Ecclesiasticus 3: 17-20. 28-29

The author stresses the importance of humility for those in positions of authority and the unfortunate state of those who are overcome by pride.

Hebrews 12: 18-19. 22-24

The assembly of Moses and the people at Mount Sinai, when God’s gift of the Law was accompanied by thunder, lightning and fire, is contrasted with the assembly in the heavenly sanctuary of all who are redeemed in Christ.

Luke 14:1. 7-14

When guests ate meal choose places of honour for themselves, Jesus reminds them that in the kingdom of heaven it is the lowly who will be exalted.

Isaiah 66: 18-21

The Lord is coming to gather all peoples to himself so that all will be witnesses to his light and his love. 

Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us that suffering is a part of life, but the lessons we learn from it can lead us to grow in compassion and love of others. 

Luke 13: 22-30

Those who assume they have some right to a place in the kingdom of God before others are in for a nasty shock.  The invitation goes out to all the nations and excludes no one; but there are those who may miss out because of their arrogance or complacency. 

Deuteronomy 30: 10-14

Moses encourages the people to observe the commandments and laws of God by assuring them that the Word of God is within them. 

Colossians 1: 15-20

Paul uses a liturgical hymn to proclaim that in Christ everything is created and continues to be sustained. 

Luke 10: 25-37

Unselfish and unlimited love shown to one in need is the mark of true discipleship and the key to eternal life. 

Wisdom 18: 6-9

The night of the first Passover is remembered.  It has been foretold to the patriarchs, who believed that the Lord would be faithful to his promises. 

Hebrews 11: 1-2. 8-19

The faith of the patriarchs is again recalled, when what seemed impossible to achieve – such as inheriting a distant, unknown Promised Land, and conceiving beyond childbearing age – were brought about by God. 

Luke 12: 32-48

Jesus encourages his followers, exhorting them to be attentive to his return, and not to put their confidence in material possessions. 

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

The writer declares that all is vanity.  People may strive all their life but have to give someone else everything they have worked for when they die.

Colossians 3: 1-5. 9-11

Paul encourages his readers to think of heavenly things, not the things of this world.  In Christ there is no distinction between people of different races, religions or social status.

Luke 12: 13-21

In answer to a plea to sort out an inheritance, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who fills his barns with goods and tells his soul that his life will be easy.  God calls his soul that night and all the man’s hoard is useless.