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Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

  • First ReadingNumbers 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.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 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.
  • 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.

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

Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings explore trust, humility, and faith in God. They show God’s guidance, the struggle of faith, and the importance of humility in following His will.

  • God’s Authority and Leadership: God corrects those who challenge His chosen leaders. Miriam and Aaron question Moses, but God defends His choice, showing that true leadership is a gift from God, not human ambition.
  • Humility before God: Moses is described as humble, setting an example for all believers. Humility is essential in following God, reminding us to seek His will rather than our own.
  • The Power of Prayer: Moses prays for Miriam when she is punished. This shows the power of interceding for others, especially when they are in need of forgiveness and healing.
  • Trusting Jesus in Storms: When Jesus walks on water, the disciples are afraid, but He reassures them. This shows that even in life’s storms, we should keep our eyes on Him and trust in His presence.
  • Faith That Heals: Many people who touch Jesus’ garment are healed. This reveals the power of faith, teaching us to reach out to Him with trust and confidence.
  • God’s Protection and Care: Jesus calms the disciples’ fears and keeps them safe. Just as He protected them, He promises to watch over those who call on Him with faith.

These themes remind us that God values humility, hears our prayers, and asks us to trust in Him, even in times of fear. Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, shows God’s faithfulness and encourages us to rely on Him with humble hearts and steadfast faith.

Reflection for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

In Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings encourage us to consider how God’s wisdom, protection, and guidance shape our lives. We see God defending His chosen leaders, Jesus calming fears in the storm, and the importance of humility and faith in our walk with God. Together, these themes remind us to trust in God’s plan, respect His choices, and seek His help in times of fear.

God’s Gift of Leadership

In Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, God defends Moses when his authority is questioned. Miriam and Aaron challenge Moses, but God responds firmly, showing that Moses’ leadership is a gift chosen by God, not by human decision. This situation teaches that true leadership comes from God’s will, not from personal ambition or competition.

God’s response to Miriam and Aaron shows that He values the leaders He appoints. This doesn’t mean that leaders are perfect, but it does mean that God’s choices are part of His plan. For us, it’s a reminder that our role is to respect and support those God has chosen, even if we don’t fully understand His reasons.

This reading from Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to reflect on our own respect for those in authority, whether in the Church, our communities, or our families. When we see our leaders’ human weaknesses, we can still pray for them, asking God to guide them. Our respect for God’s choices can strengthen our own humility and trust in His wisdom.

Jesus Protects in Times of Fear

In Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus calms the disciples during a stormy night at sea. They are afraid, but when Jesus comes to them on the water, He reassures them and brings them peace. This moment shows how Jesus protects and comforts those who call on Him, especially in times of fear and uncertainty.

The disciples’ fear is natural. They are facing something beyond their control and feel helpless. But Jesus shows that no storm is too great for Him. When we encounter our own struggles or storms, Jesus’ example encourages us to turn to Him, remembering that He is always ready to come to our side and offer us safety.

This reading from Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that Jesus’ presence is constant, even if we can’t see Him immediately. Just as He came to the disciples in their fear, He promises to be with us in every challenge. We are invited to call on Him in faith, trusting that He will keep us safe and calm our hearts.

Faith and Humility in Trusting God

Both the first reading and the Gospel in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlight the importance of humility and faith. Miriam and Aaron’s pride leads them to challenge Moses, forgetting that God had chosen him. Meanwhile, in the Gospel, the disciples face fear and confusion on the water but are calmed by Jesus’ presence. Together, these readings show that humility and faith are necessary to trust God’s guidance and love.

Miriam and Aaron’s questioning of Moses reveals how pride can make us question God’s decisions. But God responds by reminding them that His ways are higher than ours. The disciples, on the other hand, face fear, but their faith in Jesus brings them peace and protection. In these ways, humility and faith allow us to let go of our own understanding and place our trust fully in God.

Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to humble ourselves and trust God’s choices, even if they are different from what we would choose? In our lives, we can try to practice humility by trusting God’s plans and by letting go of pride. When we approach God with faith and humility, we open ourselves to His peace and protection.


Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows us that God cares for us deeply, especially when we struggle with fear, doubt, or pride. These readings call us to seek a humble heart, trust in His plans, and draw close to Him for guidance and strength. As we reflect on these themes, we are encouraged to walk in faith, humility, and trust.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be humble and to trust in Your choices. When I am afraid, remind me of Your presence and guidance. Give me faith to reach out to You, especially in times of struggle. May I honor Your will in all things. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  • How do I respond when I don’t fully understand or agree with a leader God has chosen?
  • What helps me remember that Jesus is with me in difficult or fearful times?
  • Are there areas of my life where I need to let go of pride and trust God’s wisdom?
  • How can I grow in humility and faith as I try to follow God’s plan?

Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Trusting Christ Through the Storm

In his reflection for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explores how Jesus’ walk on water symbolizes His guidance of the Church, the barque of Peter, through turbulent times. The disciples’ fear and Peter’s bold response to step out on the water show that the Church’s strength comes from trusting Christ, not human power.

Through faith in Jesus, the Church endures spiritual battles, staying afloat in troubled waters. Bishop Barron reminds us that, like Peter, we too can participate in Jesus’ power by reaching out to Him with confidence.

Stepping Out in Faith

In this USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Deacon Arthur Miller shares his personal struggle with depression and how it connects to Peter’s experience of sinking and reaching out to Christ.

Like Peter, Deacon Miller describes reaching his lowest point and feeling overwhelmed, yet discovering God’s love and presence in his deepest need. This encounter didn’t change his circumstances but changed his heart, giving him the strength to keep moving forward. Deacon Miller reminds us that God is always with us, ready to lift us up, and calls us to trust Him fully.

Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

What date is Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday August 5, 2025.

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. For even numbered years see Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday August 5, 2025 are:
First Reading – Numbers 12:1-13: Challenge to Moses’ Authority
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51: Seeking Divine Mercy
Gospel – Matthew 14:22-36: Jesus Walks on Water

What does the story of Miriam and Aaron show us in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

It shows that we should respect God’s choices for leadership. When Miriam and Aaron question Moses, they face consequences, reminding us to trust God’s wisdom and not let pride lead us to criticize His plans.

Why is Moses described as humble in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Moses is called humble because he doesn’t seek honor for himself. His humility teaches us to be more focused on serving God than on seeking attention or power.

What lesson does Moses’ prayer for Miriam teach in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Moses prays for healing for Miriam, even though she has criticized him. This reminds us to pray for others, even those who may have wronged us, and to ask God for mercy on their behalf.

How can we apply the theme of humility from Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our lives?

We can work to put God’s will above our own and avoid judging others’ roles or actions. Humility calls us to seek God’s guidance and be open to His plans.

Why were the disciples afraid when Jesus came to them on the water in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The disciples were afraid because they didn’t recognize Jesus at first. This teaches us that, in moments of fear or confusion, we should remember Jesus is always near, even if we can’t immediately see Him.

What does Jesus walking on water mean for us in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus walking on water shows that He has power over all creation. It encourages us to trust Him, knowing that He can calm any storm we face.

Why is faith so important in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Faith is essential because it helps us stay close to Jesus. Those who reach out to Jesus with faith are healed, showing us that we should turn to Him with trust in our own struggles.

What can we learn from the people who touched Jesus’ garment in Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The people had faith that Jesus could heal them simply by touching His garment. This reminds us to approach Jesus with confidence, believing He has the power to help us in our needs.

What does Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about fear and faith?

It teaches that faith can help overcome fear. The disciples’ fear on the stormy water fades when they realize Jesus is with them, reminding us that faith keeps us strong even in difficult times.

Trusting God in Leadership and in the Storm

Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teaches us about trust in God’s choices and His protection. In the first reading, Miriam and Aaron question Moses’ leadership. They doubt that God has truly chosen him. But God defends Moses, showing that He appoints leaders according to His will. This reminds us to trust in God’s decisions, even when we do not fully understand them.

The Gospel tells of Jesus walking on water and calming the disciples’ fears. They are afraid when they see Him, but He reassures them. This moment teaches us that Jesus is always with us, even in life’s storms. His presence brings peace, and His power over the waves reminds us that nothing is too big for Him.

Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to trust God in every part of our lives. He knows what is best, whether in leadership, difficult situations, or moments of fear. By having faith and humility, we can grow closer to Him and find peace in His guidance.

Your Turn

Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 challenges us to think about how we trust God’s choices. Do we question His plans, or do we humbly accept them? How do we respond when we are afraid and need His help?

Share your reflections in the comments. Let’s support one another in learning to trust God more, whether in leadership, challenges, or moments of fear.

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