First reading
Amos 7:12–15
‘Go, shepherd, and prophesy to my people Israel.’
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 84(85):9–14
R. Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.
Second reading
Ephesians 1:3–14
God chose us in Christ before the world was made.
Gospel acclamation
cf. Ephesians 1:17–18
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see how great is the hope to which we are called.
Gospel
Mark 6:7–13
‘Take nothing with you.’
Images from the Word
- In pairs
- Stay there
- As a sign
- Go away
- Hidden plan
Liturgical notes
A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament … If the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is situated in the sanctuary, the Priest, the Deacon, and the other ministers genuflect when they approach the altar and when they depart from it, but not during the celebration of Mass itself.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §274
While devotional practices are part of our life, during the celebration of the Mass they are limited in their use. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament is very important, but during the celebration of the Mass the liturgical requirements are to be observed. Thus genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament at the beginning and the end of the Mass is most appropriate. During the celebration, there are only three genuflections to be made: after the showing of the consecrated Host and Chalice and before Communion. Otherwise, the ministers do not genuflect during the usual Sunday Mass.
‘As for me, in justice I shall behold your face; I shall be filled with the vision of your glory’ —entrance antiphon