21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time speaks about making a clear choice. In all three years, we hear a call to follow God fully, not halfway. Joshua tells the people to choose whom they will serve. In the Gospel, Jesus asks His followers if they will stay with Him or leave. Some walk away, but others choose to stay and believe.

This Sunday is about faith and trust. It is not always easy to follow Jesus. His words can be hard to understand. But like Peter says, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Jesus has the words of life. We are asked to trust Him even when things are hard. This Sunday reminds us that real faith means sticking with Jesus, even when it costs us something.

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

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on trust, faith, and leadership. The readings show that God chooses people and gives them responsibility. Isaiah shows God removing one leader and raising up another. In the Gospel, Peter speaks his faith in Jesus, and Jesus gives him a special role in the Church. These readings remind us that God is in charge and asks us to follow Him with trust, even when the path is not clear.

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

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B is about choosing to stay with God. The readings show that faith is a choice we must make. Joshua asks the people to decide whom they will serve. In the Gospel, many leave Jesus because His words are hard, but Peter stays and trusts Him. This Sunday reminds us to follow Christ even when faith is not easy and answers are not clear.

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

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that God calls people from every place. The readings show that God wants all to come to Him, but the path is not easy. Jesus speaks of a narrow gate that takes effort and care. Hebrews reminds us that guidance and correction help us grow. This Sunday calls us to keep moving forward with trust and to stay faithful, even when the way feels hard.

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.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is a collection of books that contains God’s word, while the Lectionary is a book of selected Scripture readings used at Mass. The Lectionary organizes passages from the Bible into a schedule so that Catholics hear important parts of Scripture throughout the year. Each reading is assigned to a specific day, such as Sundays, weekdays, and feast days. For example, the readings for this Sunday follow a set order that connects themes of faith, obedience, and trust in God.

The Lectionary also uses approved Bible translations for Mass. In the United States, the New American Bible (NAB) is the standard translation. Other countries may use different translations, depending on what is approved by their bishops. The Lectionary helps Catholics grow in faith by providing a structured way to hear and reflect on Scripture. To learn more about how the Lectionary is arranged, visit here.

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

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Through the Narrow Way

This image is available for download and can be used in bulletins, newsletters, and parish communications. It fits well with liturgical dates that focus on choice, commitment, and staying faithful when the path is not easy. The narrow stone passage and rising light reflect the call of Jesus to follow Him with trust and care.

This artwork can support reflections, homilies, and faith formation materials that invite people to keep walking forward with hope and steady faith.

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The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time asks us to make a choice. In all three years, we hear people being asked to follow God or walk away. In the Old Testament, Joshua tells the people to choose who they will serve. They say they will serve the Lord.

In one Gospel reading, many people leave Jesus because His words are hard to accept. Jesus turns to His disciples and asks if they want to leave too. Peter answers, saying that only Jesus has the words of life.

Another year shows Jesus warning that not everyone who wants to enter the kingdom will be able. Some will knock, but the door will be shut. This shows that following Jesus takes effort now, not later.

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that faith is a choice. We are not forced. But we are called. We must decide if we will follow Jesus or turn away.

The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time asks us to make a real choice. Who do we follow? What matters most in our lives?

Read the Scriptures for this Sunday. Think about what Jesus is asking you to do. Share your thoughts or your own story in the comment section. Others may be helped by what you say.