The weekday readings from Matthew’s gospel this week are parables Jesus taught his disciples as he faces growing opposition. We closed last week on Saturday with his parable of the weeds and the wheat. A parable for understanding hard times. 

This Saturday our reading recalls the death of John the Baptist, which foreshadows the death of Jesus. Another reading for understanding hard times.

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.”

July 29th we celebrate the family that welcomed Jesus to their home in Bethany: Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus. This feast gives these friends of Jesus recognition in our calendar they did not have before; at the same time the feast separates the various Marys in the gospel accounts.

St, Ignatius Loyola and St, Alphonsus Liguorii are important saints of the church after the reformation.