First reading
Isaiah 66:10–14
Towards Jerusalem I send flowing peace, like a river.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 65(66):1–7, 16, 20
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Second reading
Galatians 6:14–18
The marks on my body are those of Jesus.
Gospel acclamation
Colossians 3:15a,16a
May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and the fullness of his message live within you.
Gospel
Luke 10:1–12, 17–20
Your peace will rest on that man.
Images from the Word
- Pairs
- Harvest
- Peace
- Consoling breast
- New creature
Liturgical notes
As the gifts for Eucharist are being prepared the deacon prays while missing the water and wine: ‘by the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.’
—Order of the Mass, §24
Early church writers often described the incarnation in terms of its profound ecological significance: ‘God became human so that humans may become God’ is a familiar expression of this mystery. Because God is incarnate in Christ, all of creation is now blessed by God’s presence. As we dedicate the gifts of bread and wine for Eucharist, we acknowledge them to be the ‘work of human hands’. This dedication invites us to make the offering of our lives, so that we may also be graced by God’s presence.
‘May this oblation dedicated to your name purify us, O Lord, and day by day bring our conduct closer to the life of heaven.’
—prayer over the offerings