Daily Gospel

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Ordinary TimeOptional MemorialWhite

Matthew 5:13-19

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."

The Gospel of the Lord,

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

ReflectionReflection Guide

The death of John the Baptist reminds us that speaking the truth often comes at a cost. John remained faithful to God even when it was difficult, and he refused to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. His courage challenges us because we know how easy it is to stay quiet when honesty is inconvenient or when standing up for what is right may lead to criticism, rejection, or sacrifice.

As we begin the first day of August, this Gospel invites us to ask ourselves what kind of witness we want to be in the days ahead. A new month often brings new plans, new hopes, and new opportunities, but it also brings new responsibilities. Like Saint John the Baptist, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord, not only through our words but also through the way we live. May this new month find us growing in faith, courage, humility, and love, trusting that God will continue to guide us every step of the way.


August Prayer

Lord, thank You for the blessings, lessons, joys, and struggles of the past month. As we begin August, fill our hearts with renewed hope and strengthen us to follow Your will each day. Grant us the wisdom to make good decisions, the courage to do what is right, and the grace to become instruments of Your love wherever You send us.

Bless our families, our work, our studies, our communities, and the dreams You have placed in our hearts. May this new month be an opportunity to grow closer to You and to become a blessing to others. Amen.

Gospel Reflection Cloud

What word or message speaks to you today?

Share a word or short phrase that expresses what you feel about today's Gospel, what you reflect on about the message. Example: trust, listen more, choose what matters...