JULY 18 Mon Weekday [USA: St Camillus, Priest] Mi 6:1-4, 6-8/Mt 12:38-42 

19 Tue Weekday Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/Mt 12:46-50 (396)

20 Wed Weekday [St Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr] Jer 1:1, 4-10/Mt 13:1-9 

21 Thu Weekday [St Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church]

Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13/Mt 13:10-17 

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

23 Sat Weekday [St Bridget, Religious] Jer 7:1-11/Mt 13:24-30 )

24 SUN 17th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Gn 18:20-32/Col 2:12-14/Lk 11:1-13 

Chapters 12-13 of Mathew’s gospel continue to describe the opposition Jesus faces  after he was welcomed at the beginning of his ministry.

We’re reading from the Prophet Micah this week, who championed the cause of immigrants. Immigration is a hot topic today. Let’s listen to this prophet.

For the next week or so, we’ll be reading the Prophet Jeremiah in our lectionary. Born about 650 BC,  Jeremiah spoke to the Kingdom of Judah during its final tumultuous days before the Babylonians captured Jerusalem in 598 BC and took away its leading citizens into exile in Babylon.

He wasn’t accepted during his lifetime; his influence grew only after his death as Jewish exiles reflected on his words and actions. He’s seen as a figure of Jesus.

Mary Magdalen is the major saint we celebrate this week. Her feast was raised in importance by Pope Francis his year. She’s an “apostle to the apostles.”