August 2024 is Year B in the Sunday liturgical cycle and Year 2 in the weekday cycle. See Mass readings resources for specific Sundays and feast days in for August 2024 here. Learn more about lectionary cycles from the USCCB.
Sundays and Holy Days in August 2024
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday August 4, 2024
The readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B emphasize the Eucharist as the bread from heaven and invite us to be renewed and transformed. They highlight the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment and focusing on the eternal rather than temporary worldly possessions.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday August 11, 2024
The Mass readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B highlight the themes of the Eucharist, perseverance, and finding strength in God. They emphasize how God sustains us and invite us to partake in the bread of life, trusting in His nourishment and not giving up in our faith journey.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday August 15, 2024
On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholics in the US attend Mass to commemorate Mary's passing and her body being taken up to heaven. The declaration of the Assumption as dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950 solidified the belief in this significant event in Catholic theology.
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday August 18, 2024
The readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B urge us to make wise choices that lead us towards spiritual life rather than spiritual death. They emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom, living in the Spirit, and recognizing the true goodness of the Lord. The readings challenge us to see beyond worldly perspectives and choose a path of eternal significance, finding happiness in our love for God and others.
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday August 25, 2024
The Mass readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B highlight the themes of discipleship, endurance, and the Eucharist. The readings challenge us to make a conscious choice to serve the Lord and persevere as His disciples, even when faced with difficult teachings or challenges. They also remind us of the spiritual nourishment found in the Eucharist, which sustains us in our journey of faith.
August 2024
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Alphonsus Liguori
St. Alphonsus Liguori was a 18th century Italian bishop and the founder of the Redemptorist order. He promoted simple homilies over the pompous sermons of the day. He believed in practicality in the confessional and was able to answer questions about everyday problems.Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
In the parables in the gospel for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:47-53), Jesus uses the images of good and bad fish and new and old treasures to teach valuable lessons about discernment and openness to change. In the sea, there are fish which are good for eating and those which are not. In our closets, we have new things and old things. We must learn to see what is useful in our lives and what is not.Friday August 2, 2024
Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus returns to his hometown and begins teaching in the synagogue. The people are amazed by his wisdom and miraculous powers, but their amazement quickly turns into skepticism and offense. They struggle to accept that the son of a carpenter, someone they knew so well, could possess such divine gifts and authority.Saturday August 3, 2024
Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Saturday of the 17th week in Ordinary Time, we hear of the death of John the Baptist. Like many martyrs, John had the audacity to speak truth to power.Sunday August 4, 2024
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B show that God gives us bread from heaven - the Eucharist. Once again these readings point to the Eucharist. The lure of material goods and worldly values is also a possible topic.Monday August 5, 2024
Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, we witness Jesus's unwavering compassion and miraculous compassion for the crowd. After hearing about the death of John the Baptist, Jesus seeks solitude in a solitary place. However, the people, eager for His healing and presence, follow Him from the towns on foot.Tuesday August 6, 2024
The Transfiguration of the Lord
August 6 is the Feast of the Transfiguration. This day commemorates the day Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, traditionally thought to be Mount Tabor. This is recounted in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Peter, James, and John witnessed the event.Wednesday August 7, 2024
Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, a Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. When Jesus seems to hesitate, she shows perseverance and her request is granted.Thursday August 8, 2024
St. Dominic
St. Dominic founded the Dominicans, which is known as the Order of Preachers (OP). They sought to educate through informed preaching. St.Dominic was inspired by the lifestyle of the early Christians as described in the Acts of the Apostles. He also preached and spread the devotion of the rosary.Friday August 9, 2024
Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for for Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time speaks to the heart of discipleship. In Matthew 16:24-2, Jesus urges his followers to take up their cross and follow him. He emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom. It's a call to embrace a life that's centered around Christ and his teachings, even if it means letting go of personal desires or comfort.Saturday August 10, 2024
St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence was a 3rd century martyr. He lived in Rome and as a deacon was responsible for distributing resources to the poor. When the prefect of Rome demanded that he bring him the treasures of the Church, he brought a group of the poor he had been serving, saying "These are the treasure of the Church."Sunday August 11, 2024
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B demonstrate that God sustains us. So these readings could lead to a discussion of the Eucharist or the importance of not giving up.Monday August 12, 2024
Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus predicts His death for the second time, linking it to the theme of His upcoming Passion. He does this in a very matter-of-fact way, giving the disciples a glimpse of His acceptance of the Father's will. For Catholics, this may inspire a willingness to accept God's will in our lives, even when it's difficult.Wednesday August 14, 2024
St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of families, journalists, prisoners, ant pro-life movement. His feast day is August 14.Wednesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for Wednesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Matthew 18:15-20, emphasizes reconciliation and forgiveness. Jesus lays out a clear process for dealing with disputes among His followers. Starting with a private conversation allows for a gentle approach to correction, preserving the dignity of the individual. For Catholics, this guidance stresses the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, even when addressing wrongdoing.Thursday August 15, 2024
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15 is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This holy day celebrates Mary's passing and being assumed into heaven.Friday August 16, 2024
Friday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
The Gospel for Friday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Matthew 19:3-12, is rich with teaching on marriage and relationships. The Pharisees' question about divorce leads Jesus to emphasize the sanctity and permanence of marriage. He refers to the creation story, highlighting that marriage is not merely a human contract but a divine covenant. For Catholics, this understanding elevates marriage to the level of a sacrament, reflecting the unbreakable bond between Christ and the Church.Saturday August 17, 2024
Sunday August 18, 2024
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B encourage us to be wise and not foolishly make choices which will lead us to spiritual death. This is a good time to speak about the virtue of wisdom and how we need the gifts of the Spirit to follow Jesus.Monday August 19, 2024
Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time starts with a rich young man approaching Jesus, asking, "What good deed must I do to have eternal life?" It's a question many of us might have, wanting to know the secret formula.Tuesday August 20, 2024
Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus tries to explain how difficult it is for us to save ourselves! It is impossible. So who can be saved? Only those who rely on God.St. Bernard of Clairvaux
St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a 12th century monk and theologian who was known for his ability to arbitrate disputes. He counseled kings and popes, yet valued the time he spent in prayer and contemplation. He wrote much on the Blessed Virgin Mary and is known for emphasizing the importance of Lectio Divina.Wednesday August 21, 2024
St. Pius X, Pope
St. Pius X was pope from 1903 to 1914. He strongly believed that frequent reception of the Eucharist should be promoted. He also encouraged children to receive Holy Communion and reduced the minimum age for reception of the Eucharist from 12 years old to 7 years old. He is sometimes called "Pope of the Blessed Sacrament".Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who rewards wages to all of his laborers without regard to how much they have worked.Thursday August 22, 2024
Queenship of Mary
This feast day celebrates the queenship of Mary. As the mother of Jesus Christ, the Lord of all creation, our Blessed Mother shares in his royal heritage. Mary's queenship foreshadows the glory in heaven which awaits all of us who recognize her son as ruler of the universe.Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet. First nobody responds. Then one man who arrives is not respectful. Showing up to the feast is not enough.Friday August 23, 2024
Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus answers a question about which law is the most important. He tells us that our primary purpose is to love God. We demonstrate that we understand that by loving each other.Saturday August 24, 2024
St. Bartholomew, Apostle
St. Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned several times in the synoptic gospels. He is also widely thought to be the person identified as Nathaniel in the Gospel of John. After the resurrection of Jesus, he is one of the apostles who saw our risen Lord at the Sea of Galilee. He went on to evangelize in Asia Minor and was martyred.Sunday August 25, 2024
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us that discipleship is a choice. In the first reading Joshua challenges the Israelites to decide if they will serve the Lord or pagan gods. In the gospel, some of Jesus' followers walk away because they cannot accept what he is saying.Monday August 26, 2024
Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Matthew 23:13-22, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of his time for hypocrisy and for leading people away from God rather than toward Him. He points out their focus on minute details and rituals while ignoring the larger, more important issues like justice and mercy.Tuesday August 27, 2024
St. Monica
St. Monica was the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo. She was married to a pagan who was a cruel man and who would not allow her to baptize their children. She prayed for her husband and mother-in-law and eventually they converted. Augustine lived a worldly life and had no interest in practicing his mother's Christian faith. St. Monica persisted in prayer and fasting, and eventually her son not only became a fervent Christian, but became energized about spreading the faith.Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Tuesday of the 21st week in Ordinary Time, Jesus warns the Pharisees that they don't really know what is sin in their lives. They pay attention to the little details but they miss the big picture.Wednesday August 28, 2024
St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor
St. Augustine of Hippo was born in North Africa. He spent his youth living wildly but then converted to Christianity after his mother, St. Monica, prayed for him for years. He became a priest and then later a bishop. His his extensive writings make him a doctor of the Church. After his conversion he preached and lived a life of poverty.Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Matthew 23:27-32, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and teachers of the law, likening them to "whitewashed tombs," which look good on the outside but are filled with decay. He points out the disconnect between their external piety and their internal moral state, emphasizing the importance of internal sincerity.Thursday August 29, 2024
The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
In commemorating the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, we honor his sacrifices and remember his vital role in heralding the arrival of Jesus Christ. This occasion invites us to contemplate the values he embodied and to draw inspiration from his resolute commitment to his convictions.Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Matthew 24:42-51 talks about the need for watchfulness, as the timing of the "end of days" is unknown. The text uses the analogy of a master and his servants to illustrate the consequences of being prepared versus being careless. The faithful servant who is vigilant is rewarded, while the negligent one is punished.Friday August 30, 2024
Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is Matthew 25:1-13, also known as the Parable of the Ten Virgins. It serves as a cautionary tale about being vigilant and making wise choices, especially when it comes to your own spiritual journey. It emphasizes that waiting for a last-minute "fix" in matters of faith might lead to disappointment. Just as the five wise women couldn't share their extra lamp oil, there are aspects of spirituality that can't be borrowed from others.Saturday August 31, 2024
Saturday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for Saturday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Matthew 25:14-30, is known as the Parable of the Talents. The passage centers on a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of talents (a form of currency). Upon his return, the master rewards the servants who invested and increased their talents, while the one who hid his talent out of fear is punished.
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