First reading
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21–23
Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 89(90):3–6, 12–14, 17
R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Second reading
Colossians 3:1–5, 9–11
You must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 5:3
Happy are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Gospel
Luke 12:13–21
Fool! This very night your soul will be demanded of you.
Images from the Word
- Your judge
- Good harvest
- Fool
- Vanity
- Life with Christ
Liturgical notes
For in the readings, as expounded by the Homily, God speaks to his people, opening up to them the mystery of redemption and salvation, and offering them spiritual nourishment; and Christ himself is present in the midst of the faithful through his word.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §55
Our daily lives are filled with countless words and sounds, alongside a barrage of conflicting values and invitations. So, when we attend Sunday Mass, we must focus on our beloved God who speaks to us gently. Our readers have already prayed with this word of God. Drawing on this prayer, they proclaim the consoling and confronting word of God. We must be attentive so that our hearts are willing to live what we hear.
‘Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an eternal offering to you.’
—prayer over the offerings