Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; and Matthew 15:21-28. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 67 All the nations will praise God

The Gospel reading is as follows:

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.

Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”

He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”

He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 17, 2014)

Msgr. Charles Pope: While on others thou art calling, do not pass me by. A Homily for the 20th Sunday of the Year (16 AUG 14)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: The Faith to Move Mountains

The Deacon’s Bench: Homily for August 17, 2014: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (16 AUG 14)

The Sacred Page: "May God have pity on us": Readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (12 AUG 14)

Word on Fire: Sermon 710: How Great Is Your Faith: 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dr. Scott Hahn: A Foreigner’s Faith (August 17th 2014 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Catholic World Report Blog: The Canaanite woman, silver spoons, and Pharisees (16 AUG 14)

Servant and Steward: Homily - 17 August 2014 - In His Face, they will see their own faces (16 AUG 14)

Spirituality of the Readings: Food for dogs? (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time A)

The Word Embodied: All Equal, Each Unique (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time A)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by John Chrysostom (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time A)