Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Aug 20 - St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) monk and abbot
Summary: St Bernard of Clairvaux, abbot, Doctor of the Church. Born near Dijon (France) in 1090; died at Clairvaux on this day in 1153. Joined the impoverished, reformed abbey of Citeaux at the age of 21. Soon became the founder and abbot of Clairvaux and pioneered the reform and expansion of the Cistercian Order. He was honoured as the most influential churchman of his age, for his inspirational leadership, and for his devotion to the humanity of Christ and to the Blessed Virgin.
Bernard was a prolific writer on theology and spirituality, an eloquent preacher, and an adviser of popes and kings, a prominent spiritual master and Church leader in Europe in the first half of the twelfth century and was the power behind the great expansion of the Cistercians at that time.
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
Early Life
Bernard was born at Fontaines, near Dijon, the third of a family of seven children of a noble family in Burgundy, six of whom were boys. At school he had a taste for literature and poetry. He grew into a charming, learned and eloquent young man.
The Cistercians
At the age of twenty-two he joined the newly formed Cistercian monastery of Citeaux, then struggling to restore the Rule of St Benedict in all its rigour. It is said he did not join the popular Benedictine abbey of Cluny because "his own nature was so passionate that it needed stronger medicine". Along with him he brought thirty-one companions, among them five of his brothers and many relatives. Three years after he joined Bernard himself was sent with twelve monks to start a new foundation at Clairvaux and soon became abbot.
Abbot of Clairvaux
Bernard's initial regime at Clairvaux was so austere that he himself became ill, and only the influence of his friend William, the bishop of Champeaux, and the authority of the General Chapter could make him mitigate the austerities. The monastery, however, made rapid progress. Disciples flocked to it in great numbers putting themselves under his direction. His father and all his brothers entered Clairvaux so as to pursue religious life. Even his sister, Humbeline, with the consent of her husband, took the veil in a Benedictine convent. In the year 1119, Bernard was present at the first general chapter of the order convoked by Stephen of Cîteaux. It was this general chapter that approved the constitutions of the order (The Charter of Charity), which Pope Callixtus II then confirmed.
Competition with Cluny
At first the monks of the neighbouring abbey of Cluny were unhappy to see Cîteaux take the lead rôle among the religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church. For this reason, the Black Monks attempted to make it appear that the rules of the new order were impracticable. Then Bernard wrote an Apologia or defence of the Cistercian constitutions and soon Cluny began to reform itself under its abbot Peter the Venerable.
Church Affairs
In the year 1128, Bernard became involved in Church affairs at the Council of Troyes. It was at this council that Bernard outlined the Rule of the Knights Templar, a body of knights who devoted themselves to the care of the sick and pilgrims to the Holy Land and later went there themselves on the Crusades.
Mediation in a Disputed Papal Election
In 1130 Bernard mediated in a disputed papal election and supported Pope Innocent II against a rival antipope Anacletus. He accompanied Innocent to Italy and later mediated in other Church and State conflicts. It wasn't long before a former pupil of Bernard's, himself a Cistercian, was elected pope, Eugenius III, in 1145. Perhaps Bernard overdid this involvement in Church affairs (see, for example, the case of St William of York 8th June).
Preaching, Heresies, Peter Abelard
At this period a spirit of rationalism was flourishing in the schools of philosophy and theology. To counteract this, Bernard was recruited to confront Peter Abelard, whose treatise on the Trinity had been condemned as heretical. Abelard continued to develop his controversial teachings. Bernard took a more traditional stance and after he spoke at a council at Sens (1141), Abelard submitted without resistance, and retired to Cluny to live under the protection of Peter the Venerable, where he died two years later.
Cistercian Order Expansion
By this time Bernard was probably the most influential Church person in Europe. He sent monks from his overcrowded monastery into Germany, Sweden, England, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Italy. In all sixty-eight monasteries were established from Clairvaux.
Friend of St Malachy of Armagh
About the same time, Malachy, archbishop of Armagh in Ireland visited Clairvaux and developed a close friendship with Bernard. Malachy wanted to become a Cistercian, but the Pope would not give his permission. Malachy did succeed in getting Bernard to send some Cistercian monks to Ireland and later died at Clairvaux in 1148.
Second Crusade (1146–49)
In 1146 when news came that the Christians in the Holy Land were defeated by the Seljuk Turks, Pope Eugenius III commissioned Bernard to preach the Second Crusade. Although a great gathering of kings and princes went on the Crusade, it turned out to be an unmitigated disaster. Bernard was not left without criticism.
Final Years (1149–53)
From the beginning of the year 1153, Bernard felt a great loss at the passing of his friend Pope Eugenius. He grew gradually weaker and died at age sixty-three on August 20, 1153. He was forty years a monk.
Writings
Bernard wrote many works on a variety of topics: the spiritual life, Mariology, the duties of bishops and the question of grace and free will. The best known work is probably his Sermon on the Song of Songs.
Influence
Bernard was canonised by Pope Alexander III in 1174. Pope Pius VII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1830.
___________________
Bernard was a prolific writer on theology and spirituality, an eloquent preacher, and an adviser of popes and kings, a prominent spiritual master and Church leader in Europe in the first half of the twelfth century and was the power behind the great expansion of the Cistercians at that time. Patrick Duffy tells his story.
Early Life
Bernard was born at Fontaines, near Dijon, the third of a family of seven children of a noble family in Burgundy, six of whom were boys. At school he had a taste for literature and poetry. He grew into a charming, learned and eloquent young man.
The Cistercians
At the age of twenty-two he joined the newly formed Cistercian monastery of Citeaux, then struggling to restore the Rule of St Benedict in all its rigour. It is said he did not join the popular Benedictine abbey of Cluny because "his own nature was so passionate that it needed stronger medicine". Along with him he brought thirty-one companions, among them five of his brothers and many relatives. Three years after he joined Bernard himself was sent with twelve monks to start a new foundation at Clairvaux and soon became abbot.
Abbot of Clairvaux
Bernard's initial regime at Clairvaux was so austere that he himself became ill, and only the influence of his friend William, the bishop of Champeaux, and the authority of the General Chapter could make him mitigate the austerities. The monastery, however, made rapid progress. Disciples flocked to it in great numbers putting themselves under his direction. His father and all his brothers entered Clairvaux so as to pursue religious life. Even his sister, Humbeline, with the consent of her husband, took the veil in a Benedictine convent. In the year 1119, Bernard was present at the first general chapter of the order convoked by Stephen of Cîteaux. It was this general chapter that approved the constitutions of the order (The Charter of Charity), which Pope Callixtus II then confirmed.Competition with Cluny
At first the monks of the neighbouring abbey of Cluny were unhappy to see Cîteaux take the lead rôle among the religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church. For this reason, the Black Monks attempted to make it appear that the rules of the new order were impracticable. Then Bernard wrote an Apologia or defence of the Cistercian constitutions and soon Cluny began to reform itself under its abbot Peter the Venerable.
Church AffairsIn the year 1128, Bernard became involved in Church affairs at the Council of Troyes. It was at this council that Bernard outlined the Rule of the Knights Templar, a body of knights who devoted themselves to the care of the sick and pilgrims to the Holy Land and later went there themselves on the Crusades.
Mediation in a Disputed Papal Election
In 1130 Bernard mediated in a disputed papal election and supported Pope Innocent II against a rival antipope Anacletus. He accompanied Innocent to Italy and later mediated in other Church and State conflicts. It wasn't long before a former pupil of Bernard's, himself a Cistercian, was elected pope, Eugenius III, in 1145. Perhaps Bernard overdid this involvement in Church affairs (see, for example, the case of St William of York 8th June).
Preaching, Heresies, Peter Abelard
At this period a spirit of rationalism was flourishing in the schools of philosophy and theology. To counteract this, Bernard was recruited to confront Peter Abelard, whose treatise on the Trinity had been condemned as heretical. Abelard continued to develop his controversial teachings. Bernard took a more traditional stance and after he spoke at a council at Sens (1141), Abelard submitted without resistance, and retired to Cluny to live under the protection of Peter the Venerable, where he died two years later.
Cistercian Order Expansion
By this time Bernard was probably the most influential Church person in Europe. He sent monks from his overcrowded monastery into Germany, Sweden, England, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Italy. In all sixty-eight monasteries were established from Clairvaux.
Friend of St Malachy of Armagh
About the same time, Malachy, archbishop of Armagh in Ireland visited Clairvaux and developed a close friendship with Bernard. Malachy wanted to become a Cistercian, but the Pope would not give his permission. Malachy did succeed in getting Bernard to send some Cistercian monks to Ireland and later died at Clairvaux in 1148.
Second Crusade (1146–49)
In 1146 when news came that the Christians in the Holy Land were defeated by the Seljuk Turks, Pope Eugenius III commissioned Bernard to preach the Second Crusade. Although a great gathering of kings and princes went on the Crusade, it turned out to be an unmitigated disaster. Bernard was not left without criticism.
Final Years (1149–53)
From the beginning of the year 1153, Bernard felt a great loss at the passing of his friend Pope Eugenius. He grew gradually weaker and died at age sixty-three on August 20, 1153. He was forty years a monk.
Writings
Bernard wrote many works on a variety of topics: the spiritual life, Mariology, the duties of bishops and the question of grace and free will. The best known work is probably his Sermon on the Song of Songs.
Influence
Bernard was canonised by Pope Alexander III in 1174. Pope Pius VII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1830.
___________________
******************************
Memorable Proverb for Today
“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way,
ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past
or a pioneer of the future.”
~ Deepak Chopra ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Thursday, 20th August, 2026
Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2
Saint of the Day: Aug 20 – St Bernard, monk, abbot and doctor of the Church
C/f A short look at this saint’s life can be found below today's Readings and Reflection.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel 36:23-28
I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you.
The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows,I mean to display the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. And the nations will learn that I am the Lord
- it is the Lord who speaks -
when I display my holiness for your sake before their eyes. Then I am going to take you from among the nations and gather you together from all the foreign countries, and bring you home to your own land. I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed; I shall cleanse you of all your defilement and all your idols.
I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead. I shall put my spirit in you, and make you keep my laws and sincerely respect my observances. You will live in the land which I gave your ancestors. You shall be my people and I will be your God.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 50: 12-13, 14-15, 18-19: R/v Ez 36:25
Response I shall pour clean water over you and all your sins will be washed away.
1. A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. Response
2. Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. Response
3. For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humble, contrite heart you will not spurn. Response
Gospel Acclamation Ps 118: 27
Alleluia, alleluia!
Make me grasp the way of your precepts, and I will muse on your wonders.
Alleluia!
Or Ps 94: 8
Alleluia, alleluia
Harden not your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Alleluia
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 22:1-14 Glory to you, O Lord
Invite everyone you can find to the wedding.
Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables once again,'The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son's wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants. "Tell those who have been invited" he said "that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding."
But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them. The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. Then he said to his servants,
"The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding".
So these servants went out on to the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests. When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment, and said to him,
"How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?" And the man was silent. Then the king said to the attendants, "Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth."
For many are called, but few are chosen.'
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus
********************
Gospel Reflection Thursday Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Matthew 22:1-14
The parable in today’s gospel reading is the story of a king who was determined that there would be a full house for the wedding banquet of his son. When two lots of servants got nowhere with those who had already said ‘yes’ to their invitation, the king sends out his servants a third time to the crossroads of the town to bring total strangers to the banquet for his son’s wedding. We can hear in the story an image of the persistence of God, who continues to call even when people seem deaf to his call. The Lord does not give up on us, even when we give him good reasons for doing so. He continues to call out to us. The first reading from the prophet Ezekiel suggests that God not only continues to call us but that God is always at work in our lives. God’s call is not just something external but God works from within. In that reading God promises to cleanse us, to give us a new heart, to put a new spirit within us. God will certainly do his part.
The conclusion of the parable in the gospel reading suggests that we also have to do our part. Some of the guests were asked to leave because they were not wearing a wedding garment. In other words, they were casual about the king’s invitation. God is not casual in our regard. He invests heavily in us and he looks to us for an appropriate response. Our lives are to bear fruit worthy of God’s investment. As followers of his Son, we are to keep clothing ourselves with Christ.
________________________________
The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, 1966 published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Gospel Reflection is available with our thanks from Reflections on the Weekday Readings: My Words Will Not Pass Away by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookstore
________________
Saint of the Day: Aug 20 – St Bernard, monk, abbot and doctor of the Church
Bernard of Clairvaux was born near Dijon (France) in 1090; died at Clairvaux on this day in 1153. Joined the impoverished, reformed abbey of Citeaux at the age of 21. Soon became the founder and abbot of Clairvaux and pioneered the reform and expansion of the Cistercian Order. He was honoured as the most influential churchman of his age, for his inspirational leadership, and for his devotion to the humanity of Christ and to the Blessed Virgin.
Bernard was a prolific writer on theology and spirituality, an eloquent preacher, and an adviser of popes and kings, a prominent spiritual master and Church leader in Europe in the first half of the twelfth century and was the power behind the great expansion of the Cistercians at that time. Patrick Duffy tells his story.
Early Life
Bernard was born at Fontaines, near Dijon, the third of a family of seven children of a noble family in Burgundy, six of whom were boys. At school he had a taste for literature and poetry. He grew into a charming, learned and eloquent young man.
The Cistercians
At the age of twenty-two he joined the newly formed Cistercian monastery of Citeaux, then struggling to restore the Rule of St Benedict in all its rigour. It is said he did not join the popular Benedictine abbey of Cluny because "his own nature was so passionate that it needed stronger medicine". Along with him he brought thirty-one companions, among them five of his brothers and many relatives. Three years after he joined Bernard himself was sent with twelve monks to start a new foundation at Clairvaux and soon became abbot.
Abbot of Clairvaux
Bernard's initial regime at Clairvaux was so austere that he himself became ill, and only the influence of his friend William, the bishop of Champeaux, and the authority of the General Chapter could make him mitigate the austerities. The monastery, however, made rapid progress. Disciples flocked to it in great numbers putting themselves under his direction. His father and all his brothers entered Clairvaux so as to pursue religious life. Even his sister, Humbeline, with the consent of her husband, took the veil in a Benedictine convent. In the year 1119, Bernard was present at the first general chapter of the order convoked by Stephen of Cîteaux. It was this general chapter that approved the constitutions of the order (The Charter of Charity), which Pope Callixtus II then confirmed.Competition with Cluny
At first the monks of the neighbouring abbey of Cluny were unhappy to see Cîteaux take the lead rôle among the religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church. For this reason, the Black Monks attempted to make it appear that the rules of the new order were impracticable. Then Bernard wrote an Apologia or defence of the Cistercian constitutions and soon Cluny began to reform itself under its abbot Peter the Venerable.
Church AffairsIn the year 1128, Bernard became involved in Church affairs at the Council of Troyes. It was at this council that Bernard outlined the Rule of the Knights Templar, a body of knights who devoted themselves to the care of the sick and pilgrims to the Holy Land and later went there themselves on the Crusades.
Mediation in a Disputed Papal Election
In 1130 Bernard mediated in a disputed papal election and supported Pope Innocent II against a rival antipope Anacletus. He accompanied Innocent to Italy and later mediated in other Church and State conflicts. It wasn't long before a former pupil of Bernard's, himself a Cistercian, was elected pope, Eugenius III, in 1145. Perhaps Bernard overdid this involvement in Church affairs (see, for example, the case of St William of York 8th June).
Preaching, Heresies, Peter Abelard
At this period a spirit of rationalism was flourishing in the schools of philosophy and theology. To counteract this, Bernard was recruited to confront Peter Abelard, whose treatise on the Trinity had been condemned as heretical. Abelard continued to develop his controversial teachings. Bernard took a more traditional stance and after he spoke at a council at Sens (1141), Abelard submitted without resistance, and retired to Cluny to live under the protection of Peter the Venerable, where he died two years later.
Cistercian Order Expansion
By this time Bernard was probably the most influential Church person in Europe. He sent monks from his overcrowded monastery to Germany, Sweden, England, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Italy. In all sixty-eight monasteries were established from Clairvaux.
Friend of St Malachy of Armagh
About the same time, Malachy, archbishop of Armagh in Ireland visited Clairvaux and developed a close friendship with Bernard. Malachy wanted to become a Cistercian, but the Pope would not give his permission. Malachy did succeeded in getting Bernard to send some Cistercian monks to Ireland and later died at Clairvaux in 1148.
Second Crusade (1146–49)
In 1146 when news came that the Christians in the Holy Land were defeated by the Seljuk Turks, Pope Eugenius III commissioned Bernard to preach the Second Crusade. Although a great gathering of kings and princes went on the Crusade, it turned out to be an unmitigated disaster. Bernard was not left without criticism.
Final Years (1149–53)
From the beginning of the year 1153, Bernard felt a great loss at the passing of his friend Pope Eugenius. He grew gradually weaker and died at age sixty-three on August 20, 1153. He was forty years a monk.
Writings
Bernard wrote many works on a variety of topics: the spiritual life, Mariology, the duties of bishops and the question of grace and free will. The best known work is probably his Sermon on the Song of Songs.
Influence
Bernard was canonised by Pope Alexander III in 1174. Pope Pius VII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1830.
******************************
Memorable Proverb for Today
“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way,
ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past
or a pioneer of the future.”
~ Deepak Chopra ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Thursday, 20th August, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as Leabhar Ezícéal, Fáidh. 36: 23-28
Tabharfaidh mé croí nua daoibh fosta agus cuirfidh spiorad nua ionaibh.
Tháinig briathar an Tiarna chugam:Naomhóidh mé m’ainm mór a truaillíodh i measc na gciníocha, a thruailligh sibhse ina measc. Agus tuigfidh na ciníocha gur mise an Tiarna – an Tiarna Dia a labhraíonn – nuair a naomhóidh mé mé féin ionaibh os comhair a súl. Bainfidh mé amach sibh as na ciníocha agus baileoidh sibh le chéile ó na coigríocha go léir agus tabharfaidh mé sibh abhaile chuig bhur dtír dhúchais. Croithfidh mé uisce glan oraibh agus beidh sibh glan; scagfaidh mé sibh ó bhur salachar uile agus ó bhur n-íola uile.
Tabharfaidh mé croí nua daoibh fosta agus cuirfidh spiorad nua ionaibh; bainfidh mé an croí cloiche as bhur gcorp agus tabharfaidh croí feola daoibh ina áit. Cuirfidh mé mo spiorad ionaibh agus tabharfaidh oraibh siúl de réir mo reachtanna agus mo dheasghnátha a chomhlíonadh go beacht. Cónóidh sibh sa tír a bhronn mé ar bhur n-aithreacha; beidh sibh in bhur bpobal agam agus beidh mise i mo Dhia agaibh.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 50:12-13, 14-15, 18-19.R/v Ez 36:25
Freagra Croíthfigh mé uisce glan oraibh agus glanfar sibh ó bhur salachar uile.
1. Cruthaigh ionam croí glan, a Dhia,
agus cruthaigh spiorad daingean as an nua ionam.
Ná díbir amach as do radharc mé
agus ná beir do naomhspiorad uaim. Freagra
2. Tabhair ar ais dom áthas do shlánaithe
agus tabhair spiorad na díograise mar thaca dom.
Múinfidh mé do shlite do lucht na hurchóide
agus fillfidh na peacaigh ar ais chugat. Freagra
3. Óir ní bhfaigheann tú taitneamh in íobairt
agus an loiscíobairt a dhéanfainn ní ghlacfá.
M’íobairtse, a Dhia, an croí aithríoch;
ní eiteoidh tú, a Dhia, croí brúite uiríseal. Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 22: 1-14 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Cibé daoine a chasfar oraibh, tugaigí cuireadh chun na bainise dóibh.
San am sin chuir Íosa chun labhartha i bparabail leo arís:“Is iad dála ríocht na bhflaitheas,” ar seisean, “mar a bhí ag rí a rinne bainis dá mhac. Chuir sé a chuid seirbhíseach uaidh ag glaoch orthu seo a fuair cuireadh chun na bainise, ach níorbh áil leo teacht. Ansin chuir sé seirbhísigh eile uaidh agus dúirt leo a rá leo siúd a fuair an cuireadh: ‘Feach, tá an féasta ullamh agam, mo chuid mart agus méithe maraithe, agus gach aon ní i gcóir: tagaigí chun na bainise.’ Ach ba chuma leo é, ach imeacht, duine acu chun a fheirme agus duine eile i mbun cheannaíochta, agus an chuid eile acu rug siad ar a chuid seirbhíseach, thug siad easmailt dóibh agus mharaigh siad iad.
Tháinig fearg ar an rí, agus chuir sé a shaighdiúirí amach gur chuir siad na scriosadóirí chun báis agus gur loisc siad a gcathair. Ansin dúirt sé leis na seirbhísigh: ‘Tá an bhainis réidh, ach an dream a fuair an cuireadh, níorbh fhiú iad é. Mar sin, téigí sibhse i mbéal na mbóithre poiblí, agus cibé daoine a chasfar oraibh, tugaigí cuireadh chun na bainise dóibh.’
Chuaigh na seirbhísigh sin amach ar na bóithre agus bhailigh siad ar casadh orthu, olc agus maith, go raibh halla na bainise lán de chuideachta. Ghabh an rí isteach ag féachaint ar an gcuideachta, agus chonaic sé fear ann nach raibh aon éadach bainise air. Dúirt sé leis: ‘Cad a thug isteach anseo thú, a chara, gan éadach bainise ort?’ Ach ní raibh focal as. Ansin dúirt an rí leis an lucht freastail: ‘Cuirtear ceangal cos agus lámh air agus caítear amach sa dorchadas é: is ann a bheidh gol agus díoscán fiacla.’
Óir tá glaoite ar mhórán ach níl tofa ach beagán.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 23rd August, 2026
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Because of Peter’s faith the promise is given to him. It is through faith that the Church at all times can have trust in the promise of God’s protecting power. So encouraged, we can meet the difficulties and human weaknesses that are part of the Church’s life. We all need to search for deeper faith through study of the Scriptures and the teaching of the Church, and by attentive prayer.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 22:19-23
I place the key of the House of David upon his shoulder.
Thus says the Lord of hosts to Shebna, the master of the palace:
I dismiss you from your office, I remove you from your post,
and the same day I call on my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah.
I invest him with your robe, gird him with your sash,
entrust him with your authority; and he shall be a father
to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the House of Judah.
I place the key of the House of David on his shoulder;
should he open, no one shall close, should he close, no one shall open.
I drive him like a peg into a firm place; he will become a throne of glory for his father's house.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 137: 1-3. 6. 8. R/ v8
Response Your love, O Lord, is eternal,
discard not the work of your hands.
1. I thank you, Lord, with all my heart, you have heard the words of my mouth.
Before the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple. Response
2. I thank you for your faithfulness and love which excel all we ever knew of you.
On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul. Response
3. The Lord is high though he looks on the lowly and the haughty he knows from afar
Your love, O Lord, is eternal, discard not the work of your hands. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans 11:33-36
All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him.
How rich are the depths of God - how deep his wisdom and knowledge - and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods!Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation 2 Cor 5:19
Alleluia, alleluia!
God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself
and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.
Alleluia!
Or Mt 16:16
Alleluia, alleluia!
You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.
And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 16:13-20
You are Peter, and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples,'Who do people say the Son of Man is?'
And they said, 'Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets'.
'But you,' he said 'who do you say I am?'
Then Simon Peter spoke up, 'You are the Christ,' he said 'the Son of the living God'.
Jesus replied, 'Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.
And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.'
Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
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, 23rd August, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as an Leabhar Íseáia 22:19-23
Leagaim eochair theach Dháiví ar a ghualainn.
Seo mar a deir Tiarna na Slua le Seabna, máistir an phálais:
Brisfidh mé as do phost thú, as d’ionad stróicim thú anuas;
agus an lá céanna glaoim ar mo sheirbhíseach, Eiliácaím mac Hilciá.
Tá mé chun a ghléasadh i d’ionarsa, chun é a fheistiú le do shursaing, agus tugaim do chumhacht isteach ina láimh,
agus beidh sé ina athair ag muintir Iarúsailéim, agus ag teaghlach Iúdá.
Tá mé ag leagan eochair theach Dháiví ar a ghualainn;
má osclaíonn sé, ní dhúnfar; má dhúnann, ní osclófar.
Cuirim i bhfostú é mar bheadh tairne in áit dhaingean: déanfar cathaoir onóra de i gcomhair theaghlach a athar.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 137: 1-3. 6. 8. R/ v8
Freagra A Thiarna, maireann do mhaitheas go síoraí;
na tréig obair do lámh.
1. Gabhaim buíochas leat, a Thiarna, ó mo chroí go hiomlán mar gur éist tú le briathra mo bhéil.
I bhfianaisé na n-aingeal móraim thú; sléachtáim i dtreo do theampaill naofa. Freagra
2. Gabhaim buíochas leat as ucht do mhaitheasa is do dhílsé, mar gur mó fós do gheallúint ná do chlú.
Nuair a ghlaoigh mé ort d'éist tú liom, agus thúg tú neart breisé do m'anam. Freagra
3. Dá airde é an Tiarna, is cúram dó an t-íséal; ach breathnaíonn sé an t-uaibhreach i bhfad uaidh.
A Thiarna, maireann do mhaitheas go síoraí; na tréig obairdo lámh. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as céad Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Rómhánaigh 11:33-36
Is uaidh agus tríd agus dó gach uile ní dá bhfuil ann.
Cad é doimhneas ollmhaitheasaí agus eagna agus eolas Dé!Nach do-thuigthe atá a bhreithiúnais agus nach dorianta atá a bhealaí!
“Cé a thuig aigne an Tiarna? Nó cé a bhí riamh ina chomhairleoir aige?”
Nó “Cé a thug rud riamh dó go bhfaighidh sé a chúiteamh?”
Mar is uaidhsean agus trídsean agus dósan gach uile ní dá bhfuil ann.
Glóir go deo leis. Amen.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Mth 16: 18
Alleluia, alleluia!
Deirimse leatsa gurtú Peadar agus is ar an gcarraig seo a thógfaidh mé m’eaglais,
agus ní bhuafaidh geataí ifrinn uirthi.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 16:13-20
Is tü Peadar, agus bhéarfaidh mé duit eochracha ríocht na bhflaitheas.
San am sin ar theacht isteach i gceantar Chéasaráia Philib dó, d’fhiafraigh Íosa dá chuid deisceabal: 'Cé hé a deir na daoine Mac an Duine?”Dúirt siad: “Deir cuid acu Eoin Baiste; cuid eile acu Éilias; tuilleadh acu Irimia nó duine de na fáithe.”
Dúirt sé leo: “Ach cé a deir sibhse mé?”
Dúirt Síomón Peadar á fhreagairt: “Is tú an Críost, Mac Dé bheo.”
D’fhreagair Íosa agus dúirt sé leis:
“Is méanar duit, a Shíomóin Bar Ióna, óir ní fuil agus feoil a d’fhoilsigh duit é ach m’Athair atá ar neamh. Agus deirimse leatsa gur tú Peadar agus is ar an gcarraig seo a thógfaidh mé m’eaglais, agus ní bhuafaidh geataí ifrinn uirthi. Agus tabharfaidh mé duit eochracha ríocht na bhflaitheas; rud ar bith a cheanglaíonn tú ar talamh beidh sé ceangailte ar neamh, agus rud ar bith a scaoileann tú ar talamh beidh sé scaoilte ar neamh.”
Chuir sé mar acht ar na deisceabail ansin gan a rá le duine ar bith gurbh é féin an Críost.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
