Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21)
The Common Worship lectionary readings for Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21) in Year A, the liturgical colour, and what changes in the order of service.
Year AOrdinary Timegreen
The readings
This Sunday is a Proper, so the Old Testament reading and psalm come in two tracks. Choose one and stay with it for the season — the continuous track reads a book straight through week by week; the related track picks an Old Testament reading that speaks to the Gospel.
- Continuous track
- First reading
- Exodus 17:1-7
- Psalm
- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
- Second reading
- Philippians 2:1-13
- Gospel
- Matthew 21:23-32
- Related track
- First reading
- Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
- Psalm
- Psalm 25:1-9
- Second reading
- Philippians 2:1-13
- Gospel
- Matthew 21:23-32
Citations follow the Revised Common Lectionary as used in the Church of England's Common Worship principal service lectionary. Verse numbering can differ very slightly between Bible translations.
The liturgical colour
Green is the colour of the two long ordinary stretches — growth, and the ordinary faithfulness of most of the year. On this Sunday the colour is green.
What changes in the service
The standard shape: Gloria and Creed included, nothing seasonal displacing them.
In SundayHQ this is the ordinary template shape. You set your order of service once; when the season turns, one click applies the seasonal change and leaves the rest of your parish's own wording alone.
Hymns that fit these readings
Suggestions matched to the readings above, each with the reason it was chosen:
- Opening — Immortal, invisible, God only wise St Denio; a strong green-season opening
- Gradual — O Jesus, I have promised The two sons: the one who said no, and went
- Offertory — Take my life, and let it be Consecration: the offertory's own theme
- Communion — Just as I am, without one plea Coming to the table as we are
- Final — Fight the good fight Duke Street; a confident dismissal
When it next falls
| Date | Liturgical year |
|---|---|
| 27 September 2026 | Year A |
| 30 September 2029 | Year A |
| 26 September 2032 | Year A |
| 30 September 2035 | Year A |
Year A comes round every three years. The date moves because the whole calendar hangs off Easter.
The same Sunday in the other years
Questions
What are the readings for Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21) in Year A?
First reading Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; second reading Philippians 2:1-13; Gospel Matthew 21:23-32.
What colour is worn on Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21)?
Green. Green is the colour of the two long ordinary stretches — growth, and the ordinary faithfulness of most of the year.
Which season is Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21) in?
Ordinary Time. The long green season after Trinity, running to Christ the King. The Sundays are numbered after Trinity and carry the RCL Propers.