Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Jeremiah 23:1-6, Ephesians 2:13-18, and Mark 6:30-34. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 23 (Psalm 23:1-6). 

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Gospel reading is as follows: 

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers,and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 18, 2021

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 18, 2021)

Crossroads Initiative: Leadership in the Kingdom - Sheep & Shepherd

St. Paul Center: One Flock: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

De Sales Weekly: Provincial’s Reflection: "Come away and rest awhile…" (15 JUL 21)

The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College: This Sunday, Let’s Interrupt Jesus's Rest (15 JUL 21)   

Word on Fire: How to Be a Good Leader (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * Week 16)

National Catholic Register: Sunday Guide: Praying for Good Shepherds in Our Church (16 JUL 21)

Spirituality of the Readings: Shepherding (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B)

In Exile: Searching for God Among Many Voices (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B)

Glancing Thoughts: Shepherding (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B)

The Perspective of Justice: The Care from the Shepherd (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Shepherding Today (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B)

The Word Embodied: Jesus Not A Boy-O (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B)

Historical Cultural Context: A Lonely Place (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B) 

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Bede (16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B)