August 1 Mon Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Memorial Jer 28:1-17/Mt 14:13-21

2 Tue Weekday [Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop; Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Priest]

Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22/Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14 

3 Wed Weekday Jer 31:1-7/Mt 15:21-28 

4 Thu Saint John Vianney, Priest Memoria  Jer 31:31-34/Mt 16:13-23 

5 Fri Weekday [The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major]

Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7/Mt 16:24-28 

6 Sat The Transfiguration of the Lord Feast Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Lk 9:28b-36 

7 SUN NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Wis 18:6-9/Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12/Lk 12:32-48 or 12:35-40 

Readings this week from Matthew’s gospel, chapters 14-17 offer the first of Matthew’s accounts of the miracle of the loaves and fish, the cure of the daughter of the Canaanite woman, the miracle of the storm at sea, and the confession of faith led by Peter. Matthew follows Mark’s narrative but softens Mark’s picture of the disciples and is less harsh on them for their unbelief.  

Most of the week we read from the Prophet Jeremiah and Nahum, from the time of the fall of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Of all the prophets, Jeremiah appears closest to Jesus, the Suffering Servant.

August 6th is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus, a feast originally celebrated by the eastern churches, then adopted by the western church. The feast is linked to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, September 14th.

August 4th is the feast of John Vianney, patron of parish priests.

August 5 we celebrate The dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the most important church in Rome dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Some of the first feasts of the Christmas celebration were celebrated here. Mary plays an important role in the mysteries of Jesus Christ.