21ST AUGUST 2025: DAILY CATHOLIC MASS READINGS TODAY;Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope
Brothers and sisters, On August 21, 2025, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope. Born Giuseppe Sarto in 1835, he rose from humble beginnings to become pope in 1903. He is remembered as the “Pope of the Eucharist” for encouraging frequent Communion, lowering the age for First Holy Communion, and promoting liturgical renewal. He worked tirelessly to defend the faith against modernist errors, to restore reverence in worship, and to strengthen catechesis among the faithful. His papacy remains a model of pastoral love, humility, and zeal for holiness. The first reading (Judges 11:29–39a) recounts the tragic vow of Jephthah, who promises to sacrifice whatever comes from his house if the Lord grants him victory. Sadly, it is his daughter who first comes out to meet him. This reading reveals the dangers of rash vows and highlights the importance of discerning God’s will with wisdom rather than through human bargaining. The responsorial psalm (Psalm 40) proclaims, “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” Unlike Jephthah’s misguided sacrifice, the psalmist reminds us that true worship lies in obedience to God’s will and offering our hearts to Him. The Gospel (Matthew 22:1–14) presents the parable of the wedding feast. Many invited guests refuse to come, mistreating the king’s messengers, while others make excuses. The king then invites everyone, good and bad alike, but one guest is cast out for not wearing the proper garment. Jesus teaches that while all are invited into God’s Kingdom, we must clothe ourselves in holiness and be prepared to accept the invitation with faith and conversion of life. Reflection: Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on fidelity to God’s will. Saint Pius X embodied this fidelity by leading the Church with humility, courage, and deep devotion to the Eucharist. The Gospel reminds us that God’s invitation to His heavenly banquet is for everyone, but it requires our readiness and proper disposition. Like the guest without the wedding garment, we cannot simply show up; we must be clothed with grace through faith, repentance, and love. The life of Saint Pius X shows us how to respond to God’s call—by centering our lives on Christ, nourishing ourselves with the Eucharist, and striving for holiness in everyday life. Saint Pius X, pray for us
