How do we resolve a conflict with someone? In today's Gospel, as a last resort if nothing else works, Jesus instructs us to treat them as a tax collector. And what does that mean? Jesus asks us to see to the heart of the person, and not to walk away. Let us show God's love for everyone, not just people who agree with us.

Catholic Mass readings for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2026

First Reading: Ezekiel 33: 7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 13: 8-10
Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19
Gospel: Matthew 18: 15-20

Is your soul thirsting for God, as we read in today's Responsorial Psalm? For today's homily, Father Chuck invited parishioner John Dummer to speak about growing a transformative, life-changing relationship with Jesus. John reminded us that the Second Reading urges us to "...discern what is the will of God," He invited us to attend an "ACTS" retreat, which stands for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. St. Clare Parish is offering a mens ACTS retreat on September 17-20, and there will be a womens retreat in the spring. You can find more information on the St. Claire website at https://www.osvhub.com/saintclarechurch/forms/men-s-acts-retreat-september-2026 or contact staff member Kim Zea at 503-244-1037 ext. 104 or kim@saintclarechurch.org.

Catholic Mass readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30, 2026

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 12: 1-2
Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18
Gospel: Matthew 16: 21-27

What do you see is your role as a member of God's church? The Holy Spirit has guided church leadership ever since Jesus chose the first leader, Peter. As our Archdiocese seeks mission renewal, let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us grow closer and more pleasing to God as members of His church.

Catholic Mass readings for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 22: 19-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138: 1-2a, 2bc-3, 6, 8
Second Reading: Romans 11: 33-36
Alleluia: Matthew 16: 18
Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-20

Why is Mary such an important example for us today? In living a life of humble service to God, she helped transform history. God can also do great things through us. Mary's Assumption is a sign of God's love and sharing with us the victory of life. Let us be God's servants on earth knowing that death does not have the last word.

Catholic Mass readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2026 (Observed Aug. 15 and 16 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church)

First Reading: Revelation 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 45: 10, 11, 12, 16
Second Reading: First Corinthians 15: 20-27
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56

Do you ever get distracted during Mass or prayer, causing your good intentions to sink like Peter's? If that happens, we can call out to the Lord for help in getting back our focus. Let's pray, "Lord, Bless my brain and help my heart." And we can also capture a distraction and offer it up in prayer to God, to bring Jesus in.

Catholic Mass readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 9, 2026

First Reading: First Kings 19: 9a, 11-13a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
Second Reading: Romans 9: 1-5
Alleluia: Psalms 130: 5
Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-33

Has something in your life only become apparent to you after you see it in past photos? In the same way, we may need the Holy Spirit's help to look back and realize that Jesus has always been there for us and will always be there. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us become more aware of God's relentless love, from which nothing can separate us.

Catholic Mass readings for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 55: 1-3

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 8-9, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading: Romans 8: 35, 37-39

Alleluia: Matthew 4: 4b

Gospel: Matthew 14: 13-21

Why do you think King Solomon went astray in his later years, after God granted him wisdom? God gives us freedom, but that also comes with risk that we might rebel against His guidance. So God knows that there will be "good" and "bad" fish until the end of days. Let us continue to pray for understanding and not get complacent, and also realize that God's church is stronger than any bad fish.

Please note: For those who attended 9am or 11am Mass this weekend, the recorded homily is a briefer blend of both homilies.

Catholic Mass readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 26, 2026.

First Reading: First Kings 3: 5, 7-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130
Second Reading: Romans 8: 28-30
Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25
Gospel: Matthew 13: 44-52

Is there someone you're having trouble forgiving? Today's first reading tells us that to be just, we must be kind. Jesus knows that it takes strength to forgive. Let us pray for God's strength to help us be good and to forgive, and let us pray for anyone who has hurt us.

Catholic Mass readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 19. 2026