Readings at Mass

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

First reading
2 Chronicles 24:18-22

‘Zechariah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.’

In those days: They abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention.

Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, ‘Thus says God, “Why do you break the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.” ’ But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord. Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, ‘May the Lord see and avenge!’

How to listen

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 31(30):3c-4. 6, 8ab. 16bc, 17. ℟6a

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a mighty stronghold to save me.

For you are my rock, my stronghold!

Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit.

You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

Let me be glad and rejoice in your mercy,

for you who have seen my affliction.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

From the hands of my enemies deliver me,

and from those who pursue me.

Let your face shine on your servant.

Save me in your merciful love.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Gospel Acclamation	Matthew 5:10

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Gospel
Matthew 10:17-22

‘It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father.’

At that time: Jesus instructed his Apostles: ‘Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.’

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

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.