JULY 31 Mon St Ignatius of Loyola, Ex 32:15-24, 30-34/Mt 13:31-35 

AUGUST 1 Tue St Alphonsus Liguori, Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28/Mt 13:36-43 

2 Wed Weekday [St Eusebius of Vercelli; St Peter Julian Eymard ] Ex 34:29-35/Mt 13:44-46

3 Thu Weekday Ex 40:16-21, 34-38/Mt 13:47-53 

4 Fri St John Vianney Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37/Mt 13:54-58 

5 Sat Weekday [Dedication of Saint Mary Major; BVM] Lv 25:1, 8-17/Mt 14:1-12

6 SUN TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Mt 17:1-9 

Readings from Exodus and Leviticus this week remind us how important the events at Sinai were for the Jewish people and, consequently, for us. God enters into a covenant with his people who receive a way of life. Still, they turn away looking for 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.”

Jesus, High Priest of the new covenant and the new Moses, intercedes for us .

Matthew’s gospel this week offers readings from Jesus’ lengthy teaching by the sea. Parables summarize what he taught during his public life. At this point in the gospel, as Jesus faces increasing opposition, his disciples aware of the gathering storm ask about the meaning of the parable of the weeds and the wheat, a parable about the persistent power of evil in the world.(Tuesday)

Matthew’s readings conclude with the death of John the Baptist, (Saturday), a sign of Jesus’ approaching death. 

St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. John Vianney are important saints celebrated this week.

Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Lord’s Transfiguration, which we can see linked to the Feast of Mary’s Assumption on August 15th.

Readings at : www.usccb.org