First reading
1 Kings 17:8–16
The widow gives food to Elijah, and is fed.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 62(63):2–8
R. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast.
Second reading
Colossians 3:12–17
Be clothed in love.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 27:55
Many women were there by the cross, watching from a distance, the same women who had followed Jesus and looked after him.
Gospel
Matthew 6:25–34
Do not worry about tomorrow: your holy Father knows your needs.
Images from the Word
- More than food
- Grass in the fields
- Up and go
- God’s chosen race
- A home
Liturgical notes
On solemnities belonging to particular calendars, three readings are to be assigned, unless the conference of bishops has decreed that there are to be only two readings. The First reading is from the Old Testament (but during the Easter season, from Acts or Apocalypse); the second, from an apostle; the third, from the Gospels.
—Lectionary for Mass, Introduction, §84
Since the proclamation of the solemnity of St Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop), we have become accustomed to three readings being assigned to her celebration. Currently the Australian bishops are preparing an appropriate preface to be included in the liturgy for this day. With all these liturgical elements, the Australian Church venerates the memory of Mary MacKillop. In this way, we are affirming that it is possible to be holy on our soil.
‘Come you blessed of my Father, says the Lord; I was sick, and you visited me. Amen, I say to you: whatever you did for one of the least of my brethren, you did it for me’ —entrance antiphon