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- 5 days ago
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August 18 - August 23, 2025
Judges 2:11-19 The book of Judges tells of the intermediate time between the entry into the Land and the setting up of a monarchy. Many, many times, it tells of the people falling into idolatrous practices with disastrous consequences.
Matthew 19:16-22 A failed calling is always tough to listen to. It does remind us that we become disciples not because we choose it but rather the Lord chooses us.
St John Eudes, priest
Judges 6:11-24 In response to social chaos and religious idolatry, God appoints leaders for his people, called “judges.” Today we hear of the call of Gideon and of his encounter with God, a memorable tale.
Matthew 19:23-30 The question of Peter might seem strange, but riches were regarded as a blessing from God. How could a gift from God hinder us? Thus we see the values of the kingdom are quite “alternative.”
St Bernard, abbot and doctor
Judges 9:6-15 Our reading today is a justly famous parable from the Old Testament. Using the imagery of trees in a forest looking for a ruler, it warns against setting up a monarchy because only God should be the king over Israel. The shade of the thorn bush offers more than “pleasant coolness in the heat”! Monarchies, we are told, colonise and exploit and therefore be careful in wishing for one.
Matthew 20:1-16 This passage can surprise and even offend still. It is, of course, no basis for labour relations but a great basis for God-relations! Such a relief that we don’t have to merit it or earn it in any way—all is grace.
St Pius X, bishop of Rome
Judges 11:29-39 This “text of terror” is a dreadful warning against losing faith and making foolish oaths. It is not at all a moral story but rather an illustration of terrible consequences when the centre does not hold.
Matthew 22:1-14 To “get” this parable, it is vital to hear it on two levels. There is the level of the historical Jesus, using traditional festal and nuptial imagery for the kingdom. There is the level of church, looking back and what actually happened to Jesus, the messiah and prophet.
Our Lady, mother and queen
Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22 The wonderful short novel which is the book Ruth begins in a sombre way, with three deaths and three widows. Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law is exemplary. (Not really suitable for weddings, however!!).
Matthew 22:34-40 Asked a penetrating question, Jesus as a good Jew gives two answers. The first is really the Sh’ma Yisrael, recited three times daily by observant Jews. The second great principle comes from a somewhat unlikely source, the book of Leviticus.
St Rose of Lima, virgin; St Eugene, bishop
Ruth 2:1-3,8-11,4:13-17 The women in this story are not without initiative. Of course, Ruth’s reputation of faithfulness is very attractive and, as an extra bonus, a foreigner enters the lineage of the future David. Thus the book counters any exclusionary nationalism.
Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus is hard on the outward display of religion and the piling up of titles. It can still disturb today. Does Jesus have an alternative, another way? Yes—in a word, service.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025bt, August 17). Twentieth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081725.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings
