Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 22:19-23, Romans 11:33-36, and Matthew 16:13-20. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 138 (Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8).

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

YouTube: Psalm 138: Lord, Your Love Is Eternal

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 27, 2023)

Community in Mission: Of Peter and the Papacy - A Homily for the 21st Sunday of the Year (26 AUG 23)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, the Incredible Authority and Enormous Sacrifice Jesus Gives Popes (24 AUG 23)

Word on Fire: When God's Ways Are Confusing  (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 21st Wk of Ordinary Time)