
Readings of the day
The Passion of Saint John the BaptistMemorial
Sunday cycle C · Weekday cycle II
Texts from World English Bible (Catholic) (WEB-C); the official lectionary translation in your country may differ.
Mass during the Day
First reading 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17
1Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, we ask you 2not to be quickly shaken in your mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter as if from us, saying that the day of Christ has already come. 3Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction. 14to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter. 16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.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: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17
Responsorial Psalm Psalms 96:10, 11-12a, 12b-13
10Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity. 11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness! 12Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy 13before the LORD; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.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 96:10, 11-12a, 12b-13
Gospel acclamation Hebrews 4:12
Gospel Matthew 23:23-26
23“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 24You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel! 25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. 26You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.WEB-C · World English Bible (Catholic). Public Domain. Source: eBible.org. Read in context: Matthew 23:23-26
Proper readings of the memorial (optional)
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First reading Jeremiah 1:17-19
17“You therefore put your belt on your waist, arise, and say to them all that I command you. Don’t be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them. 18For behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. 19They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you”, says the LORD, “to rescue you.”WEB-C · World English Bible (Catholic). Public Domain. Source: eBible.org. Read in context: Jeremiah 1:17-19
Responsorial Psalm Psalms 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab, 17
1In you, LORD, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed. 2Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me. 3Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5For you are my hope, Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth. 6I have relied on you from the womb. You are he who took me out of my mother’s womb. I will always praise you. 15My mouth will tell about your righteousness, and of your salvation all day, though I don’t know its full measure. 17God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.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 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab, 17
Gospel acclamation Matthew 5:10
Gospel Mark 6:17-29
17For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. 18For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19Herodias set herself against him and desired to kill him, but she couldn’t, 20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly. 21Then a convenient day came when Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23He swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” She said, “The head of John the Baptizer.” 25She came in immediately with haste to the king and requested, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.” 26The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her. 27Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard and commanded to bring John’s head; and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse and laid it in a tomb.WEB-C · World English Bible (Catholic). Public Domain. Source: eBible.org. Read in context: Mark 6:17-29
General Roman Calendar. National calendars (for example Epiphany or Ascension on a Sunday) may have other readings.
References: Ordo Lectionum Missae, editio typica altera (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1981). The psalm response is not shown.