Here are some of the main themes that we find in the Mass readings for the 24th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Isaiah 50:5-9a

• The prophet endures physical abuse from others who reject his message.
• God gives him strength and help; he is not disgraced and will not give up.

Psalm – 116:1-6,8-9

• “I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.”
• In our moments of distress and sorrow, we call upon the Lord who frees us from death.

2nd Reading – James 2:14-18

• It is not enough to wish people well; we must do our part to care for them.
• We demonstrate our faith in God by our works of charity for others.

Gospel – Mark 8:27-35

• When asked by Jesus at Caesarea Philippi about his identity, Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the Christ.
• After the Lord speaks about his passion and death on the cross, he chastises Peter for thinking “not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year (B, #131)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives