We ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Peter proceeded to speak and said: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
℟. (24) This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: ℟. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.”
℟. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: ℟. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power; the right hand of the LORD is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.”
℟. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: ℟. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
℟. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: ℟. Alleluia.
SECOND READING Col 3:1-4 or I Cor 5:6b-8
Seek what is above, where Christ is.
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians
Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
Or:
Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough.
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
Brothers and sisters: Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
SEQUENCE
Victimae paschali laudes
Christians, to the Paschal victim Offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems: Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father. Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring: “The tomb of Christ, who is living, The glory of Jesus’ resurrection; Bright angels attesting, The shroud and napkin resting. Yes, Christ my hope is arisen; To Galilee he will go before you.” Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining; Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL cf 1 Cor 5:7b-82
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed; let us then feast with joy in the Lord.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10
He had to rise from the dead.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
Or:
Matthew 28:1-10 Why do you seek the Living One among the dead?
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Or, at an afternoon or evening Mass:
Luke 24:13-35 They recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread
My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting knowing that I shall not be put to shame. A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
℟. (2a) My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: “He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if he loves him.”
℟. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Indeed, many dogs surround me, a pack of evildoers closes in upon me; They have pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
℟. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.
℟. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
I will proclaim your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you: “You who fear the LORD, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel!”
℟. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
SECOND READING Phil 2:6-11
Christ humbled himself. Because of this God greatly exalted him. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Phhil 2:8-9
Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
GOSPEL Mt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54
The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21. The narrative of the Lord’s Passion is read without candles and without incense, with no greeting or signing of the book. It is read by a Deacon or, if there is no Deacon, by a Priest. It may also be read by readers, with the part of Christ, if possible, reserved to a Priest. Deacons, but not others, ask for the blessing of the Priest before singing the Passion, as at other times before the Gospel. 22. After the narrative of the Passion, a brief homily should take place, if appropriate. A period of silence may also be observed. The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed; but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.” While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself. The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, “It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, and they paid it out for the potter’s field just as the Lord had commanded me. Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha —which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way. From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. Here all kneel and pause for a short time. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb. The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go, secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.
Or: [Short Form]
Jesus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha — which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way. From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, ‘Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. Here all kneel and pause for a short time. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”
Somo la Kwanza Isa 9:1–4 Hapo kwanza aliingiza nchi ya Zabuloni na nchi ya Naftali katika hali ya kudharauliwa, lakini zamani za mwisho ameifanya kuwa tukufu, karibu na njia ya bahari; ng’ambo ya Yordani, Galilaya ya mataifa. Watu wale waliokwenda katika giza wameona nuru kuu; wale waliokaa katika nchi ya uvuli wa mauti, nuru imewaangaza. Umeliongeza taifa, umezidisha furaha yao; Wanafurahi mbele zako, kama furaha ya wakati wa mavuno, kama watu wafurahivyo wagawanyapo nyara. Kwa maana umeivunja nira ya mzigo wake, na gongo la bega lake, na fimbo yake yeye aliyemwonea, kama katika siku ya Midani.
Wimbo wa Katikati Zab 27:1, 4, 13-14 Bwana ni nuru yangu na wokovu wangu, Nimwogope nani? Bwana ni ngome ya uzima wangu, Nimhofu nani? (K) Bwana ni nuru yangu na wokovu wangu.
Neno moja nimelitaka kwa Bwana, Nalo ndilo nitakalolitafuta, Nikae nyumbani mwa Bwana Siku zote za maisha yangu. Niutazame uzuri wa Bwana, Na kutafakari hekaluni mwake. (K) Bwana ni nuru yangu na wokovu wangu.
Naamini ya kuwa nitauona wema wa Bwana Katika nchi ya walio hai. Umngoje Bwana, uwe hodari, Upige moyo konde, naam, umngoje Bwana. (K) Bwana ni nuru yangu na wokovu wangu.
Somo la Pili 1Kor 1:10–13, 17 Basi ndugu, nawasihi, kwa jina la Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo, kwamba nyote mnene mamoja; wala pasiwe kwenu faraka, bali mhitimu katika nia moja na shauri moja. Kwa maana, ndugu zangu, nimearifiwa habari zenu na wale walio wa nyumbani mwa Kloe, ya kwamba iko fitina kwenu. Basi, maana yangu ni hii, ya kwamba kila mtu wa kwenu husema, Mimi ni wa Paulo, na, Mimi ni wa Apolo, na, Mimi ni wa Kefa, na, Mimi ni wa Kristo. Je! Kristo amegawanyika? Je! Paulo alisulibiwa kwa ajili yenu? Au je! Mlibatizawa kwa jina la Paulo? Maana Kristo hakunituma ili nibatize, bali niihubiri Habari Njema; wala si kwa hekima ya maneno, msalaba wa Kristu usije ukabatilika.
Shangilio Mt 4:23 Aleluya, aleluya, Kristo alihubiri Habari Njema ya ufalme, na kuponya ugonjwa na udhaifu wa kila namna katika watu. Aleluya.
Somo la Injili Mt 4:12–23 Basi Yesu aliposikia ya kwamba Yohane amefungwa, alikwenda zake mpka Galilaya; akatoka Nazareti, akaja akakaa Kapernaumu, mji ulioko pwani, mipakani mwa Zabuloni na Naftali: ili litimie neno lililonenwa na nabii Isaya, akisema, Nchi ya Zabuloni na nchi ya Naftali, Njia ya bahari, ng’ambo ya Yordani, Galilaya ya mataifa, Watu wale waliokaa katika giza wameona mwanga mkuu, Nao waliokaa katika nchi na uvuli wa mauti mwanga umewazukia. Tokea wakati huo Yesu alianza kuhubiri, na kusema, Tubuni; kwa maana ufalme wa mbinguni umekaribia. Naye alipokuwa akitembea kando ya bahari ya Galilaya, aliona ndugu wawili, Simoni aitwaye Petro, na Andrea nduguye, wakitupa jarife baharini; kwa maana walikuwa wavuvi. Akawaambia, Nifuateni, nami nitawafanya kuwa wavuvi wa watu. Mara wakaziacha nyavu zao, wakamfuata. Akaendelea mbele, akaona ndugu wengine wawili, Yakobo wa Zebedayo, na Yohane nduguye, ambao walikuwamo chomboni pamoja na Zebedayo baba yao, wakizitengeneza nyavu zao; akawaita. Mara wakakiacha chombo na baba yao, wakamfuata. Naye alikuwa akizunguka katika Galilaya yote, akifundisha katika masinagogi yao, na kuihubiri Habari Njema ya Ufalme, na kuponya ugonjwa na udhaifu wa kila namna katika watu.
In Galilee of the Gentiles, the people have seen a great light.
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles.
Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
℟. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
℟. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.
℟. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
℟. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
SECOND READING 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17
That all of you may agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you.
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL cf. Mt 4:23
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom and cured every disease among the people.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Mt 4:12-23 or Mt 4:12-17
Jesus went to Capernaum, so that what might be said through Isaiah might be fulfilled.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
or: [Short Form]
Mt 4:12-17
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
Somo la Kwanza Isa 49:3,5-6 Bwana aliniambia; Wewe u mtumishi wangu, Israeli, ambaye katika wewe nitatukuzwa.Na sasa Bwana asema hivi, yeye aliyeniumba tangu tumboni niwe mtumishi wake, ili nimletee Yakobo tena, na Israeli wakusanyike mbele zake tena; (maana mimi nimepata heshima mbele ya macho ya Bwana, na Mungu wangu amekuwa nguvu zangu); naam, asema hivi, Ni neno dogo sana wewe kuwa mtumishi wangu ili kuziinua kabila za Yakobo, na kuwarejeza watu wa Israeli waliohifadhiwa; zaidi ya hayo nitakutoa uwe nuru ya mataifa, upate kuwa wokovu wangu hata miisho ya dunia.
Wimbo wa Katikati Zab 40:1, 3, 6-9 Nalimngoja Bwana kwa saburi, Akaniinamia akakisikia kilio changu. Akatia wimbo mpya kinywani mwangu, Ndio sifa zake Mungu wetu. (K) Ndipo niliposema, Tazama nimekuja, Kuyafanya mapenzi yako.
Dhabihu na matoleo hukupendezwa nazo, Masikio yangu umeyazibua, Kafara na sadaka za dhambi hukuzitaka. Ndipo niliposema, Tazama nimekuja, (K) Ndipo niliposema, Tazama nimekuja, Kuyafanya mapenzi yako.
Katika gombo la chuo nimeandikiwa, Kuyafanya mapenzi yako, Ee Mungu wangu, ndiyo furaha yangu; Naam, sheria yako imo moyoni mwangu. (K) Ndipo niliposema, Tazama nimekuja, Kuyafanya mapenzi yako.
Nimehubiri habari za haki katika kusanyiko kubwa. Sikuizuia midomo yangu; Ee Bwana, unajua. (K) Ndipo niliposema, Tazama nimekuja, Kuyafanya mapenzi yako.
Somo la Pili 1Kor 1:1-3 Paulo, aliyeitwa kuwa mtume wa Yesu Kristo kwa mapenzi ya Mungu, na Sosthene ndugu yetu, kwa kanisa la Mungu lililoko Korintho, wale waliotakaswa katika Kristo Yesu, walioitwa wawe watakatifu, pamoja na wote wanaoliitia jina la Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo kila mahali, Bwana wao na wetu. Neema na iwe kwenu na amani, zitokazo kwa Mungu Baba yetu, na kwa Bwana Yesu Kristo.
Shangilio Yn 12:13b Aleluya, aleluya Walisema, ndiye mbarikiwa Mfalme ajaye kwa jina la Bwana, Aleluya
Somo la Injili Yn 1:29-34 Siku ya pili yake amwona Yesu anakuja kwake, akasema, Tazama, Mwana-kondoo wa Mungu, aichukuaye dhambi ya ulimwengu! Huyu ndiye niliyenena habari zake ya kwamba, Yuaja mtu nyuma yangu, ambaye amekuwa mbele yangu; kwa maana alikuwa kabla yangu. Wala mimi sikumjua; lakini kusudi adhihirishwe kwa Israeli ndiyo maana mimi nalikuja nikibatiza kwa maji. Tena Yohane akashuhudia akisema, Nimemwona Roho akishuka kama hua kutoka mbinguni; naye akakaa juu yake. Wala mimi sikumjua; lakini yeye aliyenipeleka kubatiza kwa maji, huyo aliniambia, Yeye ambaye utamwona Roho akishuka na kukaa juu yake, huyo ndiye abatizaye kwa Roho Mtakatifu. Nami nimeona, tena nimeshuhudia ya kuwa huyu ni Mwana wa Mungu.
All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!”
Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
℟. (3c) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.
℟. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
℟. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
℟. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
℟. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
SECOND READING Heb 1:1-6
God has spoken to us through the Son.
A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews
Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me? And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. For today a great light has come upon the earth.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Jn 1:1-14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
Siku ile: litatoka chipukizi katika shina la Yese, na tawi litakalotoka katika mizizi yake litazaa matunda. Na roho ya Bwana atakaa juu yake, roho ya hekima na ufahamu, roho ya shauri na uweza, roho ya maarifa na ya kumcha Bwana; na furaha yake itakuwa katika kumcha Bwana; wala hatahukumu kwa kuyafuata ayaonayo kwa macho yake, wala hataonya kwa kuyafuata ayasikiayo kwa masikio yake; bali kwa haki atawahukumu maskini, naye atawaonya wanyenyekevu wa dunia kwa adili; naye ataipiga dunia kwa fimbo ya kinywa chake, na kwa pumzi ya midomo yake atawaua wabaya. Na haki itakuwa mshipi wa viuno vyake, na uaminifu mshipi wa kujifungia. Mbwa-mwitu atakaa pamoja na mwana-kondoo, na chui atalala pamoja na mwana-mbuzi; ndama na mwana-simba na kinono watakuwa pamoja, na mtoto mdogo atawaongoza. Ng’ombe na dubu watalisha pamoja; watoto wao watalala pamoja; na simba atakula majani kama ng’ombe. Na mtoto anyonyaye atacheza penye tundu la nyoka, na mtoto aliyeachishwa atatia mkono wake katika pango la fira. Hawatadhuru wala hawataharibu katika mlima wangu wote mtakatifu; maana dunia itajawa na kumjua Bwana, kama vile maji yanavyoifunika bahari. Na itakuwa katika siku hiyo, shina la Yese lisimamalo kuwa ishara kwa kabila za watu, yeye ndiye ambaye mataifa watamtafuta; na mahali pake pa kupumzikia patakuwa na utukufu.
Wimbo wa Katikati
Zab 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Ee Mungu, mpe mfalme hukumu zako, Na mwana wa mfalme haki yako. Atawaamua watu wako kwa haki, Na watu wako walioonewa kwa hukumu.
(K) Siku zake yeye, mtu mwenye haki atasitawi, Na wingi wa amani hata mwezi utakapokoma.
Siku zake yeye, mtu mwenye haki atasitawi, Na wingi wa amani hata mwezi utakapokoma. Na awe na enzi toka bahari hata bahari, Toka Mto hata miisho ya dunia.
(K) Siku zake yeye, mtu mwenye haki atasitawi, Na wingi wa amani hata mwezi utakapokoma.
Kwa maana atamkomboa mhitaji aliapo, Na mtu aliyeonewa iwapo hana msaidizi. Atamhurumia aliye dhaifu na maskini, Na nafsi za wahitaji ataziokoa.
(K) Siku zake yeye, mtu mwenye haki atasitawi, Na wingi wa amani hata mwezi utakapokoma.
Jina lake na lidumu milele, Pindi ling’aapo jua jina lake liwe na wazao; Mataifa yote na wajibariki katika yeye, Na kumwita heri.
(K) Siku zake yeye, mtu mwenye haki atasitawi, Na wingi wa amani hata mwezi utakapokoma.
Somo la Pili Rum 15:4-9
Ndugu zangu, yote yaliyotangulia kuandikwa yaliandikwa ili kutufundisha sisi; ili kwa saburi na faraja ya maandiko tupate kuwa na tumaini. Na Mungu mwenye saburi na faraja awajalie kunia mamoja ninyi kwa ninyi, kwa mfano wa Kristo Yesu; ili kwa moyo mmoja na kwa kinywa kimoja mpate kumtukuza Mungu, Baba wa Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo. Kwa hiyo mkaribishane ninyi kwa ninyi, kama naye Kristo alivyotukaribisha, ili Mungu atukuzwe. Kwa maana nasema, ya kwamba Kristo amefanyika mhudumu wa agano la kutahiriwa kwa ajili ya kweli ya Mungu, kusudi azithibitishe ahadi walizopewa baba zetu; tena ili Mataifa wamtukuze Mungu kwa ajili ya rehema zake; kama ilivyoandikwa, Kwa hiyo nitakushukuru kati ya Mataifa, Nami nitaliimbia jina lako.
Shangilio Lk 3:4,6
Aleluya, aleluya Itengenezeni njia ya Bwana, Yanyosheni mapito yake,na wote wenye mwili watauona wokovu wa Mungu. Aleluya
Somo la Injili Mt 3:1-12
Siku zile aliondokea Yohana Mbatizaji akihubiri katika nyika ya Uyahudi, na kusema, Tubuni; kwa maana ufalme wa mbinguni umekaribia. Kwa sababu huyo ndiye aliyenenwa na nabii Isaya, akisema, Sauti ya mtu aliaye nyikani, Itengenezeni njia ya Bwana, Yanyosheni mapito yake. Naye Yohana mwenyewe alikuwa na vazi lake la singa za ngamia, na mshipi wa ngozi kiunoni mwake; na chakula chake kilikuwa nzige na asali ya mwitu. Ndipo walipomwendea Yerusalemu, na Uyahudi wote, na nchi zote za kandokando ya Yordani; naye akawabatiza katika mto wa Yordani, huku wakiziungama dhambi zao. Hata alipoona wengi miongoni mwa Mafarisayo na Masadukayo wakiujia ubatizo wake, aliwaambia, Enyi wazao wa nyoka, ni nani aliyewaonya ninyi kuikimbia hasira itakayokuja? Basi zaeni matunda yapasayo toba; wala msiwaze mioyoni mwenu kwamba, Tunaye baba, ndiye Ibrahimu; kwa maana nawaambia ya kwamba Mungu aweza katika mawe haya kumwinulia Ibrahimu watoto. Na shoka limekwisha kuwekwa penye mashina ya miti; basi kila mti usiozaa matunda mazuri hukatwa na kutupwa motoni. Kweli mimi nawabatiza kwa maji kwa ajili ya toba; bali yeye ajaye nyuma yangu ana nguvu kuliko mimi, wala sistahili hata kuvichukua viatu vyake; yeye atawabatiza kwa Roho Mtakatifu na kwa moto. Ambaye pepeto lake li mkononi mwake, naye atausafisha sana uwanda wake; na kuikusanya ngano yake ghalani, bali makapi atayateketeza kwa moto usiozimika.
On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17.
℟. (cf. 7) Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; he shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.
℟. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
℟. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.
℟. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.
℟. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
SECOND READING Rom 15:4-9
Christ saves everyone.
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Lk 3: 4, 6
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths; all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Mt 3:1-12
Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.
When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
Hili ni neno aliloliona Isaya mwana wa Amozi katika habari za Yuda na Yerusalemu. Na itakuwa katika siku za mwisho, mlima wa nyumba ya Bwana utawekwa imara juu ya milima, nao utainuliwa juu ya vilima; na mataifa yote watauendea makundi makundi. Na mataifa mengi watakwenda na kusema, Njoni, twende juu mlimani kwa Bwana, nyumbani kwa Mungu wa Yakobo, naye atatufundisha njia zake, nasi tutakwenda katika mapito yake maana katika Sayuni itatoka sheria, na neno la Bwana katika Yerusalemu. Naye atafanya hukumu katika mataifa mengi, atawakemea watu wa kabila nyingi; nao watafua panga zao ziwe majembe, na mikuki yao iwe miundu; taifa halitainua upanga juu ya taifa lingine, wala hawatajifunza vita tena kamwe. Enyi wa nyumba ya Israeli, njoni, twende katika nuru ya Bwana.
Wimbo wa Katikati Zab 122:1-4, 8-9
Nalifurahi waliponiambia, Na twende nyumbani kwa Bwana. Miguu yetu imesimama Ndani ya malango yako, Ee Yerusalemu. (K) Nalifurahi waliponiambia, Na twende nyumbani kwa Bwana.
Ee Yerusalemu uliyejengwa Kama mji ulioshikamana, Huko ndiko walikopanda kabila, Kabila za Bwana; (K) Nalifurahi waliponiambia, Na twende nyumbani kwa Bwana.
Kwa ajili ya ndugu zangu na rafiki zangu Niseme sasa, Amani ikae nawe. Kwa ajili ya nyumba ya Bwana, Mungu wetu, Nikutafutie mema. (K) Nalifurahi waliponiambia, Na twende nyumbani kwa Bwana.
Somo la Pili Rum 13:11-14
Ndugu zangu, tukiujua wakati, kwamba saa ya kuamka katika usingizi imekwisha kuwadia; kwa maana sasa wokovu wetu u karibu nasi kuliko tulipoanza kuamini Usiku umeendelea sana, mchana umekaribia, basi na tuyavue matendo ya giza, na kuzivaa silaha za nuru.Kama ilivyohusika na mchana na tuenende kwa adabu; si kwa ulafi na ulevi, si kwa ufisadi na uasherati, si kwa ugomvi na wivu. Bali mvaeni Bwana Yesu Kristo, wala msiuangalie mwili, hata kuwasha tamaa zake.
Shangilio Zab 85:7
Aleluya, aleluya Ee Bwana utuonyesha rehema zako, Utupe na wokovu wako, Aleluya
Somo la Injili Mt 24:37-44
Siku ile, Yesu aliwaambia wanafunzi wake kama vile ilivyokuwa siku za Nuhu, ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu. Kwa kuwa kama vile siku zile zilizokuwa kabla ya Gharika watu walivyokuwa wakila, na kunywa, wakioa na kuolewa, hata siku ile aliyoingia Nuhu katika safina, wasitambue, hata Gharika ikaja, ikawachukua wote, ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu. Wakati ule watu wawili watakuwako kondeni; mmoja atwaliwa, mmoja aachwa; wanawake wawili watakuwa wakisaga; mmoja atwaliwa, mmoja aachwa. Kesheni basi; kwa maana hamjui ni siku ipi atakayokuja Bwana wenu. Lakini fahamuni neno hili; kama mwenye nyumba angaliijua ile zamu mwivi atakayokuja, angalikesha, wala asingaliiacha nyumba yake kuvunjwa. Kwa sababu hiyo ninyi nanyi jiwekeni tayari; kwa kuwa katika saa msiyodhani Mwana wa Adamu yuaja.
The Lord will gather all nations into the eternal peace of the Kingdom of God.
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: “Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.
℟. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.
℟. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.
℟. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings.
℟. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my brothers and friends I will say, “Peace be within you!” Because of the house of the LORD, our God, I will pray for your good.
℟. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
SECOND READING Rom 13:11-14
Our salvation is nearer.
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL cf. Ps 85:8
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Mt 24:37-44
Stay awake, that you may be prepared!
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
℟. (cf. 9) The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
℟. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy.
℟. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to rule the earth, He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity.
℟. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
SECOND READING 2 Thes 3:7-12
If anyone is unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians
Brothers and sisters: You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Lk 21:28
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Lk 21:5-19
By your perseveranace you will secure your lives.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here— the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “”See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
Somo la Kwanza Mal 4:1-2 Angalieni, siku ile inakuja, inawaka kama tanuru; na watu wote wenye kiburi, nao wote watendao uovu, watakuwa makapi; na siku ile inayokuja itawateketeza, asema Bwana wa majeshi; hata haitawaachia shina wala tawi.Lakini kwenu ninyi mnaolicha jina langu, jua la haki litawazukia, lenye kuponya katika mbawa zake;
Wimbo wa Katikati Zab 98:5-9 Mwimbieni Bwana zaburi kwa kinubi, Kwa kinubi na sauti ya zaburi. Kwa panda na sauti ya baragumu. Shangilieni mbele za Mfalme, Bwana. (K) Bwana anakuja awahukumu mataifa kwa haki.
Bahari na ivume na vyote viijazavyo, Ulimwengu nao wanaokaa ndani yake. Mito na ipige makofi, Milima na iimbe pamoja kwa furaha mbele za Bwana; (K) Bwana anakuja awahukumu mataifa kwa haki.
Kwa maana anakuja aihukumu nchi. Atauhukumu ulimwengu kwa haki, Na mataifa kwa adili. (K) Bwana anakuja awahukumu mataifa kwa haki.
Somo la Pili 2The 3:7-12 Mwajua wenyewe jinsi iwapasavyo kutufuata; kwa sababu hatukuenda bila utaratibu kwenu; wala hatukula chakula kwa mtu ye yote bure; bali kwa taabu na masumbufu, usiku na mchana tulitenda kazi, ili tusimlemee mtu wa kwenu awaye yote. Si kwamba hatuna amri, lakini makusudi tufanye nafsi zetu kuwa kielelezo kwenu, mtufuate. Kwa kuwa hata wakati ule tulipokuwapo kwenu tuliwaagiza neno hili, kwamba ikiwa mtu hataki kufanya kazi, basi, asile chakula. Maana twasikia kwamba wako watu kwenu waendao bila utaratibu, hawana shughuli zao wenyewe, lakini wanajishughulisha na mambo ya wengine. Basi twawaagiza hao, na kuwaonya katika Bwana Yesu Kristo, watende kazi kwa utulivu na kula chakula chao wenyewe.
Shangilio Lk 21:36 Aleluya, aleluya Kesheni kila wakati, mkiomba, ili mpate kusimama mbele za Mwana wa Adamu. Aleluya
Somo la Injili Lk 21:5-19 Watu kadha wa kadha walipokuwa wakiongea habari za hekalu, jinsi lilivyopambwa kwa mawe mazuri na sadaka za watu, alisema, Haya mnayoyatazama, siku zitakuja ambapo halitasalia jiwe juu ya jiwe ambalo halitabomoshwa. Wakamwuliza wakisema, Mwalimu, mambo hayo yatakuwa lini? Nayo ni nini ishara ya kuwa mambo hayo ya karibu kutukia? Akasema, Angalieni, msije mkadanganyika, kwa sababu wengi watakuja kwa jina langu, wakisema, Mimi ndiye; tena, Majira yamekaribia. Basi msiwafuate hao. Nanyi mtakaposikia habari za vita na fitina, msitishwe; maana, hayo hayana budi kutukia kwanza, lakini ule mwisho hauji upesi. Kisha aliwaambia, Taifa litaondoka kupigana na taifa, na ufalme kupigana na ufalme; kutakuwa na matetemeko makubwa ya nchi; na njaa na tauni mahali mahali; na mambo ya kutisha na ishara kuu kutoka mbinguni. Lakini, kabla hayo yote hayajatokea, watawakamata na kuwaudhi; watawapeleka mbele ya masinagogi, na kuwaua magerezani, mkipelekwa mbele ya wafalme na maliwali kwa ajili ya jina langu. Na hayo yatakuwa ushuhuda kwenu. Basi, kusudieni mioyoni mwenu, kutofikiri-fikiri kwanza mtakavyojibu; kwa sababu mimi nitawapa kinywa na hekima ambayo watesi wenu wote hawataweza kushindana nayo wala kuipinga. Nanyi mtasalitiwa na wazazi wenu, na ndugu zenu, na jamaa zenu, na rafiki zenu, nao watawafisha baadhi yenu. Nanyi mtachukiwa na watu wote kwa ajili ya jina langu. Walakini hautapotea hata unywele mmoja wa vichwa vyenu. Nanyi kwa subira yenu mtaziponya nafsi zenu.
You have mercy on all because you love all things that are.
A reading from the Book of Wisdom
Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth. But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things! Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD!
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
℟. (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever.
℟. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.
℟. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.
℟. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
℟. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
SECOND READING 2 Thes 1:11-2:2
May the name of Christ be glorified in you and you in him.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians
Brothers and sisters: We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Jn 3:16
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Lk 19:1-10
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
℟. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.
℟. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.
℟. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
℟. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
SECOND READING 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
From now on, the crown of righteousness awaits me.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy
Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL 2 Cor 5:19
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Lk 18:9-14
The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity— greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
Kwa kuwa Bwana ndiye mhukumu wala hakijali cheo cha mtu. Hatamkubali ye yote juu ya maskini, naye ataisikiliza sala yake aliyedhulumiwa. Hatayadharau kamwe malalamiko ya yatima, wala ya mjane amwelezapo habari zake. Malalamiko yakealiyeonewa yatapata kukubaliwa, na dua yake itafika hima mbinguni. Sala yake mnyenyekevu hupenya mawingu; wala haitatulia hata itakapowasili; wala haitaondoka hata Aliye juu atakapoiangalia, akaamua kwa adili, akatekeleza hukumu. Wala Bwana hatalegea, walahatakuwa mvumilivu kwa wanadamu.
Wimbo wa Katikati Zab 34:1-2, 16-18, 22 Nitamhimidi Bwana kila wakati, Sifa zake zi kinywani mwangu daima. Katika Bwana nafsi yangu itajisifu, Wanyenyekevu wasikie wakafurahi. (K) Maskini huyu aliita Bwana akasikia
Uso wa Bwana ni juu ya watenda mabaya, Aliondoe kumbukumbu lao duniani. Walilia, naye Bwana akasikia, Akawaponya na taabu zao zote. (K) Maskini huyu aliita Bwana akasikia
Bwana yu karibu nao waliovunjika moyo, Na waliopondeka roho huwaokoa. Bwana huzikomboa nafsi za watumishi wake, Wala hawatahukumiwa wote wamkimbiliao. (K) Maskini huyu aliita Bwana akasikia
Somo la Pili 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18 Mimi sasa namiminwa, na wakati wa kufariki kwangu umefika. Nimevipiga vita vilivyo vizuri, mwendo nimeumaliza, Imani nimeilinda; baada ya hayo nimewekewa taji ya haki, ambayo Bwana, mhukumu mwenye haki, atanipa siku ile; wala si mimi tu, bali na watu wote pia waliopenda kufunuliwa kwake. Katika jawabu langu la kwanza hakuna mtu aliyesimama upande wangu, bali wote waliniacha; naomba wasihesabiwe hatia kwa jambo hilo. Lakini Bwana alisimama pamoja nami akanitia nguvu, ili kwa kazi yangu ule ujumbe utangazwe kwa utimilifu, hata wasikie Mataifa yote; nami nikaokolewa katika kinywa cha simba. Bwana ataniokoa na kila neno baya, na kunihifadhi hata nifike ufalme wake wa mbinguni. Utukufu una Yeye milele na milele. Amina.
Shangilio Yn 8:12 Aleluya, aleluya Mimi ndimi nuru ya ulimwengu, asema Bwana, Yeye anifuataye atakuwa na nuru ya uzima. Aleluya
Somo la Injili Lk 18:9-14 Yesu aliwaambia mfano huu watu waliojikinai ya kuwa wao ni wenye haki, wakiwadharau wengine wote. Watu wawili walipanda kwenda hekaluni kusali, mmoja Farisayo, wa pili mtoza ushuru. Yule Farisayo akasimama akiomba hivi moyoni mwake; Ee Mungu, nakushukuru kwa kuwa mimi si kama watu wengine, wanyang’anyi, wadhalimu, wazinzi, wala kama huyu mtoza ushuru. Mimi nafunga mara mbili kwa juma; hutoa zaka katika mapato yangu yote. Lakini yule mtoza ushuru alisimama mbali, wala hakuthubutu hata kuinua macho yake mbinguni, bali alijipiga-piga kifua akisema, Ee Mungu, uniwie radhi mimi mwenye dhambi. Nawaambia, huyu alishuka kwenda nyumbani kwake amehesabiwa haki kuliko yule; kwa maana kila ajikwezaye atadhiliwa, naye ajidhiliye atakwezwa.
Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the LORD intends? For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17
℟. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.
℟. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades.
℟. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!
℟. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!
℟. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
SECOND READING Phmn 9-10, 12-17
Receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother.
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to Philemon
I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment; I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel, but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Ps 119:135
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your face shine upon your servant; and teach me your laws.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Lk 14:25-33
Anyone of you who does not renounce all possessions cannot be my disciple.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise. Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps. 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11
℟. (cf 11b) God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. Sing to God, chant praise to his name; whose name is the LORD.
℟. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
℟. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
℟. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
SECOND READING Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a
You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God.
A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews
Brothers and sisters: You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Mt 11:29ab
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Lk 14:1, 7-14
Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
The Gospel of the Lord.
All reply:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The Creed is said.
Happy Feast day of St Augustine, and a Happy Blessed Sunday and week ahead.
They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations.
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
Thus says the LORD: I know their works and their thoughts, and I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory. I will set a sign among them; from them I will send fugitives to the nations: to Tarshish, Put and Lud, Mosoch, Tubal and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have never heard of my fame, or seen my glory; and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations. They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations as an offering to the LORD, on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries, to Jerusalem, my holy mountain, says the LORD, just as the Israelites bring their offering to the house of the LORD in clean vessels. Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the LORD.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps. 117:1, 2
℟. (Mk 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News. or: ℟. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples!
℟. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News. or: ℟. Alleluia.
For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
℟. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News. or: ℟. Alleluia.
SECOND READING Heb 12:5-7, 11-13
Those whom the Lord loves, he disciplines.
A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews
Brothers and sisters, You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: “My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.
So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Jn 14:6
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Lk 13:22-30
They will come from east and west and recline in the kingdom of God.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from. And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and yet to another who has not labored over it, he must leave property. This also is vanity and a great misfortune. For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This also is vanity.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
℟. (1) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.
℟. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades.
℟. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!
℟. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!
℟. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
SECOND READING Col 3:1-5, 9-11
Seek what is above, where Christ is.
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians
Brothers and sisters: If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL Mt 5:3
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Lk 12:13-21
The things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
THRIVING IN HOLINESS 