Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest

Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,

Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders?
They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.

He summoned the crowd and said to them,

Hear and understand.
It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man;
but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.

Then his disciples approached and said to him,

Do you know that the Pharisees took offense
when they heard what you said?

He said in reply,

Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted
will be uprooted.
Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind.
If a blind man leads a blind man,
both will fall into a pit.

— Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14


The peace of the Lord be with you. Once again, the words of Jesus give us a lot to think about. Isn’t it so true that our words often really tell what occupies our minds and our hearts? Words are very powerful. They can wound us, as well as heal us, in unseen ways. As God’s children we must be careful about our actions and our words so that both may glorify God and bring people closer to him. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Readings for Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Memorial of Saint John Vianney