The pity of Jesus always results in a New Creation. The Lord regards every experience of human lack as a prime opportunity to manifest God's lavishness - and he answers it - in today's "lonely place" with bread and fish. Trial, distress, hunger and danger do not separate us from the love of Christ. Rather, they draw him close to us with a love that conquers all.
Isaiah 55:1-3
Psalm:R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.
2nd Reading:Romans 8:35,37-39
Gospel:Matthew 14:13-21
When the disciples see Jesus walking on the water, he summons them to faith - a way of approaching reality that entails leaving behind our old ways of measuring things and seeing all according to this Person who calls us...Most of the time the way that Jesus comes to us is seen only with eyes of faith: the pouring of the water over an infant's head; a whispered conversation within a confessional; bread and wine consecrated in the middle of the day. But when such faith takes hold of us, we want everyone we know to share in it, as St Paul testifies.
1 Kings 19:9,11-13
Psalm:R. Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.
2nd Reading:Romans 9:1-5
Gospel:Matthew 14:22-33
Pope Francis wrote that "in the hour of trial faith brings light". Faith lifts the Canaanite woman out of despair and carries her to the foot of Christ. St Paul proclaims that God desires to have mercy on all - this moves the woman beyond the burden of fatalism and doubt. Instead, it makes her more determined: humility, honesty, and perseverance always provoke a response from the heart of God.
Isaiah 56:1,6-7
Psalm:R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
2nd Reading:Romans 11:13-15,29-32
Gospel:Matthew 15:21-28
Peter can declare with certainty that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, because God himself has chosen Peter and prepared him for a new an unique vocation. Christ begins to use Peter as an instrument - A Vicar. All that Peter is a does is rooted in Christ.
Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm:R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
2nd Reading:Romans 11:33-36
Gospel:Matthew 16:13-20
When Peter tries to deny the Lord his Passion, Jesus rebukes him. Why? Because Christ's death on the cross would fulfill the "good and pleasing perfect" will of the Father for our salvation. Our sharing in Christ's cross may make us objects of the world's laughter and mockery, but through it all the love of God remains like a fire, burning in our hearts.
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm:R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
2nd Reading:Romans 12:1-2
Gospel:Matthew 16:21-27