25 Mon Saint James, Apostle Feast 2 Cor 4:7-15/Mt 20:20-28

26 Tue Sts Joachim and Anne, Parents of Mary Memorial Jer 14:17-22/Mt 13:36-43 

27 Wed Weekday Jer 15:10, 16-21/Mt 13:44-46 

28 Thu Weekday Jer 18:1-6/Mt 13:47-53 

29 Fri Sts Martha, Mary and Lazarus Memorial Jer 26:1-9 /Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42 

30 Sat Weekday [St Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor] Jer 26:11-16, 24/Mt 14:1-12 

31 SUN 18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23/Col 3:1-5, 9-11/Lk 12:13-21 

The weekday readings from Matthew’s gospel this week are parables Jesus taught his disciples as opposition to him mounts. His disciples look for an explanation of Jesus’ parable of the weeds, especially. A parable for understanding hard times. 

Saturday’s reading is the report of the death of John the Baptist, which foreshadows the death of Jesus.

The Old Testament readings weekdays are from the Prophet Jeremiah. Like Jesus, he was rejected in his time.

July 25th is the Feast of St.James, the apostle celebrated this month. July 26 is the popular feast of Joachim and Ann, parents of Mary. July 29th we celebrate the family that welcomed Jesus to their home in Bethany: Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus.