First reading
Deuteronomy 18:15–20
I will raise up a prophet and put my words into his mouth.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 94(95):1–2, 6–9
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 7:32–35
Give your undivided attention to the Lord.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 4:16
A people in darkness have seen a great light: a radiant dawn shines on those lost in death.
Gospel
Mark 1:21–28
Unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
Images from the Word
- With authority
- Holy One of God
- Gives orders
- You must listen
- Free from all worry
- Undivided attention
Liturgical notes
After the recitation of the Symbol or Creed, the Priest, standing at the chair with his hands joined, by means of a brief address calls upon the faithful to participate in the Universal Prayer. Then the cantor, the reader, or another person announces the intentions from the ambo or from some other suitable place while facing the people. The latter take their part by replying in supplication.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §138
The universal prayer, elsewhere called the prayer of the faithful, is very much built upon the participation of the faithful—it is the intercessory role of the Body of Christ that gives authority to the prayer. When the Body unites in petitioning the Father in Jesus’ name, the prayer will be heard. It is important for those preparing the intentions that they always prepare them aware of the great diversity of the assembly who will be invited to make them their own.
‘Save us, O Lord our God! And gather us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, and make it our glory to praise you. Save us, O Lord our God! And gather us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, and make it our glory to praise you’
—entrance antiphon