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 you will include the first of the three scrutinies for the elect to prepare them for their initiation during the Easter Vigil. These ceremonies provide the parish with the opportunity to pray for each candidate as the presider lays hands on them. By our prayer, we acknowledge that God is the only source for the gift of conversion—it is God’s work, not ours. Together we pray that God may show them 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