Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Nehemiah 2:1-8: While serving wine to King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah appeared sad because Jerusalem was in ruins. After explaining, he requested permission to rebuild it. The king granted Nehemiah’s wishes, recognizing God’s favor on him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 137: In Babylonian exile, the Israelites mourned, longing for Zion. Their captors mockingly asked for songs of their homeland. The psalmist vows never to forget Jerusalem, preferring silence over forgetting.
• Gospel – Luke 9:57-62: Jesus emphasizes the commitment required to follow Him. While many express willingness, He points out that true discipleship might mean forgoing comforts, delaying personal duties, and having undivided attention to God’s mission.

Lectionary Reference: 457

When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.

Upcoming dates: October 1, 2025, October 3, 2029, October 1, 2031, September 28, 2033

No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62

On Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on obedience to God’s call and trust in His plans. In both Nehemiah and the Gospel of Luke, we see examples of following God’s will even when it requires sacrifice or courage.

• Trusting God’s Plan: Nehemiah trusted that God would help him rebuild Jerusalem, and the Gospel shows people called to follow Jesus. Both readings emphasize trusting God’s guidance even when the path ahead is uncertain.
• Courage to Act: Nehemiah boldly asked the king for permission to rebuild Jerusalem. In the Gospel, following Jesus requires courage, leaving behind comfort and security.
• Leaving Everything for God: Jesus tells the people to follow Him without looking back. This theme shows the need to prioritize God’s call above all other attachments.
• Sacrifices for Mission: Nehemiah made personal sacrifices to rebuild the city, and Jesus calls for similar sacrifices in the Gospel. The theme is about giving up personal desires to serve God’s mission.
• God’s Timing: Nehemiah waited for the right moment to approach the king, showing patience. In the Gospel, the timing of following Jesus is now, without delay.
• Faith in Leadership: Nehemiah trusted that God would guide the king’s decision to let him go. Similarly, Jesus expects His followers to trust Him fully as their leader.

Both readings highlight the need for trust, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s will. They show us that following God requires action, courage, and putting Him first in our lives.

The readings for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 challenge us to trust in God’s plan, let go of the past, and obey His call with courage. Through Nehemiah’s determination to rebuild Jerusalem and Jesus’ call to follow Him, we see examples of faith in action. These themes remind us that following God requires both trust and sacrifice.

Seeking Help and Trusting God

In the first reading from Nehemiah, we see a man who deeply desires to rebuild Jerusalem. However, he knows he cannot do it alone. Nehemiah needs the approval and help of the king to move forward. He prays to God, then bravely asks the king for permission. This shows us that even when we are doing God’s work, we might need to seek help from others.

Nehemiah’s actions remind us that trusting God is more than just praying—it means taking action as well. He trusted that God would guide the king’s heart and open the door for him. In our own lives, we might face situations where we need support, whether from family, friends, or people in authority. It is not wrong to ask for help, but we should remember that ultimately, God is in control.

The theme of trust appears in both readings for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Just as Nehemiah trusted God’s plan when approaching the king, we are called to trust God when we face challenges. By seeking help and putting our trust in God, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is leading the way.

Letting Go of the Past

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus calls people to follow Him. However, some hesitate because they are not ready to let go of their past commitments. Jesus teaches that following Him requires focus on the future, not looking back or holding on to old ways of life. This is a hard lesson because we often feel attached to things from our past.

Jesus is asking for complete commitment. He knows that when we hold on to past things, we cannot fully follow His call. This applies to our relationships, habits, or even our worries. If we keep looking back, we lose sight of where Jesus is leading us.

This message is important for anyone who wants to live out their faith. The readings for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us that following Jesus means moving forward, trusting that what is ahead is better than what we leave behind. Letting go allows us to embrace the new life that God has planned for us.

Obedience to God’s Call

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show us examples of obedience to God’s call. Nehemiah responds to God’s call to rebuild Jerusalem, while in the Gospel, Jesus asks people to follow Him without delay. In both cases, obedience to God requires stepping away from comfort and security.

For Nehemiah, obedience meant leaving behind his position in the king’s court to undertake a difficult task. In the Gospel, Jesus calls people to leave their homes and follow Him on a journey of faith. The lesson is clear: when God calls, we need to be ready to respond, even if it means giving up something important.

This theme encourages us to reflect on our own willingness to obey God. Are we ready to follow His call, or are we holding back? The readings for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us that obedience to God is not always easy, but it leads to a deeper relationship with Him and a greater purpose in life.

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The reflections for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to seek God’s will with courage and obedience. Whether it means asking for help, letting go of the past, or following God’s call, we are encouraged to take the next step in our faith. Trusting in God leads us to a deeper life with Him.

Prayer

Lord, give us the courage to follow Your call, even when it is difficult. Help us to let go of what holds us back and trust You with our future. Guide our steps as we seek to obey Your will each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• What is something in your life that God is asking you to let go of in order to follow Him more fully?
• How can you practice greater trust in God when faced with challenges?
• Are you willing to seek help from others when doing God’s work, as Nehemiah did?
• How does obedience to God’s call challenge your comfort and routine?

Priority of Following Jesus

In this reflection for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the challenge of truly following Jesus as presented in today’s Gospel. When Jesus tells a man to “Follow me,” the man requests to first bury his father. Jesus’ unexpected response, suggesting the man prioritize following Him over even this profound familial duty, is jarring.

Bishop Barron emphasizes that Jesus isn’t dismissing the importance of family obligations but rather highlighting that dedication to Him must be paramount. The central theme is the totality of commitment Jesus requires from His disciples, even when faced with other significant responsibilities.

What date is Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday October 1, 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 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday October 1, 2025 are:
First Reading – Nehemiah 2:1-8: Nehemiah’s Request to Rebuild Jerusalem
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 137: Lament in Exile
Gospel – Luke 9:57-62: Commitment to the Kingdom
When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.

What does Nehemiah teach us in the first reading?

Nehemiah teaches us the importance of trusting God’s plan. He shows how we should pray for guidance and take action when God calls us to serve Him.

Why does Nehemiah ask the king for permission?

Nehemiah needed the king’s approval to rebuild Jerusalem. It shows that we should seek help when necessary, but trust that God is leading the way.

How can I be more courageous like Nehemiah?

We can ask God for the strength to do what is right. Nehemiah prayed and trusted God to give him the courage to ask the king for help.

What is Jesus asking of the people in the Gospel reading?

Jesus is asking people to follow Him without hesitation. He wants us to put Him first in our lives, above everything else.

Why does Jesus tell people not to look back?

Jesus is teaching that following Him means focusing on His mission. When we look back or hold on to past things, we are not fully committed to God’s call.

How can I follow Jesus more fully like in Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

We can follow Jesus by making Him the priority in our decisions. This means being willing to let go of things that keep us from fully trusting Him.

Why is it hard to leave everything behind for God?

It’s hard because we are attached to our comfort, possessions, and relationships. Jesus reminds us that nothing should come before God’s will.

What does Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about faith?

It teaches us that faith means trusting God with our future. We must follow Him even when we don’t know exactly where He will lead us.

How does Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 apply to my daily life?

This day’s readings remind us to trust God in all situations. Whether at work, home, or with others, we should focus on serving God first.

What should I pray for based on Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

We should pray for the strength to follow God’s call with courage and trust. We can also ask for guidance to know His will in our lives.