August 4, 2026
A reading from
the holy Gospel according to Matthew 14:22-36
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.
The Gospel of the Lord.
August 4, 2026
Saint Who?
Saints Who Took Detours in Life
Saint Pachomius the Great
Abbot († 347)Feast: May 9
Pachomius was a young soldier serving in the Roman army. As he and the other members of his unit traveled down the Nile River, they had to endure wretched living conditions. When they passed through Letopolis, the Catholics of that city recognized the soldiers’ misery and selflessly offered them food and comfort. Pachomius, a pagan, pondered the disinterested charity of those Christians throughout the rest of his army assignment. As soon as he was released from service, he returned home, found the nearest Catholic church, and asked to become a catechumen.
Pachomius did not merely seek baptism. He wanted to become a soldier of Christ, so he placed himself under the direction of a hermit in the Egyptian desert. In time, Pachomius developed a reputation of holiness due to his life of constant prayer and mortification. This inspired other men to become his disciples.
The first monastery he founded became two, then three monasteries. He developed a rule of life for his monks, apparently after receiving a vision of an angel, who gave him instructions about monastic life. By the time of Pachomius’ death, he governed nine monasteries and a total of three thousand monks, which is why he was called “the Great” even during his lifetime.
Father of the poor, may all Christians be sensitive
to the suffering of those in need
and find practical ways to help them.
Our newsletter for Sunday Mass
Sign up to receive resources every Wednesday to help you prepare for Sunday Mass:
- Insight into the day’s liturgical theme
- The Gospel
- A Meditation
- Suggested Prayer of the Faithful
MEDITATion
Hail Mary: Pondering the Mysteries of Love
Unlock the awesome power of this simple, foundational prayer.
Fathers Hofer and Nolan offer us a personal retreat encouraging meditation on the prayer that draws us closer to our Blessed Mother and serves as the basis for praying the Rosary.
144 p – 8 x 9.75 in – US $19.95
©Image : Christ on the Lake of Galilee, Jacopo Tintoretto (circle, 1518-1594), NGA, Washington D.C., USA. Photo Courtesy NGA Washington.
