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July 2023: Mass Readings and Resources

July 2023 is Year A in the Sunday liturgical cycle and Year 1 in the weekday cycle. See Mass readings resources for specific Sundays and feast days in July 2023 here. Learn more about lectionary cycles from the USCCB.

Sundays and Holy Days in July 2023

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday July 2, 2023

The readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time teach us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. The stories and verses emphasize the importance of hospitality, recognizing God's goodness, and selfless devotion to Jesus.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday July 9, 2023

The readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us to be grateful for God's blessings. They speak of the coming Kingdom of God, living by the Spirit, and finding rest in Jesus. These passages encourage us to praise God and trust in His guidance during challenging times.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday July 16, 2023


The readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time highlight the importance of our relationship with God in nurturing our growth and bearing fruit in life. They emphasize that God's Word is like nourishing rain, preparing us for a new creation. In the gospel, Jesus tells a parable about the sower and teaches us to be receptive to God's Word with open hearts.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday July 23, 2023


The readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time emphasize the Kingdom of God. They teach us about God's desire for justice and kindness, the Spirit's help in our weaknesses, and the parables that illustrate the growth and impact of the Kingdom. These passages invite us to understand and embrace the values and principles of God's Kingdom.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday July 30, 2023

The readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on the wisdom and purpose of God. They teach us about the value of understanding and following God's commands, and how all things work together for the good of those who love God. In the gospel, Jesus presents parables that illustrate the priceless worth of the Kingdom of Heaven. These passages encourage us to seek God's wisdom, cherish His commands, and prioritize His purpose in our lives.

July 2023

July 2023

Click on the title for Mass readings for the day, resources, homilies, reflections, and more.

Saturday July 1, 2023

Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for for Saturday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time, we witness several remarkable healings performed by Jesus. The first encounter involves a centurion, a Roman military officer, who approaches Jesus with deep concern for his paralyzed servant. The centurion's faith shines through as he acknowledges Jesus' authority and power, recognizing that Jesus can heal his servant without even being physically present. Jesus commends the centurion's faith, amazed by his understanding of authority and trust in Jesus' ability to heal.

Sunday July 2, 2023

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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.

Monday July 3, 2023

St. Thomas, Apostle

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!".

Tuesday July 4, 2023

Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 13th week in Ordinary Time, we witness a powerful demonstration of Jesus's authority over nature. While Jesus and His disciples were in a boat, a fierce storm arose on the lake, causing great fear and danger. Despite the intensity of the storm, Jesus remained asleep. The terrified disciples woke Him, pleading for salvation from the impending disaster.

Independence Day

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.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

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.

Wednesday July 5, 2023

Wednesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 13th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus encounters two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes. These men were living in a state of torment and violence, causing fear and chaos in the community. As Jesus approaches them, the demons recognize Him as the Son of God and express their fear of His power and authority.

Thursday July 6, 2023

St. Maria Goretti

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.

Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Thursday of the 13th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus encounters a paralyzed man brought to him by some caring individuals. Jesus sees their faith and responds by addressing the paralyzed man, saying, "Take heart, son\; your sins are forgiven."

Friday July 7, 2023

Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, we witness Jesus's encounter with Matthew, a tax collector. Tax collectors were often seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors and were considered social outcasts. Yet Jesus extends an invitation to Matthew, saying, "Follow me." Matthew responds by leaving his tax collector's booth and becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Saturday July 8, 2023

Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, John's disciples question Jesus about fasting. They observe that both they and the Pharisees fast regularly, while Jesus's disciples do not. Jesus responds with two parables to explain the difference in their practices.

Sunday July 9, 2023

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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.

Monday July 10, 2023

Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, we witness two powerful healing encounters that demonstrate Jesus's authority and compassion. A synagogue leader approaches Jesus, humbly seeking his help as his daughter has just died. He believes that if Jesus lays his hand on her, she will come back to life. Jesus responds to the man's faith and accompanies him to his home.

Tuesday July 11, 2023

St. Benedict

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.

Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 14th week in Ordinary Time, we witness Jesus's continuous ministry of healing and teaching. A man who was demon-possessed and unable to speak is brought to Jesus, and with the driving out of the demon, the man is able to speak again. The crowd marvels at this miraculous healing, recognizing it as something unprecedented.

Wednesday July 12, 2023

Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 14th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus selects and commissions his twelve disciples, empowering them with authority to drive out demons and heal diseases. The twelve apostles are named, representing a diverse group of individuals who would play significant roles in spreading the message of Jesus.

Thursday July 13, 2023

Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus continues instructing his disciples on their mission as he sends them out. He charges them to proclaim the message that the kingdom of heaven has come near. Furthermore, he commissions them with the authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons, empowering them to bring tangible manifestations of God's kingdom.

Friday July 14, 2023

Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Friday of the 14th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus prepares his disciples for the challenges they will face as they proclaim the message of the kingdom. He describes the difficult and hostile environment they will encounter, using the metaphor of sheep among wolves. Jesus urges them to be both shrewd and innocent in their dealings with others.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

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.

Saturday July 15, 2023

Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

In the Gospel for Saturday of the 14th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus encourages his disciples by reminding them of the relationship between a teacher and his students, and a master and his servants. He tells them that if he, the master, has been accused and slandered, they can expect similar treatment as his followers.

St. Bonaventure

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!

Sunday July 16, 2023

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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.

Monday July 17, 2023

Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus shares a challenging message with his disciples. He speaks about the divisive nature of his mission, explaining that his coming will not always bring peace but may cause conflicts even within families. Jesus's teachings and presence may lead to tensions and disagreements, as some will choose to follow him wholeheartedly, while others may reject him.

Tuesday July 18, 2023

Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus denounces the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance, despite witnessing many of his miracles. He expresses deep disappointment and warns of the severe consequences they will face on the day of judgment.

Wednesday July 19, 2023

Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus offers a prayer of praise and gratitude to the Father. He acknowledges that the Father has chosen to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom not to the wise and learned, but to those who are humble and childlike in their approach.

Thursday July 20, 2023

Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

In the comforting Gospel passage for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus extends a compassionate invitation to all who are weary and burdened. He offers rest to those who feel weighed down by the struggles and challenges of life. Jesus acknowledges our human limitations and graciously invites us to come to him for solace and refreshment.

Friday July 21, 2023

Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus encounters opposition from the Pharisees regarding the actions of his disciples on the Sabbath. The disciples, feeling hungry, pluck heads of grain and eat them as they pass through the grain fields. The Pharisees, strictly observing Sabbath regulations, accuse Jesus's disciples of breaking the law.

Saturday July 22, 2023

St. Mary Magdalene: The Apostle to the Apostles

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.

Sunday July 23, 2023

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

On the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the focus is on the Kingdom of Goda realm characterized by justice, kindness, and the power of faith. The First Reading reminds us of God's desire for justice and His guidance in living with kindness. In the Second Reading, we find solace in the Holy Spirit's support, aiding us in our moments of weakness. The Gospel parables further illuminate the Kingdom of God, where Jesus illustrates the coexistence of good and evil, the growth from humble beginnings, and the transformative influence of faith. As we contemplate the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, let us embrace the beauty of God's Kingdom, seeking to spread justice, kindness, and faith in our lives and communities.

Monday July 24, 2023

Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

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.

Tuesday July 25, 2023

St. James the Greater, Apostle

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.

Wednesday July 26, 2023

Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

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.

Thursday July 27, 2023

Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

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.

Friday July 28, 2023

Saturday July 29, 2023

Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus

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

Saturday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Saturday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and weeds. Sometimes I can't see the evil in my life right away. What seems good at first can grow into something sinful.

Sunday July 30, 2023

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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.

Monday July 31, 2023

Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

In the parables for Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus uses vivid and relatable images to describe the nature of the kingdom of heaven. In the first parable of the mustard seed, Jesus compares the kingdom to a tiny seed that grows into a large tree, providing shelter and sustenance for birds. Despite its humble beginnings, the kingdom of heaven has the potential for expansive and impactful growth, welcoming all who seek refuge and life in its branches. (Matthew 13:31-35)

St. Ignatius of Loyola

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.

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