Wednesday of the 29th week of Ordinary Time

2Now certainly, you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which has been given to me among you: 3that, by means of revelation, the mystery was made known to me, just as I have written above in a few words. 4Yet, by reading this closely, you might be able to understand my prudence in the mystery of Christ. 5In other generations, this was unknown to the sons of men, even as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets in the Spirit, 6so that the Gentiles would be co-heirs, and of the same body, and partners together, by his promise in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel. 7Of this Gospel, I have been made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which has been given to me by means of the operation of his virtue. 8Although I am the least of all the saints, I have been given this grace: to evangelize among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to enlighten everyone concerning the dispensation of the mystery, hidden before the ages in God who created all things, 10so that the manifold wisdom of God may become well-known to the principalities and powers in the heavens, through the Church, 11according to that timeless purpose, which he has formed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him we trust, and so we approach with confidence, through his faith.

2Behold, God is my savior, I will act faithfully, and I will not be afraid. For the Lord is my strength and my praise, and he has become my salvation.”

3You will draw water with gladness from the fountains of the Savior.

4And you will say in that day: “Confess the Lord, and invoke his name! Make his plans known among the peoples! Remember that his name is exalted!

5Sing to the Lord, for he has acted magnificently! Announce it to the whole world!

6Exult and give praise, O habitation of Zion! For the Great One, the Holy One of Israel, is in your midst!”

39But know this: that if the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly stand watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into. 40You also must be prepared. For the Son of man will return at an hour that you will not realize.” 41Then Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or also to everyone?” 42So the Lord said: “Who do you think is the faithful and prudent steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his family, in order to give them their measure of wheat in due time? 43Blessed is that servant if, when his Lord will return, he will find him acting in this manner. 44Truly I say to you, that he will appoint him over all that he possesses. 45But if that servant will have said in his heart, ‘My Lord has made a delay in his return,’ and if he has begun to strike the men and women servants, and to eat and drink, and to be inebriated, 46then the Lord of that servant will return on a day which he hoped not, and at an hour which he knew not. And he will separate him, and he will place his portion with that of the unfaithful. 47And that servant, who knew the will of his Lord, and who did not prepare and did not act according to his will, will be beaten many times over. 48Yet he who did not know, and who acted in a way that deserves a beating, will be beaten fewer times. So then, of all to whom much has been given, much will be required. And of those to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be asked.