Saturday Mass Readings August 8, 2026, the Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). The readings invite us to trust God even when we do not understand what He is doing, to remain faithful while waiting for His promises, and to recognize the power of genuine faith.
First Reading
Habakkuk 1:12–2:4
“The righteous shall live by his faith.”
The Prophet Habakkuk brings a difficult question before God. He sees violence, injustice and wickedness, and he struggles to understand why God appears to remain silent while evil seems to prosper.
God answers him by telling him to write down the vision and wait for its appointed time. Although the fulfilment may seem slow, it will surely come.
The reading gives us one of the great statements of faith in Scripture:
“The righteous shall live by his faith.”
This is a powerful reminder that faith does not mean having all the answers. Sometimes we must continue trusting God even when we cannot see what He is doing.
What this reading teaches us
There may be moments when you pray and wonder why God has not answered. You may see people doing wrong and seemingly succeeding while you struggle to remain faithful.
Habakkuk reminds us: do not give up because the answer seems delayed.
God’s timing is not the same as ours. What He has promised will come at the proper time.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 9:8–9, 10–11, 12–13
Response:
“You will not forsake those who seek you, O Lord.”
The Psalm reinforces the message of the first reading. God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people. He is a just judge and a refuge for those who trust in Him.
When we are oppressed or going through difficult situations, we can remember that God sees us and does not abandon those who seek Him.
Gospel Acclamation
2 Timothy 1:10
“Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.”
The Gospel is the revelation of the life and salvation that Christ brings to humanity.
Gospel
Matthew 17:14–20
“If you have faith, nothing will be impossible to you.”
A man approaches Jesus because his son is suffering terribly. He had already taken the boy to Jesus’ disciples, but they were unable to cure him.
Jesus rebukes the demon, and the boy is immediately cured.
Later, the disciples ask Jesus privately why they could not drive the demon out. Jesus points to their lack of faith and tells them that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things.
What the Gospel teaches us
The Gospel is not simply telling us that we should believe strongly enough and then receive everything we want.
Jesus is teaching His disciples about complete trust in God.
Sometimes our faith feels very small. We may pray while still afraid. We may believe while still having questions. We may trust God today and struggle again tomorrow.
But even a small, sincere faith can become powerful when it is placed completely in God.
The mustard seed is tiny, yet it grows. In the same way, faith can begin with something very small and grow as we continue praying, trusting and following Christ.
Reflection for Saturday
There are times when life feels like Habakkuk’s situation.
You pray, but nothing seems to change.
You wait, but the answer does not come.
You see problems around you and wonder, “Lord, how long?”
Today’s first reading tells us to wait for God’s appointed time, while the Gospel reminds us that we must continue to have faith.
The two readings therefore give us a beautiful message:
Wait for God, but do not stop believing in God.
Your situation may look impossible today. Your prayer may seem unanswered. Your faith may even feel as small as a mustard seed.
But God is asking you to keep trusting Him.
You do not have to understand everything before you trust God. Sometimes faith simply means saying:
“Lord, I do not understand what You are doing, but I believe You are still with me.”
And as St. Dominic dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, today’s readings also remind us that faith is not meant to remain hidden in our hearts. We are called to live it, share it and allow it to shape the way we treat others.
Prayer
Lord, increase my faith. When I cannot understand Your ways, help me to trust You. When my prayers seem unanswered, give me patience to wait for Your appointed time. When my faith becomes weak, remind me that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things when placed in Your hands. Amen.
Suggested Hymns for the Day
Entrance Hymn: Come, Holy Spirit, Come
Offertory Hymn: Take My Life and Let It Be
Communion Hymn: One Bread, One Body
Closing Hymn: Go Make of All Disciples
For more information about St. Dominic, his life of prayer, and his mission as the founder of the Order of Preachers, read the reflection on St. Dominic published by the Holy See.