First reading
Isaiah 60:1–6
Above you the glory of the Lord appears.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 71(72):1–2, 7–8, 10–13
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Second reading
Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6
It has now been revealed that pagans share the same inheritance.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 2:2
We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.
Gospel
Matthew 2:1–12
The visit of the Magi
Images from the Word
- Infant king
- Enquired of them
- Offered him gifts
- Dawning brightness
- Parts of the same body
Liturgical notes
The celebration of the Eucharist is the action of Christ and of the Church, namely, of the holy people united and ordered under the Bishop. It therefore pertains to the whole Body of the Church, manifests it, and has its effect upon it.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §91
Our Sunday Eucharist is the sacrament of Christ’s presence in this very place. We give Christ the possibility of repeating the story of Christmas, by giving room for the Word to become flesh. Our Eucharist manifests the Body of the church and, in so doing, has an effect upon us, the community of the church. Thus our gathering has to tell the truth that we are the Body of Christ. Divisions, self-centred behaviour, anger and revenge do not reflect such a truth and cannot be present when we celebrate Mass.
‘Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion’
—entrance antiphon