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: Psalm 67: O God, Let All the Nations Praise You

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's daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 20, 2023)

Community in Mission: While on Others Thou Art Calling, Do Not Pass Me By - A Homily for the 20th Sunday of the Year (19 AUG 23)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, a Wise Woman Begs Jesus for Scraps. Will We? (17 AUG 23)

Word on Fire:  Chosen for the Sake of the World (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * 20th Wk of Ordinary Time)