Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; and Luke 13:22-30. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 117 (Psalm 117:1-2).

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

YouTube: Psalm 117 - Go Out To All The World

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?"

He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. 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. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last." 

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time (August 25, 2019)'

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 25, 2019)

Community in Mission: Sober and Serious about Salvation - Homily Notes for the 21st Sunday of the Year (24 AUG 19)

Crossroads Initiative: Narrow Door to a Universal Church

The Deacon's Bench: Keeping balance, living with grace: Homily for 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (24 AUG 19)

The Sacred Page: Will Many Be Saved? Readings for the 21st Sunday of OT (20 AUG 19)

The Sacred Page: Will Only a Few Be Saved? (The Mass Readings Explained) (19 AUG 19)

St. Paul Center: Gateway to Life: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Word on Fire: The Narrow Gate (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 21)

Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis: Mary helps Christians enter heaven through the 'narrow gate' (25 AUG 19)

National Catholic Register: Sunday Guide: Striving for the Narrow Gate (20 AUG 19)

Spirituality of the Readings: Heaven's Gate (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

In Exile: The Agony in the Garden - The Place Where Angels Strengthen Us (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Insiders And Outsiders (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Engaged: Consoling Hope (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: Insiders & Outsiders (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Anselm of Canterbury (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time C)