Resources by Date for August 2022

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.

In today’s gospel, a Samaritan woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. When Jesus seems to hesitate, she shows perseverance and her request is granted.

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.

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.

The readings for 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C advise us to be prepared for we do not know when our time to move from this world to the next will come. Spiritual readiness is a theme for this weekend. Here are some ideas.

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.

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.

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.

The readings for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C tell us that discipleship can cause division and that we will have people pulling us in different directions. This is a time to discuss peer pressure and authenticity. It is important to develop relationships which support our faith journeys

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

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.

In today’s gospel, 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.

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who rewards wages to all of his laborers without regard to how much they have worked.

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet. First nobody responds. Then some who arrive are not respectful. Showing up to the feast is not enough.

In today’s gospel, 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.

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.

The readings for 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us consider who can be saved. This is a time to think about eternal life and if we are willing to work for it.

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.

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.

In today’s gospel, 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.

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.

In today’s gospel, helps us understand that we are here to serve God. He is the center of our world. It’s not about me.

In today’s gospel, ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom. The wise virgins are ready with plenty of oil, but the foolish virgins run out. They want the wise virgins to share what they have, but are refused.

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.

The readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us think about the order of things in the Kingdom of God. Do I put myself higher than other or am I willing to raise my brothers and sisters up so that all can experience the Kingdom of God on earth?

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.

This feast day is a memorial of the beheading of St. John the Baptist. Herod was fascinated by John. But when he threw a party and promised his daughter anything, she asked for the head of St. John the Baptist at the suggestion of her mother. Herod didn’t want to go back on his word and embarrass himself so he had the cousin of Jesus executed.

Jesus has true authority. Why? Because he knows who he is and he is secure in his relationship with the Father. This gives him the ability to get rid of what does not belong when he is confronted by a man who is possessed by a demon.

The gospel for today shows us a busy day in the life of Jesus. He preaches and teaches and heals. And he is busy. But how does he get ready for the next day? He prays.