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Ordinary Time · Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year A

Romans 11:33-36

The Doxology to the Depths of God's Wisdom

August 23, 2026

Holy Trinity, Masaccio
Holy Trinity, Masaccio, 1425–1428Santa Maria Novella, Florence
The first painting in history built on true single-point perspective, so convincingly that visitors took the painted chapel for a real one. Below it a skeleton says what you are, I once was.The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit: the painting is the three of them in one frame, which is what these readings are reaching for.MasaccioDead at twenty-six, having in a few years given Florentine painting perspective, weight and shadow, and set the terms for the next century.Santa Maria Novella, FlorenceThe Dominican church of Florence, with a facade by Alberti and frescoes by Ghirlandaio, Masaccio and Uccello.Santa Maria Novella, Florence
Roman Lectionary
GospelMatt. 16:13-20Mt 16:13-20
Second ReadingRom. 11:33-36Rom 11:33-36
First ReadingIsa. 22:19-23Is 22:19-23
Responsorial PsalmPs. 138:1-2a, 2b-3, 6+8 (8bc)Ps 138:1-2a, 2b-3, 6+8 (8bc)

Overview & Insights

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33)

Paul closes his long argument about God's dealings with Israel and the nations by breaking into praise of the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge. He confesses that all things are from him, through him, and to him, and gives him glory forever.

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Take it further: Romans 11:33-36

Commentary

Romans 11: The Doxology of God's WisdomRom 11: The Doxology of God's Wis Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on Paul's closing hymn of praise.

Romans 11:33-36 CommentaryRom 11:33-36 Commentary Precept Austin

A deep gathering of word studies and cross references on the depth of God's riches.

Romans 11:33 CommentariesRom 11:33 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregates classic commentaries on the doxology of God's wisdom in one place.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 11Barnes' Notes on Rom 11 StudyLight

Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of Romans 11.

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A): Readings Agape Bible Study

A Catholic reading study that opens Paul's hymn to the unsearchable wisdom of God.

Background & Word Study

Romans 11:33 Greek InterlinearRom 11:33 Greek Interlinear BibleHub

Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the doxology of God's riches.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Romans 11Catena on Rom 11 Catena

Patristic comments verse by verse on the depth and wisdom of God.

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