Saint of the day · August 23
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
21ème dimanche du Temps Ordinaire (semaine I du Psautier)
Liturgical colour : Green
The Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time invites the faithful to reflect on the meaning of Christian discipleship in the midst of everyday life. Throughout Ordinary Time, the Church guides her children through the life and teachings of Christ as recorded in the Gospels, encouraging growth in faith, hope, and love. On this Sunday, the chosen scripture readings urge us to consider our response to God's call—often highlighting the universal invitation to salvation, the demands of following Christ, and the importance of fidelity to God even when faith is tested. The Gospel for this particular Sunday frequently focuses on pivotal moments of decision, commitment, or encounters with Christ that challenge listeners to deepen their trust in Him.
Ordinary Time does not commemorate a specific event from Christ's life, but rather provides space to contemplate the ongoing presence and working of God in the world and the ordinary routines of the Christian community. The "ordinary" refers to the ordering of weeks and not to something mundane; it is a time to mature in spiritual life, strengthened by the Word and Sacraments. The liturgical color green, used during these weeks, symbolizes hope and the growth of the spiritual life. The 21st Sunday is a reminder to hear Christ's question anew—such as in Peter's profession of faith or in calls to perseverance—and to respond with trust, commitment, and love.
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Mass readings
"I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David" — Is 22, 19-23
The word of the Lord addressed to Shebna the governor:
"I am going to drive you from your office,
expel you from your position.
And on that day, I will call my servant,
Eliakim, son of Hilkiah.
I will clothe him with your robe,
I will fasten him with your sash,
I will hand over your authority to him:
he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem
and to the house of Judah.
I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David:
when he opens, no one shall shut;
when he shuts, no one shall open.
I will fix him like a peg
in a firm place;
he will be a throne of glory
for the house of his father."
– The word of the Lord.
Ps 137 (138), 1-2a, 2bc-3, 6.8bc
With all my heart, Lord, I give you thanks:
you have heard the words of my mouth.
I sing to you in the presence of the angels,
before your holy temple, I bow down.
I give thanks to your name for your love and your truth,
for you have exalted, above all, your name and your word.
The day you answered my call,
you made strength grow within my soul.
Though the Lord is high, he sees the lowly;
from afar, he recognizes the proud.
Lord, your love is eternal:
do not abandon the work of your hands.
"All things are from him, and through him, and for him" — Rm 11, 33-36
How deep are the riches,
the wisdom and knowledge of God!
His judgments are unsearchable,
his ways are inscrutable!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to him first,
and deserves to receive in return?
For all things are from him,
and through him, and for him.
To him be glory forever!
Amen.
– The word of the Lord.
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven" — Mt 16, 13-20
At that time,
Jesus, having arrived in the region of Caesarea Philippi,
asked his disciples:
"Who do people say
the Son of Man is?"
They replied:
"Some say John the Baptist;
others, Elijah;
and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Jesus said to them:
"And you, who do you say I am?"
Then Simon Peter spoke up and said:
"You are the Christ,
the Son of the living God!"
In reply, Jesus said to him:
"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah:
for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you,
but my Father who is in heaven.
And I say to you:
You are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my Church;
and the power of Death will not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of 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 ordered the disciples
not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org