First reading
Acts 5:27–32, 40–41
We are witnesses to all this: we and the Holy Spirit.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 29(30):2, 4–6, 11–13
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Second reading
Apocalypse 5:11–14
The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given riches and power.
Gospel acclamation
cf Luke 24:32
Lord Jesus, make your word plain to us: make our hearts burn with love when you speak.
Gospel
John 21:1–19
Jesus stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish.
Images from the Word
- Showed himself
- Big fish
- Do you love me?
- Obedience
- Lamb
Liturgical notes
Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
—Order of the Mass, §132
With these words, taken from the mouth of St John the Baptist and the book of Apocalypse, we prepare for Communion. We are reminded of the gift that Christ has given to us by his paschal mystery: that he has given us a share in his divine life. As St Augustine says, ‘Christ became human so we may become divine.’ Our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Maronite Church take up this theme in their invitation to Communion: ‘Holy things for the holy people’. How blessed are we who are called to this supper.
‘Cry out with joy to God, all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise, alleluia’
—entrance antiphon