Sunday, August 04, 2013 (Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)
READINGS
First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Psalm: Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
REFLECTIONS
The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his Creator.
-- Gaudium et spes
Monday, August 05, 2013 [Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome (Optional Memorial)]
READINGS
First Reading: Numbers 11:4-15
Psalm: Psalm 81:12-17
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
REFLECTION
When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete.
-- St. Augustine
Tuesday, August 06, 2013 [The Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast)]
READINGS
First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm: Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-19
Gospel:Luke 9:28-36
REFLECTION
It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.
-- Dei Verbum
Wednesday, August 07, 2013 (Weekday)
READINGS
First Reading: Numbers 13:1-2, 25 -- 14:1, 26-29, 34-35
Psalm: Psalm 106:6-7, 13-14, 21-23
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
REFLECTION
Belief in the Eucharist is a treasure we must seek by submissiveness, preserve by piety, and defend at any cost. Not to believe in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest of misfortunes.
-- St Peter Emyard
Thursday, August 08, 2013 [Holy Father Dominic, Priest, Founder of the Order of Preachers (Feast)]
READINGS
First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Psalm: Psalm 37:3-6, 30-31
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
REFLECTION
Behold a great priest who in his days pleased the Lord, and was found righteous; and in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world.
-- Ecclus 44:16
Friday, August 09, 2013 [St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin and Martyr (Optional Memorial)]
READINGS
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Psalm: Psalm 77:12-16, 21
Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28
REFLECTION
I have found David My servant, with My holy oil I have anointed him; for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall strengthen him. The enemy shall have no advantage over him, and the son of iniquity shall not hurt him.
-- Psalm 88: 21-23
Saturday, August 10, 2013 [St. Lawrence, Deacon, Martyr (Feast)]
READINGS
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9
Gospel: John 12:24-26
REFLECTION
Consequently, methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made them what they are.
-- Gaudium et Spes
