August 13, 2026
Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
or Optional Memorial of Pope St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs
Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Today is Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time. The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of Pope St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs. According to the recently published Roman Missal, SS. Pontian and Hippolytus (+ c. 236) suffered martyrdom after being exiled to Sardinia by Emperor Maximinus Thrax. St. Pontian succeeded St. Urban I as Pope in 230, while St. Hippolytus was a priest of Rome. He is likely the noted theologian of that name who was elected antipope during a dispute over the forgiveness of those who had sinned grievously. He was reconciled with the Church before his death.

In daily life, we often quarrel with others over trivial matters and frequently feel wronged by them. At times, like Peter, we may want to ask Jesus: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?” (cf. Matt 18:21). From our perspective, our tolerance for others seems to have limits. Yet Jesus tells us: “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (cf. Matt 18:22). This means forgiving unconditionally—without reservation.

To illustrate this truth more clearly, Jesus offers a parable (cf. Matt 18:23–35). In it, we encounter an image of God who calls us before Him to settle accounts. He does not come to reckon our sins, but to examine whether we have acted according to His will and teaching—whether we have loved those He has given us, especially those who hurt us. What hinders us from loving others, particularly those who harm us? Often, it is our own families. They may try to prevent us from loving, guided instead by the logic of this world, which seeks personal gain rather than the good of others. If our mindset aligns with this worldly logic, we become like the wicked servant in the parable: having received pardon from the Master, we revert to our old ways, oppressing our brothers and sisters and pursuing self-interest above all. Such conduct will surely bring God’s stern judgment; He will not acquit us lightly.

On this Optional Memorial of Pope St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus, Priest, let us offer our prayer to God:

May the precious long-suffering of the just,
O Lord, we pray,
bring us a great increase of love for you
and always prompt in our hearts
constancy in the holy faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica