21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we focus on Jesus’ authority and Peter’s role in the Church. Peter’s confession of faith, that Jesus is the Messiah, shows his belief in Christ’s divine nature. Jesus calls Peter the “rock” and gives him the keys to the kingdom, signifying his leadership in the Church. We are reminded to trust God’s guidance, strive in faith, and follow Christ, even when it is difficult. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the strength to live as faithful disciples. This Sunday invites us to renew our commitment to Christ and His Church.

Here are some resources for this Sunday for your youth ministry program, catechesis, or for use with your family.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 22:19-23: God declares He will replace Shebna with Eliakim, granting him authority and honoring his family.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: I praise the Lord wholeheartedly for His enduring kindness and truth, and ask Him not to abandon what He has made.
Second Reading – Romans 11:33-36: Everything originates from God, exists by His power, and is meant for His glory. Forever be His glory.
Gospel – Matthew 16:13-20: In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples about his identity. Simon Peter declares Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus blesses Peter, promising him foundational roles in the church and heavenly authority.

Mass Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

First Reading – Joshua 24:1-2A, 15-17, 18B :Joshua challenges Israel to choose their allegiance at Shechem; the people reaffirm their commitment to the LORD, recalling His deliverance and protection throughout their history.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: I will always praise the Lord, who listens to the righteous and rescues them from trouble, delivering and protecting them in their adversity.

Second Reading – Ephesians 5:21-32 OR 5:2A, 25-32: Christ’s love guides marital roles: wives respecting husbands as the church respects Christ, and husbands loving wives as Christ loves the church, symbolizing unity and sanctity.
Gospel – John 6:60-69: Jesus addresses the difficulty of his teachings and acknowledges disbelief among his followers. After many leave, Peter reaffirms their faith, recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God.

Mass Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 66:18-21: The Lord gathers people from all nations to see his glory and spread it. They will bring offerings and some will become priests and Levites.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 117: Praise the Lord, all nations. His kindness is steadfast, and his faithfulness lasts forever.
Second Reading – Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13: God disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines his children. Endure trials as discipline; they will later bring righteousness and healing.

Gospel – Luke 13:22-30: Jesus teaches that many will try to enter through the narrow gate but fail. He warns that some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.

More About Lectionary Cycles

Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at Mass.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

2024 is Year B
2025 is Year C
2026 is Year A

2027 is Year B
2028 is Year C
2029 is Year A

2030 is Year B
2031 is Year C
… and so on