20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we think about two different ideas: peace and trouble. Jesus came to show light to the whole world, which is a good thing, but it can also bring worry. As we try to have peace, we might have conflicts along the way. Sometimes, being a disciple can lead to disagreements and different influences from others. It's important to have relationships that support our faith journeys.Thankfully, Jesus is there to help and guide us through everything.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A: Sunday August 16, 2026
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B: Sunday August 18, 2024
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C: Sunday August 17, 2025

Mass Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• Sunday August 16, 2026

See resources, homilies, and more for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 56:1, 6-7: The Lord commands justice and right action, with His salvation imminent. Foreigners who serve Him, love His name, keep the Sabbath, and uphold His covenant will find joy in His house of prayer.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 67: May God bless us and make His ways known. Let the nations rejoice as He guides them justly. May all people praise God, receive His blessings, and respect His majesty.
• Second Reading – Romans 11:13-15, 29-32: Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, aims to inspire and save people. God's gifts and calls are everlasting. All have disobeyed God, but His mercy extends to everyone, giving hope.
• Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28: A Canaanite woman approached Jesus, pleading for her daughter's healing. Despite initial resistance, Jesus commended her unwavering faith and granted her request, freeing her daughter from demonic possession.

Mass Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

• Sunday August 18, 2024

See resources, homilies, and more for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading - Proverbs 9:1-6: Wisdom, personified, has prepared a feast and calls out to the simple and those lacking understanding. She invites them to leave foolishness behind, partake in her offerings, and gain understanding.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7: Bless the Lord always, glorify Him and He will deliver you from fears. Look to Him for radiant joy. When the poor call, the Lord hears and saves them from distress.
• Second Reading - Ephesians 5:15-20: Live wisely, not foolishly, making the most of each opportunity. Don't remain ignorant, but seek to understand the Lord's will. Avoid drunkenness, be filled with the Spirit, and always give thanks.
• Gospel - John 6:51-58: Jesus declares that he is the living bread that came down from heaven, and whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will have eternal life. He emphasizes the spiritual significance of partaking in his body and blood, emphasizing the necessity of this act for true and lasting life.

Mass Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

• Sunday August 17, 2025

See resources, homilies, and more for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10: The princes convince King Zedekiah to let them throw Jeremiah into a muddy cistern for demoralizing people. Ebed-melech, a court official, alerts the king, who then orders Jeremiah's rescue.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: The Lord heard my pleas, rescued me from danger, and steadied my path. He inspired a new song of praise in me, inspiring awe and faith. Despite adversity, the Lord is my help and deliverer.
• Second Reading – Hebrews 12:1-4: Surrounded by witnesses, we must discard burdens and sins, run our race, and focus on Jesus. He endured the cross and is now seated at God's right. Reflect on His endurance to stay strong against sin.
• Gospel – Luke 12:49-53: Jesus speaks of his mission to bring fire to the earth and how it will cause divisions even within families. He explains that his teachings and the response to them will create conflicts and separate people, illustrating the challenging nature of following him.

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 for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.