Liturgy of the Word

LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading:  

A reading from the book of Sirach.

The husband of a good wife is a fortunate man; he will live twice as long because of her.  A fine wife is a joy to her husband, and he can live out his years in peace.  A good wife is among the precious blessings give to those who fear the Lord.  Whether such men are rich or poor, they will be happy and always look cheerful.  A gracious wife is her husband's delight; her abilities makes him a  stronger man.  A wife who doesn't talk too much is a gift from the Lord.  Such restraint is admirable beyond words.  A modest wife has endless charm; it is a quality too precious to measure.  The beauty in a good wife in her well kept home is life the noonday sun shining in the Lord's sky.

The word of the Lord.

All:  Thanks be to God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM:  (to be sung)

HERE AM I, OH GOD

Antiphon:

Here am I, Oh God,

I come to do Your wll

Here am I, I come to do Your will

                              I

I've waited for you and you heard me, Oh God.

You have put a new song in my mouth.

A hymn of praise to the God of my salvation.

                              II

You opened my ear to your word, Oh God.

You take no delight in empty sacrifice.

 To do your will, is my life and my delight, Oh God.

                             III

I sing of your justice, I sing of your peace.

I sing of your faithfulness and steadfast love.

I chant your praise in the midst of all your people.

Second Reading:

A reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians: 5:22-32

Wives should be submissive to their husband as though to the Lord; because the husband is the head of the wife just as Jesus is the Church, his body of which he is also the savior.  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loves the Church and gave himself up for her to make her holy.  Husbands should love their wives as they love their own flesh; he nourishes and takes care of it, just as Christ does for the Church, because we are members of his father and mother, and shall cling to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.  This is a great symbol of the love of Christ for his Church.  But in any case, each one of your should love his wife just as he loves himself, and the wife should also revere her husband.

The word of the Lord.

All:   Thanks be to God.

Commentator:  Please stand to honor the Gospel.

ALLELUIA:  (to be sung)

GOSPEL:

Priest:  The Lord be with you.

All:  And with your spirit.

Priest:  A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 15: 9-12

All:  Glory to You, O Lord.

Priest:  Jesus said to His disciples:  ''As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.  Remain in my love.  If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love.  just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in His love.  I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete.  This is my commandment:  Love one another as I have loved you.''

The Gospel of the Lord.

All:  Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentator:  Please be seated for the Homily.

HOMILY