First reading
Genesis 22:1–2, 9–13, 15–18
The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 115(116):10, 15–19
R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
Second reading
Romans 8:31–34
God did not spare his own Son.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 17:5
From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: this is my beloved Son, hear him.
Gospel
Mark 9:2–10
This is my Son, the Beloved.
Images from the Word
- By themselves
- Talking with Jesus
- Saw no one
- Your only child
- God on our side
Liturgical notes
The Second Vatican Council, which recommended ‘that more perfect form of participation in the Mass by which the faithful, after the Priest’s Communion, receive the Lord’s Body from the same Sacrifice,’ called for another desire of the Fathers of Trent to be put into effect, namely, that for the sake of a fuller participation in the Holy Eucharist ‘at each Mass the faithful present should communicate not only by spiritual desire but also by sacramental reception of the Eucharist.’
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §13
The theme of sacrifice is very central to the Catholic understanding of the Mass. However, it is important that the assembly is made aware of their central role in offering this one sacrifice of Christ. The priestly people of God are not spectators but are active in offering this sacrifice under the leadership of the ordained priest. To be able to share in this offering of the sacrifice, they must communicate with the Host consecrated at that celebration and not from the tabernacle. Only in this way do they share in the ‘more perfect form of participation in the Mass’.
‘Of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me’
—entrance antiphon