August 5, 2026 // Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7

Reflect on the Word // 

The joyful voices rang out amid joyful splashing in Grandma and Papa’s pool. I’d made the rookie mistake of tossing one of my younger cousins across the pool to his great delight. Now, not only was he lining up to “do it again” but so were his siblings and our other cousins. It was getting old, fast! But, at the same time, I just couldn’t say no to those squinty-eyed smiles and the angelic sing-song refrain of “pleeeeeease?” every single time!  So, on it went to the great delight of my cousins and the immense fatigue of my arms!

I sometimes forget that the cry of “again” from the heart of a child can have such a heart-softening impact on one who loves him. I especially forget that when it comes to my relationship with the Father. How many times have I asked Him to do something and He comes through with shocking generosity only for me to forget, the next time things get difficult, to ask Him for help.

I’m like the Israelites, who need to be reminded that the Lord continues His faithfulness to me (see Jeremiah 31:3). How often have I found myself torn down by mistakes, regrets, or sins, forgetting that His desire is to build me back up, to lead me back to grace in the wilderness, to belong, once again, to Him? (see Jeremiah 31:1-2, 4)

He sees me and says, Again you will bear fruit in my vineyard when I have restored you, again shall you go forth rejoicing, when I have saved you, again, you will sing My praise, when I bring you back to Myself (see Jeremiah 31:4-7).

We need not be afraid to ask the Lord to work again in our lives. As we don’t tire of heeding the cries of little children in our lives who ask us for more, the Lord delights in responding to our cry of “again” over and over. May we never tire of calling out to Him and awaiting His “I will” in joyful expectation. 

Relate to the Lord // Is there an intention or desire you’ve already prayed for but still need? Ask again in faith.