Livestream Links

First Reading • Isaiah 55:1-5

Psalm • Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

Second Reading • Romans 9:1-5, 6-13

Gospel • Matthew 14:13-21

“They all ate and were satisfied.” In other words, their bellies were full. Jesus would satisfy still more, for there was an abundance left over. The crowd of thousands paid nothing for their filling. Jesus is compassionate, giving food to all (Psa 136:25), but he would satisfy a deeper hunger. The very Bread of Life stood before them but were they satisfied with him? Evidently not, for Jesus says, “You are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves” (John 6:26). Are we satisfied with the Bread of Life? May we “come, buy, and eat ... without money and without price” (Isa 55:1).

First Reading • Job 38:4-18

Psalm • Psalm 18:1-6, 7-16

Second Reading • Romans 10:5-17

Gospel • Matthew 14:22-33

There are things more frightening than the storm. When the disciples see Jesus walking toward them across the sea, they forget the fearsome storm. They think they have seen a ghost, and are more frightened by this supposed apparition than they have been of the raging sea. At the word of Jesus, all fears are relieved. Now Peter desires to be in the very place he had feared so much, because his Lord is there.

There is often a storm just before the peace. Jesus is always in the storm, and so, we may come to him there in these peaceful storms, as easily as we may in times of calm. 

First Reading • Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Psalm • Psalm 67:1-7

Second Reading • Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32

Gospel • Matthew 15:21-28

Note the mercy of a true king; it extends beyond his own people. The mercy of Jesus reached further than the house of Israel. The faith of a foreigner, indeed, a Canaanite, that old enemy of Israel, roused the healing power of Jesus. Moreover, her faith stirred his heart.

One wonders at such insistent faith. How many importune God without giving up? Is there such faith in all the Church (Matt 8:10)? There should be because there is mercy with her Lord.  

First Reading • Isaiah 51:1-6

Psalm • Psalm 138:1-7

Second Reading • Romans 11:33-12:8

Gospel • Matthew 16:13-20

It is not enough that one confesses Jesus is the Christ. She must keep that confession. The Christian is one who keeps the name of that good confession until the end. The Church is built upon the rock of that confession. The gates of hell will not triumph over the confession of faith in Christ Jesus. 

First Reading • Jeremiah 15:15-21

Psalm • Psalm 26:1-12

Second Reading • Romans 12:9-21

Gospel • Matthew 16:21-28

Suffering comes to those who “get behind” the Lord and truly follow him. They will certainly suffer along the way, since the things of God will always be an affront to the mind of man. Therefore, just as the Messiah suffered, so will his disciples—because of their Master (Mark 13:13). The only believers who never suffer might be those who shun their crosses. Yet, even they suffer in ignorance, never knowing the mind of God.