TUESDAY OF THE EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: AUGUST 5, 2025

FEAST OF THE  DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR; SAINT EMYGDIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINT OSWALD, KING AND MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Feast of the  Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Saint Emygdius, and Saint Oswald | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-5th/)

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 5, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |  Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-150/

JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

Watch “Holy Mass with Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Youth 2025 | LIVE from Tor Vergata | August 3, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-the-vatican-welcome-mass-jubilee-of-youth-july-29-2025/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today is Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time! We thank the Lord for the gift of this day! During this month of August, we entrust our lives, our plans, our fears, and our dreams into God’s loving hands. We pray that this month will be filled with divine blessings, new opportunities, and the strength to overcome every challenge that may come our way.

PRAYER AND APPRECIATION FOR THE CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS:

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” ~ 1 Timothy 5:17

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

We thank God for the gift of life and especially thank Him for blessing us all with the special gift of the Clergy, who have sacrificed their lives to serve in the Lord’s Vineyard.

We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, all religious men and women, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We thank them for their faithful, dedicated, and loving service to the people of God. Praying for God’s wisdom, knowledge, and good health of body and mind upon them. Amen 🙏🏽

With special intention for all Priests who are going through mental health challenges. May the good Lord heal them and grant them peace, and may our Blessed Mother Mary comfort them as they go through challenging times. May we, the faithful, also be instruments of God’s peace and comfort to them, offering our understanding and support in tangible ways. Amen 🙏🏽

We pray and celebrate with those marking birthdays, anniversaries, new jobs, weddings, and other joyful milestones this August. May this be a month of peace for the anxious, healing for the sick, comfort for the brokenhearted, and provision for the needy. As we walk through the days ahead, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go before us, the love of God surround us, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide every decision we make. May this month bring us closer to holiness, deeper in faith, and stronger in hope. In all things, may God’s name be praised. Amen🙏🏽

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here, may their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen🙏🏽

We pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of their gentle souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints” ~ Psalm 116:15

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen🙏🏽

On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we continue to humbly pray for the well-being and safety of all parents, grandparents and the elderly. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of the Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of July.🙏🏽

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of August | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-august/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time | Year C | USCCB |  https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time | August 5, 2025

Reading 1: Numbers 12:1–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3–4, 5–6ab, 6cd–7, 12–13
Gospel: Matthew 14:22–36

“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.”

“Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.”

In today’s Gospel reading, as Jesus walks on water toward His disciples tossed about by the storm, Peter dares to step out in faith. But when fear overtakes him, he begins to sink and cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out and catches him. Today’s Gospel brings us into a scene of fear, faith, and divine presence. The disciples are caught in a storm, and their anxiety heightens when they see Jesus walking on water. Jesus meets them in their fear with these comforting words: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” These are the same words He speaks to us when life’s storms rage and we begin to doubt. Peter, ever bold, dares to walk toward Jesus but quickly falters when he focuses on the wind instead of the Lord. His cry, “Lord, save me!”, is one of the shortest and most powerful prayers in all of Scripture. Jesus immediately responds not with anger but with a hand stretched out in mercy and a gentle rebuke: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

There are three moments of prayer in today’s Gospel reading. There is the prayer of Jesus. According to the Gospel, after sending the crowds away, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. This is the prayer of communion. Jesus enters into communion with His heavenly Father. We might think of it as the prayer of contemplation. The second moment of prayer in the Gospel reading is the desperate prayer of Peter, ‘Lord, save me’. This is the prayer of all those who feel threatened or overwhelmed by some situation or other. We can probably all identify with this second moment of prayer. We have all known situations where the ground appears to be opening up beneath us and we have a sense of ourselves as sinking. The Gospel reading declares that in response to Peter’s prayer, Jesus held him. The Lord will always respond to our prayers out of the depths. The third moment of prayer in the Gospel reading is the prayer of the disciples in the boat after the wind dropped, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God’. This is the prayer of praise, which rejoices to acknowledge Jesus for all that He is. Peter’s prayer of petition is bracketed by Jesus’ prayer of communion and the disciples’ prayer of praise. Even though the desperate prayer of petition probably comes most easily to us, we are called to all three forms of prayer. As well as a time to petition the Lord, there is also a time just to be with the Lord in silence, and a time to give Him thanks and praise. Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is closest when we are most overwhelmed. Faith doesn’t mean the absence of fear; it means trusting Jesus even when fear surrounds us. Our part is to step out of the boat and keep our eyes fixed on Him. His part is to meet us with saving grace when we falter.

In the first reading, Miriam and Aaron challenge Moses out of jealousy, questioning whether God speaks only through him. The Lord responds by affirming Moses’ unique intimacy with Him: “Face to face I speak to him.” When Miriam is struck with leprosy, Aaron intercedes, and Moses meek and merciful prays, “Please, not this! Pray, heal her!” This passage teaches us the dangers of pride and the beauty of humility. While jealousy clouds the judgment of Miriam and Aaron, Moses models meekness, compassion, and intercession. Even when wronged, he responds with mercy.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.” Psalm 51 is a heartfelt cry of repentance, a reminder that we must acknowledge our sins to receive God’s healing. The psalmist asks for a clean heart, a renewed spirit, and the return of God’s presence. It is a fitting response to both Miriam’s punishment and Peter’s fear both require the mercy of God to be made whole again.

As we reflect and meditate on the words of the Sacred Scriptures, may we ask ourselves: When the storms of life surround me, do I keep my eyes on Jesus or on the winds that scare me? Am I willing to cry out in humility, “Lord, save me,” when my faith falters? Do I act with compassion like Moses when others wrong me, or do I harbor resentment? Have I asked God recently to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me? Today’s readings speak of humility, faith, and mercy. In moments of pride, fear, or sin, God calls us not to hide but to come forward in honesty. He is near walking on the stormy waters of our lives, ready to stretch out His hand. If we dare to believe and act in faith, even in our weakness, He will sustain us. Let us begin today trusting that whatever little we offer be it faith, time, forgiveness, or prayer Jesus can transform it into something abundant. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to remain faithful and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth.🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You come to us in the storms of life and whisper peace to our anxious hearts. Help us to fix our eyes on You, to step out in faith even when the waves rise, and to trust in Your saving hand. Like Peter, may we call out to You without shame. Like Moses, may we respond to others with mercy, not pride. And like the psalmist, may we seek a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Walk with us today, Lord, and make us instruments of Your peace. Amen. 🙏🏾

FEAST OF THE  DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR; SAINT EMYGDIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINT OSWALD, KING AND MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY – AUGUST 5TH: Today, the Church celebrates the glorious Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome. On this same day, we honor two heroic martyrs, Saint Emygdius (patron against earthquakes), Bishop and miracle-worker, and Saint Oswald (patron of the dying, Catholic converts, and the Kingdom of Northumbria), a pious King who gave his crown and life for the Gospel. Through their intercession and that of Our Blessed Mother Mary, whom this basilica honors as “Our Lady of the Snows” we offer prayers for the church, vocations to the priesthood and religious life, persecuted Christians, the sick and dying (especially those battling cancer and terminal illness), and for those suffering from natural disasters, poverty, war, or personal trials. May their witness draw us closer to Christ, embolden our faith, and inspire love in action. 🙏🏾

Saint (s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | August 5th |  https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Feast of the dedication of the basilica of Saint Mary Major, Saint Emygdius, and Saint Oswald | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-5th/)

FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR (OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS): The Feast of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major(Latin: Sancta Maria ad Nive) celebrates the miraculous snowfall on the Esquiline Hill in Rome on the night of August 4–5, 358, which led to the construction of this Marian basilica the largest in the world dedicated to the Mother of God.

According to tradition, a wealthy Roman couple, having no heirs, prayed for guidance on how to use their fortune to glorify God. That same night, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to them and to Pope Liberius, requesting a church be built in her honor, on the site where snow would fall. Miraculously, snow did fall in the heat of the Roman summer and the Pope traced the shape of the future basilica in the snow. The church was later expanded and consecrated by Pope Sixtus III following the Council of Ephesus (431 A.D.), which declared Mary Theotokos (Mother of God). Saint Mary Major remains a treasure of sacred art, theology, and relics including the Holy Crib of Bethlehem, giving it the additional title Sancta Maria ad Praesepe (Saint Mary at the Manger). To this day, white rose petals are dropped from the basilica’s ceiling each August 5 to commemorate the miraculous snowfall.

PRAYER: O God, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the dwelling place of Your Word, and honored her with a basilica through miraculous snow, grant that through her intercession, we may become living temples of Your glory. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT EMYGDIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR (3rd–4th Century): Saint Emygdius was a pagan from Trier (modern-day Germany) who, after encountering the Gospel, embraced Christianity with fiery zeal. His gift of healing and working miracles drew many to the faith, including the daughter of his Roman host. Ordained by Pope Marcellus I, he was sent as a bishop to Ascoli Piceno, where he baptized thousands.

When the governor Polymius offered him his daughter’s hand in exchange for renouncing Christ, Emygdius instead baptized her and was swiftly beheaded along with his companions. Legend tells that he rose, carrying his own head to the site of his chosen oratory, a sign of his unwavering faith even in death. Over the centuries, Saint Emygdius has been invoked as a protector against earthquakes, notably safeguarding Ascoli Piceno and other cities in times of seismic peril. During World War II, he was also credited with shielding civilians from devastation.

PRAYER: Saint Emygdius, courageous bishop and miracle-worker, intercede for us and protect us from the tremors both literal and spiritual that seek to shake our faith. May we stand as firm as you in proclaiming Christ. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT OSWALD, KING AND MARTYR (604–642 A.D.): Saint Oswald, King of Northumbria, is remembered as a holy ruler, courageous soldier, and generous Christian. Raised in exile in Scotland after his father’s death, Oswald received baptism and was formed by the monks of Iona, especially Saint Columba.

Upon reclaiming his kingdom, Oswald erected a large wooden cross the night before battle and prayed with his army for victory, trusting in God rather than might. He triumphed and attributed the win to Christ. Oswald brought Saint Aidan from Iona to evangelize his people and personally translated for him, walking side-by-side in service of the Gospel. Known for his almsgiving and humility, Oswald died in battle at Maserfield, praying for the souls of his enemies with his last breath. His relics became a source of healing, and his legacy inspired saints across Britain and Ireland.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, through the faithful witness of Saint Oswald, teach us to be courageous in battle, generous in charity, and humble in service. May we use our positions of influence great or small for Your glory. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Mary Major, Saint Emygdius, and Saint Oswald ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST: For mutual coexistence. Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting us to reflect on her pure love, deep sorrow, and unwavering obedience to God. Her heart, aflame with charity and pierced by suffering, mirrors the life of Christ and calls us to follow Him more closely through her example. This month, the Church encourages us to console her sorrowful heart and grow in holiness through prayers like the Rosary, the Litany of the Immaculate Heart, and the First Saturday Devotion. Through Mary’s heart, we are led ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, be our refuge and the way that leads us to God.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us and draw us into deeper love and trust in your Son. Amen🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, we turn to Our Lady, Mother of the Church, asking her powerful intercession for all who seek refuge under her mantle. Through the witness of Saint Emygdius, protector against natural disasters, and Saint Oswald, a king who laid down his crown for Christ, we are reminded of the power of faith, sacrifice, and divine mercy. In today’s Gospel, we behold Jesus walking on water, calming fears, and healing all who touched the hem of His garment. We lift up all who are burdened by illness, fear, and division, especially within families and communities. May we, like Moses, intercede in humility for those in need of healing and forgiveness, and may our hearts be purified like David’s in the Psalm, crying out, “Create a clean heart in me, O God.” Let us also pray for all who lead both in the Church and in civil society that their leadership may reflect holiness, courage, and compassion.

LET US PRAY

My saving Lord, You are God, the Great I AM, the Creator, Ruler and King of all. You and You alone are worthy of all my trust, dear Lord. When I struggle in life and allow fear to overwhelm me, please call to me and give me the wisdom and courage I need to fix my eyes firmly upon You and to come to You without faltering. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You who calmed the storm and walked upon the waters, still the turbulence within our hearts and in the world around us. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Emygdius, and Saint Oswald, grant us the grace to stand firm in faith and to seek healing for ourselves and others. Purify our hearts, that we may love sincerely, forgive freely, and serve joyfully. May the Church, guided by Mary’s maternal care, remain a beacon of hope and refuge. Strengthen all priests, bishops, and leaders in their mission, and teach us to follow Your voice with courage. Amen.🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Mary Major, Saint Emygdius, and Saint Oswald ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and as we now enter the gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Tuesday and fruitful week 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |

North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html