The Feast of St Alphonsus Liguori | Tuesday 1 August 2023

Today is Tuesday the 1st of August, the feast of St Alphonsus Liguori, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time.

The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Bless the Lord (Bringing in the Harvest)'.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Give Him thanks, oh my soul
Give Him thanks, oh my soul
Bringing in the harvest
Lay it on the altar
Bless God's name
God's holy name
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Give Him thanks, oh my soul
Give Him thanks, oh my soul
Bringing in our treasures
The fruit of all our labours
Bless God's name
God's holy name
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Give Him thanks, oh my soul
Give Him thanks, oh my soul

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 13:36-43

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!


Jesus challenges us with his parable about how we welcome God’s word and put it into practice. Do you recognize yourself in his comparisons? Jesus tells us that our choices and actions have eternal consequences. How does that make you feel? Take some time to respond as he speaks to you.

Do you recognize the ‘weeds’ and the ‘good seed’ in your own life? Why does some seed flourish in you and some not? Is there a prayer of thanksgiving or a prayer for help rising within you as you reflect on the words of Jesus?

As you hear Jesus explain his parable once more, allow whatever words stay with you to take hold, letting them sink deeper into your heart and mind.

Jesus’ words contain both warning and promise. Whatever you heard particularly today, speak to him from your heart, asking for the graces that you need right now.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.