July 2023: Mass Readings and Resources

The readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourage us to make our relationship with God first in all we do. So discipleship, baptism, and redemption are good themes for this weekend’s readings.

St. Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is perhaps best known as Doubting Thomas. When the resurrected Jesus appeared in the upper room, Thomas was not there. The apostles told him about it, but he said Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. When Jesus appeared again, he invited Thomas to touch the marks. St. Thomas replied with a profession of faith: My Lord and my God!.

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati loved to climb mountains. He served the poor with the same enthusiasm which he participated in this athletic activity. The phrase verso l’alto is often associated with Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati. It means to the heights. It refers to the desire to reach the summit of eternal life. He is called Man of the Eight Beatitudes because of his holiness.

On Independence Day, we celebrate the many freedoms we enjoy living in the United States and remember the sacrifices made so that we can live in our democracy. We recount our many blessings and consider how we can share them so that all can live free with the opportunities we have.

St. Maria Goretti is an Italian martyr. One day, a young man made sexual advances to her. When she resisted him, he stabbed her fourteen times. At the hospital, before she died, she forgave him. Her feast day is July 6. She is the patron saint of victims of rape and crime, teenage girls, and modern youth.

The readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourage us to praise God for all of the blessings in our lives. Prayer, especially praise, relationship with Jesus, and letting go of our burdens are all possible themes for this weekend’s readings. Here are some ideas.

St. Benedict was a monk who founded a dozen monasteries in the 5th century. He was also the twin brother of St. Scholastica. Benedict is primarily known for writing a set of rules which monks follow.

July 14 is the feast day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha , the first Native American saint to be canonized. She is the patron saint of ecology, environmentalism, those who have lost their parents, people in exile, and Native Americans.

St. Bonaventure was a 13 century Franciscan. He was a man of prayer known for his embrace of simplicity and poverty. When he was made a cardinal in 1273 he refused to wear the traditional red hat of a cardinal. Instead he left it hanging on a bush!

The readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A tell of how our relationship with God helps us grow, which in turn allows our lives to bear fruit. Discipleship, scripture, and evangelization are some possible themes for this week. Here are some ideas.

St. Mary Magdalene was one of the disciples of Jesus. She was probably wealthy and provided financial support for his ministry. She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion and burial and was one of the first witnesses to his resurrection.

The readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A are focused on the Kingdom of God. This could include the Corporal Works of Mercy and social justice topics. Here are some ideas.

The readings for Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 remind us that we must walk humbly with God. We would like signs and certainty. But instead we must trust in God.

St. James is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the brother of St. John the Evangelist. They were nicknamed The Sons of Thunder. They were fishing with their father Zebedee when Jesus called them to follow him. St. James was one of the three apostles to witness the transfiguration of Jesus.

In the readings for Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. Some seed fell on good ground. We must prepare ourselves so that the Lord’s message can take root in us.

In the gospel for Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus explains parables. He uses these humorous and unusual stories to challenge us and help us think in new ways. They provide a pathway to understand mysteries which are beyond our comprehension.

St. Martha is the sister of St. Lazarus and St. Mary. This family lived in Bethany and were close friends of Jesus.

The readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A are about the wisdom of God which is very different from the wisdom of the world. So possible topics include considering what is most important in our lives, putting God first, and rejecting worldly values. Here are some discussion activities, games, and resources.

St. Ignatius of Loyola is the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. He was pursuing a career in the military when a cannonball shattered his leg. While recovering, he discovered that reflecting on the things of this world, such as fame and romance, only brought him temporary pleasure. Reading about the lives of the saints and thinking about serving Jesus Christ brought him lasting happiness.