Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31: A mother and her seven sons endure torture and martyrdom rather than violate God’s law by eating pork. Their unwavering faith confronts tyranny with hope in God’s mercy.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 17: I plead for God’s attention to my just cause, confident in my steadfastness on His path and assured of His response, seeking His protection and presence.
• Gospel – Luke 19:11-28: In a parable, Jesus described a nobleman who, before seeking kingship, entrusted his servants with gold coins to trade. Upon his return, he rewarded those who increased their coins but condemned the servant who hid his, taking his coin and giving it to the most successful servant. The nobleman ordered the execution of those who rejected his reign, illustrating consequences of action and inaction in stewardship.

A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’

Luke 19:12-13

On Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings invite reflection on faithfulness to God and using the gifts He has given us. Both Maccabees and the Gospel of Luke challenge us to consider the strength of our commitment to God and how we live out that commitment.

• Faithfulness in Trials: In Maccabees, a mother and her sons hold fast to their faith even when threatened with death. This theme emphasizes staying true to God, even when it costs us something.
• Trust in God’s Plan: The family in Maccabees shows trust that God has a plan beyond their suffering. This reminds us to trust that God is with us, even when we don’t understand why things happen.
• Stewardship of Gifts: In Luke, Jesus teaches that each person is given gifts to use for God’s glory. This theme encourages us to reflect on how we use our talents and resources to serve God and others.
• Reward for Faithfulness: Jesus’ parable shows that those who serve God well are rewarded. This theme assures us that God notices and values our efforts to live out our faith.
• Courage in the Face of Fear: The courage shown in Maccabees inspires us to stand up for our faith without fear. This theme reminds us that God gives us strength when we choose to honor Him.
• Accountability to God: Jesus’ parable ends with a reminder that we are accountable for how we use what we have been given. This theme calls us to reflect on our actions and choices, knowing that God will hold us responsible.

The readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, ask us to consider how committed we are to our faith. They remind us to use our gifts wisely and to trust in God’s strength when facing challenges.

The readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, bring together themes of courage, trust, and faithful use of our gifts. Through the example of a family’s sacrifice in Maccabees and Jesus’ teaching about servants and their talents in Luke, we see what it means to live fully committed to God. These reflections invite us to look closely at our own lives, encouraging us to trust God’s plan, use our gifts, and stand firm in our faith.

Trusting God’s Plan Beyond Suffering

On Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we read about a mother and her sons who endure great suffering because of their loyalty to God. They do not let fear make them doubt their faith. Even though they face pain, they trust that God’s plan is above what they can see or understand. This story encourages us to believe that God is present even in our hardest moments.

When life is hard, it is natural to question why God allows suffering. Sometimes we don’t understand why things happen the way they do, and it can feel lonely or unfair. But this reading teaches us that God is still with us in suffering. He does not leave us, even when we do not know His reasons. This trust is an important part of faith, helping us to stay close to God when we face our own challenges.

By looking at the faith of this family in Maccabees, we learn that suffering has meaning when it draws us closer to God. In their story, God’s plan extends beyond their pain; they believe He will bring justice and peace to them. In the same way, our own trials can lead us to rely more on God, knowing He is working in our lives. Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, invites us to place our trust in God’s love and guidance, even when life feels uncertain.

Using Our Gifts for God’s Glory

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus shares a parable about servants given different amounts of money to manage. Some servants use what they are given and earn more, but one servant hides his portion out of fear. Jesus praises those who use their gifts well and gives them greater responsibility. This parable shows us that God wants us to use what we have for His glory.

God has given each of us different gifts, talents, and resources. These can be skills, knowledge, relationships, or opportunities to do good. God calls us to use these gifts, not to hide them. Just like the servants in the parable, we are responsible for how we use what we have been given. We may sometimes feel we don’t have enough to make a difference, but even small efforts can bring God’s love to others and honor Him.

When we use our gifts to serve others and live with purpose, we fulfill God’s hopes for us. The parable reminds us that faith is not just about believing but also about acting with the resources we have. As we reflect on Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we can ask ourselves how we can make better use of what God has given us. Our actions, big or small, can be an offering to God and a way to build up His kingdom.

Courage in Faithful Living

Both readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, emphasize the importance of courage in living out our faith. In Maccabees, a mother and her sons boldly choose faith over safety. They do not let threats or suffering make them turn away from God. In the Gospel, Jesus tells of servants who are willing to take risks with what they are given, knowing that their efforts will honor their master. Both readings encourage us to live with courage, even when faith requires strength and risk.

Choosing to live with courage means that we are willing to stand up for what we believe, even when it’s not easy. We might not face threats like those in Maccabees, but every day we have choices to make that test our faith. It could be staying true to our values, helping others, or trusting God when life is hard. Courage in faith is about putting God first, even if it feels difficult or if others don’t understand.

God calls us to live without fear and with hope that He is always with us. On Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we remember that courage and faith go hand in hand. The courage shown by the mother and her sons and the faithfulness of the servants in the parable both show us how to be brave in following God’s ways. With courage, we can live out our faith fully, knowing that God will be with us in every step.

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As we reflect on Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are reminded to trust God through every trial and to live boldly for Him. By using our gifts and holding onto courage, we deepen our relationship with God and serve others. May these readings strengthen our faith and lead us closer to God.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gifts and strength You give us. Help us trust in Your plans, even when we don’t understand. Give us courage to live our faith, and guide us to use our gifts well for You and others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I trust God more deeply during times of difficulty?
• What specific gifts has God given me, and how am I using them to serve others?
• Where in my life is God calling me to show more courage in my faith?
• How can I honor God in the small choices and responsibilities I have each day?

Word on Fire: The Fruits of a Great Soul

In a reflection for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains how we can judge the quality of our lives through the fruits of the Holy Spirit. He describes how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control reveal the presence of the Spirit. These qualities create a “great soul” or magna anima, which looks outward and cares for others. In contrast, the “cramped soul” or pusilla anima focuses only on itself. Bishop Barron reminds us that living with these fruits shows a life of goodness and faithfulness.

What date is Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday November 19, 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 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 19, 2025 are:
First Reading – 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31: Courageous Faith and Martyrdom
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 17: Prayer for Divine Justice
Gospel – Luke 19:11-28: Parable of the Ten Gold Coins

Why is the mother and her sons’ faith important in the first reading for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Their faith shows loyalty to God even in the hardest situations. They remind us to stay true to God, no matter the cost.

What can we learn from their suffering?

Their suffering reminds us that God’s ways are above our understanding, yet He remains with us. It teaches us that faith can give us strength when things are difficult.

Why is courage important in faith?

The family in Maccabees shows courage in the face of death for their beliefs. Their example encourages us to be brave in our faith, even when it’s hard or risky.

How can we grow in faith like the mother and sons?

We can grow in faith by praying, trusting God, and standing up for our beliefs. These practices strengthen us when we face tough situations.

How does the parable the Gospel for Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 relate to everyday life?

In Luke, Jesus talks about servants who use or waste what they’re given. This parable shows us that God wants us to use our talents and resources well, not just for ourselves but for His glory.

Why does Jesus reward the servants who work hard?

Jesus rewards them to show that God values our efforts. It reminds us that God sees and appreciates our faithfulness and dedication.

What does it mean to be accountable to God?

Being accountable means we are responsible for how we live and use what God has given us. God will ask us how we used our time, skills, and resources.

How do we know if we are using our gifts well?

We know we are using our gifts well when they help others and bring us closer to God. Using our gifts in service, kindness, and love pleases God.

What should we do when faith feels difficult?

When faith feels difficult, we can ask God for help, read Scripture, and stay connected with others who encourage us. God gives strength to those who stay close to Him, especially in hard times.

Why does Jesus focus on using talents wisely?

Jesus teaches that we should use our talents for good, not hide them. This lesson calls us to make the most of what God has given us, to serve others, and to honor Him.