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Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Reading 1  : Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24

The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people,
“This man deserves death;
he has prophesied against this city,
as you have heard with your own ears.”
Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people:
“It was the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and city
all that you have heard.
Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds;
listen to the voice of the LORD your God,
so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you.
As for me, I am in your hands;
do with me what you think good and right.
But mark well: if you put me to death,
it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves,
on this city and its citizens.
For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you,
to speak all these things for you to hear.”Thereupon the princes and all the people
said to the priests and the prophets,
“This man does not deserve death;
it is in the name of the LORD, our God, that he speaks to us.” So Ahikam, son of Shaphan, protected Jeremiah,
so that he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34

R.(14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Rescue me out of the mire; may I not sink!
may I be rescued from my foes,
and from the watery depths.
Let not the flood-waters overwhelm me,
nor the abyss swallow me up,
nor the pit close its mouth over me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
But I am afflicted and in pain;
let your saving help, O God, protect me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.”
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Alleluia : Matthew 5:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said,
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,
who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a sobering and inspiring truth:
Faithfulness to God sometimes brings opposition, but God never abandons those who stand for truth.
• Jeremiah shows courage in speaking God’s word.
• The psalm assures us that God hears the cry of the faithful.
• John the Baptist reveals the ultimate witness—remaining faithful even unto death.
The message is clear: Stand firm in truth. God sees, God hears, and God strengthens His faithful ones.

Reflection for the Day

Jeremiah’s story is strikingly relevant. He speaks God’s message, and instead of gratitude, he receives hostility. People misunderstand him, accuse him, and even seek his death.
Yet Jeremiah does not retreat. He does not soften the message. He does not compromise truth.
He simply says:
“As for me, I am in your hands. Do with me as you think right. But know this: if you kill me, you shed innocent blood.”
This is courage rooted not in pride, but in obedience.
The psalm gives voice to the heart of every faithful servant:
“Lord, in Your great love, answer me.” It is a prayer of trust— not demanding rescue, but believing rescue will come.
Then we meet John the Baptist— the prophet who lived with uncompromising integrity. He spoke truth to power. He confronted sin. He prepared the way for Christ.
And for this, he was imprisoned and killed.
John’s death is not a defeat. It is a testimony. It reveals that truth is costly, but worth every cost.
Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Stand firm in truth.
   Even when misunderstood, rejected, or opposed.
2. Trust God’s faithful love.
   He hears every cry and strengthens every heart.
3. Live with courage and integrity.
   Like Jeremiah. Like John the Baptist. Like every saint who chose God above comfort.
   Let today be a day of courage, clarity, and deep trust in God’s unfailing love.

Prayer for Today

Lord God, give me the courage to stand for truth with humility and love.
Strengthen my heart when I face opposition, and remind me that You see, You hear, and You protect Your faithful ones.
May I live with integrity, speak with boldness, and trust Your great love in every circumstance.
Make me a witness to Your truth and Your mercy today and always.
Amen.