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Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

Tuesday August 5, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

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.

  • First Reading (Cycle 1) - Numbers 12:1-13: Miriam and Aaron question Moses' unique relationship with the LORD, criticizing his marriage to a Cushite woman. The LORD, defending Moses' special status, afflicts Miriam with leprosy, but Moses pleads for her healing.
  • First Reading (Cycle 2) - Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22: The LORD tells Jeremiah to document His words. Despite the people's grave sins, which led to their suffering, God promises restoration. Their cities will rebuild, joy will return, and God reestablishes His covenant: they will be His people, and He will be their God.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 51: I seek God's mercy, admitting my sins against Him. I yearn for cleansing and beg to maintain His presence and Spirit in my life.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 102: Nations and kings will honor the LORD when He rebuilds Zion and shows His glory. He hears the distressed and frees the imprisoned. Future generations will serve and praise Him.
  • Gospel - Matthew 14:22-36: After feeding thousands, Jesus sends his disciples by boat while he prays. Later, he walks on water towards them. Initially terrified, they recognize Him. Peter, excited, walks towards Jesus but starts sinking due to doubt. Jesus rescues him, asking why he doubted. Upon reaching the boat, the storm calms, and everyone acknowledges Jesus as God's Son.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

  • Jesus' Authority over Nature: The gospel showcases Jesus' authority as He walks on water, demonstrating His mastery over the forces of nature and revealing His divine identity.
  • Faith and Trust: Peter's attempt to walk on water reflects his initial faith in Jesus' command, but his doubt causes him to sink. This underscores the importance of unwavering trust in Christ, even in challenging circumstances.
  • Miraculous Power: Jesus' ability to calm the storm and rescue Peter highlights His miraculous power and His role as the one who can provide safety and deliverance in times of trouble.
  • Spiritual Courage: Peter's willingness to step out of the boat demonstrates his willingness to take risks for the sake of faith. Although he falters, his bravery encourages believers to step out in faith despite their limitations.
  • Recognition of Jesus: The disciples' acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of God after witnessing the calming of the storm underscores their growing understanding of His divine identity.
  • Healing Ministry: The conclusion of the passage describes Jesus' healing ministry as people bring the sick to Him, reinforcing His compassion and ability to restore physical and spiritual well-being.

But when he saw how strong the wind was Peter became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:30-31

Thoughts for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

In the Gospel passage for Tuesday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time, we encounter the powerful story of the disciples caught in a storm-tossed boat. Their fear and struggle against the wind reflect the challenges we face in life's storms. However, amid their distress, Jesus comes to them, calming the tempest and bringing a profound lesson about trust and faith.

How often do we find ourselves in similar situations, trying to navigate life's challenges on our own, battling against the winds of uncertainty and adversity? In our attempt to manage the boat of our lives, we often forget that we have a Savior who is always with us, ready to calm our storms and guide us through the tumultuous waters.

The disciples' experience teaches us the importance of taking courage and entrusting our struggles to the Lord. Just as Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, He also invites us to place our trust in Him and surrender our fears and anxieties. He is the anchor that steadies our boat and guides us safely through the storms.

Trusting in the Lord doesn't mean that life's challenges will disappear, but it means that we have a source of strength, peace, and guidance to navigate through them. When we relinquish control and place our trust in Jesus, we allow Him to calm the storms within us and around us.

As we reflect on this passage, may we remember that in the midst of life's trials, Jesus is always present, ready to bring calmness to our chaos. Instead of struggling alone, let us take courage and entrust our difficulties to Him. Just as the disciples witnessed the miraculous power of Jesus calming the storm, we too can experience His transformative presence when we place our trust in Him.

Prayer for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

Lord, teach me to trust in you when I am storm tossed. Let me remember that you are near and you alone have the power to save me. Reach your hand out to me and keep me from the depths. Amen.

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Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

Word On Fire: The Church's Journey of Faith

Bishop Robert Barron's reflection for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time explains that Jesus walks on water to reach his disciples in a boat, symbolizing the Church. This story represents the Church's journey through history, navigating challenges and spiritual warfare. Just as the disciples face winds and waves, the Church encounters trials throughout its existence. Jesus' words, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid," reassure the Church amid turmoil. Peter's bold step out of the boat portrays the Church's reliance on Christ's power. When the Church places its confidence in Jesus, it gains the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

USCCB Reflection: Discerning God's Voice Amidst the Noise

In this USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, the story of Jesus walking on water is explored as a moment of spiritual discernment. The reflection highlights Peter's response to Jesus, where he asks for a command to walk on water. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between God's voice, the devil's temptations, and one's own desires in making decisions. The reflection encourages finding quiet moments to hear God's consistent and gentle guidance amidst the noisy world.

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