Catholic Mass Readings for August 1, 2026 and 18th Week of Ordinary Time

The Catholic liturgy for Saturday, August 1 2026 commemorates the memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori. The prescribed readings include the first reading from Jeremiah 26:11‑16, 24, a responsorial psalm from Psalms 69, and the Gospel of Matthew 14:1‑12, which recounts Herod’s reaction to John the Baptist and the fate of John.

The Monday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time (Year A) focuses on the contrast between false hope and true hope. The first reading highlights the prophet Hananiah’s misleading promises, while the Gospel recounts Jesus walking on water, Peter’s attempt to walk, his moment of doubt, and Jesus’ rescue. The homily urges believers to keep their trust in Christ amid life’s storms.