August 1
Friday

17th Week in Ordinary Time
Alphonsus Ligouri

First Reading: Jer 26:1-9

At?the beginning of?the reign of Judah's king Jehoiakim son of Josiah, the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah: Yahweh says this, "Stand in the courtyard of Yahweh's House and say to all who come from the towns of Judah to worship in Yahweh's house-all that I command you to say; do not omit anything! Perhaps they will listen to you. Perhaps each one will turn from his wicked ways. Then I will change my mind and forget the destruction that I have planned to inflict on them because of their wicked deeds.
Tell them: This is what Yahweh says:
"You have not obeyed me and you have failed to walk according to my Law which I have set before you.?You have not heeded my servants, the prophets, whom I have persistently sent to you. If you stubbornly close your ears to them, I will treat this House of mine as I treated the sanctuary of Shiloh and let all the nations see that Jerusalem is a cursed city."
The priests, the prophets and all the people heard what Jeremiah said in Yahweh's House. When Jeremiah finished saying all that Yahweh had commanded, he was besieged by the priests and prophets saying, "You are bound to die! How dare you speak in Yahweh's Name telling us that this House will be treated like Shiloh and this city is to become a deserted ruin." And all the people gathered around Jeremiah in the House of Yahweh.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14
Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Gospel Reading: Mt 13:54-58

Jesus went to his hometown and taught the people in their synagogue. They were amazed and said, "Where did he get this wisdom and these special powers? Isn't he the carpenter's son? Isn't Mary his mother and aren't James, Joseph, Simon and Judas his brothers? Aren't all his sisters living here? How did he get all this?" And so they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them, "The only place where prophets are not welcome is their hometown and in their own family." And he did not perform many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Commentary
How ironic that those who knew Jesus best found it most difficult to accept Him as the Messiah, the only begotten Son of God. Perhaps it was all too good to be true, that from a small village like Nazareth could come forth the salvation of the human race.
The voice of God continues to speak from the most unlikely places, especially where the poor and downtrodden find their home. Though Jesus promises that we will see His face when we look at men and women who are poor, we sometimes shy away from those very people.
Are we any different from the residents of Nazareth?

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August 2
Saturday

17th Week in Ordinary Time
Eusebius of Vercelli / Peter Julian Eymard

First Reading: Jer 26:11-16, 24

Then the priests and the prophets said to the leaders of the people: "This man must die for he has spoken against the city as you have heard with your own ears!"
Jeremiah replied, "I have been sent by Yahweh to prophesy against this House and this city all that you have heard. Hence, reform your ways and your deeds and obey Yahweh your God that he may change his mind and not bring upon you the destruction he had intended.
"As for me I am in your hands; do with me whatever you consider just and right. But know that I am innocent and if you take my life you commit a crime that is a curse on yourselves, on the city and the people. In truth it was Yahweh who sent me to say all that I said in your hearing."
Then the leaders, backed by the people, said to the priests and the prophets, "This man does not deserve death; he spoke to us in the Name of Yahweh."
As for Jeremiah he was befriended by Ahikam, son of Shaphan, and was not handed over to those who wanted him put to death.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34
Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Gospel Reading: Mt 14:1-12

On one occasion the news about Jesus reached King Herod. And he said to his servants, "This man is John the Baptist. John has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."
Herod had, in fact, ordered that John be arrested, bound in chains and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. For John had said to him, "It is not right for you to have her as wife." Herod wanted to kill him but he did not dare, because he feared the people who regarded John as a prophet.
On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst of the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked. The girl, following the advice of her mother, said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a dish."
The king was very displeased, but because he had made this promise under oath in the presence of the guests, he ordered it to be given her. So he had John beheaded in prison and his head brought on a dish and given to the girl. The girl then took it to her mother.
Then John's disciples came to take his body and bury it. And they went to bring the news to Jesus.

Commentary
The death of John the Baptist foreshadows the death of the Lord, just as his very birth would foreshadow the coming into the world of the only begotten Son of God. Like Jesus, John would die as he lived: holding nothing back for himself.
John the Baptist gave everything that he had to give for the sake of the Kingdom, and so must we, striving to love the Lord, our God, with all of our heart, mind, strength and soul. This is the true conversion of heart that John preached: to love God without counting the cost, and to exclude God from no portion of our daily lives.

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August 3
Sunday

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Is 55:1-3

Thus says the Lord: Come here, all you who are thirsty, come to the water!
All who have no money, come!
Yes, without money and at no cost, buy and drink wine and milk.
Why spend money on what is not food and labor for what does not satisfy? Listen to me, and you will eat well; you will enjoy the richest of fare.
Incline your ear and come to me; listen, that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, I will fulfill in you my promises to David.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18
The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

Second Reading: Rom 8:35, 37-39

Brothers and sisters, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Will it be trials, or anguish, persecution or hunger, lack of clothing, or dangers or sword?
No, in all of this we are more than conquerors, thanks to him who has loved us. I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor spiritual powers, neither the present nor the future, nor cosmic powers, were they from heaven or from the deep world below, nor any creature whatsoever will separate us from the love of God, which we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mt 14:13-21

On hearing about the death of John the Baptist, Jesus set out secretly by boat for a secluded place. But the people heard of it, and they followed him on foot from their towns. When Jesus went ashore, he saw the crowd gathered there and he had compassion on them. And he healed their sick.
Late in the afternoon, his disciples came to him and said, "We are in a lonely place and it is now late. You should send these people away, so they can go to the villages and buy something for themselves to eat."
But Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat." They answered, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fishes." Jesus said to them, "Bring them here to me."
Then he made everyone sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fishes, raised his eyes to heaven, pronounced the blessing, broke the loaves and handed them to the disciples to distribute to the people. And they all ate, and everyone had enough; then the disciples gathered up the leftovers, filling twelve baskets. About five thousand men had eaten there besides women and children.

Commentary
Although they had but a few loaves and fish, Jesus took what they had and from it effected a great miracle. From their meager supplies He created the feast that would truly satisfy all assembled with plenty left over.
The Lord is fully capable of working with whatever talents and abilities that you possess, however insignificant they might seem. Each disciple then and now has a role to play, each has something to do, in fact, that no one else on earth can do. May we all do our part, may we all play the role God wants us to play in the upbuilding of His Kingdom.

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August 4
Monday

18th Week in Ordinary Time
John Mary Vianney

First Reading: Jer 28:1-17

Early in the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah spoke to me. Hananiah son of Azzur from Gibeon proclaimed in Yahweh's House in the presence of the priests and the people, "This is what Yahweh the God of hosts and the God of Israel says: I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will bring back to this place all the objects that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took away from Yahweh's House and carried to Babylon. I will likewise bring back Jekoniah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all who were taken from Judah and deported to Babylon. For I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon-word of Yahweh."
Then Jeremiah replied to Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people, "So be it! May Yahweh fulfill the words you have spoken and bring back from Babylon to this place the objects taken from the House of Yahweh and all the exiles. Yet hear now what I say in your hearing and the hearing of all the people.
The prophets who came before you and me continually prophesied war, disaster and plague to many nations and great kingdoms.So the prophet who prophesies peace will not be recognized as truly sent by Yahweh, until his predictions are fulfilled."
Then Hananiah took the yoke from the neck of Jeremiah and broke it. Hananiah proclaimed in the presence of all the people, "Yahweh says this: In the same manner within two years will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar from the neck of all the nations." Then Jeremiah the prophet went on his way.
Some time later, a word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, "Go and tell this to Hananiah: This is what Yahweh says: You have broken a wooden yoke but in its place you will get a yoke of iron.
For this is what Yahweh the God of hosts and the God of Israel says: I am placing a yoke of iron on the neck of all the nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and they will serve him. I will even give him control over the wild animals."
Then Jeremiah said to Hananiah, "Listen! Hananiah, you have not been sent by Yahweh and yet you have deceived these people, giving them false hope with your lies. That is why Yahweh says with regard to you: I am removing you from the face of the earth. You will die this very year because you have counseled rebellion against Yahweh."
And in the seventh month of that year Hananiah died.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 119:9, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102
Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel Reading: Mt 14:22-36

After the crowd had eaten their fill, 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 lake. 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 walking on the water."
Jesus said to him, "Come." And Peter got out of the boat, walking on the water to go to Jesus. But, in face of the strong wind, he was afraid and began to sink. So 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 Gennesareth. The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region. So they brought all the sick to him, begging him to let them touch just the fringe of his cloak. All who touched it became perfectly well.

Commentary
If by the touch of the fringe of the Lord's cloak restored the health of the sick, consider the blessing of being able to receive the Lord in Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist is rightly called the medicine of immortality, for it unites us to the source of all life, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Although we might not suffer from physical illness, we all have need of the Lord's healing in our lives. Broken by sin, we are again made whole by the Lord Jesus, the divine healer whom we meet in the sacraments.

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August 5
Tuesday

18th Week in Ordinary Time
Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

First Reading: Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22

This is another word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh:
Yahweh, God of Israel says, "Write in a book all that I have communicated to you,
Yahweh says,
"Your wound is incurable,
your injury is grievous.
There is no one to plead your cause.
There is a remedy for an ulcer
but no healing for you!
All your lovers have forgotten you;
they care nothing for you.
For I struck you as an enemy does,
with a cruel punishment,
because of your great guilt
and the wickedness of your sin.
Why cry out now that you are hurt?
Is there no cure for your pain?
Because of your great crime and grievous sin I have done this to you.
Yahweh says, "I will restore my people into Jacob's tents and have pity on his dwellings. The city will be rebuilt over its ruins and the palace restored on its proper place. From them will come songs of praise and the sound of merrymaking.
I will multiply them and they shall not be few. I will bestow honor on them and they shall not be despised. Their children will be as before and their community will be established before me. I will ask their oppressors to account.
Their leader will be one of themselves, their ruler shall emerge from their midst. I will bring him close to me for who would dare to approach me? You shall be my people and I shall be your God."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Gospel Reading: Mt 15:1-2, 10-14

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus. And they said to him, "Why don't your disciples follow the tradition of the elders? In fact, they don't wash their hands before eating."
Jesus then called the people near him and said to them, "Listen and understand: what enters into the mouth does not make a person unclean, what defiles one is what comes out of his mouth."
After a while the disciples gathered around Jesus and said, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended by what you said?" Jesus answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted shall be uprooted. Pay no attention to them! They are blind leading the blind. When a blind person leads another, the two will fall into a pit."

Commentary
How many times has Yahweh scolded Israel for her stubbornness? How many times has Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees and even his apostles for their hard-headedness? Oftentimes, like these people we don't get what God and Jesus are trying to teach us. And we are often bothered when God seems to be angry or our Lord is impatient with his followers. Ask any parent what they feel in raising their children. I am sure they can relate with what Yahweh must have felt with His beloved children after repeated reminders, nor with Jesus when He pointed out what is more essential over the least inconsequential things that the Pharisees were preoccupied with.
"Listen and understand." This is what Yahweh and Jesus keep telling us. Let us be open to the Spirit who speaks and teaches us the way of the Lord.

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August 6
Wednesday

Transfiguration of the Lord

First Reading: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14

I looked and saw the following:
Some thrones were set in place and One of Great Age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, his hair white as washed wool. His throne was flames of fire with wheels of blazing fire. A river of fire sprang forth and flowed before him. Thousands upon thousands served him and a countless multitude stood before him.
Those in the tribunal took their seats and opened the book.
I continued watching the nocturnal vision:
One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was brought into his presence.
Dominion, honor and kingship were given him, and all the peoples and nations of every language served him. His dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; his kingdom will never be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.

2nd Reading: 2 P 1:16-19

Indeed, what we taught you about the power and the return of Christ Jesus our Lord was not drawn from myths or formulated theories. We ourselves were eyewitnesses of his majesty, when he received glory and honor from God the Father, when from the magnificent Glory this most extraordinary word came upon him: "This is my beloved Son, this is my Chosen One." We ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
Therefore, we believe most firmly in the message of the prophets which you should consider rightly as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the break of day, when the Morning Star shines in your hearts.

Gospel Reading: Mt 17:1-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. Jesus' appearance was changed before them: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became bright as light. Just then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.
Peter spoke and said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. If you so wish, I will make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
Peter was still speaking when a bright cloud covered them in its shadow, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, my Chosen One. Listen to him."
On hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground, full of fear. But Jesus came, touched them and said, "Stand up, do not be afraid." When they raised their eyes, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus. And as they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had just seen, until the Son of Man be raised from the dead.

Commentary
"Do not be afraid," Jesus says. The phrase was one to which the disciples had become accustomed. The Lord would encourage His disciples to keep moving forward along the path of faith in spite of their own feelings of inadequacy and apprehension.
On the mountain of transfiguration, Jesus provides His closest apostles with evidence that His admonitions to take courage are founded upon His divinity, His absolute power over anything that could harm them. To wonder about where the Lord is leading is only human. To remain steadfast along the path of life is to trust in His divine promise.

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August 7
Thursday

18th Week in Ordinary Time
Sixtus II and Companions / Cajetan

First Reading: Jer 31:31-34

The time is coming-it is Yahweh who speaks-when I will forge a new covenant with the people of Israel and the people of Judah. It will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. For they broke my covenant although I was their Lord.
This is the covenant I shall make with Israel after that time: I will put my Law within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God and they will be my people.
And they will not have to teach each other, neighbor or brother, saying: "Know the Lord," because they will all know me, from the greatest to the lowliest, for I will forgive their wrongdoing and no longer remember their sin."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Gospel Reading: Mt 16:13-23

Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi. He asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They said, "For some of them you are John the Baptist, for others Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Jesus asked them, "But you, who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.
"And now I say to you: You are Peter (or Rock) and on this rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven."
Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
From that day Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem; he would suffer many things from the Jewish authorities, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. He would be killed and be raised on the third day.
Then Peter took him aside and began to reproach him, "Never, Lord! No, this must never happen to you." But Jesus turned to him and said, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path. You are thinking not as God does, but as people do."

Commentary
The name "rock" that Jesus gives to Peter is the word that people of His day would use to refer to a massive, unshakable rock, the kind of rock that would endure. Jesus founds His Church upon a firm foundation, and gives His solemn promise that the rock upon which the Church is set will withstand even the greatest powers of evil.
The Church is the Body of Christ, making visible to the world the invisible God, making known the presence of the God that we cannot see. When we cling to the rock of the Church we cling to the Lord, the one whose promises never fail.

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August 8
Friday

18th Week in Ordinary Time
Dominic

First Reading: Nh 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7

See, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, one who proclaims peace.
Judah, celebrate your feasts and carry out your vows. For the wicked have been destroyed, they will not attack you any more.
Yahweh will now restore Jacob's magnificence, like Israel's splendor. For they had been plundered, laid waste as a ravaged vineyard.
Woe to the bloody city, city of lies and booty, O city of unending plunder!
But what! Crack of whips, rumble of wheels and clatter of hoofs! See the frenzied chargers, the flashing swords and glittering spears, the heaps of the wounded, the dead and dying-we trip over corpses!
I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make of you a shameful show, so that all who look on you will turn their backs in disgust and say: Nineveh-a city of lust-is in ruins.
Who will mourn for her? Where can we find one to comfort her?

Responsorial Psalm:
Dt 32:35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41
It is I who deal death and give life.

Gospel Reading: Mt 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, "If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life for my sake will find it. What will one gain by winning the whole world if he destroys himself? There is nothing you can give to recover your own self.
"Know that the Son of Man will come in the Glory of his Father with the holy angels, and he will reward each one according to his deeds. Truly, I tell you, there are some here who will not die before they see the Son of Man coming as king."

Commentary
The ancient baptismal rites of the Church called for the candidate to symbolically turn his back to the devil, and to turn to face the Lord as he entered into the baptismal pool. This action powerfully symbolized and makes real the solemn decision to follow the Lord wholeheartedly, without holding back, and with no strings attached.
The siren call of the world can be, at times, a distraction. May it never be our un-doing. May we hold fast to the promises of our baptism, to renounce Satan and all his empty promises.

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August 9
Saturday

18th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Hb 1:12-2:4

But you, are you not Yahweh from past ages? You, my holy God, you cannot die. You have set this people to serve your justice and you have made them firm as a rock to fulfill your punishment.
Yahweh, your eyes are too pure to tolerate wickedness and you cannot look on oppression. Why, then, do you look on treacherous people and watch in silence while the evildoer swallows up one better than himself?
You treat human beings like the fish in the sea, like reptiles who are nobody's concern. This nation catches all on its hook, pulls them out with its net and piles them up in its dragnet. Pleased and delighted at their catch, they offer sacrifices to their net and burn incense to their dragnets, since these supplied them with fish in plenty and provided them with food in abundance. Will they continue, then, to constantly empty their nets, slaughtering nations without mercy?
I will stand in my watchtower and take up position on my battlements; I will see what he replies, if there is an answer to my question.
Then Yahweh answered me and said,
"Write down the vision, inscribe it on tables so it can be easily read, since this is a vision for an appointed time; it will not fail but will be fulfilled in due time. If it delays, wait for it, for it will come and will not be deferred. Look:
"I don't look with favor on the one who gives way; the upright, on the other hand, will live by his faithfulness."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
You forsake not those who seek you, O Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mt 17:14-20

A man approached Jesus, knelt before him and said, "Sir, have pity on my son who is an epileptic and is in a wretched state. He has often fallen into the fire and at other times into the water. I brought him to your disciples but they could not heal him."
Jesus replied, "You, faithless and evil people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus commanded the evil spirit to leave the boy, and the boy was immediately healed.
The disciples then gathered around Jesus and asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive out the spirit?" Jesus said to them, "Because you have little faith. I say to you: if only you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could tell that mountain to move from here to there, and the mountain would obey. Nothing would be impossible to you."

Commentary
How we long for the kind of faith of which our Lord speaks! How we long to be able to trust in His promises without our cumbersome doubts.
We may take a certain solace that those who knew Jesus personally while He was on earth would still have their doubts. If those who saw Him with their own eyes had difficulties, how can we possibly hope to have genuine and lasting faith?
The answer, the Lord would tell us, is in Him. With God, all things are possible, even the kind of faith that would move mountains.

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August 10
Sunday

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 K 19:9, 11-13a

When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of God, he came to the cave and stayed in it. Then the word of Yahweh came to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Then Yahweh said, "Go up and stand on the mount, waiting for Yahweh." And Yahweh passed by.
There was first a windstorm, wild wind which rent the mountains and broke the rocks into pieces before Yahweh, but Yahweh was not in the wind. After the storm, an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire. After the fire, the murmur of a gentle breeze. When Elijah perceived it, he covered his face with his cloak, went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 85: 9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Second Reading: Rom 9:1-5

Brothers and sisters, I tell you sincerely in Christ, and my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit that I am not lying: I have great sadness and constant anguish for the Jews. I would even desire that I myself suffer the curse of being cut off from Christ, instead of my brethren: I mean my own people, my kin. They are Israelites whom God adopted, and on them rests his Glory. Theirs are the covenants, the Law, the worship and the promises of God. They are descendants of the Patriarchs and from their race Christ was born, he who as God is above all distinctions. Blessed be He forever and ever: Amen!

Gospel Reading: Mt 14:22-33

Immediately 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 lake. 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 walking on the water."
Jesus said to him, "Come." And Peter got out of the boat, walking on the water to go to Jesus. But, in face of the strong wind, he was afraid and began to sink. So 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!"

Commentary
As long as his eyes are fixed upon the Lord, Peter can do the seemingly impossible. But the moment he diverts his attention he begins to sink.
Faith in the Lord means keeping our eyes fixed intently upon Him. Distractions abound, but in Him we find security, happiness and peace. Daily prayer is a tried and true ally for us as we face challenge of remaining focused in this life upon keeping the Lord at the absolute center of our lives.
Peter began to sink, but the Lord was near. Praise God for the same merciful presence of the Lord in our lives.

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August 11
Monday

19th Week in Ordinary Time
Clare

First Reading: Ezk 1:2-5, 24-28c

On the fifth of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiakin) the word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel, son of Buzi, the priest, in the land of the Chaldeans by the banks of the Kebar.
There the hand of Yahweh was upon me.
I looked: a windstorm came from the north bringing a great cloud. A fiery light inside it lit up all around it, while at the center there was something like a glowing metal.
In the center were what appeared to be four creatures with the same form.
I heard the noise of their wings when they moved, similar to the roar of many waters, similar to the voice of the Most High, the noise of a multitude or of a camp. When they were not moving they lowered their wings.
I heard a noise above the platform over their heads. Above it was a throne resembling a sapphire and high on this throne was a figure similar to that of a man. Then I saw a light as of glowing bronze as if fire enveloped him from his waist upwards. And from his waist downwards it was as if fire gave radiance around him. The surrounding light was like a rainbow in the clouds after a day of rain. This vision was the likeness of Yahweh's Glory.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.

Gospel Reading: Mt 17:22-27

While Jesus was in Galilee with the Twelve, he said to them, "The Son of Man will be delivered into human hands, and they will kill him. But he will rise on the third day." The Twelve were deeply grieved.
When they returned to Capernaum, the Temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked him, "Does your master pay the temple tax?" He answered, "Certainly."
Peter then entered the house, but immediately Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Simon? Who pay taxes or tributes to the kings of the earth: their sons or the other people?" Peter replied, "The others." And Jesus told him, "The sons, then, are tax-free. But so as not to offend these people, go to the sea, throw in a hook and open the mouth of the first fish you catch. You will find a coin in it, take it and let it pay for you and for me."

Commentary
Citizenship has its privileges. In Jesus' day, those who lived in lands colonized by the Romans were required to pay taxes. Roman citizens were not. Jesus miraculously produces the coin to pay the tax that would admit Peter and him to the Temple as a way of showing that He would pay a much greater price so that all people might have access to the Kingdom of God.
The curtain in the Temple was torn asunder at the moment Jesus paid that price, all so that you and I might have free admission through the gates of heaven.

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August 12
Tuesday

19th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Ezk 2:8-3:4

Yahweh said to me, listen then, son of man, to what I say and don't be a rebel among rebels. Open your mouth and take in what I'm about to say."
I looked and saw a hand stretched out in front of me holding a scroll. He unrolled it before me; on both sides were written lamentations, groanings and woes.
He said to me, "Son of man, eat what is given to you. Eat this scroll and then go; speak to the people of Israel." I opened my mouth and he made me eat the scroll and then he said to me, "Eat and fill yourself with this scroll that I'm giving you." I ate it and it tasted as sweet as honey.
He said, "Son of man, go to the Israelites; speak to them with my words."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
How sweet to my taste is your promise!

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Then Jesus called a little child, set the child in the midst of the disciples, and said, "I assure you that unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes lowly like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child in my name receives me.
"See that you do not despise any of these little ones, for I tell you: their angels in heaven continually see the face of my heavenly Father.
"What do you think of this? If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go to look for the stray one? And I tell you: when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it than about the ninety-nine that did not get lost. It is the same with your Father in heaven: there they don't want even one of these little ones to be lost."

Commentary
Who is that lost sheep? Is it not you? Is it not me?
Jesus loves you so much that He is willing to spend endless hours, even His entire earthly life so that you might be rescued from the dangers of sin and death, and so that you might be brought back to the safety. Like the good shepherd in the parable, the Lord Jesus searches for you, and when He finds you He lifts you up on His shoulders and rejoices that you have been found.
Such is the love of the Good Shepherd for you. With Him you find the verdant pastures of everlasting life.

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August 13
Wednesday

19th Week in Ordinary Time
Pontian / Hippolytus

First Reading: Ezk 9:1-7; 10:18-22

Then he shouted loudly in my ears saying, "The punishment of the city is near; see each one of these has in his hand his instrument of destruction." And six men came from the direction of the upper gate which faces north, each one with his instrument of destruction. With them was a man clothed in linen with writing material at his side. They came and stopped near the altar of bronze.
Then the Glory of the God of Israel rose from the cherubim where it rested and went to the threshold of the house. Yahweh called to the man clothed in linen who had the material for writing at his side, and he said to him, "Pass through the center of the city, through Jerusalem, and trace a cross on the forehead of the men who sigh and groan because of all the abominations committed in it."
I heard him say to the others, "Now you may pass through the city after him and strike. Your eyes shall not look with pity; show no mercy! Do away with them all - old men, young men, virgins, children and women - but do not touch anyone marked with a cross."
And as they were told to begin with the sanctuary, they struck the elders who were in front of the Temple. Yahweh said to them, "Let the courts be filled with the slain and the Temple be defiled with their blood; go out!"
They went and slew the people in the city.
The Glory of Yahweh went from above the threshold of the house and went to rest on the cherubim. Then the cherubim left, opening their wings and rising above the earth in my sight, and the wheels went with them. They halted at the east gate of the house of Yahweh and the Glory of the God of Israel was over them.
These were the living creatures I had seen under the God of Israel on the banks of the river Chebar. I recognized them as cherubim. Each had four faces, each had four wings and they had what seemed like human hands under their wings. As for the appearance of their faces, they were the faces I had seen by the river Chebar, the same likeness. Each one went straight ahead.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples, "If your brother or sister has sinned against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are in private, and if he listens to you, you have won your brother. If you are not listened to, take with you one or two others so that the case may be decided by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he still refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembled Church. But if he does not listen to the Church, then regard such a one as a pagan or a publican.
I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, heaven will keep bound; and whatever you unbind on earth, heaven will keep unbound.
In like manner, I say to you: if on earth two of you are united in asking for anything, it will be granted to you by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered in my Name, I am there among them."

Commentary
"Scandal" is a word that comes from the Greek word that means "stumbling block." When disagreements among Christians become contentious and angry, scandal is the inevitable result. Why should someone who does not believe in Jesus pay attention to the message of the Gospel when those who profess to live by that Gospel have such a difficult time getting along?
Scandal is avoided when Jesus, words in today's Gospel are followed. The task of spreading the Good News to the world is too important to let its message become diluted from petty arguments and uncharitable disagreements.

August 14
Thursday

19th Week in Ordinary Time
Maximilian Mary Kolbe

First Reading: Ezk 12:1-12

This word of Yahweh came to me, "Son of man, you live in the midst of a house of rebels: they have eyes for seeing but do not see; they have ears for hearing but do not hear, for they are a house of rebels. Because of this, son of man, prepare for yourself an exile's baggage in their sight as an exile does; and go as an exile to another place in their sight. Would that they may understand, because they are a house of rebels.
You will gather your things, an exile's baggage, by day to be seen by them, and you will leave in the evening as for a departure of deportees. While they look on, dig a hole in the wall and leave from there. As they look on, shoulder your baggage and leave in the dark. Veil your face and do not look at the land for I have made you a sign for Israel."
I did as I was ordered, gathering my things by day, an exile's baggage, and in the evening I made a hole in the wall with my hand. I left in the dark, in their presence, shouldering my baggage.
In the morning the word of Yahweh came to me: "Son of man, did not the Israelites, these rebels, ask you, 'What are you doing there?' Answer them on behalf of Yahweh: This oracle concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the Israelites remaining in the city.
Say, 'I am a sign for you,' for what I have done will happen to them: They will be deported, exiled. The prince among them shall shoulder his baggage in the dark and depart. They will dig a hole in the wall to let him leave by it. He will cover his face because he must not see the land with his eyes.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62
Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:21-19:1

Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother or sister? Seven times?" Jesus answered, "No, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven. A king decided to settle the accounts of his servants. Among the first was one who owed him ten thousand gold ingots. As the man could not repay the debt, the king commanded that he be sold as a slave with his wife, children and all his goods in payment.
The official threw himself at the feet of the king and said, 'Give me time, and I will pay you back everything.' The king took pity on him and not only set him free but even canceled his debt.
This official then left the king's presence and he met one of his companions who owed him a hundred pieces of silver. He grabbed him by the neck and almost strangled him, shouting, 'Pay me what you owe!' His companion threw himself at his feet and asked him, 'Give me time, and I will pay everything.' The other did not agree, but sent him to prison until he had paid all his debt.
His companions saw what happened. They were indignant and so they went and reported everything to their lord. Then the lord summoned his official and said, 'Wicked servant, I forgave you all that you owed when you begged me to do so. Weren't you bound to have pity on your companion as I had pity on you?' The lord was now angry, so he handed his servant over to be punished, until he had paid his whole debt."
Jesus added, "So will my heavenly Father do with you unless each of you sincerely forgive your brother or sister."
When Jesus had finished this teaching, he left Galilee and arrived at the border of Judea, on the other side of the Jordan River.

Commentary
Our Master is just like the master in the parable. Our Master has high expectations that we will pass on to others the mercy that we ourselves have received from Him.
We have been given so much by our good and gracious God: the gift of life, the gift of faith, the gifts of family and friends, talents and abilities. Furthermore, God has bestowed these priceless gifts upon us for a reason, namely, so that we might use these gifts for the upbuilding of His Kingdom. From the one to whom much has been given much will be expected.

August 15
Friday

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading: Rev 11:19; 12:1-6, 10ab

Then the sanctuary of God in the heavens was opened, and the Ark of the Covenant of God could be seen inside the sanctuary. There were flashes of lightning, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a violent hail-storm.
A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out?in pain, looking to her time of delivery.
Then another sign appeared: a huge, red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and wearing seven crowns on its heads. It had just swept along a third of the stars of heaven with its tail, throwing them down to the earth.
The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour the child as soon as it was born. She gave birth to a male child, the one who is to rule all the nations with an iron scepter; then her child was seized and taken up to God and to his throne while the woman fled to the desert where God had prepared a place for her; there she would be looked after for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
Then I heard a loud voice from heaven: Now has salvation come, with the power and the kingdom of our God, and the rule of his anointed. For our brothers' accuser has been cast out, who accused them night and day, before God.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16
The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

Second Reading: 1 Cor 15:20-27

But no, Christ has been raised from the dead and he comes before all those who have fallen asleep. A human being brought death; a human being also brings resurrection of the dead. All die for being Adam's, and in Christ all will receive life. However, each one in his own time: first Christ, then Christ's people, when he comes.
Then the end will come, when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father, after having destroyed every rule, authority and power. For he must reign and put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. As Scripture says: God has subjected everything under his feet.
When we say that everything is put under his feet, we exclude, of course, the Father who subjects everything to him.

Gospel Reading: Lk 1:39-56

Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, "You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord's word would come true!"
And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit exults in God my savior!
He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness,
and people forever will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me,
Holy is his Name!
From age to age his mercy extends
to those who live in his presence. He has acted with power and done wonders,
and scattered the proud with their plans.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones
and lifted up those who are downtrodden.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He held out his hand to Israel, his servant,
for he remembered his mercy,
even as he promised our fathers,
Abraham and his descendants forever." Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.

Commentary
The Gospel of the day is known as the Magnificat: According to another translation Mary proclaims, "My soul magnifies the Lord…." Mary knows the incredible grace that she has received in being called to be the mother of the Lord. This unprecedented gift, given in the most miraculous of ways is not of her doing, but is the outpouring of God's magnanimous favor to her and to the human race.
At the end of her life Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. May we always regard the Blessed Mother as a model of discipleship and an intercessor for us along the way to heaven.

August 16
Saturday

19th Week in Ordinary Time
Stephen of Hungary

First Reading: Ezk 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Why are you applying this proverb to the land of Israel: 'The parents have eaten sour grapes and the children's teeth are set on edge?' As I live, word of Yahweh, this proverb will no longer be quoted in Israel. All life is in my hands, the life of the parent and the life of the child are mine. The lives of both are in my hands, so the one who sins will die.
Imagine a man who is righteous and practices what is just and right. He does not eat in the mountain shrines, or look towards the filthy idols of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife, or have intercourse with a woman during her period; he molests no one, pays what he owes, does not steal, gives food to the hungry and clothes to the naked, demands no interest on a loan and doesn't lend for interest, refrains from injustice, practices true justice, man to man, follows my decrees and obeys my laws in acting loyally. Because such a man is truly righteous, he will live, word of Yahweh.
But perhaps this man has a son who steals and sheds blood, committing crimes which his father never did.
Will such a man live? No, he will not! Because he has committed all these abominations he will die: his guilt will fall upon him.
That is why I will judge you, Israel, each one according to his ways, word of Yahweh. Come back, turn away from your offenses, that you may not deserve punishment.
Free yourselves from all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, Israel? I do not want the death of anyone, word of Yahweh, but that you be converted and live!"

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Gospel Reading: Mt 19:13-15

Little children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them with a prayer. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. Jesus then said, "Let them be! Do not stop the children from coming to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to people such as these." So Jesus laid his hands on them and went his way.

Commentary
The gentleness with which Jesus deals with little children is indicative of His care and concern that all be drawn into the Kingdom of God. Jesus' will for the salvation of mankind is universal: Jesus wills that everyone be saved, even those whom we think to be undesirable. In fact, those who are closest to the heart of Jesus are the poor, the disadvantaged, the unfortunate, and, yes, the children.
Conscious that our sharing in the life of Jesus is itself an unmerited gift, may we be magnanimously hospitable to all who seek the face of the Lord.

August 17
Sunday

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Is 56:1, 6-7

Thus says Yahweh: Maintain what is right and do what is just, for my salvation is close at hand, my justice is soon to come.
Yahweh says to the foreigners who join him, serving him and loving his name, keeping his sabbath unprofaned and remaining faithful to his covenant:
I will bring them to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. I will accept on my altar their burnt offerings and sacrifices, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
O God, let all the nations praise you!

Second Reading: Rom 11:13-15, 29-32

Brothers and sisters, listen to me, you who are not Jews: I am spending myself as an apostle to the pagan nations, but I hope my ministry will be successful enough to awaken the jealousy of those of my race, and finally to save some of them. If the world made peace with God when they remained apart, what will it be when they are welcomed? Nothing less than a passing from death to life. The call of God and his gift cannot be nullified.
Through the rebellion of the Jews the mercy of God came to you who did not obey God. They in turn will receive mercy in due time after this rebellion that brought God's mercy to you. So God has submitted all to disobedience, in order to show his mercy to all.

Gospel Reading: Mt 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Now a Canaanite woman came from those borders and began to cry out, "Lord, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not answer her, not even a word. So his disciples approached him and said, "Send her away: see how she is shouting after us."
Then Jesus said to her, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel."
But the woman was already kneeling before Jesus and said, "Sir, help me!" Jesus answered, "It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to the little dogs." The woman replied, "It is true, sir, but even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table." Then Jesus said, "Woman, how great is your faith! Let it be as you wish." And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Commentary
It is never a good idea to tell God what to do. The disciples learn this lesson the hard way when they tell him to send away the foreign woman whose persistence was trying their patience.
Jesus' refusal to send the woman away, and His praise of her great faith is a lesson for all of us. God does not see things the way we do. God sees the big picture, and he sees with a greater clarity that we can imagine. He alone can judge the state of the human heart. As St. Paul would say, the foolishness of God far surpasses human wisdom.

August 18
Monday

20th Week in Ordinary Time
Jane Frances de Chantal

First Reading: Ezk 24:15-23

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Son of man, I am about to suddenly take from you the delight of your eyes, but you are not to lament or weep or let your tears flow. Groan in silence and do not mourn for the dead; wear your turban, put on your sandals, do not cover your beard or eat the customary food of mourners."
I spoke to the people in the morning and my wife died that evening. The next morning I did as I had been commanded. Then the people said to me: "Explain to us the meaning of your actions." I said to them, "The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms: Say to Israel: I am about to profane my sanctuary, your pride, the delight of your eyes for which you long. The sons and daughters you left behind will also fall by the sword, but you will do as I have done: you will not cover your beard or eat the customary food of mourners; you will keep your turbans on your heads and sandals on your feet. You will not lament or weep. Instead, because of your sin, you will waste away and groan among yourselves."

Responsorial Psalm:
Dt 32:18-19, 20, 21
You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

Gospel Reading: Mt 19:16-22

A young man approached him and asked, "Master, what good work must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Why do you ask me about what is good? Only one is Good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments." The young man said, "Which commandments?" Jesus replied, "Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."
The young man said to him, "I have kept all these commandments, what is still lacking?" Jesus answered, "If you wish to be perfect, go and sell all that you possess and give the money to the poor and you will become the owner of a treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me."
On hearing this answer, the young man went away sad for he was a man of great wealth.

Commentary
The irony in this encounter with Jesus is that the very possessions that had brought such happiness into the rich, young man's life were now the source of his great sadness. Why? Because they kept him from the adventure of a lifetime. They kept him from the Lord. Jesus found the knot that was tied around the rich, young man's heart, and He wants us to be aware of anything that keeps us from Him.
True freedom in life comes not from the acquisition of material goods, but from storing up treasure in heaven through our relationship with Jesus.

August 19
Tuesday

20th Week in Ordinary Time
John Eudes

First Reading: Ezk 28:1-10

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre: You are very proud and self-satisfied: 'I am a god, I sit like a god in the heart of the sea.' Yet you are man and not a god; would you hold yourself as wise as God?
"You consider yourself wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you. Your wisdom and know-how have earned you a fortune, gold and silver flowed to your treasury. Clever in trade, you became wealthy and as your fortune increased, your heart became prouder.
"But now Yahweh has spoken to you, to the one who is like God: I am bringing foreigners against you, the most feared of all the nations. Their sword will challenge your wisdom and debase your refined culture. They will bring you down to the pit and you will die in the depths of the sea. Will you be able to say 'I am a god' when your murderers are killing you?
"You are a man and not a god. You will die the death of the uncircumcised and perish at the hands of aliens, for I have spoken-word of Yahweh."

Responsorial Psalm:
Dt 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab
It is I who deal death and give life.

Gospel Reading: Mt 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I say to you: it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, believe me: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven."
On hearing this the disciples were astonished and said, "Who, then, can be saved?" Jesus looked steadily at them and answered, "For humans it is impossible, but for God all things are possible."
Then Peter spoke up and said, "You see we have given up everything to follow you: what will be our lot?"
Jesus answered, "You who have followed me, listen to my words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on his throne in glory, you, too, will sit on twelve thrones to rule the twelve tribes of Israel. As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or property for my Name's sake, they will receive a hundredfold and be given eternal life. Many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first."

Commentary
When most people hear these words of Jesus, they pray that engineers will design larger needles and that geneticists will breed smaller camels! What does Jesus say about material possessions? Not that they are bad, but that our possessiveness of them leads to serious consequences. "The love of money is at the root of all evil," St. Paul would put it.
When our greatest possession in life is the Lord, we are not only truly wealthy, but we possess riches that no one can take away from us, treasures worth infinitely more than silver or gold.

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August 20
Wednesday

20th Week in Ordinary Time
Bernard

First Reading: Ezk 34:1-11

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Son of man, speak on my behalf against the shepherds of Israel! Say to the shepherds on my behalf: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? But you feed on milk and are clothed in wool, and you slaughter the fattest sheep. You have not taken care of the flock, you have not strengthened the weak, cared for the sick or band-aged the injured. You have not gone after the sheep that strayed or searched for the one that was lost. Instead you ruled them harshly and were their oppressors. They have scattered for want of a shepherd and became prey of wild animals. My sheep wander over the mountains and high hills; and when they are scattered through-out the land, no one bothers about them or looks for them.
Hear then shepherds, what Yahweh says: As I live-word of Yahweh,-because my sheep have been the prey of wild animals and become their food for want of shepherds, because the shepherds have not cared for my sheep, because you shepherds have not bothered about them but fed yourselves and not the flocks, because of that, hear the word of Yahweh. This is what Yahweh says: I will ask an account of the shepherds and reclaim my sheep from them. No longer shall they tend my flock; nor shall there be shepherds who feed themselves. I shall save the flock from their mouths and no longer shall it be food for them.
Indeed Yahweh says this: I myself will care for my sheep and watch over them.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel Reading: Mt 20:1-16

Jesus said to his disciples, "This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven. A landowner went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the workers a salary of a silver coin for the day, and sent them to his vineyard.
"He went out again at about nine in the morning, and seeing others idle in the square, he said to them: 'You, too, go to my vineyard and I will pay you what is just.' So they went.
"The owner went out at midday and again at three in the afternoon, and he did the same. Finally he went out at the last working hour - it was the eleventh - and he saw others standing there. So he said to them: 'Why do you stay idle the whole day?' They answered: 'Because no one has hired us.' The master said: 'Go and work in my vineyard.'
"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager: 'Call the workers and pay them their wage, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' Those who had come to work at the eleventh hour turned up and were given a denarius each (a silver coin). When it was the turn of the first, they thought they would receive more. But they, too, received a denarius each. So, on receiving it, they began to grumble against the landowner.
"They said: 'These last hardly worked an hour, yet you have treated them the same as us who have endured the day's burden and heat.' The owner said to one of them: 'Friend, I have not been unjust to you. Did we not agree on a denarius a day? So take what is yours and go. I want to give to the last the same as I give to you. Don't I have the right to do as I please with my money? Why are you envious when I am kind?'
"So will it be: the last will be first, the first will be last."

Commentary
The generosity of God far surpasses anything that we could ever imagine. Like the owner of the vineyard, God's magnanimity borders on the scandalous. In fact, the Lord gave everything that He had to give so that we might have life and have it to the full. He became poor so that we might become infinitely wealthy.
May we never begrudge how another person has been blessed by God, for in receiving forgiveness for our sins by the blood of His cross, we ourselves have received from Him much, much more than we have ever deserved.

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August 21
Thursday

20th Week in Ordinary Time
Pius X

First Reading: Ezk 36:23-28

Thus says Yahweh: I will make known the holiness of my great Name, profaned among the nations because of you, and they will know that I am Yahweh when I show them my holiness among you.
For I will gather you from all the nations and bring you back to your own land. Then I shall pour pure water over you and you shall be made clean-cleansed from the defilement of all your idols. I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I shall remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I shall put my spirit within you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you shall be my people and I will be your God.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

Gospel Reading: Mt 22:1-14

Jesus went on speaking to them in parables:
"This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven. A king celebrated the wedding of his son. He sent his servants to call the invited guests to the wedding feast, but the guests refused to come.
"Again he sent other servants ordering them to say to the invited guests: 'I have prepared a banquet, slaughtered my fattened calves and other animals, and now everything is ready; come then, to the wedding feast.' But they paid no attention and went away, some to their fields, and others to their work. While the rest seized the ser-vants of the king, insulted them and killed them.
"The king became angry. He sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city. Then he said to his servants: 'The wedding banquet is prepared, but the invited guests were not worthy. Go, then, to the crossroads and invite everyone you find to the wedding feast.'
"The servants went out at once into the streets and gathered everyone they found, good and bad alike, so that the hall was filled with guests.
"The king came in to see those who were at table, and he noticed a man not wearing the festal garment. So he said to him: 'Friend, how did you get in without the wedding garment?' But the man remained silent. So the king said to his servants: 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the dark where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
"Know that many are called, but few are chosen."

Commentary
Just like the invited guests in the parable, we can always find an excuse that will get us out of a social event. We, like them, can claim to be too busy or to have other, more important things to do.
But no excuses will do when it comes to the invitation to take part in the life of the Kingdom of God, most especially the wedding feast of the Lamb of God. The Lord summons us to the Eucharistic banquet of His Body and Blood, and He will accept no excuses. May we make ourselves ready at all times to respond to the Lord's gracious invitation.

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August 22
Friday

20th Week in Ordinary Time
Queenship of Mary

First Reading: Is 9:1-6

The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. A light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death. You have enlarged the nation; you have increased their joy. They rejoice before you, as people rejoice at harvest time as they rejoice in dividing the spoil.
For the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken it as on the day of Midian. Every warrior's boot that tramped in war, every cloak rolled in blood, will be thrown out for burning, will serve as fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder, and his name is proclaimed: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
To the increase of his powerful rule in peace, there will be no end. Vast will be his dominion, he will reign on David's throne and over all his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forever.
The zealous love of Yahweh Sabaoth will do this.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7b
Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.

Gospel Reading: Lk 1:26-38

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a young virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
The angel came to her and said, "Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you." Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.
But the angel said, "Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever and his reign shall have no end."
Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be if I am a virgin?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of God. Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child, and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible."
Then Mary said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said." And the angel left her.

Commentary
A crown of victory awaits those who finish the race, the very crown that is worn by the Blessed Virgin Mary as she sits beside her Son, Jesus Christ, the King. We honor Mary as the Queen of heaven and earth by virtue of her maternal relationship with the King. Still, we believe that those who persevere in fighting the good fight and endure the challenge of running the race will also have a place of great honor in the Kingdom.
May the Queen of Heaven intercede for us poor sinners as we strive to make our way to our heavenly home.

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August 23
Saturday

20th Week in Ordinary Time
Rose of Lima

First Reading: Ezk 43:1-7ab

He took me to the gate, facing east. Then I saw the Glory of the God of Israel approaching from the east with a sound like the sound of the ocean, and the earth shone with his Glory. This vision was like the one I had seen when he came for the destruction of the city, and like the one I had seen on the bank of the river Chebar. Then I threw myself to the ground.
The Glory of Yahweh arrived at the Temple by the east gate. The spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court: the Glory of Yahweh was filling the House. And I heard someone speaking to me from the Temple while the man stood beside me. The voice said, "Son of man, you have seen the place of my throne, where I will place the soles of my feet, and live among the Israelites forever; and the people of Israel, they and their kings, will no longer defile my holy name with their prostitutions and the kings.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:1-12

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees sat on the seat of Moses. So you shall do and observe all they say, but do not do as they do, for they do not do what they say. They tie up heavy burdens and load them on the shoulders of the people, but they do not even raise a finger to move them. They do everything in order to be seen by people; so they wear very wide bands of the Law around their foreheads, and robes with large tassels. They enjoy the first place at feasts and reserved seats in the synagogues, and being greeted in the marketplace and being called 'Master' by the people.
"But you, do not let yourselves be called Master because you have only one Master, and all of you are brothers and sisters. Neither should you call anyone on earth Father, because you have only one Father, he who is in heaven. Nor should you be called leader, because Christ is the only leader for you. Let the greatest among you be the servant of all. For whoever makes himself great shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be made great."

Commentary
Humility does not mean thinking less of ourselves. We are children of God, endowed with the precious gift of an immortal soul. We possess human dignity, and to belittle ourselves (or let anyone else belittle us) is a great injustice.
Humility does, however, mean thinking of ourselves less. When we are true servants of the Lord we look for opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of other people, just as our Lord did by humbling Himself even unto death, death on a cross. True greatness comes from following the Lord's example of humble service.

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August 24
Sunday

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Is 22:19-23

Thus says the Lord Yahweh to Shebna, the palace steward:
"You will be deposed, strongman.
I will hurl you down from where you are.
On that day I will summon
my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah.
I will clothe him with your robe,
I will strengthen him with your girdle,
I will give him your authority,
and he will be a father
to the inhabitants of Jerusalem
and to the people of Judah.
Upon his shoulder I will place
the key of the House of David:
what he opens, no one shall shut;
what he shuts, no one shall open.
I will fasten him like a peg in a sure spot,
and he will be a seat of honor
in the house of his father."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

Second Reading: Rom 11:33-36

Brothers and sisters, how deep are the riches, the wisdom and knowledge of God! His decisions cannot be explained, nor his ways understood! Who has ever known God's thoughts? Who has ever been his adviser? Who has given him something first, so that God had to repay him? For everything comes from him, has been made by him and has to return to him. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.

Gospel Reading: Mt 16:13-20

Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi. He asked his disciples, "What do people say of the Son of Man? Who do they say I am?" They said, "For some of them you are John the Baptist, for others Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Jesus asked them, "But you, who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.
"And now I say to you: You are Peter (or Rock) and on this rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven."
Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Commentary
The confession of St. Peter is the rock solid foundation upon which the Church is built, and upon which we can build our lives. When we, like Peter, identify Jesus as the Lord of our lives and the only begotten Son of God, we are on the path that leads to heaven. Jesus is not merely a figure from ancient history. He is the one in whom we place our trust, the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
When we, like Peter, renew daily our confidence in the Lord, we can be confident that our faith rests upon a firm foundation.

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August 25
Monday

21st Week in Ordinary Time
Louis / Joseph Calasanz

First Reading: 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12

From Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians which is in God our Father and in Christ Jesus, the Lord.
May grace and peace be yours from God the Father and Christ Jesus, the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, we should give thanks to God at all times for you. It is fitting to do so, for your faith is growing and your love for one another increasing. We take pride in you among the churches of God because of your endurance and your faith in the midst of persecution and sufferings. In this the just judgment of God may be seen; for you must show yourselves worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are now suffering.
This is why we constantly pray for you; may our God make you worthy of his calling. May he, by his power, fulfill your good purposes and your work prompted by faith. In that way, the name of Jesus our Lord will be glorified through you, and you through him, according to the loving plan of God and of Christ Jesus the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5
Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:13-22

Jesus said, "Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor do you allow others to do so.
"Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel by sea and land to win a single convert, yet once he is converted, you turn him twice as fit for hell as yourselves.
"Woe to you, blind guides! You say: To swear by the Temple is not binding, but to swear by the treasure of the Temple is. Blind fools! Which is of more worth? The gold in the Temple or the Temple which makes the gold a sacred treasure? You say: To swear by the altar is not binding, but to swear by the offering on the altar is. How blind you are! Which is of more value: the offering on the altar or the altar which makes the offering sacred? Whoever swears by the altar is swearing by the altar and by everything on it. Whoever swears by the Temple is swearing by it and by God who dwells in the Temple. Whoever swears by heaven is swearing by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it."

Commentary
Words once spoken can never be taken back. Sometimes we must apologize for our words, but we can never retract them once they have been uttered.
Jesus' admonition about the solemn importance of oaths points directly to His own identity as the Word of God made flesh to dwell among us. God's Word, once spoken, is irrevocable. Jesus' mission is to establish a new and everlasting covenant, a pact about which God will never change His mind. Speaking the truth clearly and without compromise is the duty of those who follow Jesus, the Eternal Word.

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August 26
Tuesday

21st Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17

Brothers and sisters, let us speak about the coming of Christ Jesus, our Lord, and our gathering to meet him. Do not be easily unsettled. Do not be alarmed by what a prophet says or by any report, or by some letter said to be ours, saying the day of the Lord is at hand.
Do not let yourselves be deceived in any way.
To this end he called you through the gospel we preach, for he willed you to share the glory of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because of that, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions that we taught you by word or by letter. May Christ Jesus our Lord who has loved us, may God our Father, who in his mercy gives us everlasting comfort and true hope, strengthen you. May he encourage your hearts and make you steadfast in every good work and word.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13
The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:23-26

Jesus said, "Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You do not forget the mint, anise and cumin seeds when you pay the tenth of everything, but then you forget what is most fundamental in the Law: justice, mercy and faith. These you must practice, without neglecting the others. Blind guides! You strain out a mosquito, but swallow a camel.
"Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You fill the plate and the cup with theft and violence, and then pronounce a blessing over them. Blind Pharisee! Purify the inside first, then the outside too will be purified."

Commentary
Jesus' stern words to the Pharisees serve as a compelling reminder of the importance of living our faith with integrity and humility. God calls us to the wonderful life of grace not just so that we will have a sense of peace and well-being, but so that we can be of service to others by our lives of justice, mercy and faith. What we have received we are to give as a gift to others.
May we never be guilty of laying burdens on others, but may we always look for op-portunities to help others to make progress on the path of life.

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August 27
Wednesday

21st Week in Ordinary Time
Monica

First Reading: 2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18

We command you, beloved, to stay away from believers who are living in idleness contrary to the traditions we passed on to you. You know how you ought to follow our example: we worked while we were with you. Day and night we labored and toiled so as not to be a burden to any of you. We had the right to act otherwise, but we wanted to give you an example.
Besides, while we were with you, we said clearly: If anyone is not willing to work, neither should that one eat.
May the Lord of peace give you his peace at all times and in every way. May the Lord be with you all.
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is my signature in all my letters. This is how I write.
May the grace of Christ Jesus our Lord be with you.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 128:1-2, 4-5
Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:27-32

Jesus said, "Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs beautiful in appearance, but inside there are only dead bones and uncleanness. In the same way you appear as religious to others, but you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness within.
"Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. You say: Had we lived in the time of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in the blood of prophets. So, you yourselves confess to be kins of those who murdered the prophets. And now, finish off what your ancestors began!"

Commentary
Outward appearances can be deceptive, as we know so well. We can judge what is on the outside, but only God can judge the deep recesses of the human heart.
Our integrity is compromised when our outer appearance does not match what is going on within. We are guilty of hypocrisy when outward religiosity is not matched by deeds and words of kindness and mercy.
The Lord who judges also forgives. May we turn to Him with a contrite heart and invite Him to give us the grace that will effect within us inner renewal and ongoing conversion of life.

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August 28
Thursday

21st Week in Ordinary Time
Augustine

First Reading: 1 Cor 1:1-9

From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Sosthenes, our brother, to God's Church which is in Corinth; to you whom God has sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with those who everywhere call upon the name of our Lord Christ Jesus, their Lord and ours. Receive grace and peace from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I give thanks constantly to my God for you and for the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus. For you have been fully enriched in him with words as well as with knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you. You do not lack any spiritual gift and only await the glorious coming of Christ Jesus, our Lord. He will keep you steadfast to the end, and you will be without reproach on the day of the coming of our Lord Jesus. The faithful God will not fail you after calling you to this fellowship with his Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mt 24:42-51

Jesus said to his disciples, "Stay awake, then, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Just think about this: if the owner of the house knew that the thief would come by night around a certain hour, he would stay awake to prevent his house to be broken into. So be alert, for the Son of Man will come at the hour you least expect.
"Imagine a capable servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give them food at the proper time. Fortunate indeed is that servant whom his master will find at work when he comes. Truly, I say to you, his lord will entrust that one with everything he has.
"Not so with the bad servant who thinks: My master is delayed. And he begins ill-treating his fellow servants while eating and drinking with drunkards. But his master will come on the day he does not know and at the hour he least expects. He will dismiss that servant and deal with him as with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Commentary
The Lord gives to us the gift of free will. Yet freedom does not mean the license to do as we please. True freedom is the capacity to act in a way that corresponds to our human dignity and to our calling to be followers of the Lord.
We are given much freedom in this life, yet we are also given great responsibility. Happiness and holiness are to be found not in a life of licentious hedonism, but by daily putting into practice the Lord's will. When the day of the Lord comes, may He find us vigilant and alert.

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August 29
Friday

Beheading of John the Baptist

First Reading: Jer 1:17-19

The word of Yahweh came to me: But you, get ready for action; stand up and say to them all that I command you. Be not scared of them or I will scare you in their presence!
See, I will make you a fortified city, a pillar of iron with walls of bronze, against all the nations, against the kings and princes of Judah, against the priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but shall not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue you-it is Yahweh who speaks.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17
I will sing your salvation.

Gospel Reading: Mk 6:17-29

Herod had ordered John the Baptist to be arrested and had him bound and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her and John had told him, "It is not right for you to live with your brother's wife." So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not because Herod respected John. He knew John to be an upright and holy man and kept him safe. And he liked listening to him, although he became very disturbed whenever he heard him.
Herodias had her chance on Herod's birthday, when he gave a dinner for all the senior government officials, military chiefs and the leaders of Galilee. On that occasion the daughter of Herodias came in and danced; and she delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you." And he went so far as to say with many oaths, "I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom." She went out to consult her mother, "What shall I ask for?" The mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried to the king and made her request: "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish."
The king was very displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his guests because of his oaths. So he sent one of the bodyguards with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded John in prison; then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother. When John's disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and buried it.

Commentary
The capriciousness of a young girl put an end to John's voice, but not his message. Because they were from God, the words of John the Baptist continue to resonate in our day and age: words that speak of the need to repent of our sins and prepare the way of the Lord.
Goodness can be silenced, but it cannot be repressed. Like a cork submerged it keeps resurfacing, such is its power to endure. Though forces of evil do succeed at times in doing great harm to the Church their power is limited and their legacy is short. The Word of God lasts forever!

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August 30
Saturday

21st Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 Cor 1:26-31

Brothers and sisters, look and see whom God has called. Few among you can be said to be cultured or wealthy, and few belong to noble families. Yet God has chosen what the world considers foolish, to shame the wise; he has chosen what the world considers weak to shame the strong. God has chosen common and unimportant people, making use of what is nothing to nullify the things that are, so that no mortal may boast before God. But, by God's grace you are in Christ Jesus, who has become our wisdom from God, and who makes us just and holy and free. Scripture says: Let the one who boasts boast of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Gospel Reading: Mt 25:14-30

Jesus said to his disciples, "Imagine someone who, before going abroad, summoned his servants to entrust his property to them. He gave five talents of silver to one, then two to another, and one to a third, each one according to his ability; and he went away. He who received five talents went at once to do business with the money and gained another five. The one who received two did the same and gained another two. But the one with one talent dug a hole and hid his master's money.
"After a long time, the master of those servants returned and asked for a reckoning. The one who received five talents came with another five talents, saying: 'Lord, you entrusted me with five talents, but see I have gained five more with them.' The master answered: 'Very well, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful in a few things, I will entrust you with much more. Come and share the joy of your master.' Then the one who had two talents came and said: 'Lord, you entrusted me with two talents; I have two more which I gained with them.' The master said: 'Well, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful in little things, I will entrust you with much more. Come and share the joy of your master.'
"Finally, the one who had received one talent came and said: 'Master, I know that you are an exacting man. You reap what you have not sown and gather what you have not invested. I was afraid, so I hid your money in the ground. Here, take what is yours.' But his master replied: 'Wicked and worthless servant, you know that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not invested. Then you should have deposited my money in the bank, and you would have given it back to me with interest on my return.
"Therefore, take the talent from him, and give it to the one who has ten. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who are unproductive, even what they have will be taken from them. As for that useless servant, throw him out into the dark where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"

Commentary
Fear kept the man who had been given but one talent from doing more than hiding it away for safekeeping. His fear would be his undoing, for the master expected much better things from him.
What keeps us from investing ourselves in the work of the Lord? What keeps us from taking a risk in extending help to the needy or offering a word of kindness to someone who is downhearted? What do we have to fear in extending ourselves in loving service? Does not the Lord promise to remain with us always as our strength and our help?

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August 31
Sunday

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jer 20:7-9

Yahweh, you have seduced me and I let myself be seduced.
You have taken me by force and prevailed.
I have become a laughingstock all day long; they all make fun of me,
for every time I speak I have to shout, "Violence! Devastation!"
Yahweh's word has brought me insult and derision all day long.
So I decided to forget about him and speak no more in his name.
But his word in my heart becomes like a fire burning deep within my bones.
I try so hard to hold it in, but I cannot do it.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Second Reading: Rom 12:1-2

I beg you, dearly beloved, by the mercy of God, to give yourselves as a living and holy sacrifice pleasing to God: such is the worship of a rational being. Don't let yourselves be shaped by the world where you live, but rather be transformed through the renewal of your mind. You must discern the will of God: what is good, what pleases, what is perfect.

Gospel Reading: Mt 16:21-27

Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem; he would suffer many things from the Jewish authorities, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. He would be killed and be raised on the third day.
Then Peter took him aside and began to reproach him, "Never, Lord! No, this must never happen to you." But Jesus turned to him and said, "Get behind me, Satan! You would have me stumble. You are their king not as God does, but as people do."
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life for my sake will find it. What will one gain by winning the whole world if he destroys himself? There is nothing you can give to recover your own self.
"Know that the Son of Man will come in the Glory of his Father with the holy angels, and he will reward each one according to his deeds."

Commentary
We cannot follow the Lord without being influenced by Him, for he has a way of changing even the hardest of hearts. Many can use the words of Jeremiah to describe their relationship with Jesus: "You seduced me, Lord, and I let myself be seduced."
To follow Jesus is to imitate Him, even to the point of carrying His cross. To many this seems sheer foolishness, but faith tells us that this is the path of everlasting life. May His strength be ours as we face the challenges of life, and may ours be the consolation that only He can give.

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