First reading
Isaiah 25:6–10
The Lord will prepare a banquet for every nation.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 22(23)
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Second reading
Philippians 4:12–14, 19–20
With the help of the One who gives me strength, there is nothing I cannot master.
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
Matthew 22:1–14
Invite everyone you can to the wedding.
Images from the Word
- Those invited
- Come
- Bad and good alike
- Hand of the Lord
- Poverty or plenty
Liturgical notes
Churches, therefore, and other places should be suitable for carrying out the sacred action and for ensuring the active participation of the faithful. Sacred buildings and requisites for divine worship should, moreover, be truly worthy and beautiful and be signs and symbols of heavenly realities.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §288
The touchstone for judging the appropriateness of church space is its ability to serve the active participation of the faithful. However, its functionality is not the only ground for evaluation: the space must also be worthy and beautiful, so that it can invite our attention to the glory of heaven. The elements within our liturgical space must be able to draw us to more than meets the eye. Over time, the space can accumulate much junk, which distracts. We need to re-evaluate our worship space regularly.
‘We entreat your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that, as you feed us with the nourishment which comes from the most holy Body and Blood of your Son, so you may make us sharers of his divine nature.’ —prayer after Communion