Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 August 2026
First Reading: Isaiah 22: 19-23
Denunciation of Self-Seeking Officials!
On that day I will call my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, and will clothe him with your robe and bind your sash on him. I will commit your authority to his hand, and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. (20-21)
In this passage today, self-seeking officials are being warned through the Prophet Isaiah. We reflect today to see if we ever behave like the self-seeking officials described here. We must rectify our thoughts and actions, so that we receive mercy from the Lord. But do we also see someone in authority who misuses their God-given gift? We pray for such people, that God grant them the wisdom and that God deal with them justly!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138: 1-3, 6, 8
Alleluia, Alleluia! On the day I called, you answered me; you increased my strength of soul. (3)
Alleluia!
Second Reading: Romans 11: 33-36
Christ, the Perfect Master!
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. (36)
In singing the praises of God, St. Paul reveals to us that God’s judgements are inscrutable. “Who has been a counsellor to God?” – (v.34) St. Paul asks a rhetorical question! Therefore, we praise and thank God for his mercy and blessings on us! He works all things for our good! (Rom 8:28) In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Alleluia: Matthew 16: 18
Alleluia, Alleluia! And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-20
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. (16-20)
The recognition of Jesus Christ as the “Messiah” (v.16) was revealed by the Lord God Almighty to St. Peter! St. Peter proved to be the perfect “Rock” of Christ’s church! Along with St. Peter, if we believe this truth, we too are blessed. Christ commissions us with carrying on the mission placed in our hearts.
Let us be courageous and faithful in living out our mission. We ask the Lord to guide us through his Holy Spirit, so that we recognize what we need to do! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Happy Sunday, everyone! Stay Blessed!
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