First reading
Jeremiah 23:1–6
I will gather together the remnant of my flock and raise up shepherds for them.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 22(23)
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Second reading
Ephesians 2:13–18
Christ Jesus is the peace between us.
Gospel acclamation
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel
Mark 6:30–34
They were like sheep without a shepherd.
Images from the Word
- Rest
- Lonely place
- Pity on them
- Doom
- Blood of Christ
Liturgical notes
Holy Communion has a fuller form as a sign when it takes place under both kinds. For in this form the sign of the Eucharistic banquet is more clearly evident and clearer expression is given to the divine will by which the new and eternal Covenant is ratified in the Blood of the Lord, as also the connection between the Eucharistic banquet and the eschatological banquet in the Kingdom of the Father.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §281
During the celebration of the Mass, we both offer and share the sacrifice of Christ and renew the covenant given us by Christ. Both the sacrifice and covenant are separately expressed in the rituals of bread and wine. We bring our gifts to be consecrated and receive them in the bread consecrated at that Mass and shared in Communion in the broken bread. Thus we proclaim fully and clearly the mystery of faith.
‘See, I have God for my help. The Lord sustains my soul. I will sacrifice to you with willing heart, and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good’
—entrance antiphon