THE GOSPEL
Matthew 23:1-12Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Christ Jesus,
let us share the Gospel,
and ourselves too, with the ones we serve.
Let us be gentle with them. And fill us with mercy,
so much
mercy.
If tassels, fine clothes, and terms of respect can help us
to serve others warmly, then put these all over us.
But since humility must undergird all service,
then let our real place of honor
be the very first place
with you.
O God,
kindly fill us with your kindness.
THE FIRST READING
Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us?
Did God create us all?
Do we have one and the same father,
Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Christians and everyone?
God,
Father of us all,
as your children, we ask you:
bring us together in mind and heart.
teach us to love as brothers and sisters,
as family whose love shows itself in deeds,
whatever differences we may have.
THE SECOND READING
1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you
not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well
Everything
gets better with love.
Let love be the non-stop flight
that takes your Word directly to places
where it can go to work,
filling us with affection
for those we
serve.
from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C). This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org