Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’
(Matthew 5:13–16)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
In the ancient world, salt was absolutely essential. It was used not simply to season food or to add to its taste, but also as a preservative, enabling food to be stored and kept.
At the time of Jesus, the main source of oil for lamps was the olive. A saucer-shaped lamp held the oil, and a wick, made of flax or a similar material, burned from a small opening on the rim. Such lamps were often placed in a niche in the walls of rooms.
Lamp oil was a precious commodity. Once lit, a lamp was often placed high to give maximum illumination.
Ancient cities were often built on hilltops so that they were easily defended against invaders and were visible for many miles around.
Exploring the Word
To understand this text, it is important to place it alongside the Beatitudes that immediately precede it (you could read these together first). In that text, the virtues to be cultivated by followers of Jesus are outlined, but the danger with taking the Beatitudes on their own is that faith can become contented peacefulness and somewhat inward-looking. To avoid this risk, Matthew follows the Beatitudes with this text, which teaches disciples about the task of Christians in the world. They have been given the gifts; they are the salt of the earth. But if they just see their blessedness and rest there, they risk becoming ‘tasteless’ and good only to be ‘trampled underfoot’. Instead, the disciples are urged to place their light high on a hill and to let it shine for all to see. They are witnesses to God’s living presence, not just for the nation of Israel but for all the world. In seeing the way that Christians live and act—their ‘good works’—others will be drawn to God through their active witness to faith. Others will come to give praise to God in heaven. This is an amazing responsibility, and Jesus acknowledges that some salt may lose its taste and some lights be hidden. The challenge for Christians, new and old, is not to take the gift of faith for granted and let it become tasteless; not to keep the light confined to private moments but to allow others to see the difference faith makes so that they can know the presence and power of God.
How is this a challenge to you?
How can you let your faith shine forth?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
What aspects of your journey so far have been a ‘light’ to you?
For whom are you a light?
In what circumstances does your light shine best?
Reflect on what it is in your life that gives you zest and flavour, and that preserves you. What guides your behaviour and gives you strength to keep going? What is ‘salt’ to you? Share your reflections.
Identify one talent that you have and use it well and often this week. Let your light shine.
Use a candle this week each time you pray. Use an adaptation of the gospel acclamation: I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the one who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
In the early 1960s, a momentous event occurred in the history of the Church. The Second Vatican Council was convened by Pope John XXIII. His desire was to throw open the widows of the Church and let fresh air in so that it related more appropriately to the modern world and modern humans.
You could give some background to Vatican II and the impact it has had.
One of the key documents from that council was the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, known in Latin as Lumen Gentium (‘Light of All Peoples’). Its aim was to be a statement of the Church’s own understanding of itself and the role it is destined to take in the world.
You could take some key statements from this document as the basis of your discussion. See especially Chapter II on the Church as ‘the people of God’.
In what ways do you see evidence of the Church as ‘salt of the earth’ or ‘light of the world’ today?
What more could be done? How are you called to participate in this?
Symbols and images
The people of Israel often described the Law of God as ‘salt’ because it gave zest and flavour to life and it preserved them as the people of God. Similarly, the Law was often compared to a light that showed them the path to God: ‘Your word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path’ (Psalm 119:105). Jerusalem, the city on the hill, was a focal point and reminder of God’s presence. Jesus gives a new focus to all these images when he applies them to those who hear his word and put it into practice. All Christians are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’, a ‘city on the hill’ giving witness to God’s presence.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How does your own parish community reflect the understanding of Church presented in Lumen Gentium? Are there ways this can be improved?
Use an oil lamp and a small dish of salt as a focus for prayer. Pray for the Church and its leaders. Pray for each other as you journey to full membership of the Church. A suitable song could be ‘Church of God’ (GA 480). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97A.
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
‘How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle: for they shall have the earth as their heritage. Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God. Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God. Happy are those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’
(Matthew 5:1–12)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
This collection of sayings is known as the ‘Beatitudes’, which means ‘blessings’.
This text is also known as the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. Luke also has a version of this text, but his account is set on a plain by the Sea of Galilee (Luke 6:20–26). Compare the two versions.
Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, Matthew situates Jesus on a mountain as he gives the new law.
There are a number of instances in his gospel where Matthew parallels Jesus with Moses. Again, this may be to appeal to the largely Jewish audience of his own community.
Exploring the Word
The rendering of the Greek term used in this text as ‘happy’ is rather weak. A better term is ‘blessed’. At the heart of the Beatitudes is Jesus’ instruction to his followers to cultivate certain qualities in their lives. To be gentle, to mourn, to thirst for what is right, to be merciful, to be pure of heart and to be peacemakers are signs of the presence of the kingdom of God in our lives. To have such virtues is to be blessed. Jesus teaches that those who suffer some human lack or pain are blessed, not because poverty, pain or sorrow are good in themselves, but because they reveal to us our need for God. Those who are prosperous, comfortable or content find this much more difficult to realise and accept.
The final portion of this text speaks to the experience of the early church, which suffered persecution for the sake of faith in Jesus Christ. Christians today are also called to stand against arrogant secularism, which proclaims that humans do not need God. Even today, people suffer for their faith, but they too are assured that their reward will be great in heaven!
Recall a time of suffering and sorrow in your life. What was God saying to you at that time? How did such an experience influence the person you are today?
Describe someone you know who embodies one of the Beatitudes.
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Who do you know who is ‘poor in spirit’, ‘gentle’, a ‘peacemaker’, ‘merciful’, ‘pure in heart’? How are these qualities manifested?
Pray for those people this week.
This gospel presents a surprising teaching on the source of happiness. Recall a time when you experienced complete happiness and joy. What was the source of that happiness? Compare this with what the media and advertising present as sources of happiness in today’s society.
Live the Beatitudes as consciously as possible this week.
Read and reflect on the Beatitudes this week. Can you write one for yourself?
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Some of the revered figures of the Church have embodied the virtues celebrated in the Beatitudes. This is a good opportunity to introduce the lives and work of some saints or other figures as models of these virtues—for example:
Mother Theresa of Calcutta as ‘poor in spirit’
St Francis of Assisi and St Clare as ‘gentle’
Mary, the mother of Jesus, as one who ‘mourned’
St Oscar Romero as one who ‘hungered and thirsted for justice’
St Therese of Lisieux as ‘pure in heart’.
You will be able to think of many more.
Discuss practical ways that catechumens can cultivate these virtues in their daily lives.
Symbols and images
The ‘poor’ are those who are not smug and self-satisfied. Those who ‘mourn’ are those who grieve at the effects of sin in the world. The ‘meek’ are the lowly and powerless in any situation. Those who ‘hunger for righteousness’ are those who long for justice and peace. The ‘pure of heart’ are those who seek God alone. The ‘peacemakers’ are those who work to restore broken relationships. Those who are ‘persecuted’ are those who are ridiculed for their faith. Taken all together, the Beatitudes describe what a Christian should be like.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Does you parish community have a patron saint after whom it was named who embodied one of the virtues of the Beatitudes. How does your community celebrate your patron? How does it live the Beatitudes?
Use the Scriptures and a candle as a focus for prayer. Pray for each other as you seek to develop these virtues of the Beatitudes. There are a number of songs based on this text—for example, ‘The Beatitudes’ (GA 489). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94D.
Presider
Recognising that Christ is our wisdom, our virtue, our holiness and our freedom, we offer these prayers in the hope that we might serve God with our whole being.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all those in ordained ministry. May they serve your people in a spirit of charity and love.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all national leaders. In the spirit of justice, may they make their mark as peacemakers in our world.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who have responded to the Lord’s call, whether married, single, ordained to the priesthood or in religious life. May they grow in the grace of their vocations.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
As we begin a new school year, we pray for all teachers that they may be blessed in dealing with our young people, encouraging them to work to the best of their abilities and to enjoy success in their studies.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community as we share in this Eucharist. May we strive to use our God-given gifts in the service of others.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for sick parishioners, family members and friends, that they will find healing. We pray for those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries we recall at this time. May they enter into the eternal life of God’s kingdom, as promised to us all.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Father in heaven, hear the prayers of all of us gathered here as we seek to more fully serve you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Entrance
Christ be beside me—CWBII 463
Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—AOV2 132, CWB 792, CWBII 586, G 616, GA 421
Seek, O seek the Lord—CWB 802, CWBII 595, GA 211
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 145 (146): Happy the Poor in Spirit (Porter)—G 139
Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Haugen)—G 75, DD (GIA)
Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Willcock)—GA 61, PFS 56
Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 5:12
Alleluia, alleluia! Rejoice and be glad; your reward will be great in heaven. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489
For the healing of the nations—G 803, GA 513, DD (GIA)
O blessed are the poor in spirit—CWBII 563
Seek ye first—AOV1 48, CWBII 594, GA 456, G 658
Communion
A Touching Place—GA 469
Be not afraid (Dufford)—AOV1 114, CWBII 653, G 683, GA 449
Jesus, you are bread for us—AOV1 42, CWBII 116
My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
My soul is longing for your peace—CWB 751, CWBII 559, GA 519
Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
We have no other boast—CWBII 502, GA 491
Sending forth
Christ be near us—AOVNG 21
Go make a difference—AOVNG 52, DD (OCP)
In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
The kingdom of God—CWBII 616, G 736
First reading
Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12–13 In your midst I will leave a humble and lowly people.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 145(146):6–10 R. Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 1:26–31 God chose what is foolish by human reckoning, to shame the wise.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad; your reward will be great in heaven.
Gospel
Matthew 5:1–12a How happy are the poor in spirit.
Images from the Word
Poor in spirit
Pure in heart
Rejoice and be glad
A humble and lowly people
Shame the wise
Liturgical notes
Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.
A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §42
How sensitive is our liturgical assembly to the significance of the gestures we share during the celebration? When it comes to singing, we are very aware of our need to sing together—singing at our own tempo is not appropriate. Regarding the gestures we share, though, we are not that sensitive—some may choose to stand, while others kneel and others sit during parts of the Mass. Are we not all called to share the same posture to express and foster our unity?
‘Save us, O Lord our God! And gather us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, and make it our glory to praise you.’
Hearing that John had been arrested, Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:
‘Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.’
From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people.
(Matthew 4:12–23)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
When the people of Israel returned to the Promised Land after their liberation from Egypt, the land was divided among the twelve tribes descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. Zebulun and Naphtali were two of those sons.
The town of Capernaum stood on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, on the border of the areas given to these two sons of Jacob.
Matthew uses the term kingdom of heaven rather than kingdom of God. This may have been because his audience is largely Jewish, and Jews avoided using the sacred name of God.
This is another example of Matthew stating that, in Jesus, the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah’s coming are fulfilled.
Exploring the Word
This gospel tells of the first public actions of Jesus’ ministry. It should be studied in conjunction with the first reading from Isaiah, which speaks of a light coming that breaks the ‘bars’, ‘yokes’ and ‘rods’ that bind people and weigh them down.
What are the things that weigh you down at the moment?
From what does our world need to be liberated?
This gospel reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. John the Baptist, the precursor, has now left the scene, having been arrested, so Jesus takes up and completes his message of repentance because the kingdom is at hand. In the final verses, the manifestation of that kingdom is made apparent. People are healed and the Good News is proclaimed. The second part of this text shows the effectiveness of Jesus’ message. His voice and his proclamation draw people from their labours to a new kind of work: cooperating in the task of drawing people to the truth of God’s plan for the world.
Explore the call of discipleship and what that means for people who follow Christ today. How are we called to ‘come, follow me’?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
What have you left behind to follow Jesus? How do you feel about that?
Have you ever felt ‘called’ to do something: a challenge you just could not pass by? a strange urge to move beyond your normal behaviour, or to pursue something outside your experience? What was the outcome? Share your reflections.
Try to be a light for other people this week. Be aware of opportunities through which you could draw other people to Christ.
Use a part of today’s psalm as your prayer this week: The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink? The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Peter the fisherman was always considered to be the first among the apostles—that is, the twelve specially chosen followers of Jesus.
Point out the difference between the many who were disciples and the Twelve.
The primacy of Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, is carried on in the Church through the primacy of the Pope as Bishop of Rome and successor of Peter. One of the titles often given to the Pope is ‘the fisherman’, as in the book and film The Shoes of the Fisherman.
Explain the structure of the hierarchical Church—with the Pope at its head, the College of Cardinals, the Synod of Bishops, local bishops’ conferences, dioceses and individual parishes—and the unity that exists in the whole Church. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§880–887.)
You could share a profile of the current successor of Peter, Pope Francis, highlighting his particular focus and witness as pope.
You could introduce the teaching authority of the Church, or magisterium, and explain how that operates.You may need to deal with some sensitive issues of church teaching or the question of infallibility.
Symbols and images
St Cyril of Jerusalem offered the following reflection to catechumens around the year 380:
You now find yourself in the fishing nets of Christ. Let yourselves be caught. Christ wants to capture you, not to kill you but to give you life out of death.
How does this speak to you as a catechumen today?
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Identify the ways in which your community reaches out to others as ‘fishers of people’. This is part of the missionary and evangelising nature of the Church. Are there ways catechumens can bear witness to their own call to faith? What may they be able to teach others in your community who were born into the Church?
You could use images of fish or boats as a focus for prayer. A suitable song could be ‘The Galilee Song’ (As One Voice 5). Pray for each other, for strength on the journey as you leave your old life behind to follow Jesus. Pray for all those involved in a ministry of drawing new followers to Christ. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94E.
Presider
As we gather to be formed in faith by God’s word, we ask the Lord of all hopefulness to receive these prayers of intercession for all God’s people.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all Church leaders. May they use wisely the authority bestowed on them and continue to witness to God’s kingdom among us.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
As we celebrate Australia Day this week, may we be sensitive to and acknowledge the First Nations of this land. We pray for God’s blessings on all of us and on our land, where we are privileged to live.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. In the light of the prophetic call of our baptism, may we discern the movement of God’s Spirit in our daily lives.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict. May he share in the heavenly liturgy, having devoutly exercised the ministry of priest and bishop in the earthly liturgy.
Lord hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for sick parishioners, family and friends, that they will find healing. We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they enter into the eternal life of God’s kingdom, as promised to us all.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Father in heaven, we have come together to ask your blessings upon us and on all who have asked for our prayers. We are confident you do not forget your own people. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Entrance
Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
Galilee Song—AOV1 5
Gather as one—AOVNG 48
Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
I heard the voice of Jesus say—AOV1 54, CWBII 512, G 724, GA 468
In Christ there is no east or west—CWBII 519, G 832
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Ancell)—GA 27
Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
Psalm 26 (27): The Lord is my light (Willcock)—CWBII 481 (refrain 2), GA 28 (refrain II), PFS 40
Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 4:23
Alleluia, Alleluia! Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom and healed all who were sick. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
A new commandment—CWB 615, CWBII 443, GA 318
All creatures of our God and King—CWB 618, CWBII 446, G 611, GA 395
All creatures of our God and King (arr. Rick Modlin)—DD (OCP)
Christ Light, shining in the darkness—CWBII 468
Christians, let us love one another—CWB 648, CWBII 469, GA 206
The Summons—CWBII 645, G 790, GA 502
You walk along our shoreline—CWBII 653
Communion
Do not be afraid/The Lord is my light—AOV2 73, CWBII 481, GA 28, PFS 40
Here I am, Lord—AOV1 90, CWBII 518, G 777, GA 496
One body in Christ—AOVNG 102
One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193
Seed, scattered and sown—CWBII 592, GA 195
Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
Where there is charity and love—CWB 863, CWBII 638, GA 323
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all or sending forth
A Blessing Hymn for Australia—CWBII 655, DD (Marist Music, free)
Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
The Great Southland—AOV2 159
Word of God, come down on earth—CWBII 644
First reading
Isaiah 8:23–9:3 In Galilee of the nations the people has seen a great light.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 26(27):1, 4, 13–14 R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17 Make up the differences between you instead of disagreeing among yourselves.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 4:23 Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom and healed all who were sick.
Gospel
Matthew 4:12–23 He went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled.
Images from the Word
Repent
Come
Immediately
A great light
Is Christ divided?
Liturgical notes
Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.
A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §42
How sensitive is our liturgical assembly to the significance of the gestures we share during the celebration? When it comes to singing, we are very aware of our need to sing together—singing at our own tempo is not appropriate. Regarding the gestures we share, though, we are not that sensitive—some may choose to stand, while others kneel and others sit during parts of the Mass. Are we not all called to share the same posture to express and foster our unity?
‘O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.’
—entrance antiphon
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
