Gospel: August 5, 2025
August 5, 2025 (Tuesday)
18th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2 (Green/White)
The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome
Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7, 12-13
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned
1st Reading: Numbers 12:1-13*
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36 (or Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14)
Immediately, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, he went up the mountain by himself, to pray. At nightfall, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land, dangerously rocked by the waves, for the wind was against it. At daybreak, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When they saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. And they cried out in fear. But at once, Jesus said to them, “Courage! Don’t be afraid. It’s me!” Peter answered, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said to him, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water to go to Jesus. But seeing the strong wind, he was afraid, and began to sink; and he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, saying, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?” As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God!” They came ashore at Gennesaret. The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region. So they brought to him all the sick people, begging him to let them touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched it became perfectly well.
Reflection:
“Truly, you are the Son of God!”
Saint Mary Major’s is one the four key Basilicas of Rome, whose foundation dates to the middle of the 4th century AD, when a miraculous fall of snow marked out the site for a church dedicated to Our Lady. Since then, people have sought Mary’s intercession and protection there, particularly before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani, an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holding the Christ child. We too turn to Our Lady for her maternal care. But we pray to Mary also because she leads us to Christ, her Son. Strengthened by her example and love, we make our profession to Jesus, “Truly, you are the Son of God!”, just as the first disciples did, when they saw his divine power being revealed in miracles. Mary praised God, for she knew that the Almighty had done marvels her and through her, since through her cooperation, the miracle of the Incarnation was achieved. Although it was only for a moment, Peter walked on the water, but this would not have happened without trusting in the Lord. May Mary and all the saints help us to cooperate with God’s will and to trust in his providence.
