reading of the word of god
A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke: 10:5-9
Peace to this house.
The Lord said to the seventy-two: “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’
Alternative Readings:
Genesis 18:1-10a—Lord, do not pass your servant by.
Mark 1:29-30—Jesus went straight to Simon’s house.
Luke 10:38-42—Martha welcomed Jesus into her house.
Luke 19:1-9—Today salvation has come to this house.
Luke 24:28-32—Stay with us.
As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
℟. Happy are those who fear the Lord. Ps 112
Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. R.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. R.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved;
the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. R.
An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes. R.
Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. R.
Alternative Responsorial Psalms:
Psalm 127: 1, 2, 3-4, 5
℟. (see v. 1) The Lord will build a house for us.
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-6a
℟. (v. 4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.