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
- Being virtuous
- The rest of mankind
- Be merciful
- With his whole heart
- Run the race
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
Often the eucharistic prayer is deemed to be a prayer that belongs to the presiding celebrant alone. However, it is the prayer of the entire assembly, in which they are called to contribute by bringing their spiritual offerings to the altar and so give content to the words expressed by the presider in the eucharistic prayer. In the procession of gifts, they have laid their lives on the altar, and during the eucharistic prayer, the presider invites them to make known to God their prayer of thanksgiving.
‘We will ring out our joy at your saving help and exult in the name of our God.’
—communion antiphon