Readings at Mass

Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: A(II).

First reading
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32

‘I will judge you, every one according to his ways.’

The word of the Lord came to me: ‘What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”? As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.

‘If a man is righteous and does what is just and right — if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbour’s wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity, does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully — he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.

‘If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things. He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.

‘Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.’

How to listen

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 51(50):12-13. 14-15. 18-19. ℟12a

Create a pure heart for me, O God.

Create a pure heart for me, O God;

renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence;

take not your holy spirit from me.

Create a pure heart for me, O God.

Restore in me the joy of your salvation;

sustain in me a willing spirit.

I will teach transgressors your ways,

that sinners may return to you.

Create a pure heart for me, O God.

For in sacrifice you take no delight;

burnt offering from me would not please you.

My sacrifice to God, a broken spirit:

a broken and humbled heart,

you will not spurn, O God.

Create a pure heart for me, O God.

Gospel Acclamation
Cf. Matthew 11:25

Alleluia, alleluia.

I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

you have revealed the secrets of the kingdom to little children.

Alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 19:13-15

‘Do not hinder the little children from coming to me, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’

At that time: Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’ And he laid his hands on them and went away.

You can also view this page with the New Testament in Greek and English.

Universalis podcast: The week ahead – from 16 to 22 August

The Seven Deadly Sins in Dante: 1. Pride. (23 minutes)
Episode notes.

Christian Art

Each day, The Christian Art website gives a picture and reflection on the Gospel of the day.

The readings on this page are from the English Standard Version, which is used at Mass in Great Britain. The Jerusalem Bible (which is used at Mass in much of the English-speaking world) will appear instead if you set this page to use a calendar from outside Great Britain. The New American Bible readings, which are used at Mass in the United States, are available in the Universalis apps, programs and downloads.