community. He praises them for their love and support for each other. This strong community helps everyone grow in their faith.
A supportive community is important for our spiritual growth. When we are surrounded by people who share our beliefs, we find encouragement and strength. The love and support of a faith community help us stay committed to our beliefs, even during difficult times.
Paul’s message to the Colossians encourages us to build and maintain strong communities of faith. We can do this by participating in church activities, supporting each other in prayer, and working together to serve those in need. A strong community of believers is a blessing that helps each of us grow closer to God.
Spreading the Message of God’s Kingdom
In the readings for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see a focus on spreading the Gospel. Paul talks about how the message of Jesus is spreading and bearing fruit. In the Gospel, Jesus moves on to other towns to preach. He is committed to spreading God’s message to as many people as possible.
This commitment to spreading the Gospel is a key part of our faith. Jesus’ example shows us the importance of sharing the Good News with others. We are called to continue His mission by spreading the message of God’s love and kingdom.
We can spread the Gospel in our daily lives by living out our faith in simple ways. This can include acts of kindness, sharing our faith with friends and family, and supporting mission work. By following Jesus’ example and Paul’s encouragement, we help the message of Jesus reach more people and change more lives.
Reflecting on the readings for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see clear examples of service, community, and spreading the Gospel. These themes guide us in our daily walk with God. Let us take these lessons to heart and apply them in our lives, growing in faith and love.
Prayer
Lord, help us to serve others with love and gratitude, build strong communities of faith, and spread Your message. Guide us to follow Jesus’ example each day. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you show gratitude to God through acts of service to others?
- In what ways can you help build and strengthen your faith community?
- How do you share the message of God’s love with others in your daily life?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ example of commitment to spreading the Gospel?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Arisen to Serve
On Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Dr. Ann Garrido reflects on how healing leads to gratitude and service. Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, once restored to health, did not rest but immediately began to serve. Her response came not from duty or guilt but from joy at having been raised from the edge of death. Dr. Garrido notes that the Greek verb used for her rising is the same one used in resurrection accounts, showing how new life in Christ naturally moves us to serve others with gladness.
Dr. Ann Garrido also connects this spirit of service to the women of the Gospels and to St. Phoebe, a deacon and leader in the early Church. Phoebe carried Paul’s letter to the Romans and was recognized for her generosity and leadership. The reflection invites us to see service as the natural fruit of gratitude. When we recognize the life Christ has given us, we too are called to serve His people with joy.
Don’t Cloud Your Mind
In his reflection for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Matthew Kelly points out how Simon’s mother-in-law was completely healed and responded with gratitude by serving others. He also notices how demons clearly recognized Jesus’ power, while people often remained confused. This confusion, he explains, comes not from lack of knowledge but from allowing our minds and hearts to be clouded by influences that pull us away from Christ.
Matthew Kelly encourages us to stay clear and focused on Jesus in our daily lives. Just as the crowd wanted to keep Him close, we should foster that same desire to stay near Him. This means being aware of where Jesus is in our conversations, decisions, and daily activities. By asking ourselves how He would act in each situation, we can learn to follow Him more closely and keep our hearts open to His presence.
Healing Touch of Jesus
Dr. Jem Sullivan reflects on how Luke’s simple account of healing shows the power and identity of Jesus. With just a few words, we see Simon’s mother-in-law healed, and then many others brought to Jesus for the same gift. These moments reveal that Jesus is the Son of God, for only one who comes from God can heal and restore life. His actions remind us that we are created for communion with God and destined to share in His divine life.
Dr. Sullivan explains that the healing work of Jesus is not only part of the past. His power continues in every age of the Church, especially through the sacraments that cleanse and restore us. Like those in the Gospel who came in faith, we are invited to trust in the healing love of Christ. This message for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 calls us to bring our needs with confidence before the Lord.
The Central Mission
Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 emphasizes the importance of evangelization. Jesus declares His mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God, a mission that continues through us.
With many identifying as “none” in religious affiliation, the need for evangelization is urgent. Vatican II, St. Paul VI, and St. John Paul II highlighted that the Church exists for this mission. Evangelization is the Church’s central work, around which everything else revolves. The reflection stresses the critical role of bringing people to Christ.
Resources
The Letter to the Colossians: Growing in Faith and Love
In Colossians, Paul writes to strengthen believers against false teachings and to encourage them to remain rooted in Christ. In this greeting, Paul and Timothy give thanks for the faith and love of the Christians in Colossae. This reflects the letter’s focus on spiritual maturity and the central role of Christ in all things.
Epaphras, their teacher, is praised for sharing the Gospel that is bearing fruit everywhere. This passage reminds the Church in Colossae that the Good News is alive and growing. It connects to the larger theme of Colossians by showing that true growth comes from holding firmly to the message of Christ.
Psalm 52: Trusting in God’s Enduring Love
Psalm 52 contrasts the downfall of the arrogant with the steadfastness of those who trust God. The psalmist uses the image of a flourishing olive tree to show how those who rely on the Lord are secure and fruitful. This fits into the psalm’s broader theme of God’s justice and mercy lasting forever.
For Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, this psalm emphasizes faith that endures in every circumstance. Gratitude and praise before the community are part of living in that trust. The psalm calls believers to root their lives in God’s goodness.
The Gospel of Luke: Sent to Proclaim the Kingdom
Luke’s Gospel presents Jesus as the Savior for all people, filled with compassion and power. Here, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and many others, showing his authority over sickness and evil. These acts point to the arrival of God’s Kingdom and reveal Jesus’ care for the whole person.
For Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the reading also shows Jesus’ mission focus. Even when the crowds want him to stay, he insists on going to other towns. Luke’s wider message is that the Gospel is for everyone, and Jesus’ mission must keep moving.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
Hand of Healing and Hope
Bring the Gospel to life in your parish materials with this touching image of Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law from the Gospel of Luke.
Perfect for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, it can be used in bulletins, newsletters, or study guides to inspire faith and remind us of Christ’s care for the sick and suffering.
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Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What is the main message of Colossians 1:1-8 for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Paul praises the Colossians for their faith, love, and hope. He encourages them to continue growing in their knowledge of God’s grace.
How can we apply the lesson of faithfulness from Colossians 1:1-8 to our lives?
We can stay faithful by regularly praying, reading the Bible, and helping others. Being consistent in these actions helps us grow closer to God.
What does the hope in heaven mean?
Hope in heaven means looking forward to eternal life with God. This hope gives us strength and purpose in our daily lives.
What does Paul mean by the Gospel bearing fruit?
The Gospel bearing fruit means that people are accepting the message of Jesus and it is changing their lives. This encourages us to share the Good News with others.
How can we be part of the community of believers?
We can be part of the community by attending Mass, participating in church activities, and supporting each other in faith. A strong community helps us grow together in Christ.
What can we learn from Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
We learn that Jesus cares about our physical and spiritual health. He is always ready to help us when we are in need.
How can we follow the example of Simon’s mother-in-law?
After being healed, she immediately served others. We can follow her example by using our health and abilities to help those around us.
Why did Jesus move on to other towns to preach?
Jesus moved on to spread the message of God’s kingdom to as many people as possible. He shows us the importance of sharing God’s love with everyone.
What role does prayer play in the readings for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Prayer is essential for staying connected to God and growing in faith. Both Paul and Jesus show the importance of praying for guidance and strength.
How can we spread the Gospel message in our daily lives?
We can spread the Gospel by living out our faith, sharing our beliefs with others, and being examples of God’s love. Small acts of kindness and words of faith can make a big difference.
Serving Others and Sharing the Gospel
Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us lessons about service, community, and spreading the Gospel. In the Gospel, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, and she immediately begins to serve those around her. Her response shows how we should act with gratitude when God blesses us. Serving others with love is a meaningful way to express our thanks to God.
The first reading highlights the strength of the Colossian community. Paul praises their love and faithfulness, showing how important it is to support one another in faith. A strong community gives us encouragement and helps us grow closer to God.
We also see a focus on sharing God’s message. Jesus goes from town to town to preach, showing His commitment to spreading the Gospel. Paul speaks about how the message of Jesus is spreading and bearing fruit. We are called to follow their example by sharing the Good News in our words and actions.
Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to serve others, strengthen our faith communities, and spread God’s love. By living out these lessons, we can grow in faith and bring hope to those around us.
Your Turn
Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 challenges us to serve others, strengthen our communities, and share the Gospel. How can you live out these lessons in your daily life?
Reflect on the readings and think about how you can serve with love, build community, and share God’s message. Share your thoughts in the comments. Your reflection might inspire someone else to take action and grow in faith!
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