First reading
Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15
This is what you must say to the children of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 102(103):1–4 ,6–8, 11
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12
All this that happened to the people of Moses in the desert was written for our benefit.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 4:17
Repent, says the Lord; the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Gospel
Luke 13:1–9
Unless you repent you will all perish as they did
Images from the Word
- Sacrifices
- Found none
- Leave it
- Bush burning
- A warning
Liturgical notes
Pope Francis reminds us in his encyclical that:
The scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life.
—Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, §128
If your parish is celebrating the RCIA this year, then this Sunday will include the first of the three scrutinies to prepare the elect for their initiation during the Easter Vigil. These ceremonies offer the parish the opportunity to pray for each candidate as the presider lays hands on them. By our prayer, we acknowledge that conversion is a gift from God alone—it is his work, not ours. Together, we pray that God will show the elect the way to salvation and protect them from every danger.
‘Be pleased, O Lord, with these sacrificial offerings, and grant that we who beseech pardon for our own sins, may take care to forgive our neighbour.’
—prayer over the offerings