reading of the word of god

A reader, another person present, or the celebrant reads a short text of sacred Scripture.

Listen to the words of the holy Gospel according to John: 7:37-39

Let anyone who is thirsty come to me.

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says:

‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’“

He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

The reader concludes:

The Gospel of the Lord.

All respond:

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Alternative Readings:

Isaiah 12:1-6—You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Isaiah 55:1-11—Oh, come to the water, all you who are thirsty.

Sirach 15:1-6—She will give him the water of wisdom to drink.

1 John 5:1-6—Jesus Christ came by water and blood.

Revelation 7:13-17—The Lamb will lead them to the springs of living water.

Revelation 22:1-5—The river of life, rising from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

John 13:3-15—You too are clean.