Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Aug 1 - St Alphonsus Ligouri (2): bishop, patron of arthritis
Summary: St Alphonsus Liguori Many of us, especially as we get older, suffer from arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and back and joint pains. Some cannot get any relief.
Peter Ward CSsR proposes St Alphonsus Liguori as patron for all those suffering from arthritis, sciatica, muscular pains, and the like.
Last February, on the feast of St. Blaise, after giving the blessing for sore throats, a man said to me, ‘It is a pity we don’t have a patron for sore backs and arthritis.’ Then, I realised we do indeed have such a patron – St. Alphonsus de Liguori. For the last 30 years of his life, he was crippled with these pains. I decided to find out more about this aspect of his life.
Poor Health
St. Alphonsus was born in Naples in 1696. He was a brilliant lawyer but became a priest and founded the Redemptorists. When he was 66 years old, he was made a bishop. His health had always been poor, but just after he became bishop, he got a sudden severe attack of arthritis and sciatica. He had high fever and unbearable pain. The remedies at that time were also painful: poultices and blistering.
His right leg became paralysed. For some time, he could not visit the people of his diocese and could not preach. He recovered on that occasion, and got back to his hectic pace of work. But the arthritis never left him. The worst was not the pain but the fact that he couldn't sleep. He couldn't find any position in which he was at ease. Yet his mind was as clear as ever. He dictated letters to a secretary. He wrote to all his penitents, as well as letters about diocesan and Redemptorist affairs. He continued writing books and getting them published. He never stopped working.
Gradually, he was able to walk again, first with a crutch and then with assistance. He started travelling by carriage. Of course, he had to be lifted in and out. That went on until he fell and could no longer get into the carriage. But still his work in the diocese and his writing continued.
Condition gets worse
However, Alphonsus' arthritis became progressively worse. It spread from his hips and the pelvic region to his spine. It eventually affected the whole length of his spine, and developed into curvature of the spine. His whole body became deformed and bent to one side. It forced his head downward and forward until his chin was pressed into his chest. The pain was intense. He prayed ceaselessly, resigning himself to the will of God.
When the doctor came to him, he noticed an unpleasant odour. Alphonsus' chin and beard had eaten into his chest, and the raw, gaping wound was infected. He had a high fever and the infection spread through his whole system. The slightest movement caused him agony, like the suffering of Job.
With medicine, the wound in his chest cleared up. But he would never stand erect again. His head remained bent and his spine twisted. Looked at from behind, he seemed to have no head. Indeed, he joked about his condition, calling himself "a headless man" and "a bag of twisted bones." He must have been a pitiful sight. And still he could not sleep.
Difficulty celebrating Mass
What he wanted most of all was to say Mass. But because his head was down on his chest, he could not receive the Precious Blood from the chalice. For over a year, he did not say Mass. They experimented with all kinds of straws, even a tube made of precious metal. But Alphonsus would not use them for Mass. Eventually, a local Augustinian made a suggestion.
At communion time, Alphonsus would recline in a chair and lean back as far as he could so that he could drink from the chalice. Even then it was only with considerable difficulty that he could say Mass. On many occasions he tried to resign from his bishopric, but the pope would not let him. Eventually, his resignation was accepted.
Return of Scruples
In 1775, Alphonsus returned to Pagani, the mother house of the Redemptorists, where he spent the remaining 12 years of his life. Soon the terrible scruples he had overcome years earlier returned. He would constantly send for his confessor. Added to this mental suffering was his physical pain. He had to be lifted in and out of bed. He was put in a wheelchair, which he hated. Yet at least they could wheel him along the corridors and to the chapel. He spoke often of his approaching death.
However, before he died, he became peaceful and calm, and his terrible scruples disappeared. Finally, in 1787, the God whom he served so well called him home. I am sure that many people with pains and aches can understand exactly the agony Alphonsus went through. And Alphonsus can understand their suffering too. Could you imagine a better patron for arthritics and for all who have trouble with their back or spine than this saint and doctor of the church? I suggest this blessing below.
Prayer
Through the intercession of St Alphonsus Liguori, who suffered from curvature of the spine and from severe bone, muscular and joint pains, may God alleviate the pains of those who suffer from arthritis, back and spine trouble, rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, and like problems. Amen.
This article first appeared in Reality (November, 2002), a publication of the Irish Redemptorists.
Peter Ward CSsR proposes St Alphonsus Liguori as patron for all those suffering from arthritis, sciatica, muscular pains, and the like.
Last February, on the feast of St. Blaise, after giving the blessing for sore throats, a man said to me, ‘It is a pity we don’t have a patron for sore backs and arthritis.’ Then, I realised we do indeed have such a patron – St. Alphonsus de Liguori. For the last 30 years of his life, he was crippled with these pains. I decided to find out more about this aspect of his life.
Poor Health
St. Alphonsus was born in Naples in 1696. He was a brilliant lawyer but became a priest and founded the Redemptorists. When he was 66 years old, he was made a bishop. His health had always been poor, but just after he became bishop, he got a sudden severe attack of arthritis and sciatica. He had high fever and unbearable pain. The remedies at that time were also painful: poultices and blistering.His right leg became paralysed. For some time, he could not visit the people of his diocese and could not preach. He recovered on that occasion, and got back to his hectic pace of work. But the arthritis never left him. The worst was not the pain but the fact that he couldn't sleep. He couldn't find any position in which he was at ease. Yet his mind was as clear as ever. He dictated letters to a secretary. He wrote to all his penitents, as well as letters about diocesan and Redemptorist affairs. He continued writing books and getting them published. He never stopped working.
Gradually, he was able to walk again, first with a crutch and then with assistance. He started travelling by carriage. Of course, he had to be lifted in and out. That went on until he fell and could no longer get into the carriage. But still his work in the diocese and his writing continued.
Condition gets worse
However, Alphonsus' arthritis became progressively worse. It spread from his hips and the pelvic region to his spine. It eventually affected the whole length of his spine, and developed into curvature of the spine. His whole body became deformed and bent to one side. It forced his head downward and forward until his chin was pressed into his chest. The pain was intense. He prayed ceaselessly, resigning himself to the will of God.
When the doctor came to him, he noticed an unpleasant odour. Alphonsus' chin and beard had eaten into his chest, and the raw, gaping wound was infected. He had a high fever and the infection spread through his whole system. The slightest movement caused him agony, like the suffering of Job.With medicine, the wound in his chest cleared up. But he would never stand erect again. His head remained bent and his spine twisted. Looked at from behind, he seemed to have no head. Indeed, he joked about his condition, calling himself "a headless man" and "a bag of twisted bones." He must have been a pitiful sight. And still he could not sleep.
Difficulty celebrating Mass
What he wanted most of all was to say Mass. But because his head was down on his chest, he could not receive the Precious Blood from the chalice. For over a year, he did not say Mass. They experimented with all kinds of straws, even a tube made of precious metal. But Alphonsus would not use them for Mass. Eventually, a local Augustinian made a suggestion.At communion time, Alphonsus would recline in a chair and lean back as far as he could so that he could drink from the chalice. Even then it was only with considerable difficulty that he could say Mass. On many occasions he tried to resign from his bishopric, but the pope would not let him. Eventually, his resignation was accepted.
Return of Scruples
In 1775, Alphonsus returned to Pagani, the mother house of the Redemptorists, where he spent the remaining 12 years of his life. Soon the terrible scruples he had overcome years earlier returned. He would constantly send for his confessor. Added to this mental suffering was his physical pain. He had to be lifted in and out of bed. He was put in a wheelchair, which he hated. Yet at least they could wheel him along the corridors and to the chapel. He spoke often of his approaching death.
However, before he died, he became peaceful and calm, and his terrible scruples disappeared. Finally, in 1787, the God whom he served so well called him home. I am sure that many people with pains and aches can understand exactly the agony Alphonsus went through. And Alphonsus can understand their suffering too. Could you imagine a better patron for arthritics and for all who have trouble with their back or spine than this saint and doctor of the church? I suggest this blessing below.
Prayer
Through the intercession of St Alphonsus Liguori, who suffered from curvature of the spine and from severe bone, muscular and joint pains, may God alleviate the pains of those who suffer from arthritis, back and spine trouble, rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, and like problems. Amen.
This article first appeared in Reality (November, 2002), a publication of the Irish Redemptorists.
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Memorable Proverb for today
If you embrace all things in this life
as coming from the hands of God,
and embrace death to fulfil His holy will,
assuredly you will die a saint.
~ St Alphonsus Ligouri ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Saturday, 1st August, 2026
Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Putting a prophet to death does not nullify his message, since his words are spoken on behalf of the eternal God
Saint of the Day: Aug 1 - St Alphonsus Ligouri, 1696-1787, bishop and Doctor of the Church
C/f A short look at the life of this saint can be found below today's Readings and Reflection.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24
The Lord himself sent me to say all the things you have heard.
The priests and prophets then addressed the officials and all the people,
'This man deserves to die, since he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.'
Jeremiah, however, replied to the people as follows,
"The Lord himself sent me to say all the things you have heard against this Temple and this city.
So now amend your behaviour and actions,
listen to the voice of the Lord your God:
if you do, he will relent and not bring down on you the disaster he has pronounced against you. For myself, I am as you see in your hands. Do whatever you please or think right with me.
But be sure of this, that if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood on yourselves, on this city and on its citizens, since the Lord has truly sent me to you to say all these words in your hearing.'
The officials and all the people then said to the priests and prophets,
This man does not deserve to die: he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.'
Jeremiah had a protector in Ahikam, son of Shaphan, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 68: 15-16. 30-31. 33-34 R/v 14
Response In your great love, answer me, O God.
1. Rescue me from sinking in the mud; save me from my foes.
Save me from the waters of the deep lest the waves overwhelm me.
Do not let the deep engulf me nor death close its mouth on me. Response
2. As for me in my poverty and pain let your help, O God, lift me up.
I will praise God's name with a song; I will glorify him with thanksgiving. Response
3. The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive;
for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains. Response
Gospel Acclamation Lk 8: 15
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are those who with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Alleluia!
or Mt 5: 10
Alleluia, alleluia!
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Alleluia !
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 14:1-12 Glory to you, O Lord
Herod sent and had John beheaded. John's disciples went off to tell Jesus.
Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court,
'This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.' Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife: For John had told him, 'It is against the Law for you to have her.'
He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet.
Then, during the celebrations for Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said,'Give me John the Baptist's head, here, on a dish.'
The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl who took it to her mother.
John's disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Gospel Reflection Saturday Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Matthew 14:1-12
The story in today’s gospel reading is one of the darker stories in the gospels. The story of the passion and death of John the Baptist anticipates, in many ways, the story of the passion and death of Jesus. Both John and Jesus were executed by agents of Rome because they proclaimed God’s word to powerful people. John proclaimed God’s word as found in the Jewish Law. Jesus proclaimed God’s word in a new way, which was in continuity with the Jewish Law but went beyond it. Powerful people found God’s word as proclaimed by John and Jesus so disturbing that they wanted the preachers of that word put to death. Jeremiah’s proclamation of God’s word in today’s first reading met with a similarly negative response. Some of the worst instincts of human nature are to be found in the story in today’s gospel reading.
Herod, his wife, Herodias, and their daughter, traditionally named as Salome, have been described as a kind of unholy trinity. Between them they conspired to put a holy man of God to death. Even in situations where the worst instincts of human nature are to the fore, there is often to be found some redeeming feature. The redeeming feature in today’s story is the person of John the Baptist himself. He is the light that shines in this very dark scene. His faithfulness to the Lord’s calling shines brightly against the dark backdrop of the worst instincts of human nature displayed by Herod Antipas, his wife and her daughter. John did not allow his goodness to be overcome by evil. The same is true, to an even greater extent, of Jesus. John and Jesus did not allow the light of God’s loving presence in their lives to be dimmed by the darkness in the lives of others. That is our calling too, as followers of the risen Lord. We are to allow the light of God’s loving presence to shine through us, regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves.
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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: Aug 1 - St Alphonsus Ligouri, bishop, Doctor of the Church.
Born at Naples (Italy) in 1696; and died at Nocera on this day in 1787. After founding the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), he was for thirteen years bishop of Sant' Agata dei Goti, but resigned due to ill health. He coped with much internal conflict within the congregation and external opposition. Honoured as a popular preacher and devotional writer and as an influential master of moral theology.
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
Alphonsus can be a patron for many different kinds of people. Because of a resolution he made and lived up to never to waste time, procrastinators can pray to him. He often suffered from scruples. His preaching and his writings caused dissension among the people and there were difficulties and divisions in his order that weren't sorted out till after his death. In his later years he suffered badly from arthritis. And still he was a really holy man.Failure led him to a Change
A high profile legal case led to him give up his practice as a lawyer. Alphonsus was born at Marianella near Naples. His father was a captain in the navy of the King of Naples and his mother was of Spanish descent. They ensured that Alphonsus had a good education at home in languages, the humanities, philosophy and the arts. He loved to play the harpsichord. By seventeen, he earned a double doctorate in canon and civil law from the University of Naples and began practising as a lawyer. However, an oversight and consequent failure in a high profile case on behalf of the Orsini against the Grand Duke of Tuscany led him to giving up his legal practice.
Ordained 1726
Alphonsus decided to become a priest and his father though opposed at first reluctantly agreed, provided he didn't join the Oratorians. Alphonsus was ordained a secular priest in 1726 and three years later he became a chaplain in a college for training missionaries. There he met Thomas Falcoia, who sent him to investigate a nun who had a vision and who wanted to found a new congregation - the Redemptoristines. Alphonsus declared the vision authentic and the order was founded.
Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
Two years later, Falcoia, who by now had become a bishop, asked Alphonsus to start a congregation of missionaries to work among the people in the rural districts around Naples. This congregation had some difficulties in having its rule approved as Alphonsus sought permission from the King of Naples and not from Church authorities. Eventually in 1749 the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was approved by Pope Benedict XIV (Prospero Lambertini 1740-58). But the difficulties and divisions within the order were not resolved until after Alphonsus had died.
Preaching Missions
From almost forty years Alphonsus preached in the area around Naples and became much sought after as a confessor and spiritual director. He was both strict and compassionate.
His aim in his preaching, spiritual direction and moral was to be as gentle, simple, and intelligible as he could. But he could also use the rhetorical power of persuasion he had developed as a lawyer. One Sunday with a black stole and a flaming torch he is said to have delivered a hair-raising sermon on the day of judgement and the fires of hell.
Built a Monastery and a Seminary
Alphonsus built a monastery to serve as a retreat centre and a seminary to meet the growing demand for his missionaries.
Theological/Devotional writingsIn 1745 he published the first of his many theological and devotional works. His Moral Theology counteracted both rigorism and laxism insisting it was lawful to follow the milder of two equally probable opinions. His views on the primacy of conscience led to a renewal of moral theology in the post Vatican II era.
Bishop of Sant'Agatha dei Goti
In 1762 - he was already sixty-six years of age - Alphonsus was named as bishop the diocese of Sant'Agatha dei Goti (between Naples and Capua). Here he campaigned tirelessly
to reform the clergy, to get them to observe the rule of celibacy, to celebrate the Mass reverently, and to preach in simple language to the people.
During this time he suffered bouts of arthritis, sciatica and a curvature of his spine.
RetirementIn 1775 when Alphonsus was able to have his resignation accepted, he went to live at Nocera dei Pagani, his favourite Redemptorist house. Here he spent most of his time writing. He lived till he was ninety-one, but during his last months he suffered periods of dementia and towards the end suffered from dysentery, gangrene and uremia.
Death and Influence
As he lay dying his confreres brought him a picture of his friend and lay brother in the Redemptorists St Gerard Majella, but Alphonsus muttered: "Even he cannot save me now". He died in 1787 and was canonised in 1839. In March 1871, Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church, and in 1950, Pius XII declared him the official patron of moralists and of confessors.
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Memorable Proverb for today
If you embrace all things in this life as coming from the hands of God,
and even embrace death to fulfil His holy will, assuredly you will die a saint.
~ St Alphonsus Ligouri ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Saturday, 1st August, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as Leabhar Irimia, Fáidh 26:11-16. 24
“Chuir an Tiarna féin mise a fháidheoireacht na mbriathra uile a chuala sibh.
Ansin labhair na sagairt agus na fáithe leis na feidhmeannaigh agus leis an bpobal uile:
“Tá breithiúnas báis tuillte ag an bhfear seo, óir thairngir sé in aghaidh na cathrach seo mar a chuala sibh le bhur gcluasa féin.”
Ach thug Irimia freagra ar na feidhmeannaigh agus ar an bpobal uile mar seo:
“Chuir an Tiarna féin mise a fháidheoireacht na mbriathra uile a chuala sibh in aghaidh an Teampaill seo agus in aghaidh na cathrach seo. Mar sin leasaigí bhur n-iompar agus bhur ngníomhartha; umhlaígí do ghuth an Tiarna bhur nDia; má dhéanann sibh sin, beidh aithreachas air agus, an t-olc a d’fhógair sé in bhur n-aghaidh, ní dhéanfaidh sé é.
Maidir liomsa, féach, táim in bhur lámha. Déanaigí liom mar is maith agus is cóir libh. Ach bíodh a fhios agaibh seo go dearfa, má chuireann sibh chun báis mé, go dtabharfaidh sibh go deimhin fuil neamhchiontach oraibh féin, ar an gcathair seo agus ar a muintir, óir go fírinneach sheol an Tiarna mise chugaibh a labhairt na mbriathra seo uile in bhur gcluasa.”
Ansin dúirt na feidhmeannaigh agus an pobal uile leis na sagairt agus na fáithe:
“Ní cóir an fear seo a chur chun báis, óir labhair sé linn in ainm an Tiarna, ár nDia.”
Ach sheas Irimia faoi choimirce Aichíceám, mhic Sheáfán, agus níor tugadh é ar láimh don phobal le cur chun báis.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 68: 15-16. 30-31. 33-34 R/v 14
Freagra Éist liom, a Thiarna, de réir do mhórthrócaire
1. Tóg as an láib mé d’eagla mo bháite; saor mé ó m’eascairde.
Saor mé ó dhuibheagán na mara sula n-éirí na tonnta orm.
Nár shloga an fharraige siar mé; nár dhúna an poll orm. Freagra
2. Maidir liomsa, cé gur daibhir dobrónach mé, déanfaidh do chúnamh mé a thógáil, a Dhia.
Molfaidh mé ainm Dé le hamhrán agus mórfaidh mé é le breith buíochais. Freagra
3. Féachaigí, a lucht na huirísle, agus gairdigí; bíodh tógáil croí oraibh, a lucht chuardaithe an Tiarna.
Óir éisteann an Tiarna leis na bochta; ní thugann sé droim láimhe dá bhraighdeanaigh. Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 14:1-12 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
D’ordaigh Héaród Eoin a dhícheannadh sa phríosún.Tháinig deisceabail Eoin ansin á insint d’Íosa.
San am sin, chuala Héaród, an rí cúige, iomrá faoi Íosa, agus dúirt sé le lucht a chúirte:
“Eoin Baiste é seo: tá sé éirithe ó mhairbh, agus sin é an fáth a bhfuil na míorúiltí á n-oibriú tríd.”
Is amhlaidh a bhí Héaród tar éis Eoin a ghabháil agus é chur i ngéibheann agus i bpriosún mar gheall ar Héaróidias, bean Philib a dheartháir.
Mar dúirt Eoin leis: “Ní ceadmhach duit í bheith agat.”
B
a mhaith le Héaród é chur chun báis ach eagla bheith air roimh na daoine, mar bhí meas fáidh acu air. Ach nuair a bhí cuimhne lae a bhreithe á comóradh ag Héaród, rinne iníon Héaróidias rince os comhair na cuideachta agus thaitin sí chomh mór sin le Héaród gur gheall sé faoi bhrí na mionn rud ar bith a d’iarrfadh sí a thabhairt di. Bhí ceacht faighte óna máthair aici seo áfach:“Tabhair dom anseo ar mhias,” ar sise, “ceann Eoin Baiste.”
Bhuail aiféala an rí, ach mar gheall ar a mhionn agus ar na daoine a bhí ag bord leis, d’ordaigh sé an aisce a thabhairt di, agus chuir faoi deara Eoin a dhícheannadh sa phríosún. Tugadh a cheann isteach ar mhias le tabhairt don chailín agus rug sise ag triall ar a máthair é.
Tháinig deisceabail Eoin agus thóg siad leo an corp chun a adhlactha; tháinig siad ansin á insint d’Íosa.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 2nd August, 2026
18th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 55:1-3
Come and eat.
Thus says the Lord:Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come!
Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk.
Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat and rich food to enjoy.
Pay attention, come to me; listen, and your soul will live.
With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to David.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 144: 8-9. 15-18. R/v 16
Response You open wide your hand, O Lord, you grant our desires.
1. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures. Response
2. The eyes of all creatures look to you and you give them their food in due time.
You open wide your hand, grant the desires of all who live. Response
3. The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds.
He is close to all who call him, call on him from their hearts. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the second letter of St Paul to the Romans 8:35. 37-39
No created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ
Nothing therefore can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us.For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation Lk 19: 38
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!
Alleluia!
Or Mt 4:4
Alleluia, alleluia!
Man does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 14:13-21 Glory to you, O Lord
They all ate as much as they wanted.
When Jesus received this news of John the Baptist's death, he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, 'This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food'.
Jesus replied, 'There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves'. But they answered 'All we have with us is five loaves and two fish'.
'Bring them here to me' he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds.
They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.
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.
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 2nd August, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT Sliocht as an Leabhar Íseáia, Fáidh. 55: 1-3
Hóigh, a lucht an íota, tagaigí faoi choinne uisce
Seo mar a deir an Tiarna:
Hóigh, a lucht an íota, tagaigí faoi choinne uisce; fiú mura bhfuil airgead agaibh, tagaigí;
Ceannaigí cruithneacht agus ithigí gan díol as, agus fíon agus bainne gan íoc. Cén fáth a gcaitheann sibh airgead air rud nach arán é,agus luach bhur saothair ar rud nach bhfuil sásamh ann?
Éistigí liomsa agus beidh sólaistí le hithe agaibh
agus beidh taitneamh á bhaint agaibh as togha an bhia.
Tugaigí cluas agus tagaigí chugam, éistigí
agus beidh bhur n-anam saolach.
Déanfaidh mé conradh libh, conradh buan an uair seo,
an chomaoin cheanúil a chur oraibh a ba mhinic ag Dáiví.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 144
Freagra Osclaíonn tú do lámh, a Thiarna, is sásaíonn tú sinn.
I. Is ceansa trócaireach é an Tiarna, mall chun feirge agus lán de chineáltas.
Is maith é an Tiarna don uile ní, is is trócaireach é dá oibreacha uile. Freagra
2. Bíonn súile cách ag feitheamh ort, agus túgann tú bia dóibh in am trátha.
Osclaíonn tú do lámh, a Thiarna, is sásaíonn tú a bhfuil beo le do chineáltas. Freagra
3. Is fíréantá an Tiarna ina shlite uile is is naofa é ina oibreacha go léir.
Is gairid an Tiarna dá ngaireann air, dá ngaireann air go fírinneach. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Rómhánaigh 8:35. 37-39
Ná dúil chruthaithe ar bith eile sinn a scaradh ó ghrá Dé atá in Íosa Críost ár dTiarna.
A bhráithre,
cé a scarfaidh ó ghrá Chríost sinn? Trioblóid an ea? nó cruatan, nó géarleanúint, nó gorta, nó nochtacht, nó guais, nó an claíomh féin? Ach sna cúrsaí seo go léir, beirimid an bua go caithréimeach tríd an té úd a thug grá dúinn.Mar táim cinnte dearfa de nach bhféadfaidh bás ná beatha, aingil ná prionsaí ná cumhachtaí, nithe atá ann anois ná nithe atá le teacht, an domhan thuas ná an domhan thíos, ná dúil chruthaithe ar bith eile sinn a scaradh ó ghrá Dé atá in Íosa Críost ár dTiarna.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Mth 4:4
Alleluia, alleluia!
Ní ar arán amháin a mhairfidh an duine,
ach ar an uile fhocal a thagann as béal Dé.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 14:13-21
D’ith siad uile agus bhí siad sách.
San am sin nuair a chuala Íosa faoi bhás Eoin, , chuaigh sé i leataobh as sin i mbád go dtí áit uaigneach ar leithligh. Ach fuair na sluaite scéala air, agus tháinig siad amach as na cathracha á leanúint dá gcois. Ar theacht i dtír dó, chonaic sé slua mór agus ghlac sé trua dóibh agus leigheas na hothair a bhí leo.
Nuair a bhí an tráthnóna ann, áfach, tháinig na deisceabail chuige agus dúirt siad: “Áit uaigneach é seo agus tá sé deireanach feasta. Mar sin, scaoil uait na sluaite go dtéidís isteach sna bailte agus bia a cheannach dóibh féin.”
Ach dúirt Íosa leo: “Ní gá dóibh imeacht; tugaigí sibhse rud le hithe dóibh.”
“Ach,” ar siadsan leis, “níl anseo againne ach cúig builíní agus dhá iasc.”
“Tugaigí chugam anseo iad,” ar seisean. D’ordaigh sé do na sluaite luí fúthu ar an bhféar; thóg sé na cúig builíní agus an dá iasc, agus, ar dhearcadh suas chun na bhflaitheas dó, bheannaigh, bhris, agus thug na builíní do na deisceabail, agus thug na deisceabail do na sluaite iad. D’ith siad uile agus bhí siad sách, agus thóg siad suas an bruscar fuílligh, lán dhá chiseán déag.
Timpeall cúig mhíle fear a fuair an béile, gan mná ná páistí a áireamh.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
