Hymns for the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B (1 August 2021)

A selection of hymns and songs, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the eighteenth 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).

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:  Exodus 16:2-4 - God provides manna from heaven for the people following Moses and Aaron in the desert

Psalm 77 - The Lord gave them bread from heaven

Second:   Ephesians 4:17, 20-24- give up your old way, a spiritual revolution - put on a new self

Gospel:  John 6:24-35 - "I am the bread of life, he who comes to me will never be hungry"

Theme

God's providence - Jesus as the bread of life - called to live anew - taste and see God - conversion - putting faith into practise

Artworks

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

Free-use hymns

Alleluia, Sing to Jesus

Bread of the World in Mercy Broken

Draw Near and Take the Body of Your Lord

I Received the Living God

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence 

Let us Break Bread Together on our Knees

O Bread of Life from Heaven

O Food of Exiles Lowly

O Living Bead from Heaven

O Thou Who at thy Eucharist Dids't Pray

Praise We Christ's Immortal Body

Shepherd of Souls Refresh and Bless

The Church's One Foundation

Hymns that are or may be copyright

Suggestions about other hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

See also ...

• Catholic lectionary based hymn suggestions for Sundays and feasts
• Sources of music for church services
• Catholic Mass planning template
• Music selection worksheet