Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; and Matthew 15:21-28. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8).

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

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 67) O God Let All The Nations Praise You- August 16, 2020

The Gospel reading is as follows:

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.

Jesus' disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."

He said in reply,"I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me."

He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs."

She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters."

Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And the woman’' daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sunday Reflections: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 16, 2020

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 16, 2020)

Community in Mission: While on Others Thou Art Calling, Do Not Pass Me By - A Homily for the 20th Sunday of the Year (15 AUG 20)

Crossroads Initiative: The Canaanite Woman - Faith to Move Mountains

St. Paul Center: A Foreigner's Faith: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College: This Sunday, Is the Church Too Proud to Beg? (13 AUG 20) 

Word on Fire: Israel Is Chosen for the World (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * Week 20) 

National Catholic Register: Sunday Guide: The Faith and Love That Overcome Differences (13 AUG 20) 

Spirituality of the Readings: Food for Dogs (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A) 

In Exile: The Tyranny of Program (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A) 

Glancing Thoughts: What matters (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A) 

The Perspective of Justice: Beyond the Boundaries (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A) 

Let the Scriptures Speak: That Woman Is Ourselves (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A) 

The Word Embodied: All Equal, Each Unique (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A) 

Historical Cultural Context: Honor and Shame (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A) 

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by John Chrysostom (20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A)