- Admin
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
August 04 - August 09, 2025
St John Mary Vianney, priest
Numbers 11:4-15 We hear the story of the manna in the desert, a story with a long resonance in the New Testament, as we see in today’s Gospel. Perhaps even more interesting is the familiar, even cheeky way, in which Moses addresses God.
Matthew 14:13-21 The first reading goes well with Gospel today in which Jesus acts as the “new” Moses providing the new “manna”, the Eucharist, our food for the journey.
Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major’s
Numbers 12:1-13 Within the Biblical tradition, the special role of Moses is always defended against attacks, as we can see in this perplexing story.
Matthew 14:22-36 The Gospels as a whole were written in the light of Easter and to proclaim the resurrection. This is true of the walking on the water. In this case, we are to understand that the risen, living Lord is with his church always, no matter what storms and tempests we face.
The Transfiguration of the Lord
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 This may well be the most remembered part of Daniel. From it we get the expression Son of Man, used by Jesus as his own self-designation.
2 Peter 1:16-19 The Bible sometimes uses symbolic tales, of course, but the story of Jesus is grounded in history and in fact.
Luke 9:28-36 Luke changes the way he presents the Transfiguration. Firstly, he underlines the context of prayer. Secondly, he names the subject of the conversation— Jesus’ death, which he called his “exodus.”
Sts Sixtus II, pope, and companions martyrs; St Cajetan, priest
Numbers 20:1-13 Anyone who has experienced the desert will immediately grasp what is at stake: water is life! Anyone who has taken the risk of significant change or journey will also identify with the feeling of looking back and asking “have I done the right thing?” At a deeper level, this is a story of “little faith”, a story with a long resonance in the Old Testament (see Psalm 95). It triggered a powerful echo in John 7:37-39, where Jesus declares himself to be the source of living water.
Matthew 16:13-23 Our reading today combines the story of Caesarea Philippi (in all three Synoptic gospels) with the special role to Peter (only in Matthew). These are linked: Peter can be the rock to others on account of his own faith. It is likely that the promise to Peter reflects his postEaster leadership in Antioch, where this Gospel was written.
St Dominic, priest and religious
Deuteronomy 4:32-40 Our reading of Deuteronomy begins with a great invitation. Moses reminds the people and us today that it is God who initiates and sustains our relationship with him.
Matthew 16:24-28 What is the cost of discipleship? Matthew explores it in two ways. Firstly, he uses sharp paradoxes and then rhetorical questions. These unanswered, open questions we all must put to ourselves. Secondly, he reminds his hearers and readers of the coming judgment, when the faithfulness of each will be assessed. The last sentence of the Gospel leads into the story of the Transfiguration, which is a kind of fulfilment.
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), virgin and martyr
Hosea 2:16, 17, 21-22 This reading is chosen to match the feast of this Carmelite martyr, who responded so fully to the call of God. The Psalm continues the marriage symbolism.
Matthew 25:1-13 This parable (didactic tale really) is unique to Matthew. Using nuptial metaphors, it reminds us that certain fundamental life-choices cannot be “outsourced.” Instead, we are each responsible.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025bp, August 3). Eighteenth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080325.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings
