Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 16 August 2026
First Reading: Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7
“And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (6-7)
We thank the Lord for accepting us into his ‘House of Prayer’! Likewise, we ought to welcome others too, because the Lord has said it is a House of Prayer for all nations. We are also reminded today to keep the sabbath day holy in accordance with the 3rd Commandment. The Catechism (CCC: 2177) states that Sunday is the “foremost day of obligation”. “Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week.” (CCC: 2186) Practicing charity and care for the elderly, infirm, or sick is set out as a means of sanctifying the Lord’s day in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
We thank and praise the Lord, Alleluia!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. (3)
Alleluia!
Second Reading: Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32
Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. (30-31)
St. Paul teaches in rhetorical statements today, as he seeks to convert the most resistant listeners too! We thank the Lord for the times we have yielded to his promptings. But we also thank the Lord for the times we may have struggled to comply with the right thing to do! Because God knows our human nature and sees our struggle. In our weakness, we know we are made strong through Christ (Phil 4:13) and (2Cor 12:9); so that the power of God may rest on us!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Alleluia: Matthew 4: 23
Alleluia, Alleluia! Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28
“Yes, it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (27-28)
The humility of the Canaanite woman is witnessed here as she responds to Jesus. But her statement also reflects her faith, which leads her to answer in wisdom. Therefore, faith needs to be supported by courage and humility, while wisdom flows naturally! That is, we work in faith, with humility and courage, while the Wisdom of God guides us in how to follow him!
We ask the Lord today to grant us these great virtues. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Praise God, Happy Sunday, everyone! Alleluia!
Leave a Reply