FIRST READING
Have you ever commanded the morning, and entered into the springs of the sea?
A reading from the Book of Job (Job 38:1.12-21; 40:3-5)
The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It is changed like clay under the seal, and it is dyed like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and their uplifted arm is broken. Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness? Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this. “Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home? You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!” Then Job answered the Lord: “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 139:1-3.7-8.9-10.13-14ab (R. 24b)
R/. Lead me, Lord, in the way everlasting.
O Lord, you search me and you know me,
You yourself know my resting and my rising;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You mark when I walk or lie down;
You know all my ways through and through. R/.
O where can I go from your spirit,
or where can I flee from your face?
If I climb the heavens, you are there.
If I lie in the grave, you are there. R/.
R/. Lead me, Lord, in the way everlasting.
If I take the wings of the dawn or dwell
at the sea’s furthest end,
even there your hand would lead me;
your right hand would hold me fast. R/.
For it was you who formed my inmost being,
knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I thank you who wonderfully made me;
how wonderful are your works. R/.
ALLELUIA Psalm 103:21
Bless the Lord, all you his host, his ministers that do his will, Alleluia
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 18:1-5, 10)
At that the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
