Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Colossians 3:1-11: Since you have been raised with Christ, focus on what is above. Put away earthly sins and live as a new person in Christ, who is all and in all.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: Every day I praise the Lord for his unmatched greatness. Let all creation thank him and proclaim his everlasting Kingdom, which endures through all generations, making known his power.
• Gospel – Luke 6:20-26: Jesus blesses the poor, hungry, and sorrowful, promising them future joy and heavenly reward. He warns the rich, satisfied, and those praised by others, foretelling future suffering for them.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.

Luke 6:23

On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings from Colossians and Luke offer guidance on how to live a life focused on Christ. These readings remind us to put away old sinful habits and embrace the values of God’s kingdom.

• Seeking heavenly things: Paul calls us to focus on things above, not on earthly things. This means placing our hope in Christ and living in a way that reflects our faith in Him.
• Putting off the old self: The reading from Colossians encourages us to let go of sinful behaviors like anger, malice, and lies. This change is necessary to live a life that pleases God.
• New life in Christ: Paul speaks of our new life in Christ, where old divisions no longer matter. In Christ, all are equal, and we should live as one body united in love.
• Blessed are the poor: In the Gospel, Jesus blesses those who are poor and suffering. This teaches us that God’s favor rests on those who depend on Him and not on worldly riches.
• Warning to the rich: Jesus warns those who are rich and comfortable. This is a reminder that wealth can lead us away from God if we do not use it to help others.
• Enduring for Christ: The Gospel also speaks of those who are hated and excluded for Christ’s sake. We are reminded that suffering for our faith brings us closer to Christ and His promise of eternal life.

These themes call us to examine our lives and align them with Christ’s teachings. By doing so, we live as true followers of Jesus, focused on the kingdom of God.

On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings guide us to examine how we live our lives in light of our faith in Christ. We are called to put away old, sinful habits, to be mindful of the dangers of wealth, and to cultivate gratitude in all circumstances. These reflections help us understand and apply these important lessons to our daily walk with God.

Letting Go of the Old Self

In the reading for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Paul encourages us to let go of our old self. This means giving up sinful habits like anger, lying, and selfishness. These habits create division and keep us from living the way God wants us to live.

When we follow Christ, we are called to live differently. We are asked to put on a new self, one that reflects kindness, honesty, and love. This new way of living shows that we belong to Christ and are committed to following His teachings.

By letting go of our old self and embracing the new, we grow closer to God and to each other. We build a community based on love and unity, where old divisions no longer matter. This is how we live as true followers of Christ on Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1.

The Dangers of Wealth

The Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, contains a warning for the rich. Jesus tells us that wealth can lead us away from God if we become too attached to it. When we focus too much on money or possessions, we may forget about our need for God and our responsibility to help others.

Wealth itself is not bad, but it can be dangerous if it makes us selfish or uncaring. We are called to use our resources wisely, not just for ourselves but also to help those in need. By doing so, we keep our hearts focused on God and live out our faith in practical ways.

The readings remind us that true happiness does not come from wealth but from living in a way that pleases God. On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are reminded to be generous and to keep our priorities in line with God’s will.

Living with Gratitude

Another theme found in both readings for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, is the importance of gratitude. Paul speaks of putting on a new self, which includes being thankful. In the Gospel, Jesus blesses those who are poor and suffering, showing that even in difficult times, there is a reason to be grateful.

Gratitude helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack. It shifts our perspective from complaining to appreciating the good in our lives. This attitude helps us stay connected to God, who is the source of all blessings.

When we live with gratitude, we recognize that everything we have comes from God. This makes us more generous and willing to share with others. On Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are reminded to be thankful in all circumstances and to live with a heart full of gratitude.

---

As we reflect on the messages from Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are reminded to let go of our old selves, to be careful with the wealth we have, and to live with grateful hearts. By embracing these teachings, we can grow closer to God and live more faithfully as Christians.

Prayer

Lord, help us to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life You offer. Guide us to use our resources wisely and to live with grateful hearts. May we follow You faithfully, trusting in Your love and care each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• What old habits or attitudes do you need to let go of to live more like Christ?
• How can you use your resources to help others and keep your heart focused on God?
• In what ways can you practice gratitude, even during difficult times?
• How does living with kindness and love strengthen your relationship with God and others?

The Blessing of Detachment

In this reflection for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses the poor.

Bishop Barron explains that this isn’t about glorifying economic poverty, but rather the freedom that comes from not being attached to material things. He highlights the teaching of St. John of the Cross, who speaks of desiring nothing to gain everything. This detachment allows us to see the world clearly, without the distortions of greed and selfishness.

What date is Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday September 10, 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 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday September 10, 2025 are:
First Reading – Colossians 3:1-11: Seek Higher Things
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: Endless Praise
Gospel – Luke 6:20-26: Blessings and Warnings

What does it mean to seek heavenly things in the first reading for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

It means to focus on God and what pleases Him rather than on earthly things like wealth or power. We should live in a way that reflects our faith and love for Christ.

How can we put off the old self?

We can do this by letting go of bad habits like anger, lying, and selfishness. Instead, we should try to live with kindness, honesty, and love.

What does new life in Christ mean?

It means that when we follow Christ, we become new people. Old divisions like race or social status no longer matter, and we are all united in Christ.

How can we endure suffering for Christ?

We can endure suffering by remembering that it brings us closer to Christ. Suffering for our faith is a way to share in His promise of eternal life.

Why does Jesus bless the poor in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1?

Jesus blesses the poor because they rely on God rather than on money or possessions. This shows that God’s blessings are for those who trust in Him.

What is the warning to the rich?

The warning is that wealth can make us forget about God and others. We should use our resources to help others and not become too attached to worldly things.