20 Tue Weekday [Saint Apollinaris, Martyr] Ex 14:21—15:1/Mt 12:46-50 

21 Wed Weekday ([Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church]

Ex 16:1-5, 9-15/Mt 13:1-9 

22 Thu Saint Mary Magdalene Feast Sg 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:14-17/Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 

23 Fri Weekday [Saint Bridget] Ex 20:1-17/Mt 13:18-23 

24 Sat Weekday [Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest] Ex 24:3-8/Mt 13:24-30

24 Saturday, The Martyrs of Damiel,   

25 SUN SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

2 Kgs 4:42-44/Eph 4:1-6/Jn 6:1-15 

We join Moses and the Israelites in their release from Egypt and Pharaoh’s chains in our first readings this week. The people wonder if could all be true. Don’t miss their doubt. We wonder too at the great mercy of God.

The gospel readings from Matthew are Jesus’ response to the lack of faith he finds. He teaches the parables of the seed, the weeds and the wheat.

Mary Magdalene, the apostle to the apostles, has her feast on July 22. She is a good saint remember. Jesus appeared to her first after his resurrection, the gospel says. She brings us news of what she saw.

Other saints this week are good to remember too. Bridget of Sweden, another strong woman, is remembered July 23rd. She was a strong advocate of the popes. May she strengthen Pope Francis these days.

And may St.Sharbel Makluf from Lebanon strengthen that nation experiencing such pain today.

The Passionists remember on July 24, the Martyrs of Damiel, 26 religious killed in the Spanish Civil War. An inspiring story.

For morning and evening prayer, see here.  Week 4