Gospel: August 1, 2026
August 1, 2026 (Saturday)
17th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 1 (White)
St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor
Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
1st Reading: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24
Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12
At that time, the reports about Jesus reached king Herod. And he said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist.
John has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in John.”
Herod had, in fact, ordered that John be arrested, bound in chains and put in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. For John had said to Herod, “It is not right for you to have her as your wife.” Herod wanted to kill him but he did not dare, because he feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet.
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced among the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked for. The girl, following the advice of her mother, said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist, here, on a dish.”
The king was very displeased, but because he had made his promise under oath, in the presence of his guests, he ordered it to be given to her. So he had John beheaded in prison, and his head brought on a dish and given to the girl. The girl then took it to her mother.
Then John’s disciples came, took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Reflection:
Courage to stand for the truth.
The Gospel reading recounts the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom—a powerful testament to courage, conviction, and faithfulness to God’s truth. John’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming God’s justice, even in the face of opposition and death, is a profound example for us to follow.
St. Alphonsus de Liguori, whose memorial we celebrate today, embodied this boldness in his ministry. Like John, Alphonsus was unafraid to challenge societal norms and speak out against the injustices of his time. His compassion for the poor and marginalized drove him to establish the Redemptorists, a congregation committed to preaching the Gospel to the most abandoned. In reflecting on this Gospel and St. Alphonsus’s life, we are reminded that being disciples of Christ often requires courage—courage to stand for the truth, to serve the marginalized and the forgotten, and to remain faithful amidst trials. May the examples of John the Baptist and St. Alphonsus inspire us to live with conviction, love, and a fearless commitment to bringing God’s mercy to others.
