Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 8, 2025
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4.32-40
32"For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of.33Did any people ever hear the voice of a god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live?34Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great deeds of terror, all of which the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?35To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him.36Out of heaven he let you hear his voice, that he might discipline you. And on earth he let you see his great fire, and you heard his words out of the midst of the fire.37And because he loved your fathers and chose their offspring after them and brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power,38driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day,39know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.40Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time."
Psalm 77
1I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.2In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.3When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah4You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.5I consider the days of old, the years long ago.6I said, "Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart." Then my spirit made a diligent search:7"Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?8Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?9Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Selah10Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High."11I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.12I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.13Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?14You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.15You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah16When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.17The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side.18The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.19Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.20You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Gospel: Matthew 16.24-28
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?27For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.28Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s relationship with humanity and the call to live a life of faith and discipleship. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary ways God has acted in their history. He calls them to remember the wonders and signs God performed to set them free from slavery in Egypt and to establish them as His chosen people. Moses emphasizes that there is no other God besides the Lord, who has revealed Himself in such a dramatic and personal way. This passage is a call to fidelity and gratitude, urging the people to keep God’s commandments and trust in His providence.
In the Gospel, Jesus shifts the focus from the mighty acts of God in the past to the radical demands of following Him in the present. He tells His disciples that true discipleship requires self-denial, taking up one’s cross, and following Him. This is not a call to occasional sacrifice but to a complete reorientation of life. Jesus warns that chasing worldly success or comfort at the expense of one’s soul is a hollow victory. He reminds us that our ultimate judgment will be based on how we have lived in accordance with His will. The passage ends with a glimpse of hope: some of those standing with Him will see the glory of the kingdom before they die, a promise that encourages perseverance and faith.
Together, these readings remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger story of God’s love and redemption. Like the Israelites, we are called to remember the ways God has worked in our lives and to respond with faith and obedience. Like the disciples, we are invited to embrace a life of self-giving love, trusting that true fulfillment comes not from what we possess or achieve but from following Jesus. Let us ask ourselves today: Am I living as though God is the center of my life? Am I willing to let go of my own desires and ambitions to follow Him? May we find the courage to take up our cross and follow Christ, knowing that in doing so, we will discover true life and eternal joy.