THURSDAY OF THE NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | AUGUST 13, 2026 |

THURSDAY OF THE NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | AUGUST 13, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/thursday-of-the-nineteenth-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-august-13-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | AUGUST 13, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-13th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PONTIAN, POPE AND SAINT HIPPOLYTUS, PRIEST,  MARTYRS; SAINT CASSIAN OF IMOLA, BISHOP; SAINT RADEGUNDE, QUEEN OF FRANCE; SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS, SEMINARIAN AND BLESSED MICHAEL McGIVNEY, PRIEST

HISTORY OF THE SAINTS SERIES ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@dailyreflectionswithphilomena

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION | AUGUST 6-14TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-the-assumption/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 13, 2026 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-august-13-2026/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on this Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time, the Gospel calls us to a radical, limitless form of love. When Peter asks if he must forgive seven times, Jesus responds with the command of “seventy-seven times,” teaching us that because we have been forgiven an unpayable debt by God, we must extend that same mercy to our brothers and sisters. If we refuse, we become like the unforgiving servant, exiling ourselves from the peace of the Father. This spirit of total surrender and faithful witness is perfectly modeled by the great cloud of witnesses we celebrate today: Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, martyrs who reconciled in exile; Saint Cassian of Imola, a teacher and martyr; Saint Radegunde, a queen who became a humble nun; Saint John Berchmans, the model seminarian; and Blessed Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. Today, we also continue Day 8 of the Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, may the Lord open our hearts to forgive as He forgives, and grant us the grace to walk in holiness.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings for Thursday, August 13, 2026 | Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1: Ezekiel 12:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62
Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 18:21–19:1

“Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’”

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against you, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.’ When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus a very practical human question about the limits of mercy: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus’ answer “not seven times but seventy-seven times”, redefines divine forgiveness as limitless and unconditional. Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father: we have all been forgiven an unpayable debt of sin through God’s infinite mercy. Because we have received such overwhelming compassion, holding grudges or refusing mercy to others is a rejection of the very grace that saved us. Forgiveness is not merely a polite suggestion; it is a spiritual necessity for remaining in God’s love.

In the First Reading, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded by God to enact a dramatic prophetic sign before the rebellious house of Israel. He packs his bags, digs through a wall in the dark, and carries his burden like an exile, showing the people visually what will soon happen to Jerusalem because they turned away from God. The Responsorial Psalm warns us against following in the footsteps of those who “tempted and rebelled against God the Most High,” calling out: “Do not forget the works of the Lord!” When we harden our hearts through stubbornness or an unforgiving spirit, we risk exiling ourselves from God’s presence and peace.

Together, these readings urge us to examine the state of our hearts. God continuously calls us away from rebellion and self-righteousness into the freedom of boundless mercy. When we forgive others from the heart, we mirror the loving-kindness of the King who cancelled our entire debt. Is there someone in your life whom you are finding difficult to forgive, and are you willing to let go of that burden today so God’s mercy can flow freely through you? May we be swift to forgive, quick to repent, and ever mindful of the endless grace God extends to us daily.

Heavenly Father, You have forgiven us a debt we could never repay, washing us clean in Your boundless mercy. Soften our hearts wherever pride, bitterness, or resentment has taken root. Grant us the grace and humility to forgive those who offend us, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times, loving them from the heart as You have loved us. Preserve us from spiritual blindness and rebellion, and help us never to forget Your wonderful works. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | AUGUST 13TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, Saint Cassian of Imola, Saint Radegunde, Saint John Berchmans, and Blessed Michael McGivney | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-13th/

SAINT PONTIAN, POPE AND SAINT HIPPOLYTUS, PRIEST: St. Pontian served as Pope from 230 to 235 during a time of fierce persecution. He was exiled to the harsh mines of Sardinia by Emperor Maximinus Thrax. Knowing the Church needed a leader in Rome, Pontian humbly resigned before his arrest, paving the way for a successor. He bore suffering with patience and died as a martyr for the faith.

St. Hippolytus, a gifted priest and theologian, was renowned for his eloquence and writings, including the earliest known commentary on Scripture and the Apostolic Tradition. At one point, he allowed zeal to harden into division and became an antipope in opposition to the Church’s leadership. Yet, in exile alongside Pontian, he reconciled with the Church before his death, also becoming a martyr in Sardinia around 236.

PRAYER: Lord, through the witness of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, You teach us humility, reconciliation, and steadfast courage in trial. May we, too, bear hardships with love, seek unity over pride, and cling to the truth of Your Church. Amen.🙏🏾

SAINT CASSIAN OF IMOLA, BISHOP: A bishop of Brescia in the 4th century, St. Cassian fled persecution to Imola, where he taught reading, writing, and the Christian faith. Discovered to be a Christian, he was condemned to a cruel martyrdom tied to a stake and tortured to death by his own pagan students, who pierced him with their iron styli. He is remembered for his dedication to education, faith, and courage in the face of suffering.

PRAYER: O God, You gave St. Cassian the heart of a teacher and the courage of a martyr. Grant that all educators may inspire truth and virtue, and that we may remain faithful to Christ even when it costs us everything. Amen.🙏🏾

SAINT RADEGUNDE, QUEEN OF FRANCE: Born a Thuringian princess in 520, St. Radegunde was taken captive at age 12 and forced to marry King Clothaire I of France. Despite abuse and political turmoil, she lived with humility, serving the poor, ministering to lepers, and founding the Abbey of the Holy Cross in Poitiers. She obtained a relic of the True Cross and fostered a community of prayer, study, and charity. She died in 587, remembered for her compassion, courage, and miracles.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You filled St. Radegunde with charity for the poor and devotion to the Holy Cross. May her example inspire us to serve with humility and to seek the treasures of heaven over the honors of the world. Amen 🙏🏾

SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS, SEMINARIAN: Born in Belgium in 1599, John Berchmans entered the Jesuit novitiate at 17. Known for his joy, purity, and obedience, he excelled in studies and service. Even simple tasks were done with great love. At 22, he died from illness, holding his crucifix, rosary, and Jesuit rule, calling them his “three treasures.” His life reminds us that holiness can be found in faithfulness to daily duties.

PRAYER: God of all goodness, You called St. John Berchmans to holiness in the ordinary and the humble. Through his intercession, may we love You in small things and be faithful in our daily callings. Amen.🙏🏾

BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY, PRIEST: Born in Connecticut in 1852, Michael McGivney worked to support his family after his father’s death before completing seminary studies. As pastor of St. Mary’s in New Haven, he cared deeply for his parishioners, especially struggling immigrant families. In 1882, he founded the Knights of Columbus to provide charitable aid, unity, and fraternal support to Catholic men and their families. He died in 1890 and was beatified in 2020.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You blessed Blessed Michael McGivney with a heart for service and a vision for unity among Your people. May his example inspire us to live in charity, protect the vulnerable, and work for the good of the Church. Amen. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, Saint Cassian of Imola, Saint Radegunde, Saint John Berchmans, and Blessed Michael McGivney, we also honor: SAINT BENILDE, SAINTS CENTOLLA & HELEN, SAINT FACHANAN, SAINT FRANCIS OF PESARO, SAINT HERULPH, SAINT JUNIAN, SAINT LUDOLPH, BLESSED MARK OF AVIANO, SAINT MAXIMUS THE CONFESSOR, SAINT NERSES GLAIETSI, BLESSED OTTO NEURURER, SAINT TIKHON OF ZADONSK, SAINT WIGBERT, AND BLESSED WILLIAM FREEMAN. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR MERCY, VOCATIONS, AND FAMILIES

Heavenly Father, You have forgiven us a debt we could never repay. As we pray through Day 8 of the Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, we place our deepest needs, intentions, and hopes into Your hands.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Saints Pontian, Hippolytus, Cassian, Radegunde, John Berchmans, and Blessed Michael McGivney, we pray for the grace of a forgiving heart, that we may let go of resentment and love as You love. We lift up all Altar Servers, Seminarians, and Priests; may they serve You with the purity and joy of Saint John Berchmans. We pray for the safety of all students and teachers in the new school year, for the healing of the sick, and for the support of the poor and marginalized. Grant peace to our world, unity to our families, and a renewed spirit of charity in Your Church. May God accept our petitions and answer our prayers in His perfect time. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, Saint Cassian of Imola, Saint Radegunde, Saint John Berchmans, Blessed Michael McGivney, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer-2/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/