21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we see that God is ruler of all of the universe. We must try to follow Jesus even when it is difficult. But we do not make the journey under our own power. We rely on the Spirit go give us strength and guidance.

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

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

• First Reading – Isaiah 22:19-23: “I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut when he shuts, no one shall open.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: “Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.”
• Second Reading – Romans 11:33-36: “For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?”
• Gospel – Matthew 16:13-20: “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

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

• First Reading – Joshua 24:1-2A, 15-17, 18B :”He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among the peoples through whom we passed. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
• Second Reading – Ephesians 5:21-32 OR 5:2A, 25-32: “This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.”
• Gospel – John 6:60-69: “The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.”

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

• First Reading – Isaiah 66:18-21: “I know their works and their thoughts, and I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 117: “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”
• Second Reading –Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13: “Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.”
• Gospel – Luke 13:22-30: “And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.”