Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 7, 2018
First Reading: Jeremiah 30.1-2, 12-15, 18-22
1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:2"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.12"This is what the LORD says: "'Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.13There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you.14All your allies have forgotten you; they care nothing for you. I have struck you as an enemy would and punished you as would the cruel, because your guilt is so great and your sins so many.15Why do you cry out over your wound, your pain that has no cure? Because of your great guilt and many sins I have done these things to you.18"This is what the LORD says: "'I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.19From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.20Their children will be as in days of old, and their community will be established before me; I will punish all who oppress them.21Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?' declares the LORD.22"'So you will be my people, and I will be your God.'"
Psalm 102
1Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you.2Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.3For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.4My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.5Because of my loud groaning I am reduced to skin and bones.6I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.7I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.8All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.9For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears10because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.11My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.12But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.13You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.14For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.15The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.16For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory.17He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.18Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:19"The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,20to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death."21So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem22when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD.23In the course of my life he broke my strength; he cut short my days.24So I said: "Do not take me away, O my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations.25In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.26They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.27But you remain the same, and your years will never end.28The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you."
Gospel: Matthew 14.22-36
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."29"Come," he said.30Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him36and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and faith. The prophet Jeremiah speaks to a nation in exile, burdened by sin and suffering. Despite their incurable wounds and hardened hearts, God promises restoration—rebuilding the city and the temple, bringing joy and prosperity. This prophecy is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness, offering hope even in the darkest times.
The Gospel presents Jesus walking on water, a dramatic display of His divine power. The disciples, tossed by a storm, are met with fear and doubt, yet Jesus reassures them, "Have faith. It is I. Do not be afraid." Peter's attempt to walk on water, though faltering, shows the human struggle with faith. Jesus' immediate rescue underscores His constant presence and salvation, even when our faith wavers.
These readings remind us that, like the disciples, we face life's storms. Our faith may falter, but Jesus is always near, ready to save. Just as God restored Israel, He restores us, offering hope and salvation. Let us trust in His providence, knowing He is ever with us, even in our doubts and struggles.