First reading
Zephaniah 3:14–18
The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst.
Responsorial psalm
Isaiah 12
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Second reading
Philippians 4:4–7
The Lord is very near.
Gospel acclamation
Isaiah 61:1 (Luke 4:18)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring Good News to the poor.
Gospel
Luke 3:10–18
‘Someone is coming who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’
Images from the Word
- Must share
- Came for baptism
- Feeling of expectancy
- He will dance
- Your happiness
Liturgical notes
The unique nature of the homily is captured well in St. Luke’s account of Christ’s preaching in the synagogue of Nazareth (cf. Lk 4:16–30). After reading a passage from the Prophet Isaiah he handed the scroll back to the attendant and began, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’
—Homiletic Directory, §4
The homily does not stand alone as an instruction; it is a very act of worship. It calls us to recognise the presence of Christ in our midst and to respond to him by our faith. The Word proclaimed awaits our faith-filled response, so that he may bring new life to our world. Our homilist calls us to link the Word proclaimed with our lives, so that we may give Christ the opportunity to continue working in our world today.
‘Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear. Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.’
—communion antiphon