Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Waiting With Trust
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent invites us to pause and pay attention. Advent is moving quickly now. The readings help us slow down and listen. They remind us that God is close and active, even when questions remain. This day sits near the end of Advent and points us toward hope.
On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent, the first reading speaks of a God who brings justice and rescue. It reminds us that God is steady and faithful. Nothing is outside His care. The message is meant to calm fear and build trust during times of waiting.
The psalm adds words of peace and promise. It shows a longing for healing in the land and among the people. Peace grows when people walk in God’s ways. This fits well with Advent, a season of watching and hoping for what is coming.
The Gospel brings honest questions and clear signs. John wants to know if Jesus is truly the one to come. Jesus answers through action. He heals and lifts others up. On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent, we are invited to look for these signs and trust what we see.
Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
- First Reading – Isaiah 45:6C-8, 18, 21C-25: The Lord alone is God, creator of all things. He promises justice and salvation. All people will turn to Him for refuge, and those who oppose Him will be ashamed.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: The Lord brings peace and salvation. Justice and truth will come together. His goodness will bless the land, and salvation will follow His path, bringing peace and justice to all.
- Gospel – Luke 7:18B-23: John sent messengers to ask if Jesus was the one to come. Jesus healed many and performed miracles, showing His power. He told them to share the good news with John.
John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’
Luke 18:19
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us that God is in control. He is the only true God, and He brings justice and salvation.
- God is the only God: The reading from Isaiah makes it clear that there is no other God. Everything comes from Him, and He alone saves.
- God brings righteousness: Isaiah speaks of righteousness coming down like rain. God brings justice to the world, and He calls people to follow Him.
- God created the earth with purpose: Isaiah reminds us that God made the world to be lived in. He did not create it by accident, and everything He does has meaning.
- Jesus is the promised one: In the Gospel, John the Baptist’s followers ask if Jesus is the one they have been waiting for. Jesus answers by pointing to His works, which fulfill the promises of God.
- Faith is shown in actions: Jesus tells John’s followers to look at what He is doing. His miracles show that God’s kingdom is real and present.
- God calls all people to Him: Isaiah speaks of people from all nations turning to God. Everyone who seeks Him can find salvation.
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us to trust in God. He alone brings justice, salvation, and hope to the world.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us who God is and what He has done. Isaiah speaks of God’s power and justice. The Gospel shows how Jesus fulfills God’s promises. These readings call us to trust in God and recognize His work in our lives.
God Is the Only God
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us that there is only one true God. Isaiah speaks clearly about this, telling people to stop following false gods. The world did not create itself, and nothing else can save us. Only God has the power to rule over all things.
People often look for security in things that do not last. Money, success, and power seem important, but they do not bring real peace. Isaiah calls people to turn away from these false hopes. God is the only one who can truly save.
In the Gospel, Jesus shows that He is the one sent by God. He heals the sick and gives sight to the blind. His works prove that God’s power is with Him. This connects to Isaiah’s message that there is no other God.
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent calls us to put our trust in God alone. He made the world, and He is in control. Nothing else can take His place. Turning to Him is the only way to find true peace.
Jesus Is the Promised One
John the Baptist’s followers ask Jesus if He is the one they have been waiting for. Instead of a simple answer, Jesus points to His works. The blind see, the lame walk, and the poor hear good news. His actions prove that God’s promises are being fulfilled.
Isaiah also speaks of salvation coming from God alone. He tells people to turn to God and be saved. Jesus is the answer to this call. His works show that God’s plan is happening.
Jesus does not just talk about God’s kingdom—He brings it. His miracles show that God’s power is at work. The people waiting for the Messiah do not have to wait any longer. He is already among them.
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us that Jesus is the Savior. He is the one Isaiah spoke about. His works prove that God’s promises are real. We are called to believe in Him and follow Him.
God’s Salvation Is for Everyone
Isaiah speaks of all people turning to God. He does not just call one nation or one group. He calls everyone to seek Him and be saved.
In the Gospel, Jesus brings healing and good news to those in need. He does not limit His work to a few people. His mission is for all who will listen and believe.
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us that God’s love is for everyone. No one is left out. Anyone who seeks Him can receive His grace.
We are invited to share this message with others. Just as Jesus reached out to those in need, we can show His love to the world.
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent calls us to trust in God, believe in Jesus, and share His message. God is the only true Savior. Jesus is the promised one. His salvation is for all who turn to Him.
Prayer
Lord, You are the only true God. You sent Jesus to bring healing and hope. Help us to trust in You and believe in Your promises. Open our hearts to see Your work in our lives. Teach us to share Your love with others. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to trust in God alone?
- How do Jesus’ actions show that He is the Savior?
- How can we share God’s message with others?
- What are some things in life that try to take God’s place?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Seeing God at Work
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us to slow down and listen to God’s word. Dr. Sullivan explains that in the busy days before Christmas, we need to take time to recognize Jesus as God’s gift to the world. John the Baptist dedicated his life to preparing the way for Jesus. In the Gospel, John’s followers ask Jesus if He is the promised one, and Jesus points to His works as proof.
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent invites us to reflect on how Jesus has been active in our lives. Dr. Sullivan encourages us to look for signs of God’s presence, especially in times of difficulty. Jesus continues to bring healing, comfort, and hope. His works show us who He is and remind us to trust in Him.
Resources
The Book of Isaiah: A God Who Saves All
In Isaiah, this passage comes from a section where God speaks to people living with fear and exile. Isaiah reminds them that the Lord alone created the world and guides history. God’s promise of justice and salvation shows that events are not random. Everything moves toward God’s plan, even when people struggle to see it.
For Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent, this reading points to a wider message in Isaiah about hope for all nations. God is not limited to one people. The invitation is open, and all are called to turn toward Him. Those who resist will fade, but those who trust will find rescue and peace.
Learn more about the message and themes of the Book of Isaiah
Psalm 85: Peace That Grows From Truth
Psalm 85 fits within the Book of Psalms as a prayer shaped by real community needs. It reflects a people longing for renewal after hardship. The psalm speaks of God restoring harmony, where justice and truth meet. This matches the Psalms’ role as honest prayers that connect daily life with trust in God.
On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent, this psalm echoes a larger theme of the Psalms: God’s faithfulness brings peace over time. Blessing comes as people walk in God’s ways. The land, the people, and their relationships are healed together through God’s steady care.
The Gospel of Luke: Signs That Point To Hope
In Luke’s Gospel, this moment shows how Jesus’ actions reveal who He is. Luke often highlights real encounters and visible signs. Healing the sick and helping the poor fit Luke’s focus on compassion and inclusion. Jesus answers questions about His identity through deeds rather than titles.
For Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent, this passage connects to Luke’s wider message about faith built on seeing God at work. John’s question reflects honest doubt. Jesus responds with mercy and truth, showing that salvation reaches those on the margins and invites trust grounded in action.
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Hope Breaking Through Stone
This image reflects the message of Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent. The green growth pushing through stone echoes the Gospel, where Jesus answers doubt with signs of healing and life. It also reflects Isaiah’s promise that salvation will rise even in hard places.
This artwork is available for download for use in bulletins, newsletters, and youth ministry materials to help share Advent hope and trust with your community.
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Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Why does Isaiah say there is no other God?
Isaiah reminds people that God alone created everything. He wants them to stop worshiping false gods and trust in the one true God.
What does it mean that righteousness comes down like rain?
Righteousness is goodness and justice. God gives these as a gift, just as rain falls from the sky and brings life.
Why does Isaiah talk about God creating the earth?
He wants people to know that God made the world with care. God has a plan, and everything has a purpose.
How does the Gospel connect to Isaiah’s message?
Isaiah says God brings salvation, and Jesus shows that salvation has come. Jesus proves this by His works.
Why does John the Baptist send his followers to Jesus?
John wants to make sure Jesus is the one people are waiting for. Jesus answers by pointing to the miracles He is doing.
What does Jesus mean when He talks about the blind seeing and the lame walking?
He is showing that God’s kingdom is here. His miracles prove that God’s power is at work.
How can we apply the message of Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent to our lives?
We can trust that God is in control. We can follow Jesus and live with faith and hope.
What does Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent teach us about faith?
Faith is not just believing with words. It is trusting God and seeing Him at work in our lives.
How does Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent prepare us for Christmas?
It reminds us that Jesus is the one God promised to send. We should open our hearts to Him.
Why is Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent important?
It points to who Jesus is and why He came. It calls us to turn to God and trust in His promises.
God’s Power and Salvation
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds us that God is in control. Isaiah tells us that there is no other God. He made the world, and He calls all people to turn to Him. His justice and goodness are like rain, bringing life to the earth.
In the Gospel, John the Baptist sends his followers to ask Jesus if He is the one they have been waiting for. Jesus does not give a direct answer. Instead, He tells them to look at His works. The blind see, the lame walk, and the poor hear the good news.
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent shows that God’s promises are being fulfilled. Jesus is the Savior, and His works prove it. We are invited to trust in God and follow His ways.
Your Turn
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent is a time to think about God’s promises. He brings justice, salvation, and hope. Jesus shows us that God’s kingdom is real and present.
Take a moment to reflect on the readings. How do they speak to you? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Your experience might help someone else grow in faith.