MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 7 AUGUST
August 7, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT DOMINIC DE GUZMAN – 8th AUGUST
August 8, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
7 AUGUST, 2025
Matthew 16:13-23
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
and he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Then he strictly ordered his disciples
to tell no one that he was the Christ.
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples
that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly
from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.
Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,
“God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”
He turned and said to Peter,
“Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.
You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this powerful passage, Peter makes a bold declaration: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This moment of divine revelation marks a turning point, as Jesus affirms Peter’s faith and entrusts him with great responsibility. Yet, moments later, Peter rebukes Jesus for speaking of His impending suffering and death—revealing how human understanding can quickly shift from divine insight to worldly thinking. Jesus’ sharp response, “Get behind me, Satan,” reminds us how easily we can become obstacles to God’s plan when we cling to our own desires or perceptions. This passage challenges us to discern God’s ways over our own and to follow Christ not just in glory, but through the cross.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Help me to confess You boldly and follow You faithfully, not only when the path is clear, but especially when it leads through sacrifice and suffering. Teach me to recognize Your voice above my fears, and to surrender my own ways that oppose Your divine plan. Strengthen my heart to embrace Your cross and walk in obedience, trusting that Your way leads to life. Amen
