Liturgical Information
The Third Sunday of Lent (B)

Themes & Motives: the law of God, reverence, zeal, forgiveness

Introit:
My eyes are ever fixed on the Lord, for he releases my feet from the snare. O look at me and be merciful, for I am wretched and alone.  Psalm 25:15-16 [Roman Missal (Sacramentary)]

Oculi mei semper ad Dominum, quia ipse evellet de laqueo pedes meos: respice in me, et miserere mei, quoniam unicus et pauper sum ego.
Ps. Ad te Domine levavi animam meam: Deus meus, in te confido, non erubescam. [Graduale Romanum, p.96]
    -- or --
Dum sanctificatus fuero in vobis, congregabo vos de universis terris: et effundam super vos aqaum mundam, et mundabimini ab omnibus inquinamentis vestris: et dabo vobis spiritum novum. Ps. Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore: semper laus eius in ore meo. [Graduale Romanum, p.249]

Oculi mei semper ad Dominum, quia ipse evellet de laqueo pedes meos: respice in me, et miserere mei, quoniam unicus et pauper sum ego.
Ps. Ad te Domine levavi animam meam: Deus meus, in te confido, non erubescam. [Gregorian Missal, p.252]
    -- or --
Dum sanctificatus fuero in vobis, congregabo vos de universis terris: et effundam super vos aqaum mundam, et mundabimini ab omnibus inquinamentis vestris: et dabo vobis spiritum novum. Ps. Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore: semper laus eius in ore meo. [Gregorian Missal, p.391]

Oculi mei semper ad Dominum. [Graduale simplex, p.96]
     Verses of  Psalm 25  can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.

Opening Prayer:
Father,
you have taught us to overcome our sins
by prayer, fasting and works of mercy.
When we are discouraged by our weakness,
give us confidence in your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings:

• Exodus 20:1-17 [God spoke all these words. /v.1]
• Psalm 19:8 / 9 / 10 / 11 [R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. /Jn 6:68c]
• I Corinthians 1:22-25 [We preach Christ crucified. /v.23]
• Gospel Verse: Jn 3:16 [God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.]
• John 2:13-25 [Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. /v.19]

When catechumens and candidates for reception are present, readings may be chosen from the Year A cycle. See Year A - 3rd Sunday of Lent

Offertory Antiphon:
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. Your servant is very diligent in keeping them.  Psalm19:9,11,12 **
     Verses of  Psalm 51  can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.

Iustitiae Domini rectae, laetificantes corda, et dulciora super mel et favum: nam servus tuus custodiet ea. [Graduale Romanum, p.309]

Iustitiae Domini rectae, laetificantes corda, et dulciora super mel et favum: nam servus tuus custodiet ea. [Gregorian Missal, p.256]

Frange esurienti panem tuum, et egenos vagosque induc in domum tuam. [Graduale simplex, p.100]
     Verses of  Psalm 51  can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
by the grace of this sacrifice
may we who ask forgiveness
be ready to forgive one another.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Preface for Lent I: [The Spiritual Meaning of Lent]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Each year you give us this joyful season,
when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery
with mind and heart renewed.
You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father,
and of willing service to our neighbor.

As we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ,
you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us.

Now, with the angels and archangels,
and the whole company of heaven,
we sing the unending hymn of your praise:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
The sparrow even finds a home, the swallow finds a nest wherein to place her young, near to your altars, Lord of hosts, my King, my God! How happy they who dwell in your house! For ever they are praising you.  Ps 84:4-5 [Roman Missal (Sacramentary)]

(B/C) Passer invenit sibi domum, et turtur nidum, ubi reponat pullos suos: altaria tua Domine virtutum, Rex meus, et Deus meus: beati qui habitant in domo tua, in saeculum saeculi laudabent te.  Ps 84:4-5 [Graduale Romanum, p.306]
     Psalm 84:2-3a,3b,9,10,11,12,13 can also be sung between repetitions of this antiphon.

(B/C) Passer invenit sibi domum, et turtur nidum, ubi reponat pullos suos: altaria tua Domine virtutum, Rex meus, et Deus meus: beati qui habitant in domo tua, in saeculum saeculi laudabent te.  Ps 84:4-5 [Gregorian Missal, p.502]

Illuminatio mea, et salus mea Dominus. [Graduale simplex, p.101]
     Verses of  Psalm 27  can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.

Prayer after Communion:
Lord,
in sharing this sacrament
may we receive your forgiveness
and be brought together in unity and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Solemn Blessing:
The Father of mercies has given us an example of unselfish love
in the sufferings of his only Son.
Through your service of God and neighbor
may you receive his countless blessings. Amen.

You believe that by his dying
Christ destroyed death for ever.
May he give you everlasting life. Amen.

He humbled himself for our sakes.
May you follow his example
and share in his resurrection. Amen.