Here are some of the central themes in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Nehemiah 8:2-4a,5-6,8-10

• After the Babylonian captivity, the people gather together to hear Ezra read God’s holy law in the scriptures.
• Ezra and Nehemiah instruct the people to make the day holy, rejoicing in the Lord for their strength.

Psalm – 19:8-10,15

• “Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.”
• The precepts and law of the Lord give wisdom, joy and enlightenment.

2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 12:12-30

• Paul uses the example of the body to illustrate how many different parts work together as one.
• As the Body of Christ we recognize the unique contributions of all people and unite together for the glory of God.

Gospel – Luke 1:1-4; 4:4-21

• Luke introduces his Gospel as a way to offer an orderly sequence of the events of Jesus.
• In the synagogue at Nazareth, the Lord reads from the scroll of Isaiah and proclaims that this prophecy is fulfilled.

Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of the Year

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