21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 27, 2028
Called From Every Nation
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we hear how God gathers people from all corners of the earth. The message is clear. God’s love is not limited to one group. He wants all people to come to Him.
This Sunday reminds us that following God is not always easy. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the narrow gate. He says that many will try to enter, but not all will succeed. It takes effort, trust, and a steady heart.
Hebrews tells us that discipline is part of love. Just like a parent teaches a child, God teaches us. This is not to punish us but to help us grow stronger.
The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to keep walking with God, even when the road is hard. God is calling all people to come and share in His joy. Let us respond with open hearts and ready hands.
Mass Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- 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.
These readings are for lectionary cycle C. For other years see the links below:
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.
Luke 13:24
Themes for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C offers rich readings that focus on themes of inclusion, humility, and God’s call to all people. These themes encourage us to reflect on God’s invitation to enter His kingdom and the attitudes we should cultivate to be part of His family.
- Universal Call: The readings remind us that God calls people from all nations to know Him. Isaiah speaks of gathering people from distant lands, showing God’s desire for a diverse and inclusive family.
- Discipline and Growth: In Hebrews, we learn that God disciplines those He loves, like a parent guides a child. This discipline helps us grow in righteousness and peace.
- Humility and Effort: Jesus emphasizes the need to strive to enter through the narrow gate. This requires humility and effort, recognizing that salvation is not automatic but involves our cooperation.
- Reversal of Expectations: The Gospel warns that some who are last will be first and some first will be last. This teaches us not to be complacent or assume our place is secure without genuine faith and love.
- The Importance of Listening: Listening to God’s word is crucial for entering His kingdom. Hebrews stresses the importance of hearing and responding to God’s call with a willing heart.
- Judgment and Accountability: The readings highlight the reality of judgment. Jesus’ teaching on the narrow gate reminds us that we will be accountable for our choices and actions.
These themes encourage us to live faithfully and humbly, recognizing God’s call to all and the importance of our response. Reflecting on these messages helps us understand our role in God’s plan and the importance of our commitment to Him.
Resources for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Building a Personal Relationship with Jesus Lesson Plan
The Being Known by God: How do we build a personal relationship with Jesus? lesson plan is based on the Gospel for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 13:22-30). In this passage, Jesus talks about the “narrow door” and warns that not everyone who thinks they know Him will enter God’s kingdom.
This lesson helps youth reflect on what it means to truly know Jesus and be known by Him, emphasizing the importance of building a real connection with Him.
Through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and acts of love, youth will learn practical ways to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus.
This lesson encourages young people to see Jesus as someone who wants to be part of their daily lives and challenges them to respond to His invitation. It’s a meaningful way to help teens grow in their faith and understand the joy of knowing Jesus personally.
Guide Me to Heaven Game
“Guide Me to Heaven” is a game that helps youth understand the importance of following clear guidance, similar to the Church’s teachings. This aligns with the message of the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, where Jesus speaks about striving to enter through the narrow gate.
The game shows that having clear instructions for the journey to heaven, like those from the Church, makes the journey smoother and easier. By comparing different sets of rules, youth learn how the Church’s guidance helps us stay on the right path to heaven.
Do All Good People go to Heaven? Good people go to heaven when they die, right? Well, according to the Gospels, not exactly. Fr. Mike Schmitz points to at least four things Christ says we need for salvation.
The Book of Isaiah: A Gathering for All Nations
Isaiah 66:18-21 speaks of God’s plan to gather people from every nation to witness His glory. This reflects Isaiah’s larger message of universal salvation. Throughout the book, God’s care extends beyond Israel, showing His desire for all people to be part of His covenant family.
The passage also points to a new future where even outsiders are welcomed as priests and Levites. This fits Isaiah’s theme of restoration and hope. God’s plan is not limited to one people but includes everyone who turns to Him. The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C highlights this universal call.
Psalm 117: All Nations Praise the Lord
Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm, yet it carries a big message. It invites all nations to praise God, fitting with the psalms’ overall focus on worship and trust in the Lord. God’s love and faithfulness are not only for Israel but for the whole world.
The psalm echoes the great hope of salvation for everyone. By praising God, nations show their place in His plan. The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C uses this psalm to remind us of God’s unending mercy for all.
The Letter to the Hebrews: A Father’s Loving Discipline
Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 shows God as a loving Father who disciplines His children. The whole letter encourages believers to stay strong in faith and endure hardships, looking to Jesus as their example. Discipline is not punishment but guidance toward holiness.
This reading fits the theme of perseverance. Trials are part of God’s plan to shape His people for righteousness and peace. The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to accept this training with trust, knowing it leads to healing and life.
The Gospel of Luke: The Narrow Gate to Life
Luke 13:22-30 warns that entering God’s kingdom requires effort and faithfulness. Luke’s Gospel often highlights God’s mercy, but also calls for repentance and commitment. The narrow gate shows that salvation is a serious choice, not something to take lightly.
This passage also fits Luke’s theme of reversal. Those who are humble and last in this world may be first in the kingdom. The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to follow Jesus with sincerity and not presume on God’s mercy.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- Begin. Or begin again. (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Does God Punish Us? (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Squeezing through the Narrow Gate (Order of Preachers)
- The Secret of the Narrow Path (Dynamic Catholic)
- The Narrow Door and God’s Grace (USCCB)
- How Many Will Be Saved? (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Striving for the Narrow Door (Jeff Cavins)
- Gateway to Life (Scott Hahn)
Begin. Or begin again.
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are reminded that every new beginning holds promise. Students returning to campus, whether for the first time or after a break, face the chance to start fresh. Fr. Mike Schmitz shares that life is full of potential, but potential without discipline can be wasted. Discipline is not the end goal, but it is the path that leads us to freedom, joy, and life with God.
In his homily, Fr. Mike Schmitz points to the Gospel where Jesus calls us to strive. To be a disciple means being willing to change our schedule so we can grow closer to Jesus. Discipline helps us live as followers of Christ and choose the kind of person we want to become. We are called to either begin or begin again, walking the path that shapes us into disciples who reflect the love of Christ.
Does God Punish Us?
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Barron reflects on the meaning of divine punishment. Many people are uncomfortable with this idea, but the Bible speaks of it often, from the story of the flood to Israel’s exile. Bishop Barron explains that God’s discipline should not be seen as cruelty. Instead, it is the love of a Father who wants to guide His children back to what is good and true.
Bishop Barron points to the letter to the Hebrews, which teaches that God disciplines those He loves. Discipline is a form of learning, like parents correcting their children. At first it may feel painful or unfair, but in time it can lead to peace and growth. God’s correction is never about destruction, but about shaping us into people who live in justice and freedom.
Squeezing through the Narrow Gate
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Fr. Clinton Honkomp reflects on Jesus’ call to strive for the narrow gate. He explains that the gate is not narrow to keep people out but because we often carry baggage that weighs us down. Pride, selfishness, resentment, and indifference make it hard to follow Christ fully. To enter, we must let go of what holds us back and choose to live with faith and purpose.
Fr. Honkomp shares that striving means making choices that reflect love and honesty in daily life. It looks like forgiving when it is hard, telling the truth when it costs us, showing up for prayer when we are distracted, and caring for those who are forgotten. The narrow gate is not about fear but an invitation to deeper life. On the other side is joy, communion with God, and the fullness of love.
The Secret of the Narrow Path
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Matthew Kelly reflects on how Jesus answers a difficult question. Instead of saying how many will be saved, Jesus points people toward what really matters: striving to enter through the narrow door. Kelly explains that the narrow path is not about numbers or who makes it to heaven, but about how we live each day in communion with God. The narrow way is discipline, sacrifice, and faithfulness, which lead to true joy in this life and the next.
Kelly shows how this truth applies to many parts of life. Whether in finances, health, family, or relationships, the narrow way brings strength and peace. The wide road of comfort and ease cannot give lasting happiness. Jesus invites us to leave behind what pulls us away and walk the harder but better way. The narrow path is where real love, purpose, and life with God are found.
The Narrow Door and God’s Grace
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Gospel reminds us not to take salvation for granted. Jesus uses the images of the narrow gate, the locked door, and the banquet to show that privilege, status, or even familiarity with Him is not enough. What matters most is humility, service, and how we treat others. God’s grace is the key, and His invitation reaches far beyond what we might expect.
Fr. Greg Friedman explains that this passage challenges us to look at our own attitudes. We cannot assume we are secure just because of our background or position. Instead, we are called to imitate God’s hospitality by welcoming all who come to the doors of the Church. The narrow way of humility and service leads us closer to the heart of God, who desires salvation for all people.
Gateway to Life
In his reflection for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn emphasizes the importance of striving to enter through the “narrow gate,” which represents Jesus as the only way to salvation.
Hahn explains that while the Gospel does not answer how many will be saved, it urges us to act urgently to follow Jesus’ path. He notes that God’s plan includes gathering people from all nations to worship in the heavenly Jerusalem. However, those who refuse Jesus’ way may miss out on the heavenly banquet. Hahn encourages us to persevere through hardships, knowing they are part of God’s discipline for His children.
Reflection for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C offer deep insights into God’s love and our journey as His followers. They highlight themes of inclusiveness, discipline, and the challenges of true discipleship. Each reflection explores how these themes invite us to grow closer to God and live out our faith in everyday life.
God’s Inclusive Invitation
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C emphasize God’s call to all people, no matter where they come from. In Isaiah, we see God’s promise to gather people from distant lands. This shows that God desires a diverse and inclusive family. He does not limit His love to one group; He invites everyone to know Him.
This message is important because it reminds us that God’s love is universal. We are all invited to be part of His family, regardless of our background, culture, or nationality. This inclusive call challenges us to be open and welcoming to others. We are called to share God’s love with everyone, not just those who are like us.
In a world often divided by differences, the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C offer a hopeful message. They remind us that God’s kingdom is for all people. We should work to break down barriers and build bridges. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and His desire for unity.
This call to inclusion also challenges us personally. We need to examine our attitudes and behaviors. Are we welcoming to all people, or do we hold prejudices? The readings invite us to embrace others with the same love that God shows us.
On this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are reminded that we are all part of God’s plan. He calls us to be a part of His diverse and inclusive family. Let us respond to His invitation by loving and welcoming others, just as He loves and welcomes us.
The Loving Discipline of God
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach us about God’s loving discipline. In the book of Hebrews, we learn that God disciplines those He loves, just as a parent disciplines a child. This might seem hard to accept, but it is a sign of His care for us. God’s discipline helps us grow and become better people.
Discipline is not always easy. It can be uncomfortable and challenging. However, just like a parent wants the best for their child, God wants the best for us. He uses discipline to guide us and help us grow in righteousness and peace. This process helps us develop good habits and virtues.
The readings remind us that God’s discipline is part of His love. He corrects us not to punish, but to help us grow. It is an expression of His desire for us to be holy and to live in peace. This perspective can help us accept challenges and difficulties in our lives. We can trust that God is guiding us through them.
As we reflect on the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we can think about how we respond to discipline. Do we resist and complain, or do we try to learn and grow? God’s discipline is a chance for us to become more like Him. It is an opportunity to grow in our faith and character.
On this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, let us embrace God’s discipline with an open heart. Let us remember that He disciplines us because He loves us. By accepting His guidance, we can grow in righteousness and peace, becoming the people He calls us to be.
The Challenge of Following Jesus
Following Jesus is challenging. The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C remind us of this. Jesus attracted many people with His message of love and healing. People wanted to hear His words and see His miracles. However, when He spoke about taking up a cross and the difficulties of being a disciple, some people turned away. They were not ready for the hard parts of following Him.
Many people had their reasons for following Jesus. Some hoped for healing, others wanted freedom from Roman rule, and some sought relief from strict religious practices. While these are good desires, they missed the full meaning of discipleship. Jesus called His followers to do the Father’s will, not just to fulfill their personal agendas.
We might also have our own reasons for being part of the Church. Maybe we want to see positive changes in society, enjoy being part of a community, or admire the Church’s teachings. These are all good things, but they are not the whole picture. True discipleship means knowing Jesus personally and following His teachings, even when it is hard.
The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that following Jesus is not just about the benefits. It also involves sacrifice and commitment. There will be tough times and challenges that test our faith. We might face rejection, misunderstandings, or even persecution. But if we truly love Jesus, we will stay committed to Him.
Being a disciple means making sacrifices. It might mean giving up our comfort, changing our plans, or putting others first. Jesus asks us to follow Him, even when it leads to a cross. This requires effort and sometimes pain, but it also brings true joy and peace.
On this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are reminded to examine our motives for following Jesus. Are we looking for what we can get, or are we willing to give our all for Him? Jesus invites us to a deep and true relationship with Him. This relationship requires commitment and a willingness to face difficulties.
As we reflect on these readings, let’s ask for the strength to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Let us be ready to take up our cross and follow Him, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. The journey might be tough, but it leads to eternal life with Him.
As we meditate on these reflections for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are called to embrace God’s inclusive love, accept His loving discipline, and commit ourselves fully to following Jesus. These readings challenge us to deepen our faith, welcome others, and persevere through life’s trials. Let us open our hearts to God’s guidance and live as true disciples of Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help us to follow You with open hearts and minds. Guide us to be welcoming to all and teach us through Your loving discipline. Give us the strength to embrace our cross and stay faithful on our journey with You. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- How can we be more inclusive and welcoming to others in our community?
- In what ways have we experienced God’s discipline in our lives?
- What personal agendas might distract us from truly following Jesus?
- How do we respond to challenges and difficulties in our faith journey?
- What sacrifices might we need to make to follow Jesus more closely?
- How can we grow in our understanding of God’s universal love?
- What does it mean to take up our cross in our daily lives?
- How can we encourage others to embrace the full message of Jesus, including the challenges?
- In what areas of our lives do we need to trust more in God’s guidance?
- How can we support one another in our faith community as we strive to follow Jesus?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Images for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The Way Through the Gate
Bring your bulletin or newsletter to life with this peaceful image of a narrow stone path leading through an open gate. It’s perfect for themes of journey, trust, and God’s invitation to walk in His ways. This artwork reflects the message of the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C and is now available for download. Use it to draw your readers into deeper reflection and prayer.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Music Suggestions for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The music selections for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on themes of inclusivity, God’s guidance, and our call to spread the Good News. These songs reflect the universal call to salvation and the importance of welcoming all into the community of faith. They also emphasize trusting in God’s guidance and being ready to follow His path. The music encourages believers to share God’s love and message with others, echoing the readings’ themes of outreach and community.
- Abide with Me by Matt Maher
- All Are Welcome by Marty Haugen
- All Are Welcome, All Belong by Jesse Manibusan & Ken Canedo
- All Who Enter Here by John Angotti
- Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad
- Eye Has Not Seen by Marty Haugen
- Find Us Ready by Tom Booth
- For You Are My God by John Foley
- From All that Dwell Below the Skies by Louis Bourgeois
- Gather Your People by Bob Hurd, Craig Kingsbury & Dominic MacAller
- Go Into the World by Tom Booth
- Go Out, Go Out by Curtis Stephan
- How Can I Keep From Singing by Audrey Assad
- In Christ There Is No East or West by William A. Dunkerley
- Lead Me, Lord by John D. Becker
- Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin
- Many and One by Steve Angrisano
- Open Up the Heavens by Vertical Worship
- Our God Is Here by Chris Muglia
- Psalm 117 by Louis Canter
- Psalm 117: Go Out to All the World and Tell the Good News by Owen Alstott
- Table of Plenty by Dan Schutte
- The Lord Is My Light by John Foley
- Turn to Me by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Unwavering by Matt Maher
- You Are My All in All by Shane & Shane
- Your Love Is Alive by Housefires
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they can enhance the liturgy. Please share your thoughts and additional song suggestions in the comments. This collaboration can help create a rich musical experience that reflects the themes of the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Questions and Answers for 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
What does it mean that God will “send some to the nations” in the first reading for 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
This means that God will send messengers to spread His word to all people. It encourages us on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C to share our faith with others.
How can we apply the message of Isaiah about gathering nations to our lives?
The message from Isaiah on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to be welcoming and inclusive. We should embrace diversity and invite others to learn about God’s love.
What does Isaiah 66:18-21 teach us about God’s call?
In the first reading for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Isaiah tells us that God calls people from all nations to worship Him. This teaches us that God’s love and invitation are open to everyone, regardless of background.
How should we understand the idea of discipline in Hebrews 12:5-7?
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Hebrews speaks of discipline as a sign of God’s love. Just like a parent guides a child, God’s discipline helps us grow and become better people.
What does the “narrow gate” mean in the Gospel for 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The “narrow gate” in the Gospel of 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C represents the effort and commitment needed to follow Jesus. It shows that following Christ isn’t easy and requires dedication and sincere faith.
Why does Jesus say, “some are last who will be first”?
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus means that people who are humble and serve others will be honored by God. Those who think they are important may find themselves last if they lack true faith and humility.
Why does the Gospel mention people “knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open to us’”?
In the Gospel reading for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this phrase shows that some people may not be ready when the time comes. It reminds us to live faithfully and always be prepared to meet God.
What does it mean to “strive to enter through the narrow door”?
For the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, striving means putting effort into living a life that pleases God. It involves practicing faith, love, and humility in our daily lives.
How do these readings for 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us prepare for God’s kingdom?
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us understand the importance of being humble, faithful, and ready. They remind us to live according to God’s teachings and be aware that our actions matter.
What should we take away from the readings about God’s judgment?
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings remind us that God’s judgment is real. We should live responsibly, knowing that our choices and actions are important to God.
God’s Invitation and Our Response
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C remind us of God’s call to all people and the importance of our response. In the first reading from Isaiah, God promises that people from all nations will come to see His glory. He sends messengers to spread the news and gather people into His family. This shows that God’s invitation is open to everyone, no matter where they come from.
The second reading from Hebrews reminds us that God’s discipline is an act of love. Just as a parent guides a child, God corrects us to help us grow stronger in faith. Though discipline can feel difficult, it leads to peace and goodness. It encourages us to remain steady and keep walking in the right path, even when the journey is hard.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns us that not everyone who calls themselves His follower will enter the kingdom of heaven. He urges us to strive to enter through the narrow door. This means we must live faithfully, not just in words but in actions. Jesus teaches that our choices and efforts to follow Him matter.
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings challenge us to reflect on how we respond to God’s call. They remind us that God’s invitation is for everyone, but it is up to us to live in a way that prepares us to enter His kingdom.
Your Turn
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invite us to reflect on God’s call and how we respond. Take time to consider how you can walk the narrow path and grow closer to Him. Think about the ways God’s discipline has shaped you for the better.
We would love to hear your thoughts. How do these readings challenge or encourage you? Share your reflections in the comments. Let us support one another as we strive to follow God’s call and live faithfully.
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