Mass for the Care of Creation / Misa por el Cuidado de la Creación (English, español)

English

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has publicly announced the proper citations, prayers, and readings to be recited during the Mass for the Care of Creation (Missa pro custodia creationis), a special mass that may occur at any time. The liturgical celebration has been approved by Pope Leo XIV on June 8, 2025. The following are the readings set for the mass.

New American Bible Readings

First Reading (Wisdom 13: 1–9)

A reading from the book of Wisdom.

All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan. But either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water, or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods. Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods, let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these; for the original source of beauty fashioned them. Or if they were struck by their might and energy, let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them. For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen. But yet, for these the blame is less; for they indeed have gone astray perhaps, though they seek God and wish to find him. For they search busily among his works, but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair. But again, not even these are pardonable. For if they so far succeeded in knowledge that they could speculate about the world, how did they not more quickly find its Lord?

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 19: 2–5; Option A)

Response: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

• The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge.

• Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard. Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 104: 1–2A, 5–6, 10, 12, 24 y 35; Option B)

• Bless the Lord, O My soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory, robed in light as with a cloak.

• You fixed the earth upon its foundation, not to be moved forever; with the ocean, as with a garment, you covered it; above the mountains the waters stood.

• You send forth springs into the watercourses that wind among the mountains. Beside them the birds of heaven dwell; from among the branches they send forth their song.

• How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all—the earth is full of your creatures; bless the Lord, O my soul! Alleluia.

Second Reading (Colossians 1: 15–20)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians.

Brothers and sisters: Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the Body, the Church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the Blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia)

Response: May the Lord be glad in his works.

The Gospel Acclamation is recited on any mass outside the Lenten season.

How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all. (Psalm 104:24)

Verse before the Gospel

The Verse before the Gospel is recited on any mass during the Lenten season.

Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, you have dominion over all. (1 Chronicles 29: 11d, 12b)

Gospel (Matthew 6: 24–34; Option A)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his disciples: "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."

Gospel (Matthew 8: 23–27; Option B)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly, a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves, but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible Readings

First Reading (Wisdom 13: 1–9)

A reading from the book of Wisdom.

The natural helplessness of humans is seen in their ignorance of God. The experience of good things did not lead them to the knowledge of Him who is. They were interested in this works, but they did not recognize the author of them. Fire, wind, air, the sphere of the stars, rushing water and the lights in the sky were held as the rulers of the world. If charmed by such beauty, they took them for gods, let them know how far superior is their sovereign. And if they were impressed by their power and activity, let them understand from this how much mightier is he who formed them. For the grandeur and beauty of creatures lead us to ponder on their Author, greater and more magnificent. No doubt these people are not to be blamed severely, for possibly they strayed though they searched for God and desired to find him. They pondered over the created things that surrounded them and were captivated by the sight of such beauty. Even so they are not to be excused, for if they were able to explore the world, why did they not discover first the world's Sovereign?

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 19: 2–5; Option A)

Response: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

• The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the work of his hands. Day talks it over with day; night hands on the knowledge to night.
• No speech, no words, no voice is heard — but the call goes on throughout the universe, the message is felt to the ends of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 104: 1–2A, 5–6, 10, 12, 24 y 35; Option B)

Response: May the Lord be glad in his works.

• Bless the Lord, my soul! Clothed in majesty and splendor; O Lord my God, how great you are! You are wrapped in light as with a garment.
• You set the earth on its foundations, and never will it be shaken. You covered it with the ocean like a garment, and waters spread over the mountains.
• You make springs gush forth in valleys winding among mountains and hills. Birds build their nests close by and sing among the branches of trees.
• How varied O Lord, are your works! In wisdom you have made them all — the earth full of your creatures. May sinners vanish from the earth, and may the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, my soul!

Second Reading (Colossians 1: 15–20)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians.

He is the image of the unseen God, and for all creation he is the firstborn, for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible; thrones, rulers, authorities, powers… All was made through him and for him. He is before all and all things hold together in him. And he is the head of the body, that is the Church, for he is the first, the first raised from the dead that he may be the first in everything, for God was pleased to let fullness dwell in him. Through him God willed to reconcile all things to himself, and through him, through his blood shed on the cross, God establishes peace, on earth as in heaven.

Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia)

Response: May the Lord be glad in his works.

The Gospel Acclamation is recited on any mass outside the Lenten season.

How varied O Lord, are your works! In wisdom you have made them all — the earth full of your creatures. (Psalm 104:24)

Verse before the Gospel

The Verse before the Gospel is recited on any mass during the Lenten season.

Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, splendor, length of days, glory, for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours. Yours is the sovereignty forever, O Lord; you are the supreme ruler over all. (1 Chronicles 29: 11)

Gospel (Matthew 6: 24–34; Option A)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

"No one can serve two masters; for he will either hate one and love the other, or he will be loyal to the first and look down on the second. You cannot at the same time serve God and money. This is why I tell you not to be worried about food and drink for yourself, or about clothes for your body. Is not life more important than food and is not the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, they do not harvest and do not store food in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than birds? Can any of you add a day to your life by worrying about it? Why are you so worried about your clothes? Look at the flowers in the fields how they grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his wealth was clothed like one of these. If God so clothes the grass in the field which blooms today and is to be burned tomorrow in the oven, how much more will he clothe you? What little faith you have! Do not worry and say: What are we going to eat? What are we going to drink? Or: what shall we wear? The pagans busy themselves with such things, but your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Set your heart first on the kingdom and justice of God and all these things will also be given to you. Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Gospel (Matthew 8: 23–27; Option B)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning a fierce storm hit the lake, with waves sweeping the boat. But Jesus was asleep. They woke up and cried, "Lord, save us! We are lost!" But Jesus answered, "Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?" Then he stood up and ordered the wind and the sea; and it became completely calm. The people were astonished. They said, "What kind of man is he? Even the winds and the sea obey him."

Español

La Conferencia estadounidense de obispos católicos ha anunciado públicamente las oraciones y lecturas adecuadas y apropiadas para recitarse durante la misa por el cuidado de la creación, una misa que se puede celebrar en cualquier momento. La celebración litúrgica ha sido aprobado por el Papa León XIV el 8 de junio de 2025. A continuación están las lecturas para la misa.

Primera lectura (Sabiduría 13: 1–9)

Una lectura del libro de la Sabiduría.

Insensatos han sido todos los hombres que no han conocido a Dios y no han sido capaces de descubrir, a través de las cosas buenas que se ven a "Aquel-que-es" y que no han reconocido el artífice, fijándose en sus obras, sino que han considerado como dioses al fuego, al viento, al aire sutil, al cielo estrellado, al agua impetuosa o al sol y a la luna, que rigen el mundo. Si fascinados por la belleza de las cosas, pensaron que éstos eran dioses, sepan cuánto las aventaja el Señor de todas ellas, pues fue el autor mismo de la belleza quien las creó. Y si fue su poder y actividad lo que los impresionó, deduzcan de ahí cuánto más poderoso es aquel que las hizo; pues reflexionando sobre la grandeza y hermosura de las criaturas se puede llegar a contemplar a su creador. Sin embargo, no son éstos tan dignos de reprensión, pues tal vez andan desorientados, buscando y queriendo encontrar a Dios. Como viven entre sus obras, se esfuerzan por conocerlas y se dejan fascinar por la belleza de las cosas que ven. Pero no por eso tienen excusa, pues si llegaron a ser tan sabios para investigar el universo, ¿cómo no llegaron a descubrir fácilmente a su creador?

Salmo responsorial (Salmo 19: 2–5; opción A)

La respuesta es: Los cielos proclaman la gloria de Dios.

• Los cielos proclaman la gloria de Dios y el firmamento anuncia la obra de sus manos. Un día comunica su mensaje al otro día y una noche se lo transmite a la otra noche.
• Sin que pronuncien una palabra, sin que resuene su voz, a toda la tierra llega su sonido y su mensaje, hasta el fin del mundo.

Salmo responsorial (Salmo 104: 1–2A, 5–6, 10, 12, 24 y 35; opción B)

La respuesta es: Bendice al Señor, alma mía.

• Bendice al Señor, alma mía; Señor y Dios mío, inmensa es tu grandeza. Te vistes de belleza y majestad, la luz te envuelve como un manto.
• Sobre bases inconmovibles asentaste la tierra para siempre. Con un vestido de mares la cubriste y las aguas en los montes concentraste.
• En los valles haces brotar las fuentes, que van corriendo entre montañas; junto al arroyo vienen a vivir las aves, que cantan entre las ramas.
• ¡Qué numerosas son tus obras, Señor, y todas las hiciste con maestría! La tierra está llena de tus criaturas. Bendice, al Señor, alma mía.

Segunda lectura (Colosenses 1: 15–20)

Una lectura de la carta del apóstol san Pablo a los colosenses.

Cristo es la imagen de Dios invisible, el primogénito de toda la creación, porque en él tienen su fundamento todas las cosas creadas, del cielo y de la tierra, las visibles y las invisibles, sin excluir a los tronos y dominaciones, a los principados y potestades. Todo fue creado por medio de él y para él. Él existe antes que todas las cosas, y todas tienen su consistencia en él. Él es también la cabeza del cuerpo, que es la Iglesia. Él es el principio, el primogénito de entrelos muertos, para que sea el primero en todo. Porque Dios quiso que en Cristo habitara toda plenitud y por él quiso reconciliar consigo todas las cosas, del cielo y de la tierra, y darles la paz por medio de su sangre, derramada en la cruz.

Aclamaciones antes del Evangelio

• Salmo 104:24 (se recita durante las misas fuera de la temporada de Cuaresma): ¡Qué numerosas son tus obras, Señor, y todas las hiciste con maestría!
• 1 Crónicas 29: 11 (se recita durante las misas durante la temporada de Cuaresma): Tuyo, Señor, es el reino; tú lo gobiernas todo.

Evangelio (Mateo 6: 24–34; opción A)

Una lectura del santo Evangelio según el San Mateo.

En aquel tiempo, Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: "Nadie puede servir a dos amos, porque odiará a uno y amará al otro, o bien obedecerá al primero y no le hará caso al segundo, En resumen, no pueden ustedes servir a Dios y al dinero. Por eso les digo que no se preocupen por su vida, pensando qué comerán o con qué se vestirán. ¿Acaso no vale más la vida que el alimento, y el cuerpo más que el vestido? Miren las aves del cielo, que ni siembran, ni cosechan, ni guardan en graneros y, sin embargo, el Padre celestial las alimenta. ¿Acaso no valen ustedes más que ellas? ¿Quién de ustedes, a fuerza de preocuparse, puede prolongar su vida siquiera un momento? ¿Y por qué se preocupan del vestido? Miren cómo crecen los lirios del campo, que no trabajan ni hilan. Pues bien, yo les aseguro que ni Salomón, en el esplendor de su gloria, se vestía como uno de ellos. Y si Dios viste así a la hierba del campo, que hoy florece y mañana es echada al horno, ¿no hará mucho más por ustedes, hombres de poca fe? No se inquieten, pues, pensando: ¿Qué comeremos o qué beberemos o con qué nos vestiremos? Los que no conocen a Dios se desviven por todas estas cosas; pero el Padre celestial ya sabe que ustedes tienen necesidad de ellas. Por consiguiente, busquen primero el Reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas se les darán por añadidura. No se preocupen por el día de mañana, porque el día de mañana traerá ya sus propias preocupaciones. A cada día le bastan sus propios problemas."

Evangelio (Mateo 8: 23–27; opción B)

Una lectura del santo Evangelio según el San Mateo.

En aquel tiempo, Jesús subió a una barca junto con sus discípulos. De pronto se levantó en el mar una tempestad tan fuerte, que las olas cubrían la barca; pero él estaba dormido. Los discípulos lo despertaron, diciéndole: "Señor, ¡sálvanos, que perecemos!" Él les respondió: "¿Por qué tienen miedo, hombres de poca fe?" Entonces se levantó, dio una orden terminante a los vientos y al mar, y sobrevino una gran calma. Y aquellos hombres, maravillados, decían: "¿Quién es éste, a quien hasta los vientos y el mar obedecen?"