First reading
Nehemiah 8:2–6, 8–10
All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 18(19):8–10, 15
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 12:12–30
You together are Christ’s body, but each a different part of it.
Gospel acclamation
Luke 4:18
The Lord sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners.
Gospel
Luke 1:1–4, 4:14–21
‘This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.’
Images from the Word
- Eyewitnesses
- Anointed me
- Fulfilled today
- Wooden dais
- You together
Liturgical notes
The dignity of the word of God requires that the church have a place that is suitable for the
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §309
proclamation of the word and toward which the attention of the whole congregation of the faithful
naturally turns during the Liturgy of the Word. It is appropriate that this place be ordinarily a stationary ambo and not simply a movable lectern.
As we continue the example of Ezra in our reading this Sunday, we are reminded that the Church has always honoured the special place dedicated to proclaiming God’s Word. The beauty of the ambo invites both reverence for the Word proclaimed and faithful hearing from the assembly. God’s holy people are thus called to be both hearers and doers of the Word in their daily lives.
‘I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’
—communion antiphon