First reading
Isaiah 50:4–7
I did not cover my face against insult: I know I shall not be shamed.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 21(22):8–9, 17–20, 23–24
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Second reading
Philippians 2:6–11
Christ humbled himself but God raised him high.
Gospel acclamation
Philippians 2:8–9
Christ became obedient for us even to death, dying on the cross. Therefore God raised him on high and gave him a name above all other names.
Gospel
Matthew 26:14–27:66
The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
Images from the Word
- Hosanna
- Poured out
- Yielded up his spirit
- No resistance
- Emptied himself
Liturgical notes
The Liturgy of the Word is to be celebrated in such a way as to promote meditation, and so any sort of haste that hinders recollection must clearly be avoided. During the Liturgy of the Word, it is also appropriate to include brief periods of silence, adapted to the gathered assembly.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal §56
It is tempting on this Sunday to abbreviate or rush the proclamation of the Word. However, we are reminded that the Word needs to be well proclaimed to foster meditation. While the Scriptures today are long, they can be well proclaimed and engage the hearers. At other times, attention can be gained by dress or movements. Today the liturgy uses only the clear human voice, prepared by the reader to engage the assembly.
‘Nourished with these sacred gifts, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, just as through the death of your Son you have brought us to hope for what we believe, so by his Resurrection you may lead us to where you call.’
—prayer after Communion