First reading
Ecclesiasticus 15:16–21
God predestined wisdom to be for our glory before the ages began.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 118(119):1–2, 4–5, 17–18, 33–34
R. Happy are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Second reading
1 Corinthians 2:6–10
God predestined wisdom to be for our glory before the ages began.
Gospel acclamation
cf. Matthew 11:25
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Gospel
Matthew 5:17–37
You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors; but I say this to you.
Images from the Word
- To fulfil
- Be reconciled
- ‘Yes’ means yes
- Trust in God
- God’s wisdom
Liturgical notes
Now the centre and summit of the entire celebration begins, namely, the Eucharistic Prayer, that is, the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. The priest invites the people to lift up their hearts to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving; he unites the congregation with himself in the Prayer that he addresses in the name of the entire community to God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the meaning of the Prayer is that the entire congregation of the faithful should join itself with Christ in confessing the great deeds of God and in the offering of sacrifice.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §78
Full, active and conscious participation is required by all the community in the eucharistic prayer, which is the centre and summit of the entire celebration. We are invited to lift up our hearts and then begin to give our praise and thanks to our God. Here also we offer the spiritual sacrifices that have been our daily life over the past week. Our presiding celebrant must ensure that his leading of this prayer invites us to each make our contribution.
‘Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.’ —entrance antiphon