Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28: King Belshazzar, using sacred vessels for a feast, sees a mysterious hand writing on the wall. Daniel interprets it as God’s judgment: the end of Belshazzar’s kingdom and its division.
• Responsorial Psalm – Daniel 3: All elements of creation – sun, moon, stars, weather, fire, and cold – are called to bless, praise, and exalt the Lord eternally, above all else.
• Gospel – Luke 21:12-19: Jesus forewarned the crowd of coming persecutions for His name’s sake, including arrests and trials before rulers. He assured them of divine wisdom in their defense, rendering adversaries powerless. Despite betrayals and hatred, even unto death, Jesus promised protection and proclaimed that through perseverance, they would secure their lives.

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

Luke 21:14-15

On Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings speak about judgment, faithfulness, and courage in the face of adversity. The stories of Daniel in Babylon and Jesus’ warning to His followers remind us to trust in God, no matter the challenges or the cost.

• Judgment of pride: In Daniel, the king’s pride is rebuked when he misuses sacred objects. God’s judgment is certain for those who ignore His will.
• God’s control over history: The message on the wall in Daniel shows God’s authority over kingdoms. Everything is in God’s hands, even the fate of nations.
• Faithfulness under pressure: Jesus warns His disciples they will face persecution. He encourages them to stay faithful, even in the hardest times.
• God’s guidance: Jesus promises His followers that He will give them wisdom when they face opposition. This shows that we can rely on God’s help in challenging moments.
• Warnings against pride: The downfall of the Babylonian king warns us about pride and arrogance. Trusting in worldly power or wealth leads to destruction.
• Eternal rewards for perseverance: Jesus assures His followers that their endurance will lead to eternal life. By staying firm, they will gain the most lasting reward.

In these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to humility, trust, and faithfulness. God sees all and calls us to rely on Him in all things.

On Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings remind us of the importance of humility, trust in God, and remaining faithful even through trials. The first reading warns us about the dangers of pride through the story of the Babylonian king. The Gospel reading calls us to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance when we face opposition, assuring us of His constant presence and help. Together, these reflections encourage us to trust in God’s power rather than our own and to stay strong in faith, no matter the challenges.

Pride Leads to Destruction

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see the king of Babylon fall because of his pride and arrogance. He thought his power and wealth were untouchable and took no care in honoring what was sacred to God. His misuse of holy objects showed that he trusted in his own status above all else. In the end, he faced serious consequences for putting himself above God.

This story warns us about the dangers of pride and relying on worldly power. Pride often blinds us to the truth and leads us to make poor choices, thinking we are in control. The king’s downfall is a reminder that any power we have is limited and that God alone is truly in control. If we trust only in ourselves, we risk losing what is truly important.

To apply this lesson, we can check our own lives for areas where we may be putting our trust in worldly things like success, money, or reputation. This reading encourages us to let go of pride and live with humility, putting God first in our choices. By doing so, we keep ourselves from the destruction that pride can bring and instead find lasting security in God’s care.

Relying on God’s Help in Trials

The Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows Jesus preparing His followers to face challenges and opposition. Jesus tells them that when they are persecuted, they do not need to worry because God will give them the wisdom and strength to endure. They may face trials, but they will not face them alone. This promise is a source of comfort, reminding us that God is close to us in difficult times.

When we face trials, we often feel the pressure to figure everything out on our own, which can lead to fear and anxiety. But Jesus reassures us that God will provide the words and wisdom we need. This teaches us that we don’t have to be perfect or always know the right answer. Instead, we can trust that God is with us and will give us what we need when we need it.

In our lives, we can practice this trust by praying for guidance in difficult situations and then allowing God to lead us. It may be through prayer, wise counsel, or quiet moments of insight. No matter how God helps us, we can face each challenge with hope and peace, knowing that He stands with us as we go through trials.

Staying Faithful Amid Hardship

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show examples of remaining faithful, even when facing hardship. The Babylonian king rejected faithfulness, living only for himself, while Jesus speaks of staying strong in faith despite persecution. The stories show that while faithfulness may come at a cost, it is the only path that leads to true life.

Faithfulness to God can be hard, especially when others don’t understand or when following Jesus brings suffering. Jesus tells His followers that they will face rejection, but if they remain faithful, they will gain eternal life. This gives us courage to stay strong in our own faith, remembering that even when we feel alone, God is with us and sees our efforts.

Applying this to our lives, we can start by staying close to God in daily prayer and by trusting Him with our challenges. We may face times when it would be easier to walk away from our beliefs, but these readings remind us to hold onto our faith. Faithfulness may not always bring worldly rewards, but it does lead us closer to God, and He promises to walk with us through every trial.

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Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to examine our lives honestly and see where we need to rely more on God. Humility, faithfulness, and trust are essential, and God provides strength when we seek Him. By embracing these lessons, we draw closer to God, confident in His care and wisdom through every trial we may face.

Prayer

Lord, help me live with humility and place my trust in You alone. Guide me through any trials, and give me the courage to stay faithful. Teach me to rely on Your wisdom each day, knowing that You are always with me. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Are there areas in my life where I rely too much on myself rather than on God?
• How can I show humility in my daily actions and choices?
• When have I felt God’s guidance during a difficult time, and how did it help me?
• What steps can I take to remain faithful to God, even when facing challenges?

Word on Fire: Finding Strength in Faith

In his reflection for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron reminds us that the Church will face persecution until Christ returns. The saints never had easy lives; instead, they found courage and strength in their faith, even when faced with threat and struggle. Jesus promises His followers the wisdom they need to persevere. Bishop Barron notes that this courage helps Christians rise above negativity, much like the lyrics from Eva Cassidy’s song: “No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I’m clinging.”

What date is Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday November 26, 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 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 26, 2025 are:
First Reading – Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28: Belshazzar’s Downfall Foretold
Responsorial Psalm – Daniel 3: Creation Praises the Lord
Gospel – Luke 21:12-19: Assurance in Persecution

Why did the king of Babylon see writing on the wall in the first reading for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The king saw the writing as a warning because he was disrespectful to God by misusing holy objects. This teaches us that pride and disrespect toward God can lead to consequences.

What was the meaning of the writing on the wall?

The writing on the wall was God’s judgment on the king’s pride and misuse of sacred things. It reminds us that all actions have consequences and that we should live humbly and respectfully before God.

What can we learn from the king’s pride and fall?

The king’s downfall shows that pride and arrogance lead to ruin. We learn that we should stay humble and respectful toward God.

How can we avoid the mistakes of the Babylonian king?

We avoid the king’s mistakes by living humbly and respecting what is sacred. By placing God first, we live with true wisdom.

Why does Jesus say His followers will face persecution in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus says His followers will face persecution because faithfulness to God may lead to conflict with the world. This helps us understand that following Jesus sometimes means sacrifice and courage.

How does Jesus prepare His followers for trials?

Jesus tells His followers that God will give them wisdom when they are persecuted. This encourages us to trust that God will guide us when we face difficulties for our faith.

How can we be faithful like Jesus asks?

We can be faithful by staying close to God, especially in hard times. This means trusting Him even when we feel afraid or uncertain.

What reward does Jesus promise those who stay faithful in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus promises eternal life to those who endure and stay faithful. This gives us hope and courage, knowing that God sees our efforts and will reward us.

What does the Gospel teach us about facing challenges?

The Gospel teaches that challenges may come, but we do not face them alone. God gives us strength and guidance, so we should rely on Him in every trial.

How can we apply these readings for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 in our daily lives?

We apply these readings by seeking humility, trusting in God’s wisdom, and being faithful, even in hardship. These actions help us stay close to God and prepare us for eternal life.