"Sing to the Lord a Joyful Song"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Sing to the Lord a Joyful Song":

 

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time The assigned readings for the Mass during the day 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: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 138 - Lord Your Love is Eternal [YEAR A]

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, z"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:

Community in Mission: Of Peter and the Papacy - A Homily for the 21st Sunday of the Year (22 AUG 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Break Free From the Power of Hell Through the Authority of Peter (20 AUG 26)

Word on Fire: The Church Prevails (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 21st Week)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: Oh, the depths (21 AUG 26)

The Quiet Corner: From Fisherman to First Bishop (20 AUG 26)

Belated Birthday Blessings, Jacqueline!!!

Belated birthday greetings to sister-in-law Jacqueline, who recently celebrated her birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Allison and Joseph!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to niece Allison Tanner and her husband Joseph, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Anniversary Blessings Adam and E-Lynn!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to son Adam and his wife Erin, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good security agents on the various levels.

Msr.Pope on Concerns about the Shrinking of Summer

"Not so long ago the middle of August was still a lazy time to enjoy the last few days of summer. It used to be that Labor Day marked the unofficial end of summer - not so much any more in more places for more and more people.

"The erosion of summer is driven mainly by the start of school. I have watched with sadness as the school year seems to begin earlier and earlier and earlier. . . .

"What’s the big rush? Why are some people in such a big hurry to get back to the grind? Families have so little time to spend time together as it is! . . .."

In a recent commentary, Msgr. Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the purpose of rest (both on the Sabbath and on vacation) and on some of the factors driving the reduction of rest time.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: A Lament on the Shrinking of Summer (13 AUG 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"The world does not need an artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity; rather, it needs human intelligence enlightened by wisdom, political authority guided by conscience and technological innovation directed by charity.  Only then will artificial intelligence become not a rival to humanity but a servant of the common good." - Pope Leo XIV

"I Sing the Mighty Power of God"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of  Fountainview Academy (Lillooet, BC, Canada) students presenting "I Sing the Mighty Power of God":

 

Belated Birthday Blessings, Jacque!!!

Belated Birthday greetings to Jacque Reynolds, who recently celebrated her birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

 Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of ice cream in all its forms.

John Cuddeback on Dealing with Weariness

"When I was in graduate school, an elderly lady lived next door to our lively bachelor pad. We almost never saw her, but I remember once she said to us across the fence, 'I'm tired. I’' just plain tired of life'” There was no mistaking the profound inner weariness in her words. Somewhat bewildered, I thought, 'Wow, how unfortunate.' Though I had experienced a share of travails and disappointments, such a disposition was largely beyond my ken.

"It isn't anymore. And she and her words come back to me with some regularity. I am not saying that I find myself now in her place. Yet I do see how one can come to such a pass, and this is from my own and others' experience."

In a recent commentary, writer John Cuddeback reflected on fragility being part of human life on on Jesus' call to all who are weary.

To access his complete post, please visit:

LifeCraft: Dealing with Weariness (5 AUG 26)