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First reading

2 Maccabees 7:1–2, 9–14
‘The King of the world will raise us up to live for ever.’

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 16(17):1, 5–6, 8, 15
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

Second reading

2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5
May the Lord strengthen you in everything good that you do or say.

Gospel acclamation

Revelation 1:5a, 6b
Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead; glory and kingship be his for ever and ever.

Gospel

Luke 20:27–38
He is God, not of the dead, but of the living.

Images from the Word

Liturgical notes

It is fitting that there be a cantor or a choir director to lead and sustain the people’s singing. When in fact there is no choir, it is up to the cantor to lead the different chants, with the people taking part.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §104 

Every member of the assembly is expected to have music on his or her lips. Music helps members lift their hearts to praise God and express their oneness in a unified voice. It is not the choir and cantor’s role to take over the assembly’s participation; rather, through their gifts of voice and music, their role is to foster the full participation of the faithful. The Catholic Worship Book II provides many resources to help us become a singing community.

‘The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.’ 

—communion antiphon

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Some Sadducees—those who say that there is no resurrection—approached Jesus and they put this question to him, ‘Master, we have it from Moses in writing, that if a man’s married brother dies childless, the man must marry the widow to raise up children for his brother. Well then, there were seven brothers. The first, having married a wife, died childless. The second and then the third married the widow. And the same with all seven, they died leaving no children. Finally the woman herself died. Now, at the resurrection, to which of them will she be wife since she had been married to all seven?’

Jesus replied, ‘The children of this world take wives and husbands, but those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels, and being children of the resurrection they are sons of God. And Moses himself implies that the dead rise again, in the passage about the bush where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is God, not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all men are in fact alive.’

(Luke 20:27–38) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

Now that Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem and his ministry is centred at the temple, he encounters the Sadducees, who dominate temple worship. In this text, the Sadducees ask a question not to elicit Jesus’ teaching on the topic but rather to ridicule Jesus and disconcert him. However, Jesus turns the tide and provides two answers to their question. First, he highlights that they have completely misunderstood the meaning of resurrection. The transformation of life brought by death is incomprehensible to the Sadducees because they are not open to the power of God. Second, he highlights that even though Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have died, Moses is conscious that they have remained alive in a sense because Yahweh continues to be their God—a God of the living. Death is not the end of the story, and Christian faith is marked by a joy and hope that ultimately resting in God will bring. This is the destiny of all humankind.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 

The Creed that is recited at Mass each week affirms that ‘we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come'. Believing in the resurrection of the dead has been an essential element of the Christian faith since its beginnings (CCC, §991)—and it has always engendered some degree of incomprehension and opposition (§996). Although many people generally accept that life continues after death in a spiritual sense, the most difficult part of the concept to understand is the resurrection of the body. Catholics believe that ‘in death, the separation of the soul from the body, the human body decays and the soul goes to meet God’; however, through his divine power, God ‘will definitively grant incorruptible life to our bodies by reuniting them with our souls’ (§997) at the end times. 

Symbols and images 

Traditionally, black has been the colour associated with mourning; however, since the Second Vatican Council, white vestments are worn at the celebration of a funeral. This colour change emphasises the connection between the joy that all believers feel for Jesus’ resurrection and their hope that they, too, will share this resurrection.

Living the Word 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

Presider

The Lord is faithful and will guard us from the evil one. We ask God to receive our prayers and answer them with justice and mercy.

Reader

We pray for Pope Francis and all the bishops and priests of our Church who proclaim the Gospel of life. May their positive affirmation of the dignity of each person reassure us that we are all welcome in God’s house.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray in support of all people who are being persecuted or rejected because of their faith. May they be strengthened in their resolve and stand firm in their beliefs, comforted by the words Jesus has given them.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We remember the women and men who have given their lives for our freedom. We pray for the members of our armed forces, that their efforts at this time will contribute to world peace.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our faith community. May we all grow in appreciation of the hope of eternal life and of life to the full, as Jesus promised.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for …

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are ill in our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries we recall. May they be uplifted to a full life with Christ.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

We are confident, God of mercy, that you will continue encouraging and strengthening our hearts through grace. We pray that you will hear our prayers, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Entrance

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

Gospel acclamation

Revelations 1:5a, 6b

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead;
glory and kingship be his for ever and ever.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

Communion

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

Sending forth 

First reading

Wisdom 11:22–12:2
You are merciful to all, because you love all that exists.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 144(145):1–2, 8–11, 13b–14
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

Second reading

2 Thessalonians 1:11–2:2
The name of Christ will be glorified in you, and you in him.

Gospel acclamation

John 3:16
God loved the world so much, he gave us his only Son, that all who believe in him might have eternal life.

Gospel

Luke 19:1–10
Salvation comes to the house of Zacchaeus.

Images from the Word

Liturgical notes

The People of God, gathered for Mass, has a coherent and hierarchical structure, which finds its expression in the variety of ministries and the variety of actions according to the different parts of the celebration. The general ordering of the sacred building must be such that in some way it conveys the image of the gathered assembly and allows the appropriate ordering of all the participants, as well as facilitating them in the proper carrying out of their function. 

The faithful and the choir should have a place that facilitates their active participation.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §294 

A sacred building that is used for the eucharistic celebration must be designed to encourage active participation from all ministers involved in the celebration. The space must create an immediate impression of a gathered assembly that is ready to participate. It is not a space for spectators, but one that facilitates active involvement.

‘You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.’ 

—communion antiphon

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’

(Luke 19:1–10) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

This text should be compared to the one before it, which includes the story of a rich official who was a righteous man (Luke 18:18–23); however, this story is not included in the Lectionary readings for this year. In that text, although Jesus challenges the rich man to sell all he has and distribute the proceeds to the poor, the rich man cannot give up his wealth. Here, Zacchaeus—also a rich man, but considered a sinner—spontaneously offers to give half his wealth away and make generous restitution to those he has cheated. Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus starkly contrasts his response to the rich man. In his undignified climbing of the tree, Zacchaeus is prepared to make himself look ridiculous to know Jesus. He has humbled himself in the eyes of the crowd, just as the tax collector humbled himself in the temple in last week’s gospel. Jesus not only tells parables but also lives them in reality. He has searched for the lost, and his encounters have led to conversion and salvation.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

Pray this often this week.

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 

Zacchaeus is labelled a sinner, but he repents from his sin and is offered salvation. The Church teaches that the ‘original sin’ of Adam and Eve in the garden was a choice for themselves and against God (CCC, §398), and that their selfish choice has had implications for all humankind (§402). Self-centeredness marks the lives of all human beings to a greater or lesser extent.

Zacchaeus goes out of his way to encounter Jesus—which is the equivalent of presenting yourself for the sacrament of reconciliation. Zacchaeus also acknowledges his sin and offers to make amends—which is the equivalent of confession and penance (see CCC, §§1422–1470).

Symbols and images 

Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus prompted him to reassess how he lived in the world and how he related to those around him. He repented from his past wrongs, made restitution and entered into a new way of being. His journey is the same one to which baptism into the Church calls all believers

Living the Word 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

Presider

We offer our prayers of petition while trusting in God’s love and mercy for us all.

Reader

We pray for our Church in the communion of all saints. May our shared baptism be the source of our faith as we acknowledge their goodness and strive to live by their example.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

In this month of November, we remember and continue to pray for all the faithful departed. May they find peace in eternal life and be united with the communion of saints.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

In these final weeks of the academic year, we pray for all students who face exams. May they be blessed with results that reward their studies and efforts.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our faith community. May we, like Zacchaeus, rejoice that the Lord has come to our home today.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for …

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they share in the eternal life that Jesus promised.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

God of unconditional love, hear our prayers of petition. We are thankful that you accept us completely, and we ask that you continue to shower us with your grace through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Entrance

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

Gospel acclamation

John 3:16

Alleluia, Alleluia!God loved the world so much, he gave us his only Son,
that all who believe in him might have eternal life.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

Communion

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

Sending forth 

First reading

Ecclesiasticus 35:12–14, 16–19
The humble man’s prayer pierces the clouds.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 33(34):2–3, 17–19, 23
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Second reading

2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18
All there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me.

Gospel acclamation

2 Corinthians 5:19
God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us.

Gospel

Luke 18:9–14
The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified.

Images from the Word

Liturgical notes

Now the centre and summit of the entire celebration begins, namely, the Eucharistic Prayer, that is, the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification … The meaning of the Prayer is that the entire congregation of the faithful should join itself with Christ in confessing the great deeds of God and in the offering of sacrifice. The Eucharistic Prayer demands that all listen to it with reverence and in silence.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §78 

The eucharistic prayer is often deemed to belong to the presiding celebrant alone. However, it is the prayer of the entire assembly, and members contribute by bringing their spiritual offerings to the altar and enriching the presider’s words for the eucharistic prayer. In the procession of gifts, the members have laid their lives onto the altar as an offering, and during the eucharistic prayer, the presider invites them to express their prayers of thanksgiving to God.

‘We will ring out our joy at your saving help and exult in the name of our God.’ 

—communion antiphon

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being virtuous and despised everyone else: ‘Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood there and said this prayer to himself, “I thank you, God, that I am not grasping, unjust, adulterous like the rest of mankind, and particularly that I am not like this tax collector here. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes on all I get.” The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This man, I tell you, went home again at rights with God; the other did not. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

(Luke 18:9–14) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

The purpose of this parable is to disturb the complacency of people who believe that following the rules of the law precisely is all they must do to guarantee salvation, regardless of their attitudes towards others or how they speak and act. The timeless parable in this text is as true today as it was in Jesus’ time. The Pharisee asks nothing of God; he is under the mistaken impression that he can fulfil all that is required of him through his own actions. He believes that adhering to the letter of the law is all that is required. Conversely, the tax collector is aware of his brokenness and opens himself to God, asking him for mercy. He rightly recognises his own sinfulness and sees that God is the only one who can fill the void within him. Again, as is common in the Gospel of Luke, it is the poor and the outcast who will be exalted. The Pharisee, who should know better, will ultimately be humbled and experience God’s dramatic reversal.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 

Last week was Mission Sunday. The universal Church celebrates this day, which is marked each year by a special statement issued by the Pope that encourages the mission of the Church in the world and the work of those who undertake this mission, especially in foreign cultures.

Read Pope Francis's statement to mark Mission Sunday this year on the Vatican website. You could offer copies to participants and use them to stimulate your discussion. 

The Second Vatican Council included a decree for the Church’s missionary activity, Ad Gentes. The Church considers that all baptised people are engaged in this missionary activity of the Church.

Symbols and images 

This gospel asks us to consider what constitutes right worship. Is God impressed by words and outward show alone when the human heart is harbouring thoughts of hatred or vengeance? The parable in this text indicates that God is more impressed by our humility and recognition of our own need for healing.

Living the Word 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 
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