Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Jul 15 - St Bonaventure (1221-74) Franciscan, priest and theologian
Summary: St Bonaventure, Bishop, Religious, Doctor of the Church, born at Bagnoregio (Italy) about 1218; died at Lyons (France) on this day in 1274.
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
What's in a Name?
Born to pious parents, John of Fidenza and Mary Ritelli, at Bagnoregio in Tuscany, the boy was christened John. But there is a story that when he was four, he became so ill that his mother took him to St Francis of Assisi, who, moved to compassion by her tears, prayed for the boy, and he was never again sick a day till he died. St Francis, himself then near the end of his life, on seeing the child recover, cried out: "O buona ventura!", that is, in Italian, "Oh! Good luck!". And, it is said, this was the name he took when he entered the Franciscans in 1243. Bonaventure joined the Franciscans when studying in Paris. Honoured as a teacher, for his extensive biblical and mystical writings, and for his holiness, gentleness, and compassion.
Studies
After profession Bonaventure was sent to the University of Paris, where he studied scholastic philosophy and theology under Alexander of Hales. He was a very focused student, not in any way given to idle curiosity, but keeping Jesus Christ and him crucified as his inspiration. He made his studies a continuation of prayer. He cultivated humility and sought to serve the sick and the most difficult people with love.
Later appointed cardinal-bishop of Albano and died assisting Pope Gregory X during the Council of Lyons. As he took over the leadership of the Franciscans after St Francis of Assisi, and is regarded as the second founder of the order. He is sometimes called "the Seraphic doctor", possibly because of his connection with St Francis or his own warmth toward others seen as a heavenly fire.
Spirituality and writings
He was ordained to the priesthood. One prayer he composed for his own use as a thanksgiving after Mass, Transfige, dulcissime Domine, ("Pierce my inmost soul, O Lord") is recommended by the Church for all priests.
Friendship and rivalry with St Thomas Aquinas
In 1256, when Dominican Thomas Aquinas and Franciscan Bonaventure were due to take the doctor's cap together, they competed in humility where others among the doctors were competing for precedence. Bonaventure won, insisting Thomas take precedence over him. Aquinas took his philosophy from Aristotle, whereas Bonaventure took his from Plato, probably through St Augustine.
Governance of the Franciscans
In the same year as he received his doctorate in Paris, Bonaventure was elected Minister General of the Franciscans at a chapter held in Ara Coeli in Rome. At that time the order was divided between those who held for the most rigorous interpretation of Franciscan poverty (Spirituals and/or Observants) and those who held for some moderation of the strict letter in line with greater numbers and community living (Conventuals). Bonaventure was able to calm this storm. He supported specialist Franciscan houses in university towns, at which friars would be trained to become preachers and spiritual directors. In visiting the houses on his return from Rome to Paris, he won over the respect of all by the extraordinary humility and charity he showed.
Constitutions and the Legenda Maior
At the Narbonne Franciscan Chapter in 1260, along with the definitors, he gave a new form to the old Constitutions. Subsequently, in response to a request of this chapter, he undertook to write a life of St Francis, which became known as the Legenda Maior. Because of this great work he is regarded as the second founder of the Franciscans.
From Narbonne he went to Mont'Alverna (the place where St Francis received the stigmata), and assisted in the dedication of a great church there. Here also he wrote Itinerarium mentis in Deum, or "The Way of the Soul to God", showing that all riches and comfort are found in God alone and how the soul can find the true way that leads to him.
Declines Archbishopric of York
In 1265 Pope Clement IV nominated Bonaventure as archbishop of York, hoping he would be an accomplished ambassador of the papacy in England, but Bonaventure begged the Pope not to impose that burden on him.
Council of Lyons
In 1273 Pope Gregory X appointed Bonaventure cardinal-bishop of Albano, adding a condition that he could not refuse. He then called him to the Council of Lyons in 1274, where he played an important part in the reconciliation negotiations between East and West. But Bonaventure died while the Council was still in session and was buried at the church of the friars at Lyons.
Mystical Writer
Bonaventure united in himself tender piety and profound learning. For him all learning had to further the journey to God. His writings - Commentary on the Sentences, his Breviloquium, De reductione Artium ad Theologiam - deal with all the major questions of philosophy and theology.
The Triple Way
Another work, entitled The Triple Way, expounds the purgative, illuminative and unitive ways of the soul towards God: it became the basis of all later mystical writing.
Seraphic Doctor
Bonaventure was canonised in 1482 and declared a doctor of the Church in 1588. Franciscans are often called the "Seraphic Order" because of the mystical experience of St Francis on Mont'Alverna; Bonaventure is called "the Seraphic Doctor".
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
What's in a Name?
Born to pious parents, John of Fidenza and Mary Ritelli, at Bagnoregio in Tuscany, the boy was christened John. But there is a story that when he was four, he became so ill that his mother took him to St Francis of Assisi, who, moved to compassion by her tears, prayed for the boy, and he was never again sick a day till he died. St Francis, himself then near the end of his life, on seeing the child recover, cried out: "O buona ventura!", that is, in Italian, "Oh! Good luck!". And, it is said, this was the name he took when he entered the Franciscans in 1243. Bonaventure joined the Franciscans when studying in Paris. Honoured as a teacher, for his extensive biblical and mystical writings, and for his holiness, gentleness, and compassion.
Studies
After profession Bonaventure was sent to the University of Paris, where he studied scholastic philosophy and theology under Alexander of Hales. He was a very focused student, not in any way given to idle curiosity, but keeping Jesus Christ and him crucified as his inspiration. He made his studies a continuation of prayer. He cultivated humility and sought to serve the sick and the most difficult people with love.
Later appointed cardinal-bishop of Albano and died assisting Pope Gregory X during the Council of Lyons. As he took over the leadership of the Franciscans after St Francis of Assisi, and is regarded as the second founder of the order. He is sometimes called "the Seraphic doctor", possibly because of his connection with St Francis or his own warmth toward others seen as a heavenly fire.
Spirituality and writingsHe was ordained to the priesthood. One prayer he composed for his own use as a thanksgiving after Mass, Transfige, dulcissime Domine, ("Pierce my inmost soul, O Lord") is recommended by the Church for all priests.
Friendship and rivalry with St Thomas Aquinas
In 1256, when Dominican Thomas Aquinas and Franciscan Bonaventure were due to take the doctor's cap together, they competed in humility where others among the doctors were competing for precedence. Bonaventure won, insisting Thomas take precedence over him. Aquinas took his philosophy from Aristotle, whereas Bonaventure took his from Plato, probably through St Augustine.
Governance of the Franciscans
In the same year as he received his doctorate in Paris, Bonaventure was elected Minister General of the Franciscans at a chapter held in Ara Coeli in Rome. At that time the order was divided between those who held for the most rigorous interpretation of Franciscan poverty (Spirituals and/or Observants) and those who held for some moderation of the strict letter in line with greater numbers and community living (Conventuals). Bonaventure was able to calm this storm. He supported specialist Franciscan houses in university towns, at which friars would be trained to become preachers and spiritual directors. In visiting the houses on his return from Rome to Paris, he won over the respect of all by the extraordinary humility and charity he showed.
Constitutions and the Legenda Maior
At the Narbonne Franciscan Chapter in 1260, along with the definitors, he gave a new form to the old Constitutions. Subsequently, in response to a request of this chapter, he undertook to write a life of St Francis, which became known as the Legenda Maior. Because of this great work he is regarded as the second founder of the Franciscans.
From Narbonne he went to Mont'Alverna (the place where St Francis received the stigmata), and assisted in the dedication of a great church there. Here also he wrote Itinerarium mentis in Deum, or "The Way of the Soul to God", showing that all riches and comfort are found in God alone and how the soul can find the true way that leads to him.
Declines Archbishopric of York
In 1265 Pope Clement IV nominated Bonaventure as archbishop of York, hoping he would be an accomplished ambassador of the papacy in England, but Bonaventure begged the Pope not to impose that burden on him.
Council of LyonsIn 1273 Pope Gregory X appointed Bonaventure cardinal-bishop of Albano, adding a condition that he could not refuse. He then called him to the Council of Lyons in 1274, where he played an important part in the reconciliation negotiations between East and West. But Bonaventure died while the Council was still in session and was buried at the church of the friars at Lyons.
Mystical Writer
Bonaventure united in himself tender piety and profound learning. For him all learning had to further the journey to God. His writings - Commentary on the Sentences, his Breviloquium, De reductione Artium ad Theologiam - deal with all the major questions of philosophy and theology.
The Triple Way
Another work, entitled The Triple Way, expounds the purgative, illuminative and unitive ways of the soul towards God: it became the basis of all later mystical writing.
Seraphic Doctor
Bonaventure was canonised in 1482 and declared a doctor of the Church in 1588. Franciscans are often called the "Seraphic Order" because of the mystical experience of St Francis on Mont'Alverna; Bonaventure is called "the Seraphic Doctor".
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Memorable Saying for Today
It was pride that changed angels into devils;
it is humility that makes men as angels.
~ Saint Augustine ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 15th July, 2026
Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2
Saint of the Day: 15 July; St Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the church, priest
C/f A short life of this saint can be found below todays' Readings and Reflection
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 10:5-7. 13-16
Does the axe claim more credit than the man who wields it?
The Lord of hosts says this:'Woe to Assyria, the rod of my anger, the club brandished by me in my fury! I sent him against a godless nation;
I gave him commission against a people that provokes me, to pillage and to plunder freely and to stamp down like the mud in the streets. But he did not intend this, his heart did not plan it so.
No, in his heart was to destroy, to go on cutting nations to pieces without limit.
For he has said:
'By the strength of my own arm I have done this and by my own intelligence, for understanding is mine;
I have pushed back the frontiers of peoples and plundered their treasures. I have brought their inhabitants down to the dust. As if they were a bird's nest, my hand has seized the riches of the peoples. not a beak opening, not a chirp.'
Does the axe claim more credit than the man who wields it, or the saw more strength than the man who handles it? It would be like the cudgel controlling the man who raises it, or the club moving what is not made of wood! And so the Lord of hosts is going to send a wasting sickness on his stout warriors; beneath his plenty, a burning will burn like a consuming fire.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 93: 5-10. 14-15. R/v v14
Response The Lord will not abandon his people.
1. They crush your people, Lord, they afflict the ones you have chosen.
They kill the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherless child. Response
2. And they say: 'The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.'
Mark this, most senseless of people; fools, when will you understand? Response
3. Can he who made the ear not hear? Can he who formed the eye not see?
Will he who trains nations not punish? Will he who teaches men not have knowledge? Response
4. The Lord will not abandon his people nor forsake those who are his own:
for judgement shall again be just and all true hearts shall uphold it. Response
Gospel Acclamation Mt 11: 25-27
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 11:25-27 Glory to you, O Lord
You have hidden these things from the learned and the clever and revealed them to mere children.
Jesus exclaimed,'I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth,
for hiding these things from the learned and the clever
and revealing them to mere children.
Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do.
Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father;
and no one knows the Son except the Father,
just as no one knows the Father except the Son
and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Gospel Reflection Wednesday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Matthew 11:25-27
In the first reading, the Lord, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, critiques the arrogance of the ruler of the empire of Assyria. Failing to recognize his role in God’s greater purpose, he puts his military successes down to his own strength and intelligence. It is as if the axe were to claim more credit than the one who uses it.
In the gospel reading, Jesus refers to ‘the learned and the clever’, by which is meant those religious experts who are so sure of their interpretation of God’s law as to reject Jesus’ revelation of God through his words and deeds. However, although the learned and the clever may be rejecting Jesus’ revelation of God, the ‘little ones’ are welcoming it. Those who are aware of their own poverty and need before God have come to recognize the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. They have welcomed God’s coming to them through the words and deeds of Jesus. What is hidden to the learned and the clever is clear to the little ones. There is a sense in which we have to bend very low if we are to receive the revelation of God that Jesus came to give us. As Jesus says in the opening beatitude, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ (Mt 5:3). As Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians, God often choses ‘what is foolish in the world to shame the wise… what is weak in the world to shame the strong’ (1 Cor 1:27). There is a self-emptying that is needed on our part if God’s purpose for our lives is to come to pass.
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The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Scripture Reflection is made available with our thanks from his book Reflections on the Weekday Readings : The Word is near to you, on your lips and in your heart by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications, c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
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Saint of the Day: 15 July; St Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the church, priest
Bonaventure was born at Bagnoregio (Italy) about 1218; died at Lyons (France) on this day in 1274.
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
What's in a Name?
Born to pious parents, John of Fidenza and Mary Ritelli, at Bagnoregio in Tuscany, the boy was christened John. But there is a story that when he was four, he became so ill that his mother took him to St Francis of Assisi, who, moved to compassion by her tears, prayed for the boy, and he was never again sick a day until he died. St Francis, himself then near the end of his life, on seeing the child recover, cried out: "O buona ventura!", that is, in Italian, "Oh! Good luck!". And, it is said, this was the name John took when he entered the Franciscans in 1243. Bonaventure joined the Franciscans when studying in Paris. Honoured as a teacher, for his extensive biblical and mystical writings, and for his holiness, gentleness, and compassion.
Studies
After profession Bonaventure was sent to the University of Paris, where he studied scholastic philosophy and theology under Alexander of Hales. He was a very focused student, not in any way given to idle curiosity, but keeping Jesus Christ and him crucified as his inspiration. He made his studies a continuation of prayer. He cultivated humility and sought to serve the sick and the most difficult people with love.
Later appointed cardinal-bishop of Albano and died assisting Pope Gregory X during the Council of Lyons. As he took over the leadership of the Franciscans after St Francis of Assisi, and is regarded as the second founder of the order. He is sometimes called "the Seraphic doctor", possibly because of his connection with St Francis or his own warmth toward others seen as a heavenly fire.
Spirituality and writingsHe was ordained to the priesthood. One prayer he composed for his own use as a thanksgiving after Mass, Transfige, dulcissime Domine, ("Pierce my inmost soul, O Lord") is recommended by the Church for all priests.
Friendship and rivalry with St Thomas Aquinas
In 1256, when Dominican Thomas Aquinas and Franciscan Bonaventure were due to take the doctor's cap together, they competed in humility where others among the doctors were competing for precedence. Bonaventure won, insisting Thomas take precedence over him. Aquinas took his philosophy from Aristotle, whereas Bonaventure took his from Plato, probably through St Augustine.
Governance of the Franciscans
In the same year as he received his doctorate in Paris, Bonaventure was elected Minister General of the Franciscans at a chapter held in Ara Coeli in Rome. At that time the order was divided between those who held for the most rigorous interpretation of Franciscan poverty (Spirituals and/or Observants) and those who held for some moderation of the strict letter in line with greater numbers and community living (Conventuals). Bonaventure was able to calm this storm. He supported specialist Franciscan houses in university towns, at which friars would be trained to become preachers and spiritual directors. In visiting the houses on his return from Rome to Paris, he won over the respect of all by the extraordinary humility and charity he showed.
Constitutions and the Legenda Maior
At the Narbonne Franciscan Chapter in 1260, along with the definitors, he gave a new form to the old Constitutions. Subsequently, in response to a request of this chapter, he undertook to write a life of St Francis, which became known as the Legenda Maior. Because of this great work he is regarded as the second founder of the Franciscans.
From Narbonne he went to Mont'Alverna (the place where St Francis received the stigmata), and assisted in the dedication of a great church there. Here also he wrote 'Itinerarium mentis in Deum', or "The Way of the Soul to God", showing that all riches and comfort are found in God alone and how the soul can find the true way that leads to him.
Declines Archbishopric of York
In 1265 Pope Clement IV nominated Bonaventure as archbishop of York, hoping he would be an accomplished ambassador of the papacy in England, but Bonaventure begged the Pope not to impose that burden on him.
Council of LyonsIn 1273 Pope Gregory X appointed Bonaventure cardinal-bishop of Albano, adding a condition that he could not refuse. He then called him to the Council of Lyons in 1274, where he played an important part in the reconciliation negotiations between East and West. But Bonaventure died while the Council was still in session and was buried at the church of the friars at Lyons.
Mystical Writer
Bonaventure united in himself tender piety and profound learning. For him all learning had to further the journey to God. His writings - 'Commentary on the Sentences', his Breviloquium, De reductione Artium ad Theologiam - deal with all the major questions of philosophy and theology.
The Triple Way
Another work, entitled 'The Triple Way', expounds the purgative, illuminative and unitive ways of the soul towards God: it became the basis of all later mystical writing.
Seraphic Doctor
Bonaventure was canonised in 1482 and declared a doctor of the Church in 1588. Franciscans are often called the "Seraphic Order" because of the mystical experience of St Francis on Mont'Alverna; he is called "the Seraphic Doctor".
____________________________
******************************
Memorable Saying for Today
It was pride that changed angels into devils;
it is humility that makes men as angels.
~ Saint Augustine ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 15th July, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT Sliocht as Leabhar Íseáia, Fáidh 10:5-7. 13-16
An ceadmhach don tua bheith ag déanamh gaisce i gcoinne fear a oibrithe?
Seo mar a deir an Tiarna:
Is mairg don Asaír, don tslait sin mo chorraí, an bata atá á bheartú agam le barr feirge!
In éadan náisiúin aindiaga a chuir mé uaim é,i gcoinne pobal a chuir fearg orm a leag mé a chúram air,
chun iad a chreachadh agus a shlad, agus satailt orthu mar shalachar na sráide.
Ach níorbh é sin an rún a bhí aige féin, ní amhlaidh don bhreith a thug sé ina chroí.
Ní raibh ina chroí siúd ach fonn díscithe, an iomad náisiún a stróiceadh ó chéile.
Óir dúirt sé:
“Le neart mo láimhe a rinne mé é, agus le mo ghaois, mar is mé atá críonna:
chuir mé críocha náisiún ar ceal, agus rinne mé slad ar a stór.
Chaith mé a lucht cónaithe ar a mbéal faoi sa láib D’aimsigh mo lámh, mar i nead a bheadh sé, saibhreas na gciníocha.
Mar a thógfá uibheacha a tréigeadh, bhailigh mé chugam an talamh ar fad,
agus níor greadadh sciathán, níor osclaíodh gob, níor chualathas gíog.”
An ceadmhach don tua bheith ag déanamh gaisce i gcoinne fear a oibrithe?
Nó don toireasc mórtas a dhéanamh in éadan fear a láimhsithe?
Ionann is dá mbeadh an tslat ag bogadh an té a ardaíonn í, agus an bata ag cur anam sa té nach adhmad é.
Is é sin an fáth a gcuirfidh Tiarna na Slua meath ar a chuid gaiscíoch;
faoina rachmas thíos beidh dóiteán ag dó mar a dhónn tine.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 93: 5-10. 14-15. R/v v14
Freagra Óir ní thréigfidh an Tiarna a phobal.
1. Gabhann siad de chosa i do phobal, a Thiarna, agus déanann siad d’oidhreacht a chiapadh.
Maraíonn siad an bhaintreach is an strainséir, agus tugann siad ár an dílleachta. Freagra
2. Deir siad: “Ní fheiceann an Tiarna é; ní thugann Dia Iacóib dá aire é.”
Bíodh tuiscint agaibh, a lucht na díchéille; a phleidhcí an phobail, bíodh ciall agaibh! Freagra
3. An té a chruthaigh an chluas, an ea nach gcluinfidh sé? agus an té a chum an tsúil, an ea nach bhfeicfidh sé?
An té a smachtaíonn na náisiúin nach n-agróidh sé?an té a theagascann na daoine, nach mbeidh eolas aige? Freagra
4. Óir ní thréigfidh an Tiarna a phobal; ní thabharfaidh sé droim láimhe lena oidhreacht,
nó go mbéarfar breithiúnas de réir an chirt; agus go leanfaidh lucht an chroí dhírigh go léir é.Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 11:25-27 Glóir duit, a Thiarna
Cheil tú na nithe seo ar lucht eagna agus éirime agus mar a d’fhoilsigh tú do naíonáin iad.
San am sin labhair Íosa agus dúirt:“Tugaim buíochas duit, a Athair, a Thiarna neimhe agus talún,
de chionn mar a cheil tú na nithe seo ar lucht eagna agus éirime agus mar a d’fhoilsigh tú do naíonáin iad. Sea, a Athair, óir is amhlaidh sin ba mhaith leat é.
Tá gach aon ní tugtha domsa ag m’Athair. Agus níl aithne ag aon neach ar an Mac ach amháin ag an Athair, ná níl aithne ag aon neach ar an Athair ach amháin ag an Mac agus an té ar toil leis an Mac a fhoilsiú dó.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 19th July, 2026
Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
FIRST READING
A reading from the Book of Wisdom 12:13. 16-19
After sin you will grant repentance.
There is no god, other than you, who cares for every thing, to whom you might have to prove that you never judged unjustly; Your justice has its source in strength, your sovereignty over all makes you lenient to all.
You show your strength when your sovereign power is questioned and you expose the insolence of those who know it; but, disposing of such strength, you are mild in judgement, you govern us with great lenience,
for you have only to will, and your power is there.
By acting thus you have taught a lesson to your people
how the virtuous man must be kindly to his fellow men,
and you have given your sons the good hope that after sin you will grant repentance.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 85: 5-6. 9-10. 15-16. R/v 5
Response O Lord, you are good and forgiving.
1. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call.
Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice. Response
2. All the nations shall come to adore you and glorify your name, O Lord:
for you are great and do marvellous deeds, you who alone are God. Response
3. But you, God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, O Lord,
abounding in love and truth, turn and take pity on me. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Romans 8:26-27
The Spirit himself expresses our plea in a way that could never be put into words.
The Spirit too comes to help us in our weakness. For when we cannot choose words in order to pray properly, the Spirit himself expresses our plea in a way that could never be put into words, and God who knows everything in our hearts knows perfectly well what he means, and that the pleas of the saints expressed by the Spirit are according to the mind of God.The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Eph 1:17. 18
Alleluia, alleluia!
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind,
so that we can see what hope his call holds for us.
Alleluia!
Or Mt 11:25
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 13:24-43 Glory to you, O Lord
Let them both grow till the harvest.
Jesus put a parable before the crowds, 'The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everybody was asleep his enemy came, sowed darnel all among the wheat, and made off. When the new wheat sprouted and ripened, the darnel appeared as well. The owner's servants went to him and said, "Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? If so, where does the darnel come from?" "Some enemy has done this" he answered. And the servants said, "Do you want us to go and weed it out?" But he said, "No, because when you weed out the darnel you might pull up the wheat with it. Let them both grow till the harvest; and at harvest time I shall say to the reapers: First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt, then gather the wheat into my barn."'
He told them another parable, The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through'.
In all this Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables; indeed, he would never speak to them except in parables. This was to fulfil the prophecy: I will speak to you in parables and expound things hidden since the foundation of the world.
Then, leaving the crowds, he went to the house; and his disciples came to him and said,
'Explain the parable about the darnel in the field to us'.
He said in reply, 'The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed is the subjects of the kingdom; the darnel, the subjects of the evil one; the enemy who sowed them, the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels. Well then, just as the darnel (tares) is gathered up and burnt in the fire, so it will be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his Kingdom all the things that provoke offences an all who do evil, and throw them into the burning furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then the virtuous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Listen, anyone who has ears.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Shorter form of the Gospel
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew Mt 13:24-30
Let them both grow till the harvest.
Jesus put a parable before the crowds,
'The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everybody was asleep his enemy came, sowed darnel all among the wheat, and made off. When the new wheat sprouted and ripened, the darnel (tares) appeared as well. The owner's servants went to him and said, "Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? If so, where does the darnel come from?" "Some enemy has done this" he answered.
And the servants said, "Do you want us to go and weed it out?" But he said, "No, because when you weed out the darnel you might pull up the wheat with it. Let them both grow till the harvest; and at harvest time I shall say to the reapers:
First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt, then gather the wheat into my barn."'
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 19th July, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as an dara LeabharhEagna 12:13. 16-19
Tugann tú maithiúnas i bpeacaí.
Níl aon Dia eile ann seachas thú féin a bhfuil cúram na cruinne air
le go gcaithfeá-sa a chruthú dó nár thug tú breith éagórach uait riamh.
Óir is í do chumhachtsa tobar na córa;is é an tiarnas atá agat ar an uile ní a thugann ort iad go léir a choigilt.
Taispeánann tú do chumhacht nuair nach dtugtar aitheantas d’iomláine do nirt
agus daorann tú sotal na ndaoine a bhfuil eolas acu air.
Ach cé go bhfuil cumhacht iomlán agat is cneasta an bhreith a thugann tú
agus rialaíonn tú sinn le trócaire.
Óir, cibé uair is toil leat é, is féidir duit do chumhacht a chur i bhfeidhm.
Mhúin tú do do phobal leis na bearta sin nach foláir don fhíréan bheith cineálta;
agus chuir tú dóchas láidir i gcroíthe do chlainne de bhrí go dtugann tú maithiúnas i bpeacaí.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 85: 5-6. 9-10. 15-16. R/v 5
Freagra Tá tú go maith is go ceansa, a Thiarna.
1. Tá tú go maith is go ceansa, a Thiarna, lán de ghrá do chách a ghlaonn ort.
Éist le m'urnaí, a Thiarna, agus tabhair aird ar ghlór mo ghuí. Freagra
2. Tiocfaidh na ciníocha do d'adhradh, a Thiarna, agus déanfaidh siad d'ainm a fhógairt:
óir is éachtách thú agus is iontach do ghníomhartha, óir is tú amháin is Dia. Freagra
3. A Thiarna Dia na trua agus na taise, ar deacair thú a spreagadh chun feirge,
agus atá lán de ghrá agus d'fhírinne, féach orm, agus bíodh trua agat dom. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Rómhánaigh 8:26-27
Déanann an Spiorad idirghuí ar ár son le hosnaí nach féidir a chur i bhfocail.
A bhráithre, tagann an Spiorad i gcabhair orainn inár laige. Mar ní eol dúinn conas an ghuí féin a dhéanamh mar is cóir ach déanann an Spiorad idirghuí ar ár son le hosnaí nach féidir a chur i bhfocail, agus an té úd a chiorann na croíthe, tuigeann sé cad is áil leis an Spiorad agus gur de réir toil Dé a dhéanann sé achainí ar son na naomh.Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Mt 11:25
Alleluia, alleluia!
Tugaim buíochas duit, a Athair, a Thiarna neimhe agus talún,
de chionn mar a cheil tú na nithe seo ar lucht eagna agus éirime
agus mar a d’fhoilsigh tú do naíonáin iad.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 13:24-43
Fágtar le hais a céile ag fás iad araon go dtí an fómhar
San am sin chuir Íosa parabal eile os a gcomhair:“Is iad dála ríocht na bhflaitheas,” ar seisean, “mar a bhí ag an duine a chuir síol maith ina ghort. Ach fad a bhí an saol ina chodladh, bhí namhaid dó a tháinig ag scaipeadh cogail anuas ar an arbhar, agus d’imigh. Tháinig an t-arbhar aníos ina gheamhar, agus ansin ina dhias agus an uair sin chonacthas an cogal freisin.
Tháinig a chuid sclábhaí go dtí an fear tí agus dúirt siad leis: ‘A mháistir, an síol a chuir tú i do ghort, nach síol maith a bhí ann? Agus cad a thug an cogal ann más ea?’
Dúirt sé leo: ‘Namhaid éigin a rinne an méid sin.’ ‘Agus ar mhaith leat,’ deir na sclábhaí leis, ‘go rachaimis á bhailiú chun a chéile?’ ‘Ná déanaigí,’ ar seisean, ‘ar eagla, nuair a bheadh sibh ag bailiú an chogail, go sracfadh sibh an t-arbhar aníos san am céanna. Fágtar le hais a chéile ag fás iad araon go dtí an fómhar, agus nuair a bheidh an fómhar á dhéanamh déarfaidh mé leis na buanaithe: Bailígí an cogal chun a chéile ar dtús, agus déanaigí punanna de chun a dhóite. Ach cruinnígí an t-arbhar isteach i mo scioból.’”
Chuir sé parabal eile os a gcomhair:
“Is cosúil ríocht na bhflaitheas,” ar seisean, “le gráinne de shíol mustaird a thóg duine agus a chuir sé ina ghort. Is é an gráinnín síl is lú ar bith é, ach nuair a bhíonn sé fásta, bíonn sé ar an gceann is mó de na glasraí agus déantar crann de, a bhféadann éanlaith an aeir dul ar foscadh ina chraobhacha.”
D’inis sé parabal eile dóibh:
“Is cosúil ríocht na bhflaitheas le gabháil a thóg bean agus a d’fholaigh sí i dtrí pheic plúir nó go raibh sé gabháilte ar fad.”
Labhair Íosa na nithe sin uile i bparabail leis na sluaite: ní dhéanadh sé caint ar bith leo gan pharabal, agus sin mar a comhlíonadh a ndúradh tríd an bhfáidh: “Labhróidh mé i bparabail, nochtfaidh mé nithe ba rún ó thúsú an domhain.”
D’fhág sé na sluaite an uair sin agus chuaigh sé isteach sa teach. Tháinig a dheisceabail chuige agus dúirt siad:
“Mínigh dúinn an parabal úd an chogail sa ghort.”
D’fhreagair sé iad á rá: “An té a chuireann an síol maith, sin é Mac an Duine. Is é an domhan an gort. An síol maith muintir na ríochta. Dream an oilc an cogal, agus is é an diabhal an namhaid a scaipeann é. Is é deireadh an tsaoil an fómhar agus is iad na haingil na buanaithe. Amhail mar a bhailítear an cogal chun é dhó sa tine, sin mar a bheidh i ndeireadh an tsaoil. Cuirfidh Mac an Duine a aingil amach agus baileoidh siad gach ábhar scannail as a ríocht agus na daoine a thaobhaíonn an t-olc, agus teilgfidh siad san fhoirnéis tine iad. Is ann a bheidh gol agus díoscán fiacla.
Beidh na fíréin an uair sin ag lonradh ar nós na gréine i ríocht a nAthar. An té a bhfuil cluasa air, éisteadh sé!”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
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SOISCÉAL gearr
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 13:24-30
Fágtar le hais a céile ag fás iad araon go dtí an fómhar
San am sin chuir Íosa parabal eile os a gcomhair:“Is iad dála ríocht na bhflaitheas,” ar seisean, “mar a bhí ag an duine a chuir síol maith ina ghort. Ach fad a bhí an saol ina chodladh, bhí namhaid dó a tháinig ag scaipeadh cogail anuas ar an arbhar, agus d’imigh. Tháinig an t-arbhar aníos ina gheamhar, agus ansin ina dhias agus an uair sin chonacthas an cogal freisin.
Tháinig a chuid sclábhaí go dtí an fear tí agus dúirt siad leis: ‘A mháistir, an síol a chuir tú i do ghort, nach síol maith a bhí ann? Agus cad a thug an cogal ann más ea?’ Dúirt sé leo: ‘Namhaid éigin a rinne an méid sin.’ ‘Agus ar mhaith leat,’ deir na sclábhaí leis, ‘go rachaimis á bhailiú chun a chéile?’ ‘Ná déanaigí,’ ar seisean, ‘ar eagla, nuair a bheadh sibh ag bailiú an chogail, go sracfadh sibh an t-arbhar aníos san am céanna. Fágtar le hais a chéile ag fás iad araon go dtí an fómhar, agus nuair a bheidh an fómhar á dhéanamh déarfaidh mé leis na buanaithe: Bailígí an cogal chun a chéile ar dtús, agus déanaigí punanna de chun a dhóite. Ach cruinnígí an t-arbhar isteach i mo scioból.’”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
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