Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 13, 2017
Psalm 85
1Unto the end. A Psalm to the sons of Korah. O Lord, you have blessed your land. You have turned aside the captivity of Jacob2You have released the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sins3You have mitigated all your wrath. You have turned aside from the wrath of your indignation4Convert us, O God, our Savior, and turn your anger away from us5Will you be angry with us forever? And will you extend your wrath from generation to generation6O God, you will turn back and revive us. And your people will rejoice in you7O Lord, reveal to us your mercy, and grant to us your salvation8I will listen to what the Lord God may be saying to me. For he will speak peace to his people, and to his saints, and to those who are being converted to the heart9So then, truly his salvation is near to those who fear him, so that glory may inhabit our land10Mercy and truth have met each other. Justice and peace have kissed11Truth has risen from the earth, and justice has gazed down from heaven12For so will the Lord give goodness, and our earth will give her fruit13Justice will walk before him, and he will set his steps upon the way
Second Reading: Romans 9.1-5
1I am speaking the truth in Christ; I am not lying. My conscience offers testimony to me in the Holy Spirit2because the sadness within me is great, and there is a continuous sorrow in my heart3For I was desiring that I myself might be anathemized from Christ, for the sake of my brothers, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh4These are the Israelites, to whom belongs adoption as sons, and the glory and the testament, and the giving and following of the law, and the promises5Theirs are the fathers, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all things, blessed God, for all eternity. Amen
Gospel: Matthew 14.22-33
22And Jesus promptly compelled his disciples to climb into the boat, and to precede him in crossing the sea, while he dismissed the crowds23And having dismissed the multitude, he ascended alone onto a mountain to pray. And when evening arrived, he was alone there24But in the midst of the sea, the boat was being tossed about by the waves. For the wind was against them25Then, in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking upon the sea26And seeing him walking upon the sea, they were disturbed, saying: "It must be an apparition." And they cried out, because of fear27And immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying: "Have faith. It is I. Do not be afraid.28Then Peter responded by saying, "Lord, if it is you, order me come to you over the waters.29And he said, "Come." And Peter, descending from the boat, walked over the water, so as to go to Jesus30Yet truly, seeing that the wind was strong, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried out, saying: "Lord, save me.31And immediately Jesus extended his hand and took hold of him. And he said to him, "O little in faith, why did you doubt?32And when they had ascended into the boat, the wind ceased33Then those who were in the boat drew near and adored him, saying: "Truly, you are the Son of God.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound expressions of faith and love. The second reading from Romans reveals Paul's deep sorrow as he yearns for the salvation of his Jewish brothers, willing to sacrifice his own relationship with Christ for their sake. This passage highlights Paul's immense love and concern, set against the backdrop of his people's unbelief despite their privileged position as God's chosen.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a dramatic scene where Jesus walks on water amidst a storm. Peter's attempt to join Jesus on the water illustrates the human struggle with faith—initial courage followed by doubt. Jesus' immediate rescue and words of encouragement underscore the importance of unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity.
Both readings converge on the theme of faith. Paul's faith drives his compassion, while the Gospel emphasizes trust in God's presence during challenges. In our daily lives, we face storms—be they personal struggles or spiritual doubts. These readings remind us to maintain faith, trusting in God's providence and care. Let us also embrace Paul's selfless love, striving to bring others closer to Christ. May our faith be steadfast, guiding us through life's tempests and inspiring us to care deeply for others' spiritual well-being.