Isaiah 40: 1-5. 9-11

Words of comfort that speak to the heart characterise this reading from Isaiah, together with the promise of new Exodus and the revelation of divine glory.

 

2 Peter 3: 8-14

Against those who deny Christ’s future return in glory, the author contrasts God’s transcendence and forbearance with all that is transitory.  He urges us to live in such a way as to be ready to meet the Lord who will come unexpectedly.

 

Mark 1: 1-8

John the Baptist is the last of the Old Testament prophets.  He heralds the imminent coming of Jesus the Messiah.

 

Isaiah 63: 16-17. 64: 1. 3-8

The prophet proclaims the Lord as Father and Redeemer and longs for him to reveal himself.

 

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9

Paul expresses thanks for the Christian witness and help of the Spirit as the faithful wait for the return of Jesus.

 

Mark 13: 33-37

Jesus encourages us to have a watchful expectancy and readiness for his return.

Ezekiel 34: 11-12. 15-17

Ezekiel assures us that the Lord is our shepherd who will never cease to care for us.

1 Corinthians 15: 20-26. 28

St Paul reminds us that through Christ’s death we have the hope of eternal life with God.

Matthew 25: 31-46

Jesus speaks of the final gathering when all nations will be gathered before God.  When that time comes the people will be separated one from another according to how they have lived their life on earth.

Proverbs 31: 10-13. 19-20. 30-31

The good wife praised here uses all her gifts for the benefit of her family.

1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6

St Paul tells us not to worry about the date of Christ’s second coming but to live as though he could come at any moment.

Matthew 25: 14-30

Jesus calls us to respond to God with the same generosity with which God gave us all our gifts, and not to react with a fear that paralyses us.

THIS WEEK’S READINGS:

Wisdom 6: 12-16

The ancient writer tells us how bright a gift is wisdom, and how much God wishes to impart it.

1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18

The and resurrection of Jesus is our insight into the promise of everlasting life.

Matthew 25: 1-13

Jesus tells a story to urge us to be wise.  Let every day find us dressed for action, with lamps and oil to spare.