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August 2023: Mass Readings and Resources

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

Sundays and Holy Days in August 2023

The Transfiguration of the Lord
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The Transfiguration of the Lord

Sunday August 6, 2023

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. This event is a foreshadowing of heaven, when we will see God face to face in all of His glory.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday August 13, 2023

The readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A show us that God is Lord over all of the earth. This might be a good time to talk about how we can let Jesus be Lord in our own lives. There is also a theme of recognizing God.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tuesday August 15, 2023

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.

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday August 20, 2023

The readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A highlight that God wills all of the world to be saved. So here we can talk about being inclusive and wanting all people to be joined in the Kingdom of God.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday August 27, 2023

The readings for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A remind us that God’s wisdom is not the same as our own wisdom. Possible topics for this Sunday are Church authority, faith, and prayer. Here are some ideas.

August 2023

August 2023

Click on the title for Mass readings for the day, resources, homilies, reflections, and more.
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Tuesday August 1, 2023

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.

Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

In the parable of the wheat and weeds, explained by Jesus in the gospel for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:36-43), we encounter a powerful reminder of the reality of the end times. Jesus emphasizes the urgency to grow like wheat, drawing closer to the Lord and living according to His will.

Wednesday August 2, 2023

Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

In the parables of the buried treasure and the pearl of great price from the gospel for for Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:44-46), Jesus presents two different scenarios of encountering the Kingdom of God. In the first parable, a man stumbles upon a hidden treasure while working in a field, and in the second, a wealthy merchant actively searches for a valuable pearl.

Thursday August 3, 2023

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 4, 2023

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.

St. John Vianney

St. John Vianney was known for his holiness, his dedication to our Blessed Mother, and his reputation as a confessor. He is the patron saint of parish priests. His feast day is August 4. He is also called The Cure of Ars.

Saturday August 5, 2023

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 6, 2023

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.

Monday August 7, 2023

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 8, 2023

Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time, The disciples are being storm tossed in a boat and are terrified. But Jesus comes to them and calms the storm.

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.

Wednesday August 9, 2023

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 10, 2023

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."

Friday August 11, 2023

St. Clare of Assisi

St. Clare of Assisi was one of the first people to follow St. Francis of Assisi. She founded the Poor Clares Order. She embraced a rule of poverty, austerity, and seclusion.

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 12, 2023

Saturday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel for Saturday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time highlights a remarkable episode where Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon. The disciples had tried to heal the boy but were unable to do so. When the boy's father brings him to Jesus, the father expresses his faith but also acknowledges his doubts. Jesus' response, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move," is a powerful reminder of the potency of even the smallest amount of faith.

Sunday August 13, 2023

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A show us that God is Lord over all of the earth. This might be a good time to talk about how we can let Jesus be Lord in our own lives. There is also a theme of recognizing God.

Monday August 14, 2023

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.

St. Maximilian Kolbe

St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of families, journalists, prisoners, ant pro-life movement. His feast day is August 14.

Tuesday August 15, 2023

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.

Wednesday August 16, 2023

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 17, 2023

Thursday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time

Peter's question in the Gospel for Thursday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time reflects a very human concern with fairness and limits. His suggestion of forgiving seven times seems generous, but Jesus takes it much further, saying "seventy-seven times." This isn't a literal number but symbolizes limitless forgiveness. We are thus called to an endless capacity to forgive, just as God endlessly forgives us.

Friday August 18, 2023

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 19, 2023

Sunday August 20, 2023

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlight that God wills all of the world to be saved. So here we can talk about being inclusive and wanting all people to be joined in the Kingdom of God.

Monday August 21, 2023

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.

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".

Tuesday August 22, 2023

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.

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.

Wednesday August 23, 2023

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 24, 2023

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.

Friday August 25, 2023

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 26, 2023

Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus begins by addressing the crowd and His disciples about the scribes and Pharisees. He points out their authority but criticizes their hypocrisy. For Catholics, this serves as a warning against empty rituals and superficial faith. It's a call to live authentically, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs.

Sunday August 27, 2023

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind us that God's wisdom is not the same as our own wisdom. Possible topics for this Sunday are Church authority, faith, and prayer. Here are some ideas.

Monday August 28, 2023

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.

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 29, 2023

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.

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 30, 2023

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 31, 2023

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.

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