Catholic Mass Readings For Today

Each day, the Church provides us with a selection of Scripture passages that speak to our hearts, guiding us in our spiritual journey and drawing us closer to God. Whether we listen to these readings during Mass or meditate on them privately, they serve as nourishment for our souls.

The Power of Daily Scripture

The Word of God is alive and active. When we reflect on the daily Mass readings, we allow God to speak to us in our current circumstances. These readings are carefully chosen to complement the liturgical calendar, offering themes of hope, repentance, love, and faith.

Each reading, whether from the Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles, or the Gospel, carries a message that can inspire and transform our lives. They remind us that God's voice is always present, guiding us through every season of life.

How To Engage With Today's Readings

Engaging with the daily Mass readings can become a beautiful habit that deepens our faith. Here are some ways to make the most of them:

Read and Reflect: Take a few moments to read the Scripture passages and meditate on their meaning. Ask yourself how they apply to your life today.
Pray With The Readings: Let the words of Scripture inspire your prayer. Speak to God about what you have read and listen for His response in your heart.
Attend Daily Mass: If possible, participating in the daily Eucharist allows you to hear the readings proclaimed and to receive the grace of the Sacrament.
Share With Others: Discussing the readings with family or friends can provide new insights and encourage mutual spiritual growth.

Today's Gospel Reflection

The Gospel reading for today often contains the very words of Jesus. These words challenge, comfort, and guide us. Perhaps today’s Gospel speaks of mercy, reminding us to forgive others as God forgives us. Or maybe it calls us to greater faith, urging us to trust in God's providence.

By spending time with the Gospel, we allow Jesus’ teachings to shape our thoughts and actions. It is in these moments of reflection that we truly encounter Christ.

Why The Mass Readings Matter

The Catholic Church, in her wisdom, has structured the liturgical readings in a way that allows us to journey through the Bible over time. This rhythm of Scripture keeps us connected to God’s story and reminds us that we are part of something greater.

No matter what challenges or joys we face today, the Mass readings offer us a source of strength, encouragement, and wisdom. They remind us that God’s Word is a light for our path and that He is always with us.

As you read and meditate on today’s readings, may your heart be open to the voice of God, and may His words bring you peace and inspiration.

Liturgical Calendar

Today: Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Readings and Gospel

Reading 1 : Ezekiel 24:15-23

Responsorial Psalm : Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21

Alleluia : Matthew 5:3

Gospel : Matthew 19:16-22

Liturgical vestments: Green

Liturgical Calendar

Catholic mass readings for August 17, 2026: Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1

Ezekiel 24:15-23

The word of the LORD came to me:
Son of man, by a sudden blow
I am taking away from you the delight of your eyes,
but do not mourn or weep or shed any tears.
Groan in silence, make no lament for the dead,
bind on your turban, put your sandals on your feet,
do not cover your beard, and do not eat the customary bread.
That evening my wife died,
and the next morning I did as I had been commanded.
Then the people asked me, “Will you not tell us what all these things
that you are doing mean for us?”
I therefore spoke to the people that morning, saying to them:
Thus the word of the LORD came to me:
Say to the house of Israel:
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I will now desecrate my sanctuary, the stronghold of your pride,
the delight of your eyes, the desire of your soul.
The sons and daughters you left behind shall fall by the sword.
Ezekiel shall be a sign for you:
all that he did you shall do when it happens.
Thus you shall know that I am the LORD.
You shall do as I have done,
not covering your beards nor eating the customary bread.
Your turbans shall remain on your heads, your sandals on your feet.
You shall not mourn or weep,
but you shall rot away because of your sins and groan one to another.

Responsorial Psalm

Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21

R. (see 18a) You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you.
You forgot the God who gave you birth.
When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing
and anger toward his sons and daughters.
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“I will hide my face from them,” he said,
“and see what will then become of them.
What a fickle race they are,
sons with no loyalty in them!”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’
and angered me with their vain idols,
I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’;
with a foolish nation I will anger them.”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

Alleluia

Matthew 5:3

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit;
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 19:16-22

A young man approached Jesus and said,
“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good?
There is only One who is good.
If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He asked him, “Which ones?”
And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
honor your father and your mother;
and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The young man said to him,
“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go,
sell what you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad,
for he had many possessions.