Genesis 2: 7-9, 3: 1-7
Adam and Eve allow their own desires to take precedence over God’s command and so introduce sin into their lives. 

Romans 5: 12-19
Paul explains how sin has become endemic in the human race, and how Jesus came to reverse its effects. 

Matthew 4: 1-11
Jesus spends time in the desert preparing for his ministry, and comes face to face with powerful temptations to put his own interests first.

Zephaniah 2:3, 3: 12-13
The Prophet calls on the people to live pure and humble lives, and the Lord promises to reward them with his shalom, the fullness of life and peace. 

1 Corinthians 1: 26-31
St Paul explains that those who are nothing in the world’s eyes can be valued by God’s special witnesses. 

Matthew 5: 1-12
Jesus presents not rules and regulations for entering God’s kingdom, but simple descriptions of the sort of people who are close to God, and who thereby find real happiness.

Isaiah 49: 3. 5-6
The Lord promises that his Messiah will be formed in the womb and bring light and salvation to the ends of the earth. 

1 Corinthians 1: 1-3
Paul, with his apostolic authority, greets the Church in Corinth, reminding them of their vocation to holiness. 

John 1: 29-34
John the Baptist greets Christ as the lamb of God, and tells how he saw the Holy Spirit descend and rest on Jesus, the Messiah.

Isaiah 49: 3. 5-6
The Lord promises that his Messiah will be formed in the womb and bring light and salvation to the ends of the earth.

1 Corinthians 1: 1-3
Paul, with his apostolic authority, greets the Church in Corinth, reminding them of their vocation to holiness.

John 1: 29-34
John the Baptist greets Christ as the lamb of God, and tells how he saw the Holy Spirit descend and rest on Jesus, the Messiah.

Isaiah 42: 1-4. 6-7
In the first of the ‘Suffering Servant’ Songs, God’s chosen one is described as gently bringing true justice to the nations.

Acts 10: 34-38
Peter begins instructing the Gentile convert Cornelius with the story of Jesus’ baptism. 

Matthew 3: 13-17
Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism.