MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 4 AUGUST
August 4, 2025
MEMORIAL OF DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR IN ROME – FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS – 5th AUGUST
August 5, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
4 AUGUST, 2025
Matthew 14:13-21
When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist,
he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.
When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said,
“This is a deserted place and it is already late;
dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages
and buy food for themselves.”
He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away;
give them some food yourselves.”
But they said to him,
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”
Then he said, “Bring them here to me,”
and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,
he said the blessing, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples,
who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied,
and they picked up the fragments left over–
twelve wicker baskets full.
Those who ate were about five thousand men,
not counting women and children.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus responds to the needs of the crowd with deep compassion, even though He Himself had just received the sorrowful news of John the Baptist’s death. Instead of withdrawing completely, He allows His heart to move toward those in need. The miracle of feeding the five thousand not only demonstrates Jesus’ divine power but also His willingness to use what little the disciples had—a few loaves and fish—to accomplish great things. It teaches us that God can multiply our limited resources when offered with faith and obedience. It also reveals Jesus as the true Shepherd who satisfies both physical and spiritual hunger.
PRAYER
Gracious Lord, You are the Bread of Life who sees the hunger of our hearts and the weariness of our souls. When I come to You empty-handed, remind me that even my smallest offering can become abundant in Your hands. Thank You for Your compassion that never turns away the needy, and for Your power that works through our weakness. Help me trust You more deeply, to bring what little I have without fear, knowing that You are the God of provision. Amen
