JULY 26 Mon Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of Mary Memorial

Ex 32:15-24, 30-34/Mt 13:31-35 

27 Tue Weekday Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28/Mt 13:36-43

28 Wed Weekday.Ex 34:29-35/Mt 13:44-46 

29 Thu Saint Martha Memorial Ex 40:16-21, 34-38/Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42 

30 Fri Weekday [Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor)] Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37/Mt 13:54-58 

31 Sat Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest Memorial Lv 25:1, 8-17/Mt 14:1-12 

AUGUST 1 SUN EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY  Ex 16:2-4, 12-15/Eph 4:17, 20-24/Jn 6:24-30

The readings from Exodus and Leviticus we have for a good part of this week are reminders how important the events at Sinai were for the Jewish people and, consequently, for us. God enters into a covenant with his people and they receive a way of life. Still, they turn away to look on false gods. Moses intervenes for his errant people. I like his simple prayer: 

“If I find favor with you, O LORD, do come along in our company.This is indeed a stiff-necked people;  yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.”

Matthew’s gospel offers readings from Jesus’ lengthy teaching by the sea. His parables summarize what he taught during this public life. Simple and profound. On Saturday we have the account of the martyrdom of John the Baptist which prefigures the death of Jesus. 

Monday we celebrate Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary. Devotion to St. Anne appears in many popular novenas in our churches, asking her intercession. Then, faithful Martha is celebrated July 29th and Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits is remembered July 31st.