First reading
Ezekiel 33:7–9
If you do not speak to the wicked man, I will hold you responsible for his death.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 94(95):1–2, 6–9
R. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.
Second reading
Romans 13:8–10
Your only debt should be the debt of mutual love.
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 5:19
God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us.
Gospel
Matthew 18:15–20
If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brother.
Images from the Word
- Alone
- Community
- Meet in my name
- Sentry
- Debt of mutual love
Liturgical notes
Christ’s promise applies in an outstanding way to such a local gathering of the holy Church: ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.’
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §27
In the waters of baptism and the gift of confirmation, we are the priestly people of God. Each time we gather for Sunday Mass, we come to exercise this one priesthood of God under the leadership of our ordained minister. This priestly work begins with the very fact that we gather in Christ’s name and so provide the sacramental basis for Christ’s presence in our world. Having gathered in Christ’s name, we then allow the Lord to form us through his Word and Sacrament to be the Body of Christ in this time and place.
‘Grant that your faithful, O Lord, whom you nourish and endow with life through the food of your Word and heavenly Sacrament, may so benefit from your beloved Son’s great gifts that we may merit an eternal share in his life.’
—prayer after Communion