Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Ephesians 5:21-32; and John 6:60-69. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 34 (Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 34 Taste and see the goodness of the Lord_21st Sun OT Yr B

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Many of Jesus'disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?"

Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe."

Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father." As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.

Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?"

Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 23, 2015)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 23, 2015)

Community in Mission: Two Hard Sayings in One Day - A Homily for the 21st Sunday of the Year (22 AUG 15)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: Belief or Faith?

The Deacon's Bench: Homily for August 23, 2015: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (22 AUG 15)

Word on Fire: Lord, To Whom Shall We Go? (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * Week 21)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: A Choice to Make: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (17 AUG 15)

The CWR Blog: Doctrine, Dissent, and the Eucharist (22 AUG 15)

Spirituality of the Readings: A Sad Scene? (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Good News, Tough Choices (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

The Word Embodied: Difficult Passages (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Historical Cultural Context: Commitment and Factions (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Cyril of Alexandria (21st Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (21 AUG 15)