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Daily Readings

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

Ordinary TimeOptional MemorialWhite

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori
First Reading

Romans 8:1-4

Brothers and sisters:
Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus
has freed you from the law of sin and death.
For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do,
this God has done:
by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh
and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.

Thanks be to God

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Lord, teach me your statutes.

Verse: How shall a young man be faultless in his way?    
By keeping to your words.

Response: Lord, teach me your statutes.

Verse: With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands.

Response: Lord, teach me your statutes.

Verse: Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.

Response: Lord, teach me your statutes.

Verse: Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.

Response: Lord, teach me your statutes.

Verse: With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.

Response: Lord, teach me your statutes.

Verse: In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.

Response: Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 5:16
Alleluia, alleluia.

Verse: Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Response: Alleluia, alleluia.

The Holy Gospel

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."

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.