First reading
Isaiah 63:16–17, 64:1, 3–8
O that you would tear the heavens open and come down.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 79(80):2–3, 15–16, 18–19
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 1:3–9
We are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Gospel acclamation
Psalm 84:8
Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.
Gospel
Mark 13:33–37
If he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep.
Images from the Word
- Stay awake
- Own task
- Comes unexpectedly
- Our Redeemer
- God is faithful
Liturgical notes
At the Last Supper, Our Saviour instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of his Body and Blood, by which the Sacrifice of his Cross is perpetuated until he comes again; and till then he entrusts the memorial of his Death and Resurrection to his beloved spouse, the Church.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §2
In the great uncertainties of our times, we can always return to the enduring presence of our Saviour, whose enduring sacrifice provides sustenance for our living. We gather Sunday after Sunday to bring the humble gifts of our living the Christian life in service, forgiveness and charity to be placed upon the altar of our community, so that they may be taken up into the consecration of the Mass and our humble offering may become ‘One Body, One Spirit in Christ’. Then we are sent forth to continue to bring that consecration of our world to life in our daily living.
‘To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame’
—entrance antiphon