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Daily Readings

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

Ordinary TimeOptional MemorialWhite

Today's Mass Readings
First Reading

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24

The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people,
“This man deserves death;
he has prophesied against this city,
as you have heard with your own ears.”
Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people:
“It was the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and city
all that you have heard.
Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds;
listen to the voice of the LORD your God,
so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you.
As for me, I am in your hands; 
do with me what you think good and right.
But mark well: if you put me to death,
it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves,
on this city and its citizens.
For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you,
to speak all these things for you to hear.”Thereupon the princes and all the people
said to the priests and the prophets,
“This man does not deserve death;
it is in the name of the LORD, our God, that he speaks to us.” So Ahikam, son of Shaphan, protected Jeremiah,
so that he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Thanks be to God

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34
Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Verse: Rescue me out of the mire; may I not sink!
may I be rescued from my foes,
and from the watery depths.
Let not the flood-waters overwhelm me,
nor the abyss swallow me up,
nor the pit close its mouth over me.

Response: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Verse: But I am afflicted and in pain;
let your saving help, O God, protect me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.

Response: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Verse: “See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.”

Response: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 5:10
Alleluia, alleluia.

Verse: Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Response: Alleluia, alleluia.

The Holy Gospel

Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said,
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,
who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

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.