Readings of the day

Mass readings

1. First reading Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a

   ²Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him. ³He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; ⁴he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: ⁵How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your dwellings, Israel! ⁶As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which the LORD has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters. ⁷Water shall flow from his buckets. His seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than Agag. His kingdom shall be exalted. ¹⁵He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; ¹⁶he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: ¹⁷I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and crush all the sons of Sheth.

   Some verses are read only in part; the whole verse is shown.

   WEB-C · World English Bible (Catholic). Public Domain. Source: eBible.org. Read in context: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a

2. Responsorial Psalm Psalms 25:4bc-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9

   ⁴Show me your ways, LORD. Teach me your paths. ⁵Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. I wait for you all day long. ⁶LORD, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times. ⁷Don’t remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness’ sake, LORD. ⁸Good and upright is the LORD, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way. ⁹He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way.

   Some verses are read only in part; the whole verse is shown.

   WEB-C · World English Bible (Catholic). Public Domain. Source: eBible.org. Read in context: Psalms 25:4bc-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9

3. Gospel acclamation Psalms 85:8

4. Gospel Matthew 21:23-27

   ²³When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?” ²⁴Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. ²⁵The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ²⁶But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.” ²⁷They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

   WEB-C · World English Bible (Catholic). Public Domain. Source: eBible.org. Read in context: Matthew 21:23-27