Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time (Aug 7, 2025)

• First Reading – Numbers 20:1-13: The Israelites complained about the lack of water. God instructed Moses to bring water from a rock, but Moses disobeyed, leading to his punishment.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95: Sing joyfully to the LORD, our rock and guide. Worship him with gratitude. Do not harden your hearts as our ancestors did, even after seeing his works.
• Gospel – Matthew 16:13-23: Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is. Peter declares Jesus is the Christ. Jesus blesses Peter, predicting the Church will be built on him. Jesus foretells his suffering and resurrection, rebuking Peter for opposing this.

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 

Matthew 16:13

The readings for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on our faith and trust in God. They show us how we can face challenges with God’s help.

• God’s Faithfulness: God provides for His people even when they complain. In Numbers, God gives water from a rock.
• Human Weakness: Moses and Aaron struggle with the people’s complaints. They show their frustration but still seek God’s help.
• God’s Instruction: God instructs Moses and Aaron on what to do. He tells them to speak to the rock to bring forth water.
• Trust in God: Jesus asks His disciples who they believe He is. Peter shows his faith by declaring Jesus as the Christ.
• Leadership: Moses, Aaron, and Peter are leaders chosen by God. They guide the people and show faith, despite their weaknesses.
• God’s Plan: Jesus explains His coming suffering and death. He shows that God’s plan often includes difficult times.

These themes remind us to trust God in all situations. They teach us that even leaders have struggles, but God remains faithful.

The readings for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer deep insights into our faith journey. They highlight themes like trust in God, human weakness, and leadership.

Trust in God

In Numbers 20:1-13, the Israelites complain about the lack of water. God tells Moses to speak to the rock, and water will flow. Moses, frustrated, strikes the rock twice instead. Despite Moses’ action, water flows, showing God’s mercy.

This passage reminds us to trust in God even when things seem difficult. The Israelites doubted God, but He still provided for them. Moses showed his frustration, but God’s power was still evident.

We, too, can find ourselves doubting or getting frustrated. But, like the Israelites and Moses, we should trust in God’s care. He provides what we need, even when our faith is weak.

Human Weakness

In Matthew 16:13-23, Jesus asks His disciples who they think He is. Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus praises Peter but later rebukes him when Peter rejects the idea of Jesus suffering and dying.

This passage shows that even strong leaders like Peter can struggle. Peter’s faith is strong, but he does not fully understand God’s plan. Jesus corrects him, showing that even leaders need guidance.

We can learn from Peter’s example. We may have strong faith, but we still need to be open to God’s guidance. Our weaknesses do not disqualify us; they remind us to rely on God.

God’s Plan

Jesus’ words about His suffering and death reveal God’s plan. The disciples find it hard to understand this plan. Peter objects, but Jesus insists that His suffering is necessary.

This part of the Gospel shows that God’s plans can be hard to accept. Jesus knew His suffering was part of the plan, even if His disciples did not understand. He trusted God’s plan fully.

We may not always understand God’s ways. Sometimes, His plans involve suffering or challenges. Like Jesus, we are called to trust and follow, believing that God’s plan is for the best.

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The readings for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of our need to trust in God. They show us that even leaders have weaknesses and need guidance. Most importantly, they call us to follow God’s plan, even when it is difficult to understand.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust You in all situations. Guide us when we are weak and frustrated. Help us to follow Your plan, even when it is hard to understand. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Finding Strength in Faith

The USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 compares a pharmacy technician’s story to the readings from Numbers and Matthew. It highlights themes of strength and weakness in faith. Like Moses and Aaron, and Peter and the disciples, we often face doubt and fear. The reflection encourages us to trust in God, seek prayer, and support each other. Our strength comes from the Lord, and prayer is crucial in our lives.

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

The next date is Thursday August 7, 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 Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

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

The Mass readings for Thursday August 7, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Numbers 20:1-13: Water from the Rock at Meribah
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95: Listen to God’s Voice Today
Gospel – Matthew 16:13-23: Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

Why did Moses strike the rock instead of speaking to it in the first reading for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Moses was frustrated with the people’s complaints. He struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This shows Moses’ human weakness and lack of trust.

What does the water from the rock symbolize?

The water from the rock shows God’s mercy and care. Even when the people complained, God provided what they needed. It reminds us that God provides for us even when our faith is weak.

What is the main lesson from Numbers 20:1-13?

The main lesson is to trust in God and follow His instructions. Moses’ mistake shows that even leaders can fail. But God’s mercy is always there for us.

Why did Jesus call Peter “Satan” in the Gospel for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus called Peter “Satan” because Peter tried to stop Jesus from accepting His suffering and death. Peter’s words were against God’s plan. This teaches us to accept God’s plan, even when it is hard to understand.

How can we apply Peter’s story to our lives?

Peter’s story shows that strong faith can still have moments of weakness. We should always be open to God’s guidance. It reminds us that even when we fail, God can still use us.

How does Jesus’ prediction of His suffering relate to our lives?

Jesus’ prediction shows that following God can involve suffering. It teaches us to accept difficult times as part of God’s plan. We are called to trust and follow Jesus, even when it is hard.

Why is trust important in the readings for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Trust is important because it shows our faith in God’s plan. Both Moses and Peter struggled with trust, but God’s plan still succeeded. We learn that trusting God helps us to follow His will.

What can we learn about leadership from these readings?

The readings show that leaders like Moses and Peter have weaknesses. They need God’s guidance just like everyone else. It reminds us to support and pray for our leaders.

How do the readings for Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to face challenges?

The readings encourage us to trust God in all situations. They show that God provides for us and has a plan, even in difficult times. We are reminded to rely on God’s strength and guidance.