The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Originally built in the 4th century and dedicated to Mary after the Council of Ephesus in 431, 

the basilica is one of the four major basilicas in Rome. It is also known as "Our Lady of the Snows"

A popular legend tells of a summer snowfall on the Esquiline Hill,

which was miraculously guided by the Virgin Mary, prompting the building of the basilica on that spot.

 

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Numbers 12:1-13*

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses

Because of the Cushite woman he had married and they said, "Has the Lord only spoken through Moses?

Has he not also spoken through us?" And the Lord heard. (...)

The Lord came down in the pillar of cloud and, standing at the door of the Tent,

called Aaron and Miriam. They both went out and he said,

"Listen carefully to what I say, If there is a prophet among you,

I reveal myself to him in a vision and I speak to him in a dream.

It is not so for my servant, Moses, my trusted steward in all my household.

To him I speak face to face, openly, and not in riddles, and he sees the presence of the Lord.

Why then did you not fear to speak against my servant, against Moses?"

The Lord became angry with them and he departed.

 

The cloud moved away from above the Tent and Miriam was there white as snow with leprosy.

Aaron turned towards Miriam and he saw that she was leprous. And he said to Moses,

"My lord, I beg you, do not charge us with this sin that we have foolishly committed.

Let her not be like the stillborn whose flesh is half-eaten when it comes from its mother's womb."

Then Moses cried to the Lord, "Heal her, O God, I beg of you.

 

Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7,12-13

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

 

 ＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36 (or Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14)

Mmediately, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side,

while he sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, he went up the mountain by himself, to pray.

At nightfall, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land,

dangerously rocked by the waves, for the wind was against it.

 

At daybreak, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When they saw him walking on the sea,

they were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. And they cried out in fear.

But at once, Jesus said to them, "Courage! Don't be afraid. It's me!" Peter answered,

"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."

 

Jesus said to him, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water to go to Jesus.

But seeing the strong wind, he was afraid, and began to sink; and he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, saying, "Man of little faith, why did you doubt?"

 

As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus, saying,

"Truly, you are the Son of God!" They came ashore at Gennesaret.

The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region.

So they brought to him all the sick people, begging him to let them touch just the hem of his cloak.

All who touched it became perfectly well.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

“Truly, you are the Son of God!"

Saint Mary Major's is one the four key Basilicas of Rome,

whose foundation dates to the middle of the 4th century AD,

when a miraculous fall of snow marked out the site for a church dedicated to Our Lady.

 

Since then, people have sought Mary's intercession and protection there,

particularly before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani, an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holding the Christ child.

We too turn to Our Lady for her maternal care. But we pray to Mary also because she leads us to Christ,

her Son. Strengthened by her example and love, we make our profession to Jesus,

"Truly, you are the Son of God!", just as the first disciples did,

when they saw his divine power being revealed in miracles.

 

Mary praised God, for she knew that the Almighty had done marvels in her and through her,

since through her cooperation, the miracle of the Incarnation was achieved.

Although it was only for a moment, Peter walked on the water,

but this would not have happened without trusting in the Lord.

May Mary and all the saints help us to cooperate with God's will and to trust in his providence.