First reading
Isaiah 45:1,4–6
I have taken Cyrus by his right hand to subdue nations before him.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 95(96):1,3–5, 7–10
R. Give the Lord glory and honour.
Second reading
1 Thessalonians 1:1–5
We constantly remember your faith, your love and your hope.
Gospel acclamation
Philippians 2:15–16
Shine on the world like bright stars; you are offering it the word of life.
Gospel
Matthew 22:15–21
Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
Images from the Word
- To trap Jesus
- Your opinion
- Give back
- His anointed
- Utter conviction
Liturgical notes
Now the centre and summit of the entire celebration begins, namely, the Eucharistic Prayer, that is, the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. The priest invites the people to lift up their hearts to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving; he unites the congregation with himself in the Prayer that he addresses in the name of the entire community to God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §78
Sometimes we may think that the eucharistic prayer is the work of the presiding celebrant alone, since only he has the authority to proclaim this prayer. However, this prayer is the centre and high point of the entire celebration. So the priestly people of God have a vital role to play as they together acclaim that it is right and just to give thanks to the Lord our God. During this prayer, the holy people of God must contribute, in their heart, the praise and thanks to God.
‘Grant, O Lord, we pray, that, benefiting from participation in heavenly things, we may be helped by what you give in this present age and prepared for the gifts that are eternal.’ —prayer after Communion