Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12:1-4; and Luke 12:49-53. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 40 (Psalm 40:2-4, 18). 

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

YouTube: "Psalm 40: Lord Come To My Aid" (Alstott) - 'PAX 7-3-0' 

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 14, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 14, 2016)

Community in Mission: Battle Plan - A Homily for the 20th Sunday of the Year (13 AUG 16)

The Sacred Page: Jesus' Take on Family Values: 20th Sunday in OT (10 AUG 16)

The Sacred Page: I Did not Come to Bring Peace but Division: Mass Readings Explained (The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time) 123 AUG 16)

Word on Fire: Fate of the Prophet (Cycle C * Ordinary Time * Week 20)

Catholic World Report: The Dispatch: The Purifying Fire of Dividing, Divine Love (13 AUG 16)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Sunday Bible Reflections: Consuming Fire: Scott Hahn Reflects on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (8 AUG 16)

Spirituality of the Readings: The Fury of Love (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Jesus, Perfecter of Faith (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

The Word Embodied: Disturbing Faith (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Historical Cultural Context: Salt of the Earth (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Denis the Carthusian (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time C