Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Wednesday October 13, 2027
Justice and Trust in God
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the readings turn our eyes to the balance of justice, mercy, and faith. Paul reminds us that God’s judgment is fair and that His kindness calls us to change our ways. The psalm shows us that rest and peace can only be found in God.
The Gospel tells us that Jesus calls out the Pharisees and the scholars of the law. They cared about small rules and social praise but missed justice and love. Jesus teaches that real faith is not about looking good in front of others. It is about caring for people and honoring God.
These readings challenge us to see our own lives. Do we judge others while failing to correct ourselves? Do we seek honor or do we practice mercy? Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 reminds us to place trust in God and walk in His justice.
Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- First Reading – Romans 2:1-11: If you judge others while doing the same wrongs, you won’t escape God’s judgment. God’s kindness should lead to repentance; ignoring this stores up wrath for you.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 62: My soul finds rest in God alone, who is my rock and salvation. I won’t be disturbed, for my hope comes from Him. Trust in God, He is our refuge.
- Gospel – Luke 11:42-46: The Lord criticizes Pharisees for neglecting justice and love while focusing on minor rituals. They seek social honors but ignore true virtues. Scholars of the law also receive rebuke for burdening others without helping.
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 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.
Luke 11:46
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on God’s justice and warnings about hypocrisy. Paul reminds us that everyone is judged by God fairly. Jesus warns against putting rules before mercy and love.
- God’s Fair Judgment: Paul says God judges everyone equally, regardless of their background. He warns that no one can escape God’s judgment by pointing out the faults of others.
- Hypocrisy in Religious Life: Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for following the law outwardly but neglecting love and justice. He warns that focusing on external actions while ignoring the heart is dangerous.
- Warning Against Self-Righteousness: Paul warns against being quick to judge others. We must look at our own actions before judging someone else.
- Call to Mercy: Jesus tells the Pharisees that mercy is more important than strict rule-following. He teaches that we should prioritize helping others over keeping every little law.
- Accountability Before God: Both Paul and Jesus remind us that we will be held accountable for our actions. Our intentions and deeds will be judged by God alone.
- True Religion is Love: Jesus says true religion is not about rules, but love and justice. He challenges us to live with compassion and care for others.
These themes remind us of the importance of humility and love in our lives. The readings call us to self-reflection and a deeper understanding of God’s call for justice and mercy.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings challenge us to reflect on God’s judgment, mercy, and how we live out our faith. Paul and Jesus both call us to examine our actions, not just outwardly, but in our hearts. These reflections explore how we can live with humility, love, and mercy in light of these teachings.
God’s Judgment is Fair
In the first reading for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul teaches us that God judges everyone fairly. No one is better or worse because of where they come from or what they have. God sees our hearts and actions, not just what we show on the outside.
Paul also reminds us that we cannot escape God’s judgment by pointing out the wrongs of others. Often, we think focusing on someone else’s faults can excuse our own. But Paul calls us to examine ourselves first and live according to God’s standards.
This message challenges us to live with humility. Instead of judging others, we should be aware that we will all face God’s fair judgment. We should live with love and kindness, knowing that no one is exempt from being judged by God.
Mercy Over Rules
In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus speaks against strict rule-following without mercy. The Pharisees focused on keeping every little law but failed to show love and care for others. They were so concerned with appearing righteous that they ignored the needs of those around them.
Jesus teaches that mercy is more important than following every rule perfectly. While rules have their place, they should never be used to burden others or keep them from experiencing God’s love. When we focus too much on rules, we lose sight of what really matters—helping others and being merciful.
This reflection encourages us to examine how we practice our faith. Do we care more about rules, or do we make time to show mercy and help others? Jesus calls us to focus on love and justice, not just outward actions.
Humility in Our Actions
Both the first reading and Gospel of Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 call us to be humble in how we live. Paul warns us not to judge others, and Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for acting righteous while ignoring the deeper call to love. In both cases, the message is clear: outward actions are not enough if our hearts are not in the right place.
We may feel that following every rule or judging others makes us righteous, but God looks deeper. God sees our hearts and knows when we are acting for show or focusing too much on ourselves. True righteousness comes from living with humility and love, not from how well we follow rules.
This reflection helps us see that our actions should come from a place of humility. Instead of seeking to look good in front of others, we should seek to serve and love others as God asks. By focusing on love, mercy, and justice, we can live out the lessons of Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
As we reflect on the readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded of the importance of humility and love in our daily lives. God calls us to look beyond rules and judgments and to focus on showing mercy to others. Let us continue to live out these lessons with hearts open to God’s guidance.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live with humility and love. Teach us to focus on mercy and kindness over strict rules. Guide our hearts so we can see others with compassion and avoid judgment. May we serve you faithfully by loving others as you have loved us. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you avoid judging others and focus on your own actions?
- In what ways can you show more mercy and kindness in your daily life?
- Do you ever feel more focused on following rules than helping others? How can you change that?
- What does it mean to you that God judges everyone fairly and equally?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
How very rude!
Fr. Bede Mullens explains that Jesus’s bold behavior at the Pharisee’s dinner shows His mission to challenge false ideas of holiness. By refusing to follow ritual washing, Jesus makes a clear statement. He shows that true holiness is not about avoiding what seems unclean but about bringing God’s love into every part of human life. His actions provoke the Pharisees, but also reveal a new way of seeing God’s presence among His people.
In this reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Fr. Bede Mullens points out that Jesus’s “rudeness” was not disrespect but a sign of courage and truth. Jesus refused to play by social rules that separated people from one another. He came to show that nothing is outside God’s love, not even human weakness or suffering. His actions remind us to live faith in the real world, without fear.
Meet People Where They Are
Matthew Kelly reflects on Jesus’ words about the Pharisees who placed heavy burdens on others. He admits that this warning challenges him personally as a writer and speaker. It reminds him how easy it is to make faith feel too hard or demanding for people who are already struggling. Jesus calls us to guide others with compassion, not by adding to their burdens but by walking beside them with patience and understanding.
In this reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Matthew Kelly explains that real discipleship means meeting people where they are and helping them grow at their own pace. Faith grows best when it is nurtured gently and consistently. Each small step toward God matters. Even the smallest effort to live the Gospel more fully each day brings us closer to holiness and helps us become the people God created us to be.
Carrying Each Other’s Burdens
Jesus warns against placing heavy burdens on others without offering help. True faith is not about showing moral superiority but about sharing the weight of life with compassion. God’s law should never crush people; it should guide them toward healing and freedom. Real holiness is found in mercy and love that lift others up rather than hold them down.
In this reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Bishop Barron reminds us that Jesus came to heal and restore, not to condemn. He invites us to think about moments when Christ, through the Church, has lifted our burdens and made us whole. When we recall those experiences of mercy, we learn how to do the same for others. The Christian life means carrying one another’s burdens with kindness and helping each person find hope in God’s grace.
Living as Missionary Disciples
The readings remind us not to judge others but to live in the Spirit of Christ. When we truly experience God’s love through Jesus, our hearts are changed. That love sends us out to share His message with others through kindness, mercy, and patience. Being a missionary disciple means letting God’s love flow through us to those who are poor, forgotten, or struggling.
In this reflection for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Dr. Sullivan explains that discipleship begins with friendship with Jesus. Through prayer and faith, we grow closer to Him and learn to share His love. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and gentleness—become visible in our actions. Dr. Sullivan invites us to listen for the voice of Jesus and respond by living with generosity and compassion, showing others the goodness of God in everyday life.
Resources
The Letter to the Romans: God’s Judgment and Mercy
In Romans, Paul stresses that God’s judgment is fair and applies to all, not just to some. On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the reading shows that judging others while committing the same sins is hypocrisy. God’s justice sees the truth of every heart. His kindness is meant to lead us to change.
This part of Romans fits into Paul’s larger theme of salvation through faith and not by human pride. Paul teaches that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable before God. The warning against storing up wrath connects to the bigger message of repentance and turning back to God’s mercy.
Psalm 62: Resting in God Alone
Psalm 62 reminds us that peace and strength come from God alone. On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this psalm calls believers to place their full trust in the Lord. Titles, wealth, or power cannot provide lasting hope. Only God gives the kind of refuge that cannot be shaken.
The psalm fits into the wider message of the Psalms, which often stress trust, prayer, and God’s protection. Here, the theme is reliance on God as a rock and fortress, a truth echoed throughout the psalter. The psalmist’s cry points the community back to faith in God’s care.
The Gospel of Luke: Justice Over Empty Rituals
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus warns the Pharisees and teachers of the law. On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the focus is on justice, mercy, and love of God, which matter more than outward rituals. Jesus rebukes their hunger for honor while neglecting compassion and humility.
This passage ties into Luke’s bigger theme of God’s concern for the poor, the humble, and the outcast. Luke often highlights the contrast between human pride and God’s call to mercy. The rebuke of leaders reflects the Gospel’s call to true discipleship that lives out justice.
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Burden Without Mercy
This image for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 reflects the Gospel message where Jesus rebukes the scholars of the law for placing heavy burdens on others without lifting a finger to help. The man pushing the stone shows how crushing those loads can feel.
Use this artwork in bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry to spark reflection on Christ’s call to justice, mercy, and love.
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Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What does Paul mean by judgment in the first reading for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Paul reminds us that God judges everyone fairly. We should not judge others harshly because we are also imperfect.
How does the first reading apply to our lives?
Paul’s message calls us to focus on our own actions before criticizing others. It encourages us to show kindness and understanding.
Why does Jesus criticize the Pharisees in the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees because they focus too much on outward actions. They follow the rules but ignore love and justice.
How can we avoid being like the Pharisees?
We should focus on loving others and helping those in need. It is more important to be kind and caring than to follow every small rule.
What does Jesus mean when he talks about burdens?
Jesus says the Pharisees make life hard for others by adding too many rules. We should not add extra pressure on others but instead try to help them.
How can the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 change how we live?
We can learn to focus on what matters most: loving others and being just. Jesus teaches that mercy is more important than following rules perfectly.
What is the main lesson of Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The main lesson is to avoid hypocrisy. God sees our hearts and cares more about our love and mercy than how well we follow rules.
Why is judgment mentioned in both readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Both Paul and Jesus remind us that we will be judged fairly by God. They call us to be humble and avoid judging others too quickly.
How can we practice what the readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach?
We can practice by showing more love and mercy in our daily lives. We should focus on helping others rather than finding their faults.
True Faith Requires Humility and Mercy
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings urge us to reflect on humility, judgment, and mercy. In the first reading, Paul reminds the Romans that God judges everyone fairly. He warns against pointing out the flaws of others without examining our own actions. God’s judgment is impartial, and no one can escape it by focusing on the mistakes of others. This teaches us to focus on our own behavior and to live with humility and kindness.
In the Gospel, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with outward appearances while neglecting inner virtues like love and justice. He rebukes them for focusing on minor details of the law while ignoring the bigger picture—helping others and showing mercy. Jesus teaches that true faith is not about strict rule-following but about a heart that shows mercy and care for others.
Both readings challenge us to avoid hypocrisy. Paul urges us to stop judging others and instead focus on living rightly ourselves. Jesus calls us to show mercy and compassion, not just to follow rules for the sake of appearances. True faith is about living justly and showing love.
On Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded that our actions should reflect inner purity and humility. Faith should be lived with love and mercy, not just through outward rituals.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. How do you avoid judging others and focus on your own actions?
Consider how you can show more mercy in your daily life. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.