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August 1, 2025 – Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 13:54–58
Context: In Nazareth, Jesus teaches in the synagogue, astonishing the crowd with his wisdom. Familiarity with his family leads to scepticism, as locals question his authority, rooted in Jewish expectations of prophets. Their unbelief limits his miracles, highlighting the challenge of faith in a close-knit community.
Word: “A prophet is not without honour except in his native place and in his own house.” (Mt 13:57)

• Engage 1: Jesus perseveres despite rejection.
• Incidents: Teaching in Capernaum despite scribes’ doubts (Mk 2:6–7); preaching after John’s arrest (Mt 4:12–17).
• Engage 2: Jesus stays committed to his calling.
• Incidents: Continuing ministry in Galilee (Mt 4:23); facing opposition in Jerusalem (Jn 5:16–18).

August 2, 2025 – Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 14:1–12
Context: In Galilee, Herod executes John the Baptist, prompted by Herodias’ grudge. Jesus, hearing of John’s death, withdraws by boat, but crowds follow him. His compassion leads to healing the sick, reflecting Jewish expectations of a Messiah who cares for the suffering.
Word: “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” (Mt 14:14)

• Engage 1: Jesus responds with compassion to human need.
• Incidents: Healing the leper with compassion (Mk 1:40–41); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).
• Engage 2: Jesus prioritises service over personal rest.
• Incidents: Ministering despite seeking solitude (Mt 14:13–14); serving crowds after John’s death (Mk 6:34).

August 3, 2025 – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 12:13–21
Context: In Judea, a man asks Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute. Jesus responds with the parable of the rich fool, who hoards wealth but dies unexpectedly, reflecting Jewish concerns about wealth and divine judgement. The teaching emphasises spiritual priorities over material gain.
Word: “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Lk 12:15)

• Engage 1: Jesus warns against selfish greed.
• Incidents: Teaching against storing earthly treasures (Mt 6:19–21); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).
• Engage 2: Jesus promotes trust in God’s provision.
• Incidents: Urging reliance on God (Lk 12:22–24); teaching to seek the Kingdom (Mt 6:33).

August 4, 2025 – Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 14:13–21
Context: In a deserted place in Galilee, Jesus feeds five thousand men, plus women and children, with five loaves and two fish. This miracle, echoing the Exodus manna, amazes the Jewish crowd, who see divine provision in the abundant leftovers.
Word: “They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full.” (Mt 14:20)

• Engage 1: Jesus provides generously for needs.
• Incidents: Feeding the four thousand (Mt 15:32–38); praising the widow’s offering (Mk 12:43–44).
• Engage 2: Jesus shows care through action.
• Incidents: Feeding the hungry crowd (Mt 14:19–20); healing the blind men (Mt 9:29–30).

August 5, 2025 – Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 14:22–36
Context: On the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walks on water during a storm, calming his disciples’ fears. Peter’s attempt to walk fails due to doubt, but Jesus saves him. The Jewish disciples, familiar with God’s power over creation, worship Jesus.
Word: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt 14:27)

• Engage 1: Jesus calms fears with his presence.
• Incidents: Calming disciples on the sea (Mt 14:27); comforting Jairus (Mk 5:36).
• Engage 2: Jesus fosters trust in his guidance.
• Incidents: Saving Peter from sinking (Mt 14:30–31); appearing to disciples post-resurrection (Jn 20:19).

August 6, 2025 – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Gospel Reading: Lk 9:28b–36
Context: On a mountain, possibly Tabor, Jesus is transfigured, revealing his divine glory to Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah appear, discussing his Passion, while God’s voice affirms Jesus, echoing Jewish expectations of a glorified Messiah.
Word: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” (Lk 9:35)

• Engage 1: Jesus obeys God’s divine voice.
• Incidents: Submitting to the Father’s will in Gethsemane (Lk 22:42); obeying at his baptism (Mk 1:11).
• Engage 2: Jesus invites others to heed God.
• Incidents: Urging disciples to listen (Lk 9:35); teaching to follow God’s word (Lk 8:21).

August 7, 2025 – Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 16:13–23
Context: In Caesarea Philippi, a Gentile region, Jesus asks his disciples who they believe he is. Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah is affirmed, but his misunderstanding of the Passion prompts a sharp rebuke, reflecting Jewish expectations of a triumphant Messiah.
Word: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” (Mt 16:23)

• Engage 1: Jesus corrects with loving firmness.
• Incidents: Correcting the disciples’ dispute over greatness (Lk 9:46–48); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).
• Engage 2: Jesus aligns others with God’s will.
• Incidents: Teaching Peter about the Passion (Mt 16:21–23); instructing to take up the cross (Mt 16:24).

August 8, 2025 – Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 16:24–28
Context: In Galilee, Jesus teaches his disciples about discipleship, urging them to take up their cross and follow him. This call to sacrifice, challenging Jewish hopes for a victorious Messiah, promises eternal reward for those who lose their life for him.
Word: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)

• Engage 1: Jesus embraces selfless sacrifice.
• Incidents: Offering himself on the cross (Jn 19:17–18); praying in Gethsemane (Mt 26:39).
• Engage 2: Jesus calls for courageous discipleship.
• Incidents: Urging cross-bearing (Mt 16:24–25); promising reward for sacrifice (Mk 10:29–30).

August 9, 2025 – Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 17:14–20
Context: In Galilee, a man begs Jesus to heal his demon-possessed son, whom the disciples failed to cure. Jesus exorcises the demon and teaches that faith like a mustard seed can move mountains, addressing Jewish beliefs in divine power.
Word: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” (Mt 17:20)

• Engage 1: Jesus encourages steadfast faith.
• Incidents: Commending the woman with the haemorrhage (Mt 9:20–22); praising the centurion’s faith (Mt 8:10).
• Engage 2: Jesus empowers trust in God’s power.
• Incidents: Teaching faith moves mountains (Mt 17:20); praising the widow’s offering (Mk 12:43–44).

August 10, 2025 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 12:32–48
Context: In Judea, Jesus tells a parable of servants awaiting their master’s return, urging vigilance. This teaching, rooted in Jewish household customs, warns of unexpected judgement and calls for faithful stewardship in anticipation of the Kingdom.
Word: “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Lk 12:40)

• Engage 1: Jesus remains watchful for God’s will.
• Incidents: Praying before choosing apostles (Lk 6:12–13); preparing for his passion (Lk 22:42).
• Engage 2: Jesus encourages readiness for eternal life.
• Incidents: Teaching vigilance for his return (Lk 12:35–40); warning to store heavenly treasure (Mt 6:20).

August 11, 2025 – Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 17:22–27
Context: In Capernaum, Jesus predicts his Passion, distressing his disciples. When questioned about the temple tax, he miraculously provides a coin, demonstrating humility and respect for Jewish civic duties while affirming his divine authority.
Word: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” (Mt 17:22–23)

• Engage 1: Jesus accepts suffering for humanity.
• Incidents: Enduring mockery at the cross (Mt 27:39–40); praying in Gethsemane (Mt 26:39).
• Engage 2: Jesus guides others to accept sacrifice.
• Incidents: Warning disciples of his Passion (Mt 20:18–19); teaching to carry the cross (Lk 9:23).

August 12, 2025 – Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:1–5, 10, 12–14
Context: In Judea, the disciples ask Jesus who is greatest in the Kingdom. He places a child among them, teaching that childlike humility defines greatness, and shares the parable of the lost sheep, reflecting Jewish pastoral imagery.
Word: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18:4)

• Engage 1: Jesus embodies humility as greatness.
• Incidents: Entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Mt 21:5); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).
• Engage 2: Jesus extends generosity to the lowly.
• Incidents: Seeking the lost sheep (Mt 18:12–14); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).

August 13, 2025 – Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:15–20
Context: In Galilee, Jesus instructs his disciples on resolving conflicts within the community, outlining steps for reconciliation. Rooted in Jewish practices of communal discipline, he promises his presence when two or three gather in prayer.
Word: “If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.” (Mt 18:15)

• Engage 1: Jesus promotes peaceful reconciliation.
• Incidents: Reconciling with Peter after denial (Jn 21:15–17); restoring Peter after denial (Jn 21:15–17).
• Engage 2: Jesus values communal prayer.
• Incidents: Promising his presence in prayer (Mt 18:20); praying with disciples (Lk 11:1–2).

August 14, 2025 – Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:21–19:1
Context: In Galilee, Peter asks Jesus how often to forgive, prompting the parable of the unforgiving servant. This story, reflecting Jewish mercy traditions, teaches boundless forgiveness, as the king pardons a massive debt but punishes lack of mercy.
Word: “Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?” (Mt 18:33)

• Engage 1: Jesus extends unconditional mercy.
• Incidents: Healing the paralytic with forgiveness (Mk 2:5–11); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).
• Engage 2: Jesus promotes boundless forgiveness.
• Incidents: Teaching to forgive seventy times seven (Mt 18:22); urging mercy for sinners (Lk 6:36).

August 15, 2025 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Reading: Lk 1:39–56
Context: In Judea, Mary visits Elizabeth, who greets her as the mother of the Lord. Mary responds with the Magnificat, a hymn of humility and praise, rooted in Jewish scriptural traditions, celebrating God’s favour and reversal of human status.
Word: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” (Lk 1:46–47)

• Engage 1: Jesus glorifies God with humility.
• Incidents: Thanking God before miracles (Jn 11:41–42); glorifying the Father (Jn 17:1).
• Engage 2: Jesus celebrates God’s saving love.
• Incidents: Proclaiming joy in the Spirit (Lk 10:21); teaching God’s salvation (Jn 3:16).

August 16, 2025 – Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 19:13–15
Context: In Judea, people bring children to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples rebuke them. Jesus welcomes the children, declaring that the Kingdom belongs to those with childlike faith, challenging Jewish cultural views on status.
Word: “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)

• Engage 1: Jesus embraces the lowly with care.
• Incidents: Blessing children warmly (Mt 19:13–15); praising the widow’s offering (Mk 12:43–44).
• Engage 2: Jesus values childlike simplicity.
• Incidents: Teaching childlike faith (Mt 19:14); praising simple trust (Lk 18:17).

August 17, 2025 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 12:49–53
Context: In Judea, Jesus speaks of bringing fire and division, not peace, to the earth. His words, challenging Jewish expectations of a harmonious Messiah, predict family conflicts due to loyalty to him, emphasising the cost of discipleship.
Word: “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Lk 12:51)

• Engage 1: Jesus boldly proclaims God’s truth.
• Incidents: Teaching in the synagogue with authority (Lk 4:32–36); confronting Pharisees (Mt 23:13).
• Engage 2: Jesus challenges comfortable faith.
• Incidents: Calling for radical commitment (Lk 12:49–51); urging to leave all (Lk 14:33).

August 18, 2025 – Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 19:16–22
Context: In Judea, a rich young man asks Jesus about eternal life. Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow, but the man leaves sadly, unable to part with wealth, reflecting Jewish tensions between prosperity and discipleship.
Word: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Mt 19:21)

• Engage 1: Jesus challenges attachment to wealth.
• Incidents: Advising the rich young man (Mt 19:21); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).
• Engage 2: Jesus directs focus to eternal goals.
• Incidents: Calling for detachment (Mt 19:21–22); promising reward for sacrifice (Mk 10:29–30).

August 19, 2025 – Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 19:23–30
Context: In Judea, Jesus teaches that it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom, using the camel and needle image. Peter’s question about reward prompts Jesus to promise eternal life for those who sacrifice, addressing Jewish wealth ideals.
Word: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mt 19:24)

• Engage 1: Jesus values detachment from riches.
• Incidents: Teaching about the rich and the Kingdom (Mt 19:23–24); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).
• Engage 2: Jesus promises reward for sacrifice.
• Incidents: Assuring eternal reward (Mt 19:27–29); praising the widow’s offering (Mk 12:43–44).

August 20, 2025 – Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 20:1–16
Context: In Judea, Jesus tells the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, where the owner pays all equally, regardless of hours worked. This story, rooted in Jewish economic practices, illustrates God’s generous mercy and fairness.
Word: “Are you envious because I am generous?” (Mt 20:15)

• Engage 1: Jesus extends generosity to all.
• Incidents: Welcoming the sinful woman (Lk 7:37–50); welcoming sinners (Lk 15:2).
• Engage 2: Jesus trusts in divine justice.
• Incidents: Upholding the vineyard owner’s fairness (Mt 20:13–15); submitting to the Father’s will (Jn 5:30).

August 21, 2025 – Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 22:1–14
Context: In Judea, Jesus shares the parable of the wedding feast, where invited guests refuse to attend, and the king invites all, but one is cast out for improper attire. This reflects Jewish banquet customs and God’s universal call.
Word: “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Mt 22:14)

• Engage 1: Jesus welcomes all to God’s Kingdom.
• Incidents: Inviting tax collectors to follow (Mt 9:9–10); inviting sinners to repentance (Lk 15:2).
• Engage 2: Jesus seeks heartfelt response to God.
• Incidents: Rebuking the unprepared guest (Mt 22:12–13); calling for repentance (Lk 13:3).

August 22, 2025 – Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 22:34–40
Context: In Jerusalem, a Pharisee tests Jesus, asking for the greatest commandment. Jesus replies with love for God and neighbour, summarising Jewish law, uniting the Torah’s ethical and spiritual demands in a clear teaching.
Word: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Mt 22:37)

• Engage 1: Jesus loves God with total devotion.
• Incidents: Praying with total surrender (Jn 17:1–5); obeying the Father’s will (Jn 6:38).
• Engage 2: Jesus teaches love as the ultimate law.
• Incidents: Summarising the law with love (Mt 22:37–40); commanding love for neighbours (Jn 13:34).

August 23, 2025 – Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:1–12
Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus critiques the Pharisees for seeking honour while neglecting true righteousness. He teaches that humility, not pride, defines greatness, urging his disciples to serve others, challenging Jewish social hierarchies.
Word: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 23:12)

• Engage 1: Jesus models humble service.
• Incidents: Washing disciples’ feet (Jn 13:4–5); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).
• Engage 2: Jesus elevates humility over pride.
• Incidents: Teaching to take the lowest seat (Lk 14:10); rebuking Pharisees’ pride (Mt 23:6–12).

August 24, 2025 – Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 13:22–30
Context: In Judea, Jesus teaches about entering the narrow gate to the Kingdom, warning that many will be excluded for lack of faith. This teaching, addressing Jewish salvation hopes, urges perseverance and responsiveness to God’s call.
Word: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” (Lk 13:24)

• Engage 1: Jesus persists toward God’s Kingdom.
• Incidents: Enduring temptation in the desert (Mt 4:1–11); enduring the cross (Jn 19:17).
• Engage 2: Jesus inspires steadfast effort in faith.
• Incidents: Teaching the narrow gate (Lk 13:24); urging persistent prayer (Lk 18:1).

August 25, 2025 – Monday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:13–22
Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus denounces the Pharisees for their hypocritical piety, focusing on external rituals while neglecting inner righteousness. His critique, rooted in Jewish debates over law, calls for authentic faith and integrity.
Word: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.” (Mt 23:25)

• Engage 1: Jesus seeks purity of heart.
• Incidents: Teaching inner cleanliness (Mt 23:26); praising pure hearts (Mt 5:8).
• Engage 2: Jesus unmasks false righteousness.
• Incidents: Condemning Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Mt 23:25); teaching true worship (Jn 4:23–24).

August 26, 2025 – Tuesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:23–26
Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for tithing minor herbs while ignoring justice, mercy, and fidelity. This critique, grounded in Jewish ethical traditions, demands a faith that prioritises love and righteousness over ritualistic observance.
Word: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgement and mercy and fidelity.” (Mt 23:23)

• Engage 1: Jesus values mercy above rituals.
• Incidents: Defending mercy over Sabbath rules (Mt 12:7); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).
• Engage 2: Jesus defends justice in faith.
• Incidents: Criticising Pharisees’ neglect of justice (Mt 23:23); praising the widow’s offering (Mk 12:43–44).

August 27, 2025 – Wednesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 23:27–32
Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus compares the Pharisees to whitewashed tombs, beautiful outwardly but corrupt within. This imagery, drawn from Jewish purity laws, condemns their hypocrisy and calls for genuine faith over superficial appearances.
Word: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones.” (Mt 23:27)

• Engage 1: Jesus champions authentic faith.
• Incidents: Teaching to pray sincerely (Mt 6:5–6); teaching true righteousness (Mt 5:20).
• Engage 2: Jesus exposes superficial piety.
• Incidents: Condemning whitewashed tombs (Mt 23:27); teaching true righteousness (Mt 5:20).

August 28, 2025 – Thursday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 24:42–51
Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus tells a parable of a servant awaiting his master’s return, urging vigilance. Rooted in Jewish stewardship practices, the teaching warns of unexpected judgement and calls for faithful service to God.
Word: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” (Mt 24:42)

• Engage 1: Jesus aligns with God’s timing.
• Incidents: Waiting for the hour of his betrayal (Jn 13:1); praying vigilantly (Lk 22:46).
• Engage 2: Jesus promotes spiritual preparedness.
• Incidents: Teaching the faithful servant parable (Mt 24:45–51); warning to watch for his return (Mk 13:33).

August 29, 2025 – Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

Gospel Reading: Mk 6:17–29
Context: In Galilee, Herod imprisons and beheads John the Baptist at Herodias’ request, fulfilling her daughter’s dance reward. This tragic event, reflecting Jewish political tensions, underscores John’s bold witness against Herod’s unlawful marriage.
Word: “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mk 6:18)

• Engage 1: Jesus speaks truth fearlessly.
• Incidents: Supporting John’s stand against Herod (Mk 6:18–20); confronting Pharisees’ errors (Mt 23:13).
• Engage 2: Jesus upholds those who proclaim truth.
• Incidents: Praising John’s witness (Mt 11:11); defending disciples’ truth (Lk 5:33–39).

August 30, 2025 – Saturday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Mt 25:14–30
Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus shares the parable of the talents, where servants are entrusted with resources. The master rewards faithful stewardship but punishes fear-driven inaction, reflecting Jewish economic practices and accountability to God.
Word: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” (Mt 25:21)

• Engage 1: Jesus rewards faithful stewardship.
• Incidents: Commending the faithful centurion (Mt 8:10–13); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).
• Engage 2: Jesus encourages diligent service.
• Incidents: Teaching the talents parable (Mt 25:14–30); sending disciples to preach (Lk 9:1–2).

August 31, 2025 – Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 14:1, 7–14
Context: At a Pharisee’s house in Judea, Jesus observes guests seeking prominent seats. He tells a parable about choosing lowly places at a banquet, teaching humility and urging hospitality to the poor, rooted in Jewish social customs.
Word: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11)

• Engage 1: Jesus chooses lowliness over honour.
• Incidents: Teaching to take the lowest seat (Lk 14:8–11); riding a donkey into Jerusalem (Lk 19:35).
• Engage 2: Jesus honours the humble in faith.
• Incidents: Praising the lowly at the banquet (Lk 14:11); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).