Hymns for the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

A selection of hymns and songs, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary time, Year B.

Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing.  Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.

A small selection of hymns which are, or may be, still copyright are also included where they are a particularly good for for the theme(s).

See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.

Seasonal note

St Mark’s Gospel is the main one used in Year B.  But between now and the end of August, the Gospel is mostly from John 6, presenting Jesus as the Bread of Life.   It may be helpful to plan these weeks as one season, spreading your known "Eucharist" themed hymns through the weeks.

Readings

First:  2 Kings: Elisha insists that the people be fed. God multiplies the food so that all can share.

Psalm: Psalm 144 (145) - You open wide your hand, O Lord, and grant our desires

Second:   Ephesians: Paul calls the community to unity and charity - One Lord, one faith, one church.

Gospel:  John 6:  The miracle of the loaves and fishes.

Themes

God who feeds us and makes us one body, one spirit - unity, Eucharist, community / communion.  Sharing.   Generosity.

Suggested free-use hymns

At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing  

Come Down O Love Divine

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Let us Break Bread Together on our Knees

Now Thank we all Our God

O Thou who at thy Eucharist Didst Pray

Praise We Christ's Immortal Body

Receive O Father God of Might

The Church's One Foundation

Hymns that are or may be copyright

God and Man at Table are Sat Down - Stamps

Let us Break Bread Together at the Altar - Blue




Suggestions about hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a comment below.