Catholic daily readings

Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

Wednesday, August 4, 2027 · Ordinary Time - Week 18

The readings meet you in the ordinary place where faith is practiced. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.

Today’s readings

First Reading

Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Send men, that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel. Of every tribe of their fathers, you shall send a man, every one a prince among them."

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23

We have sinned with our fathers. We have committed iniquity. We have done wickedly. Our fathers didn't understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn't remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea. They soon forgot his works. They didn't wait for his counsel, but gave in to craving in the desert, and tested God in the wasteland. They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome things by the Red Sea. Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had Moses, his chosen, not stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, so that he wouldn't destroy them.

Gospel

Matthew 15: 21-28

Jesus went out from there and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!" But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us." But he answered, "I wasn't sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, help me." But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

A question for your journal

Where might God be asking for one honest, unhurried response?

Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.

Pray with the day

Keep the day with you.

Come Aside brings the daily readings, a short reflection, and a place to respond into one quiet rhythm on iPhone. Or receive the day by email after you confirm from your inbox.

You can unsubscribe from any daily email.