Isaiah 50: 5-9
the prophet foretells Christ’s total trust in his Father at the time of his passion.

James 2: 14-18
The apostle teaches that faith in God should lead us to active charity.

Mark 8: 27-35

Jesus explains that suffering and surrender into God’s hands are the necessary prelude to eternal happiness.

Isaiah 35: 4-7
Isaiah rejoices in the hope of Israel’s return from exile.  Among the first to enjoy the blessings of restoration will be those who are deaf or dumb, blind or lame.

James 2: 1-5
James points out the contradiction of believing in Christ yet treating those who are poor as inferior.

Mark 7: 31-37
The miracle reflects the first reading and is a sign that Jesus fulfils the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah.

Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-8
Moses urges the people to observe God’s commands if they wish to have life and be recognised by the world as wise and prudent.

James 1: 17-18, 21-22, 27
We are the children of God, blessed with God’s word and called to submit to it, in particular by caring for those who are poor.

Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
It is a tragedy to follow human traditions, rather that the laws of God and to be unaware that evil comes from the heart, not from failures to observe ritual washings.

Apocalypse 11:19; 12:1-6. 10
Christ triumphs over the power of evil and is a sign of hope for all peoples.

1 Corinthians 15: 20-26
All people will be brought to new life in Christ.

Luke 1: 39-56
The power of God shines through the humility and steadfast faithfulness of Mary.

1 Kings 19: 4-8
Elijah complains that he has suffered enough.  God feeds him and sends him on his way.

Ephesians 4:30- 5.2
We are encouraged to stop our bad behaviour and to follow Jesus’ example.

John 6: 41-51
Jesus told the people to stop complaining and to look for real food, the living bread that guarantees eternal life.