First reading
2 Samuel 5:1–3
They anointed David king of Israel.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 121(122):1–5
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Second reading
Colossians 1:12–20
The Father has created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves.
Gospel acclamation
Mark 11:9, 10
Blessed is he who inherits the kingdom of David our Father; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Gospel
Luke 23:35–43
‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’
Images from the Word
- Watching Jesus
- The chosen one
- With me in paradise
- Anointed David
- Image of the unseen God
Liturgical notes
It is most desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to do, receive the Lord’s Body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the instances when it is permitted, they partake of the chalice, so that even by means of the signs Communion will stand out more clearly as a participation in the sacrifice actually being celebrated.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §85
In many parishes, during the singing of the Lamb of God, the acolyte will go to the tabernacle and retrieve a ciborium of hosts that was consecrated during a previous Mass; it would then be used immediately for Communion. In this practice, the parish denies God’s people their opportunity to exercise their priesthood. To fulfil their priestly role of offering sacrifice, the members should bring their offering to the altar with the hosts during the procession of gifts. These hosts are then consecrated and returned to the members in Communion. Although this is obligatory for the presiding celebrant, it should also be available to the entire assembly.
‘The Lord sits as King for ever. The Lord will bless his people with peace.’
—communion antiphon