First reading
Exodus 32:7–11, 13–14
The Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 50(51):3–4, 12–13, 17, 19
R. I will rise and go to my father.
Second reading
1 Timothy 1:12–17
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
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
Luke 15:1–32
There will be rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner.
Images from the Word
- Welcome sinners
- Rejoice with me
- One repentant sinner
- This people of yours
- Inexhaustible patience
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.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §78
When the presiding celebrant invites the community members to lift their hearts, it is a profound invitation calling for close attention. Our response, ‘We lift them up to the Lord’, clearly reveals the significant role that the assembly plays in the eucharistic prayer. Without the assembly members lifting their hearts to the Lord, the presider’s prayer is empty of content. His role is to present the assembly’s many gifts to God; however, all members still have to make their own contribution. With these many gifts offered by the community, the presider begins the preface with the affirmation, ‘It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation.’ This rich offering from the assembly members forms the basis from which the presider continues to lead the prayer.
‘How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.’
—communion antiphon