First reading
Isaiah 8:23–9:3
In Galilee of the nations the people has seen a great light.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 26(27):1, 4, 13–14
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17
Make up the differences between you instead of disagreeing among yourselves.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 4:23
Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom and healed all who were sick.
Gospel
Matthew 4:12–23
He went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled.
Images from the Word
- Repent
- Come
- Immediately
- A great light
- Is Christ divided?
Liturgical notes
Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.
A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §42
How sensitive is our liturgical assembly to the significance of the gestures we share during the celebration? When it comes to singing, we are very aware of our need to sing together—singing at our own tempo is not appropriate. Regarding the gestures we share, though, we are not that sensitive—some may choose to stand, while others kneel and others sit during parts of the Mass. Are we not all called to share the same posture to express and foster our unity?
‘O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.’
—entrance antiphon