First reading
Isaiah 55:10–11
The word that goes out from my mouth does not return to me empty.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 64(65):10–14
R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.
Second reading
Romans 8:18–23
The whole creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his sons.
Gospel acclamation
John 6:68
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
Gospel
Matthew 13:1–23
A sower went out to sow.
Images from the Word
- Imagine a sower
- Look without seeing
- Hear the parable
- Carrying out my will
- Hope of being freed
Liturgical notes
In the readings, the table of God’s word is prepared for the faithful, and the riches of the Bible are opened to them. Hence, it is preferable to maintain the arrangement of the biblical readings, by which light is shed on the unity of both Testaments and of salvation history.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §57
By opening up to the Word of God, we are drawn beyond the limits of our isolated lives into the grandeur of God’s plan. Let us approach the liturgy with attentive ears and obedient hearts to receive God’s Word for the life of the world.
‘Having consumed these gifts, we pray, O Lord, that, by our participation in this mystery, its saving effects upon us may grow.’
—prayer after Communion