First reading
Isaiah 49:3, 5–6
I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 39(40):2, 4, 7–10
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 1:1–3
May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.
Gospel acclamation
John 1:14, 12
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. He enabled those who accepted him to become the children of God.
Gospel
John 1:29–34
‘Look: there is the Lamb of God.’
Images from the Word
- Lamb of God
- Remain upon him
- Son of God
- Light of the nations
- Church of God
Liturgical notes
The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus St Augustine says rightly, ‘Singing is for one who loves.’ There is also the ancient proverb: ‘One who sings well prays twice.’
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §39
The importance that the Church places upon singing at our Sunday celebration is reflected in all the work that was done to provide us with the Catholic Worship Book II. This resource goes well beyond providing hymns that can serve our diverse communities. It also provides resources for the necessary singing of the parts of the Mass. We are also becoming aware of the need to sing the responsorial psalm as the model for the best celebration of the Liturgy of the Word.
‘All the earth shall bow down before you, O God, and shall sing to you, shall sing to your name, O Most High!’ —entrance antiphon