Old Testament
First Reading
A reading from the book of Genesis 1:26-28.31
God said, " Let us make man in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves, and let them be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven, the cattle, all the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl upon the earth,"
God created man in the image of himself,
in the image of God he created him,
male and female he created them.
in the image of God he created him,
male and female he created them.
God blessed them, saying to them, " Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and conquer it. Be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven and all living animals on the earth." God saw all he had made, and indeed it was very good.
This is the word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 32:12,18.20-22.R. v.5
Response: The Lord fills the earth with his love.
1 They are happy, whose God is the Lord,
the people he has chosen as his own.
The Lord looks in those who revere him,
on those who hope in his love. R
the people he has chosen as his own.
The Lord looks in those who revere him,
on those who hope in his love. R
2 Our soul is waiting for the Lord.
The Lord is our help and our shield.
In him do our hearts find joy.
We trust in his holy name. R
The Lord is our help and our shield.
In him do our hearts find joy.
We trust in his holy name. R
3 May your love be upon us, O Lord,
as we place all our hope in you. R
as we place all our hope in you. R
A reading from the book of Genesis 2:18-24
The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helpmate.’ So from the soil the Lord God fashioned all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven. These he brought to the man to see what he would call them; each one was to bear the name the man would give. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of heaven and all the wild beasts. But no helpmate suitable for man was found for him, so the Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep. And while he slept, he took one of his ribs and enclosed it in flesh. The Lord God built the rib he had taken from the man into a woman, and brought her to the man. The man exclaimed: ‘This at last is bone from my bones, and flesh from my flesh! This is to be called woman, for this was taken from man.' This is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and they become one body.
This is the word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 148
R Praise the name of the Lord.
Or
R. Alleluia!
Or
R. Alleluia!
1. Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his host. R
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his host. R
2. Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens
and the waters above the heavens. R
praise him, shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens
and the waters above the heavens. R
3. All the mountains and hills,
all fruit trees and cedars,
beasts, wild and tame,
reptiles and birds on the wing. R
all fruit trees and cedars,
beasts, wild and tame,
reptiles and birds on the wing. R
4. All earth's kings and peoples,
earth's princes and rulers:
young men and maidens,
old men together with children R
earth's princes and rulers:
young men and maidens,
old men together with children R
5. Let them praise the name of the Lord
for he alone is exalted.
The splendour of his name
reaches beyond heaven and earth. R
for he alone is exalted.
The splendour of his name
reaches beyond heaven and earth. R
A reading from the book of Genesis
Abraham's servant said to Laban, 'I blessed the Lord, God of my master Abraham, who had so graciously led me to choose the
daughter of my master's brother for his son. Now tell me whether you are prepared to show kindness and goodness to my master; if not, say so, and I shall know what to do.'
Laban and Bethuel replied, 'This is from the Lord; it is not in our
power to say yes or no to you. Rebekah is there for you. Take her
and go; and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has decreed.' They called Rebekah and asked her, 'Do you want to leave with this man?' 'I do,' she replied. Accordingly they let their sister Rebekah go, with her nurse, and Abraham's servant and his men. They blessed Rebekah in these words:
daughter of my master's brother for his son. Now tell me whether you are prepared to show kindness and goodness to my master; if not, say so, and I shall know what to do.'
Laban and Bethuel replied, 'This is from the Lord; it is not in our
power to say yes or no to you. Rebekah is there for you. Take her
and go; and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has decreed.' They called Rebekah and asked her, 'Do you want to leave with this man?' 'I do,' she replied. Accordingly they let their sister Rebekah go, with her nurse, and Abraham's servant and his men. They blessed Rebekah in these words:
'Sister of ours, increase
May your descendants gain possession
of the gates of their enemies!'
May your descendants gain possession
of the gates of their enemies!'
Rebekah and her servants stood up, mounted the camels, and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah and departed.
Isaac, who lived in the Negeb, had meanwhile come into the
wilderness of the well of Lahai Roi. Now Isaac went walking in the
fields as evening fell, and looking up saw camels approaching. And
Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac. She jumped from her came,
and asked the servant, 'Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?' The servant replied, 'That is my master'; then she took her veil and hid her face. The servant told Isaac the whole story, and Isaac led Rebekah into his tent and made her his wife; and he loved her. And so Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.
Isaac, who lived in the Negeb, had meanwhile come into the
wilderness of the well of Lahai Roi. Now Isaac went walking in the
fields as evening fell, and looking up saw camels approaching. And
Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac. She jumped from her came,
and asked the servant, 'Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?' The servant replied, 'That is my master'; then she took her veil and hid her face. The servant told Isaac the whole story, and Isaac led Rebekah into his tent and made her his wife; and he loved her. And so Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.
This is the word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 144
R How good is the Lord to all.
1 The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures. R
slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures. R
2 All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,
and your friends shall repeat their blessing.
The eyes of all creatures look to you
and you give them their food in due time. R
and your friends shall repeat their blessing.
The eyes of all creatures look to you
and you give them their food in due time. R
3 The Lord is just in all his ways
and loving in all his deeds.
He is close to all who call him,
who call on him from their hearts. R
and loving in all his deeds.
He is close to all who call him,
who call on him from their hearts. R
A reading from the book of Tobit
On the evening of their marriage, Tobias said to Sarah, "You and I
must pray and petition our Lord to win his grace and protection.' They
began praying for protection, and this is how he began:
must pray and petition our Lord to win his grace and protection.' They
began praying for protection, and this is how he began:
'You are blessed, O God of our fathers;
blessed too is your name
for ever and ever.
Let the heavens bless you
and all the things you have made
for evermore.
It was you that created Adam,
you who created Eve his wife
to be his help and support;
and from these two the human race was born.
It was you that said,
" It is not good that man should be alone;
let us make him a helpmate like himself."
And so I do not take my sister
for any lustful motive;
I do it in singleness of heart.
Be kind enough to have pity on her and on me
and bring us to old age together.'
blessed too is your name
for ever and ever.
Let the heavens bless you
and all the things you have made
for evermore.
It was you that created Adam,
you who created Eve his wife
to be his help and support;
and from these two the human race was born.
It was you that said,
" It is not good that man should be alone;
let us make him a helpmate like himself."
And so I do not take my sister
for any lustful motive;
I do it in singleness of heart.
Be kind enough to have pity on her and on me
and bring us to old age together.'
And together they said, 'Amen, Amen'.
This is the word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 102
R The Lord is compassion and love.
or
R The love of the Lord is everlasting
upon those who hold him in fear.
or
R The love of the Lord is everlasting
upon those who hold him in fear.
1 My soul gives thanks to the Lord,
all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul , give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings. R
2 The Lord is compassion and love,
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
As a father has compassion on his sons,
the Lord has pity on those who fear. R
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
As a father has compassion on his sons,
the Lord has pity on those who fear. R
3 The love of the Lord is everlasting
upon those who hold him in fear;
his justice reaches out to children's children
when they keep his covenant in truth. R
upon those who hold him in fear;
his justice reaches out to children's children
when they keep his covenant in truth. R
A reading from the Song of Songs
I hear my Beloved
See how he comes
leaping on the mountains
bounding over the hills.
My Beloved is like a gazelle,
like a young stag.
See where he stands
behind our wall.
He looks at the window,
he peers through the lattice.
My Beloved lifts up his voice,
he says to me,
"Come then my love,
my lovely one come.
My dove , hiding in the clefts of the rock.
In the coverts of the cliff,
show me your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet
and your face is beautiful.'
See how he comes
leaping on the mountains
bounding over the hills.
My Beloved is like a gazelle,
like a young stag.
See where he stands
behind our wall.
He looks at the window,
he peers through the lattice.
My Beloved lifts up his voice,
he says to me,
"Come then my love,
my lovely one come.
My dove , hiding in the clefts of the rock.
In the coverts of the cliff,
show me your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet
and your face is beautiful.'
My beloved is mine and I am his.
Set me like a seal on your heart,
like a seal on your arm.
For love is strong as Death,
jealousy relentless as Sheol.
The flash of it is a flash of fire,
a flame of the Lord himself.
Love no flood can quench,
no torrents drown.
like a seal on your arm.
For love is strong as Death,
jealousy relentless as Sheol.
The flash of it is a flash of fire,
a flame of the Lord himself.
Love no flood can quench,
no torrents drown.
This is the word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 127
R O blessed are those who fear the Lord!
or
R Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
or
R Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
1 O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labour of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper. R
and walk in his ways!
By the labour of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper. R
2 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table. R
in the heart of your house;
your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table. R
3 Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life! R
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life! R
A reading from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Happy the husband of a really good wife;
the number of his days will be doubled.
A perfect wife is the joy of her husband,
he will live out the years of his life in peace.
A good wife is the best of portions,
reserved for those who fear the Lord;
rich or poor, they will be glad of heart;
cheerful of face, whatever the season.
The grace of a wife will charm her husband,
her accomplishments will make him stronger.
A silent wife is a gift from the Lord,
no price can be put on a well trained character.
A modest wife is a boon twice over,
a chaste character cannot be weighed on scales.
Like the sun rising over the mountains of the Lord
is the beauty of a good wife in a well kept house.
the number of his days will be doubled.
A perfect wife is the joy of her husband,
he will live out the years of his life in peace.
A good wife is the best of portions,
reserved for those who fear the Lord;
rich or poor, they will be glad of heart;
cheerful of face, whatever the season.
The grace of a wife will charm her husband,
her accomplishments will make him stronger.
A silent wife is a gift from the Lord,
no price can be put on a well trained character.
A modest wife is a boon twice over,
a chaste character cannot be weighed on scales.
Like the sun rising over the mountains of the Lord
is the beauty of a good wife in a well kept house.
This is the word of the Lord.
Resposorial Psalm Ps 33
R I will bless the Lord at all times.
or
R Taste and see that the Lord is good.
or
R Taste and see that the Lord is good.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise always on my lips;
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.
The humble shall hear and be glad. R
his praise always on my lips;
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.
The humble shall hear and be glad. R
2 Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free. R
Together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free. R
3 Look towards him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
This poor man called; the Lord heard him
and rescued him from all his distress. R
let your faces not be abashed.
This poor man called; the Lord heard him
and rescued him from all his distress. R
4 The angel of the Lord is encamped
around those who revere him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
He is happy who seeks refuge in him. R
around those who revere him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
He is happy who seeks refuge in him. R
A reading from the prophet Jeremiah
See, the days are coming - it is the Lord who speaks - when I will
make a new covenant with the House of Israel and the House of
Judah, but not a covenant like the one I made with their ancestors on
the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
No, this is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when
those days arrive - it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will
plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and
they shall be my people. There will be no further need for neighbour to
try to teach neighbour, or brother to say to brother, 'Learn to know the
Lord!' No, they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest -
it is the Lord who speaks.
make a new covenant with the House of Israel and the House of
Judah, but not a covenant like the one I made with their ancestors on
the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
No, this is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when
those days arrive - it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will
plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and
they shall be my people. There will be no further need for neighbour to
try to teach neighbour, or brother to say to brother, 'Learn to know the
Lord!' No, they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest -
it is the Lord who speaks.
This is the word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 111
R Happy the man who takes delight
in the Lords commands.
or
R Alleluia!
in the Lords commands.
or
R Alleluia!
1 Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed. R
who takes delight in his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed. R
2 Riches and wealth are in his house;
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just. R
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just. R
3 The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honour.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever. R
he conducts his affairs with honour.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever. R
4 He has no fear of evil news;
with afirm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes. R
with afirm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes. R
5 Open - handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory. R
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory. R
A reading from the book of the Apocalypse
I, John, seemed to hear the great sound of a huge crowd in heaven,
singing, 'Alleluia! Victory and glory and power to our God!"
Then a voice came from the throne; it said, ' Praise our God, you
servants of his and all who, great or small revere him'. And I seemed
to hear the voices of a huge crowd, like the sound of the ocean or the
great roar of thunder, answering, 'Alleluia! The reign of the Lord our
God Almighty has begun; let us be glad and joyful and give praise to
God, because this is the time for the marriage of the Lamb. His bride
is ready, and she has been able to dress herself in dazzling white
linen, because her linen is made of the good deeds of the saints.' The
angel said, 'Write this: Happy are those who are invited to the
wedding feast of the Lamb.'
singing, 'Alleluia! Victory and glory and power to our God!"
Then a voice came from the throne; it said, ' Praise our God, you
servants of his and all who, great or small revere him'. And I seemed
to hear the voices of a huge crowd, like the sound of the ocean or the
great roar of thunder, answering, 'Alleluia! The reign of the Lord our
God Almighty has begun; let us be glad and joyful and give praise to
God, because this is the time for the marriage of the Lamb. His bride
is ready, and she has been able to dress herself in dazzling white
linen, because her linen is made of the good deeds of the saints.' The
angel said, 'Write this: Happy are those who are invited to the
wedding feast of the Lamb.'
This is the word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 148
R Praise the name of the Lord.
or
R Alleluia!
or
R Alleluia!
1 Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise in the heights.
Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his host. R
2
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens
and the waters above the heavens. R
praise in the heights.
Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his host. R
2
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens
and the waters above the heavens. R
3 All the mountains and hills,
all fruit trees and cedars,
beasts, wild and tame,
reptiles and birds on the wing. R
all fruit trees and cedars,
beasts, wild and tame,
reptiles and birds on the wing. R
4 All earth's kings and peoples,
earth's princes and rulers:
young men and maidens,
old men together with children.
earth's princes and rulers:
young men and maidens,
old men together with children.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord
for he alone is exalted.
The splendour of his name
reaches beyond heaven and earth. R
for he alone is exalted.
The splendour of his name
reaches beyond heaven and earth. R
WEDDING READINGS : NEW TESTAMENT
Second Reading
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans
With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare
his own Son, but gave him to benefit us all, we may be certain,
after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could
anyone accuse those that God has chosen? When God acquits, could
anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us - he
rose from the dead, and there at God's right hand he stands and pleads
for us.
Nothing therefore can come between us and the love of Christ,
even if we are troubled or worried or being persecuted, or lacking food
or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials
through which we triumph,.by the power of him who loved us.
For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince,
nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or
depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of
God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.
his own Son, but gave him to benefit us all, we may be certain,
after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could
anyone accuse those that God has chosen? When God acquits, could
anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us - he
rose from the dead, and there at God's right hand he stands and pleads
for us.
Nothing therefore can come between us and the love of Christ,
even if we are troubled or worried or being persecuted, or lacking food
or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials
through which we triumph,.by the power of him who loved us.
For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince,
nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or
depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of
God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans
Think of God's mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a
way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies
as a holy sacrafice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on
the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change,
modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will
of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the
perfect thing to do.
Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil.
Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound
respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with
great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you
cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of
the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should
make hospitality you special care.
Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow, Treat
everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real
friends with the poor. Do not allow yourself to become self-satisfied.
Never repay evil with evil but let everyone see that you are interested
only in the highest ideals. Do all you can to live at peace with
everyone.
way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies
as a holy sacrafice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on
the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change,
modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will
of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the
perfect thing to do.
Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil.
Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound
respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with
great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you
cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of
the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should
make hospitality you special care.
Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow, Treat
everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real
friends with the poor. Do not allow yourself to become self-satisfied.
Never repay evil with evil but let everyone see that you are interested
only in the highest ideals. Do all you can to live at peace with
everyone.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.
The body is not meant for fornication; it is for the Lord, and the Lord
for the body. God, who raised the Lord from the dead, will by his power
raise us up too.
You know, surely, that your bodies are members making up the
body of Christ. But anyone who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with
him.
Keep away from fornication. All the other sins are committed
outside the body; but to fornicate is to sin against your own body. Your
body, you know, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you since
you received him from God. You are not your own property: you have
been bought and paid for. That is why you should use your body for
the glory of God.
for the body. God, who raised the Lord from the dead, will by his power
raise us up too.
You know, surely, that your bodies are members making up the
body of Christ. But anyone who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with
him.
Keep away from fornication. All the other sins are committed
outside the body; but to fornicate is to sin against your own body. Your
body, you know, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you since
you received him from God. You are not your own property: you have
been bought and paid for. That is why you should use your body for
the glory of God.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.
Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them. If I have all the eloquence of men or angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming of a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and even if I let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever. Love is always patient and kind; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians
Follow Christ by loving as he loved you, giving himself up in our
place. Give way to one another in obedience to Christ. Wives should
regard their husbands as they regard the Lord, since as Christ is head
of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of
his wife; and as the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their
husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as
Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her
holy. He made her clean by washing her in water with a form of
words, so that when he took her to himself she would be glorious, with
no speck or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and faultless. In
the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own
bodies; for a man to love his wife is for him to love himself. A man
never hates his own body, but he feeds it and looks after it; and that is
the way Christ treats the Church, because it is his body - and we are
its living parts. For this reason, a man must leave his father and
mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one body.
This mystery has many implications; but I am saying it applies to
Christ and the Church. To sum up; you too, each one of you, must love
his wife as he loves himself; and let every wife respect her husband.
place. Give way to one another in obedience to Christ. Wives should
regard their husbands as they regard the Lord, since as Christ is head
of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of
his wife; and as the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their
husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as
Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her
holy. He made her clean by washing her in water with a form of
words, so that when he took her to himself she would be glorious, with
no speck or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and faultless. In
the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own
bodies; for a man to love his wife is for him to love himself. A man
never hates his own body, but he feeds it and looks after it; and that is
the way Christ treats the Church, because it is his body - and we are
its living parts. For this reason, a man must leave his father and
mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one body.
This mystery has many implications; but I am saying it applies to
Christ and the Church. To sum up; you too, each one of you, must love
his wife as he loves himself; and let every wife respect her husband.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Colossians
You are God's chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same.
Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful. Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful. Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the first letter of St Peter
Wives should be obedient to their husbands. Then, if there are some
husbands who have not obeyed the word, they may find themselves
won over, without a word spoken, by the way their wives
behave, when they see how faithful and conscientious they are. Do not
dress up for show: doing up your hair, wearing gold bracelets and fine
clothes; all this should be inside, in a person's heart, imperishable: the
ornament of a sweet and gentle disposition - this is what is precious in
the sight of God. That was how the holy women of the past dressed
themselves attractively - they hoped in God and were tender and
obedient to their husbands; like Sarah, who was obedient to Abraham,
and called him her lord. You are now her children, as long as you live
good lives and do not give way to fear or worry.
In the same way, husbands must always treat their wives with
consideration in their life together, respecting a woman as one who,
though she may be the weaker partner, is equally an heir to the life of
grace. This will stop anything from coming in the way of your prayers.
Finally: you should all agree among yourselves and be sympathetic;
love the brothers, have compassion and be self - effacing. Never
pay back one wrong with another one; instead, pay back with a
blessing. That is what you are called to do, so that you inherit a
blessing yourself.
husbands who have not obeyed the word, they may find themselves
won over, without a word spoken, by the way their wives
behave, when they see how faithful and conscientious they are. Do not
dress up for show: doing up your hair, wearing gold bracelets and fine
clothes; all this should be inside, in a person's heart, imperishable: the
ornament of a sweet and gentle disposition - this is what is precious in
the sight of God. That was how the holy women of the past dressed
themselves attractively - they hoped in God and were tender and
obedient to their husbands; like Sarah, who was obedient to Abraham,
and called him her lord. You are now her children, as long as you live
good lives and do not give way to fear or worry.
In the same way, husbands must always treat their wives with
consideration in their life together, respecting a woman as one who,
though she may be the weaker partner, is equally an heir to the life of
grace. This will stop anything from coming in the way of your prayers.
Finally: you should all agree among yourselves and be sympathetic;
love the brothers, have compassion and be self - effacing. Never
pay back one wrong with another one; instead, pay back with a
blessing. That is what you are called to do, so that you inherit a
blessing yourself.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the first letter of St John
My children,
our love is not to be just words or mere talk,
but something real and active
only by this can we be certain
that we are children of the truth
and be able to quieten our conscience in his presence,
what ever accusations it may raise against us,
because God is greater than our conscience and he knows everything.
My dear people,
if we cannot be condemned by our own conscience,
we need not be afraid in God's presence
and whatever we ask him,
we shall receive,
because we keep his commandments
and live the kind of life that he wants.
His commandments are these:
that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ
and that we love one another
as he told us to.
Whoever keeps his commandments
lives in God and God lives in us
by the Spirit that he has given us.
our love is not to be just words or mere talk,
but something real and active
only by this can we be certain
that we are children of the truth
and be able to quieten our conscience in his presence,
what ever accusations it may raise against us,
because God is greater than our conscience and he knows everything.
My dear people,
if we cannot be condemned by our own conscience,
we need not be afraid in God's presence
and whatever we ask him,
we shall receive,
because we keep his commandments
and live the kind of life that he wants.
His commandments are these:
that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ
and that we love one another
as he told us to.
Whoever keeps his commandments
lives in God and God lives in us
by the Spirit that he has given us.
This is the word of the Lord.
A reading from the first letter of St John
My dear people,
let us love one another
since love comes from God
and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Anyone who fails to love can never have known God,
because God is love.
God's love for us was revealed
when God sent into the world his only Son
so that we could have life through him;
this is the love I mean:
not our love for God
but God's love for us when he sent his Son
to be tbe sacrifice that takes our sins away.
My dear People ,
since God has loved us so much,
we too should love one another
God will live in us
and his love will be complete in us.
let us love one another
since love comes from God
and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Anyone who fails to love can never have known God,
because God is love.
God's love for us was revealed
when God sent into the world his only Son
so that we could have life through him;
this is the love I mean:
not our love for God
but God's love for us when he sent his Son
to be tbe sacrifice that takes our sins away.
My dear People ,
since God has loved us so much,
we too should love one another
God will live in us
and his love will be complete in us.
This is the word of the Lord.
WEDDING READINGS : GOSPEL
Gospel Reading
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:8.11
Alleluia, alleluia!
God is love;
let us love one another
as God has loved us.
Alleluia!
God is love;
let us love one another
as God has loved us.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was
joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught
them:
' How happy the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught
them:
' How happy the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
' Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak
all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.'
all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4: 12
Alleluia, alleluia!
As long as we love one anothe
God will live in us,
and his love will be complete in us.
Alleluia!
As long as we love one anothe
God will live in us,
and his love will be complete in us.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus said to his disciples: ' You are the salt of the earth. But if salt
becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for
nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
'You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be
hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put on the
lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way
your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good
works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.'
becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for
nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
'You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be
hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put on the
lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way
your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good
works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4 : 16
Alleluia, alleluia!
Anyone who lives in love
lives in God,
and God lives in him.
Alleluia!
Anyone who lives in love
lives in God,
and God lives in him.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus said to his disciples:
'It is not those who say to me, "Lord,Lord", who will enter the
kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in
heaven.
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on
them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain
came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against the
house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who
listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a
stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose,
gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
Jesus had now finished what he wanted to say, and his teaching
made a deep impression on the people because he taught them with
authority, and not like their own scribes.
'It is not those who say to me, "Lord,Lord", who will enter the
kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in
heaven.
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on
them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain
came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against the
house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who
listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a
stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose,
gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
Jesus had now finished what he wanted to say, and his teaching
made a deep impression on the people because he taught them with
authority, and not like their own scribes.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:7
Alleluia, alleluia!
Everyone who loves
is begotten by God,
and knows God.
Alleluia!
Everyone who loves
is begotten by God,
and knows God.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Some Pharises approached Jesus, and to test him they said, 'Is it
against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext
whatever?' He answered, 'Have you not read that a creator from the
beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a
man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two
become one body? They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So
then, what God has united, man must not divide.'
against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext
whatever?' He answered, 'Have you not read that a creator from the
beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a
man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two
become one body? They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So
then, what God has united, man must not divide.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:8.11
Alleluia,alleluia!
God is love; let us love one another
as God has loved us.
Alleluia!
God is love; let us love one another
as God has loved us.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
A lawyer, to disconcert Jesus, put a question, 'Master, which is the
greatest commandment of the Law?' Jesus said, 'You must love the
Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all
your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The
second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On
these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets
also.'
greatest commandment of the Law?' Jesus said, 'You must love the
Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all
your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The
second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On
these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets
also.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:7
Alleluia,alleluia!
Everyone who loves
is begotten by God,
and knows God.
Alleluia!
Everyone who loves
is begotten by God,
and knows God.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
Jesus said, 'From the beginning of creation God made them male and
female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two
become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So
then, what God has united , man must not divide.'
female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two
become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So
then, what God has united , man must not divide.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:12
Alleluia,alleluia!
As long as we love one another
God will live in us,
and his love will be complete in us.
Alleluia!
As long as we love one another
God will live in us,
and his love will be complete in us.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
There was a wedding in Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was
there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they
ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all
finished, the mother of Jesus said to him,'They have no wine.' Jesus
said, 'Woman why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.' His mother
said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.' There were six stone
water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary
among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said
to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water,' and they filled them to the
brim. 'Draw some out now,' he told them, 'and take it to the steward.'
They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into
wine. Having no idea where it had came from - only the servants who had
drawn the water knew - the steward called in the bridegroom and said,
'People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort
till the guests have plenty to drink, but you have kept the best
wine till now.'
This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana
in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.
there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they
ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all
finished, the mother of Jesus said to him,'They have no wine.' Jesus
said, 'Woman why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.' His mother
said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.' There were six stone
water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary
among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said
to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water,' and they filled them to the
brim. 'Draw some out now,' he told them, 'and take it to the steward.'
They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into
wine. Having no idea where it had came from - only the servants who had
drawn the water knew - the steward called in the bridegroom and said,
'People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort
till the guests have plenty to drink, but you have kept the best
wine till now.'
This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana
in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:16
Alleluia, alleluia!
Anyone who lives in love
lives in God,
and God lives in him.
Alleluia!
Anyone who lives in love
lives in God,
and God lives in him.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
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 with you
and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment:
love one another,
as I have loved you.'
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 with you
and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment:
love one another,
as I have loved you.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:8. 11
Alleluia,alleluia!
God is love;
let us love one another
as God has loved us.
Alleluia!
God is love;
let us love one another
as God has loved us.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Jesus said to his disciples:
'This is my commandment:
love on another,
as I have loved you.
A man can have no greater love
than to lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends,
If you do as I command you.
I shall not call you servants anymore,
because a servant does not know
his masters business;
I call you friends,
because I have made known to you
everything I have learnt from my Father.
You did not choose me,
no, I chose you;
and I commissioned you
to go out and to bear fruit,
fruit that will last;
and then the Father will give you
anything you ask him in my name.'
'This is my commandment:
love on another,
as I have loved you.
A man can have no greater love
than to lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends,
If you do as I command you.
I shall not call you servants anymore,
because a servant does not know
his masters business;
I call you friends,
because I have made known to you
everything I have learnt from my Father.
You did not choose me,
no, I chose you;
and I commissioned you
to go out and to bear fruit,
fruit that will last;
and then the Father will give you
anything you ask him in my name.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation 1 Jn 4:12
Alleluia, alleluia!
As long as we love on another
God will live in us,
and his love will be complete in us.
Alleluia!
As long as we love on another
God will live in us,
and his love will be complete in us.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
'Holy Father,
I pray not only for these,
but for those also
who through their words will believe in me.
May they all be one.
Father, may they be one in us,
as you are in me and I am in you,
so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave to me,
that they may be one as we are one.
With me in them and you in me,
may they be so completely one
that the world will realise that it was you who sent me
and that I have loved them as much as you have loved me.
Father,I want those that you have given me
to be with me where I am,
so that they may always see the glory
you have given me
because you loved me
before the foundation of the world.
Father, Righteous One,
the world has not known you,
but I have known you,
and these have known
that you have sent me.
I have made your name known to them
and will continue to make it known,
so that the love with which you loved me may be in them,
and so that I may be in them.'
'Holy Father,
I pray not only for these,
but for those also
who through their words will believe in me.
May they all be one.
Father, may they be one in us,
as you are in me and I am in you,
so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave to me,
that they may be one as we are one.
With me in them and you in me,
may they be so completely one
that the world will realise that it was you who sent me
and that I have loved them as much as you have loved me.
Father,I want those that you have given me
to be with me where I am,
so that they may always see the glory
you have given me
because you loved me
before the foundation of the world.
Father, Righteous One,
the world has not known you,
but I have known you,
and these have known
that you have sent me.
I have made your name known to them
and will continue to make it known,
so that the love with which you loved me may be in them,
and so that I may be in them.'
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
