First reading
Exodus 19:2–6
I will count you a kingdom of priests, a consecrated nation.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 99(100):2–3, 5
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Second reading
Romans 5:6–11
Now we have been reconciled by the death of his Son, surely we may count on being saved by the life of his Son.
Gospel acclamation
John 15:26,27
The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord, and you also will be my witnesses.
Gospel
Mark 1:15
The kingdom of God is near; repent and believe the Good News!
Images from the Word
- Kingdom
- Priests
- Reconciliation
- Sheep
- Shepherd
Liturgical notes
In addition, the nature of the ministerial priesthood also puts into its proper light another reality, which must indeed be highly regarded, namely, the royal priesthood of the faithful, whose spiritual sacrifice is brought to completeness through the ministry of the Bishop and the priests in union with the sacrifice of Christ, the one and only Mediator. For the celebration of the Eucharist is an action of the whole Church, and in it each one should carry out solely but completely that which pertains to him or her, in virtue of the rank of each within the People of God ... Though holy in its origin, this people nevertheless grows continually in holiness by its conscious, active, and fruitful participation in the mystery of the Eucharist.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §5
The Church often speaks about the priestly People of God. However, the sharing of every baptised person in the priestly office of Christ does not eradicate distinctions in 'rank' or vocation or calling. The Church is a unity in its difference. The ministerial priesthood and episcopacy are called to serve a particular role in the dispensation of the sacraments; the laity are also called to serve in their own way, bringing their whole lives as a sacrificial offering, uniting them to the sacrifice of Christ. In this communion with the Body and Blood of Christ, we grow in holiness.
‘As this reception of your Holy Communion, O Lord, foreshadows the union of the faithful in you, so may it bring about unity in your Church.’ —prayer after Communion