Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Wisdom 6:1-11: Kings and magistrates are reminded that their power is from God, who will judge their actions. They must rule justly, as they will face a strict accounting.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 82: God commands the defense of the vulnerable and the poor, seeking justice against the wicked, while reminding that even those with power are mortal.
• Gospel – Luke 17:11-19: On his journey, Jesus encountered ten lepers near a village. Upon their plea for mercy, He instructed them to see the priests, and they were healed en route. Realizing his healing, one, a Samaritan, returned to praise God and thank Jesus. Jesus acknowledged his gratitude, questioning the absence of the others, and affirmed the Samaritan’s faith as the source of his salvation.

Lectionary Reference: 493

Upcoming dates: November 12, 2025, November 10, 2027, November 14, 2029, November 12, 2031

Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?

Luke 17:17

The readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to reflect on our response to God’s call and how we show gratitude. In Wisdom, we see a call to responsibility, especially for leaders, while in the Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him.

• Gratitude to God: Jesus praises the one leper who returns to thank Him. This reminds us to thank God for all blessings, no matter how small.
• Obedience to God’s Commands: The wise are called to follow God’s ways carefully. Obedience brings true wisdom and helps us grow closer to God.
• Responsibility of Leaders: Wisdom urges leaders to act with justice. Those with authority have a special duty to care for others, in line with God’s truth.
• Faith and Healing: Jesus tells the healed man his faith made him well. Faith is powerful and invites God’s healing into our lives.
• God’s Generosity: Jesus heals all ten lepers, even though only one returns to thank Him. This shows that God gives generously, even to those who may not recognize it.
• Judgment and Accountability: Wisdom warns leaders that they will be held accountable. We are all called to act rightly, knowing God will judge us on our actions.
• Humility and Service: True wisdom means serving others with humility. Those who are wise understand that God values humble hearts.

The themes for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of gratitude, faith, and obedience. By living out these values, we draw closer to God and live as true followers of Christ.

The readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to think deeply about faith, gratitude, and justice. Wisdom calls on leaders to act with care and humility, reminding all who hold power that they have a duty to those they lead. In the Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him, revealing God’s generous nature and the importance of gratitude. Together, these passages encourage us to trust God, thank Him for His goodness, and act justly toward others.

Justice and the Responsibility of Leaders

On Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the reading from Wisdom calls leaders to act with justice. Wisdom reminds leaders that they have been given a serious duty: to care for the people they serve. This authority isn’t a right but a responsibility, with a need to act fairly and helpfully. Leaders are reminded that they, too, will answer to God for their actions, especially when others depend on them.

This message applies to any position where someone influences others—parents, teachers, employers, and even older siblings. True leadership means being accountable and compassionate. It involves more than authority; it requires real care for the well-being of others. People who hold power must use it to serve others and reflect God’s justice.

The reading invites us to think about our own roles and how we treat others, especially if we have responsibilities. It’s a call to self-reflection, asking us to see where we might be using authority for personal gain rather than the good of others. We are encouraged to remember that justice, kindness, and humility are essential for anyone who wants to lead well.

Gratitude and Generosity

In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to give thanks. Jesus recognizes this one man’s gratitude, but He still healed all ten, even the ones who didn’t return. This scene shows God’s generous nature. He gives blessings and healing freely, even to those who may not thank Him.

God’s generosity challenges us to think about our own thankfulness and openness to giving. Sometimes, we may take blessings for granted, assuming they’ll always be there. This story reminds us to pause and thank God for all He provides, no matter how ordinary it seems. Gratitude opens our eyes to how much God cares for us, which can often go unnoticed.

The Gospel’s message also calls us to be generous like God, sharing what we have, even if we don’t receive thanks in return. Jesus teaches us not to expect gratitude from others before we give. True generosity comes from giving freely, just as God gives freely to us.

Faith and Healing

Both the reading from Wisdom and the Gospel of Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 speak to the power of faith. In Wisdom, we see that acting according to God’s ways and having faith in Him leads to wisdom and right action. The Gospel emphasizes this idea further when Jesus tells the healed leper that his faith has made him well. Faith is shown to be more than belief; it is an active trust in God that brings real change.

Faith brings healing by connecting us to God and inviting His grace into our lives. Like the healed leper, we can find peace and strength through faith, knowing that God cares for us deeply. The leper’s faith allowed him to respond to Jesus with gratitude and trust, while the other nine missed this chance for a deeper connection.

These readings remind us that faith is a path to healing in many forms. It can bring healing to our hearts, our relationships, and our outlook on life. Faith helps us approach life’s struggles with hope, looking to God for guidance and strength, confident in His care for us.

---

As we reflect on the themes of Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded that God calls each of us to live with faith, gratitude, and responsibility. Whether we lead others or receive His blessings, God’s love and generosity invite us to respond with humility and thanks. Living this way helps us to be a reflection of God’s kindness and justice in the world.

Prayer

Lord, open our hearts to live with gratitude, faith, and a desire to serve others well. Help us to recognize the blessings You give each day and to share them freely with others. May our actions reflect Your love and justice. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of life has God given you responsibility or leadership over others?
• How often do you pause to thank God for both big and small blessings?
• What does generosity mean to you, and how can you practice it more freely?
• How does faith in God help you face challenges and find peace?

USCCB Reflection: Gratitude and Faith

In the USCCB video reflection for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Dr. Jem Sullivan reflects on Jesus healing ten lepers, with only one—a Samaritan—returning to thank Him. Dr. Sullivan explains that the leper’s gratitude reveals his faith, recognizing Jesus not just as a healer but as the Son of God. This faith brings a deeper, spiritual healing, restoring his heart and relationship with God. Dr. Sullivan encourages viewers to consider that all life is a gift from God, sustained by His grace, and calls us to live each day with gratitude for this divine help and purpose.

What date is Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Wednesday November 12, 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 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Wednesday November 12, 2025 are:
First Reading – Wisdom 6:1-11: Warning to Rulers
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 82: Divine Justice
Gospel – Luke 17:11-19: The Grateful Leper

What is the main message of the first reading for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 from Wisdom?

The first reading emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to act justly. It reminds everyone in authority to lead with care, knowing they will answer to God.

How does Wisdom relate to our everyday lives?

Wisdom shows that all of us, not only leaders, are called to make good choices. We should seek God’s guidance daily to act with justice and kindness.

Why does Wisdom talk about God judging leaders?

Wisdom stresses that leaders are held accountable because they guide others. This reminds us that how we treat others matters deeply to God.

How does obedience relate to these readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Obedience to God is highlighted as the path to wisdom and blessing. By following God’s ways, we stay close to Him and receive His guidance.

What does humility have to do with wisdom?

Wisdom teaches us that true wisdom means serving humbly. This reminds us that God values our humility and care for others above power or position.

Why does only one leper thank Jesus in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In the Gospel, only one leper returns to thank Jesus because his heart is moved by gratitude. This teaches us the importance of showing thanks to God for every blessing.

What lesson does the Gospel teach about faith?

Jesus says the man’s faith made him well, showing that faith opens us to God’s healing power. This reminds us to trust God, especially in difficult times.

How can we apply the message of gratitude?

The reading encourages us to thank God regularly, not just when we receive something big. Being thankful each day helps us see God’s hand in our lives.

What is Jesus teaching about generosity in healing all ten lepers?

Jesus heals all ten lepers, showing God’s generosity to everyone, even if they do not return His love. This calls us to give freely to others, even if they do not thank us.

How do these readings prepare us for daily life?

The readings for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 guide us to live with faith, gratitude, and humility. They encourage us to trust God, give thanks, and act justly in all situations.