First reading
Acts 13:14, 43–52
We are now turning to the Gentiles.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 99(100):1–3, 5
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Second reading
Apocalypse 7:9, 14–17
The Lamb who is at the throne will be their shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water.
Gospel acclamation
John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
Gospel
John 10:27–30
I give my sheep eternal life.
Images from the Word
- Listen
- Follow
- Are one
- Remain faithful
- Living water us
Liturgical notes
On Sundays, especially in Easter Time, the blessing and sprinkling of water as a memorial of Baptism may take place from time to time in all churches and chapels, even in Masses anticipated on Saturday evenings. If this rite is celebrated during Mass, it takes the place of the usual Penitential Act at the beginning of Mass.
—Roman Missal, p. 1358
Given the close connection between the Easter season and the celebration of Christian initiation, it is helpful to include the blessing of water in place of the penitential act. This inclusion reminds us that through our washing in water and consecration by anointing in confirmation, we are sharers in Christ—priest, prophet and king. As God’s priestly people, we gather for Mass to exercise this priesthood through sacrifice and thanksgiving.
‘The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth; by the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia.’
—entrance antiphon