The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First reading

Zechariah 2:14-17

'I am coming', says the Lord

Sing, rejoice,
daughter of Zion;
for I am coming
to dwell in the middle of you
– it is the Lord who speaks.
Many nations will join the Lord,
on that day;
they will become his people.
But he will remain among you,
and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent me to you.
But the Lord will hold Judah
as his portion in the Holy Land,
and again make Jerusalem his very own.
Let all mankind be silent before the Lord!
For he is awaking and is coming from his holy dwelling.

Psalm or canticle

Luke 1:46-55

My soul glorifies the Lord,
 my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

He looks on his servant in her nothingness;
 henceforth all ages will call me blessed.
The Almighty works marvels for me.
 Holy his name!

His mercy is from age to age,
 on those who fear him.
He puts forth his arm in strength
 and scatters the proud-hearted.

He casts the mighty from their thrones
 and raises the lowly.
He fills the starving with good things,
 sends the rich away empty.

He protects Israel, his servant,
 remembering his mercy,
the mercy promised to our fathers,
 to Abraham and his sons for ever.

Gospel

Matthew 12:46-50

My mother and my brothers are anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven

Jesus was speaking to the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared; they were standing outside and were anxious to have a word with him. But to the man who told him this Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.’