Jeremiah 23: 1-6

After the disaster of unjust leaders comes the promise of a true king.

 

Ephesians 2: 13-18

The barriers and divisions of humanity have been broken down by the sufferings of the Lord

 

Mark 6: 30-34

A great crowd, hungry for true teaching, assembles before the Lord.

 

Ezekiel 2: 2-5

Ezekiel is to carry out his prophetic ministry come what may.

 

2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

Paul examines his own experience and realises his strength comes only form God.

 

Mark 6: 1-6

Jesus is unable to minister in his own town because of the suspicion of the people.

Wisdom 1: 13-15. 2: 23-34

God takes no pleasure in death or extinction but delights in all living things.

 

2 Corinthians 8: 7. 9. 13-15

A call to share our surplus with people in need and build a more caring society.

 

Mark 5: 21-43

Two stories of healing that reveal Jesus as the source of life.

Isaiah 49: 1-6
The suffering servant, who is called by God from his mother’s womb, trusts in God while lamenting the sufferings he has to face.

Acts 13: 22-26
Speaking in the Synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Paul describes the Baptist as the herald of Jesus, the Saviour.

Luke 1: 57-66. 80
Luke records the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist.

Ezekiel 17: 22-24

The prophet Ezekiel brings comfort to God’s people with the promise that their fortunes will be restored.  This work comes about only by God’s loving act, through the same power that makes great and beautiful trees grow from small shoots.

 

2 Corinthians 5: 6-10

Paul reminds us that is not through our own sight and certainty that we can have confidence about what lies ahead, but through faith in Jesus.  Walking in this faith we find our pleasure in Christ, whatever the condition of our life.

 

Mark 4: 26-34

Jesus longs to bring his disciples into an understanding of the kingdom of God.  The stories he uses for his friends are stories of the mystery of growth and fruitfulness in creation, the mystery of God’s loving presence at work in the world.