Sunday between 18 and 24 February    (if before Ash Wednesday)    

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

First Reading - Isaiah 43.18-25, 44.3

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. Do not dwell on all that went before, or focus on times past, for now I begin something new, says the Lord; indeed, it is already begun. I will make rivers in the desert, and a safe route, with streams of water, through the wilderness. Even the wild animals will honour me, when I put springs of water in the desert to refresh my chosen people - the people I made for myself, to declare my praise. But you have not called upon me, O Jacob. You have become weary of me, O Israel. You have not brought burnt-offerings, or honoured me with sacrifices. I have not burdened you with demands for offerings of grain, or spices. I have not wearied you with demands for precious incense. But you have still burdened me with your sins, and wearied me with your iniquities! And yet I am the one who, for my own sake, will blot out your transgressions, and remember your sin no more. And as I pour out water on the thirsty land, and make streams flow in the desert, I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 3.7-9

A reading from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians. The ministry of the law, engraved in letters, on stone tablets, came in such glory that the people of Israel could not look at Moses’ face, because of the glory that shone out of it. And the ministry of the law became a ministry of condemnation by the law, that led to death.

So if there was glory then, in the ministry of condemnation by the written law, how much more glory will there be now, in the ministry of reconciliation with God by the Spirit! This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - Mark 2.1-12

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Jesus returned to Capernaum. When people heard where Jesus was staying, so many gathered, to hear him, that there was no room for them, even outside the door. While Jesus was speaking, four people arrived, carrying a paralysed man. They could not bring the man to Jesus because of the crowd. So they made an opening in the roof above Jesus, and lowered down the mat on which the paralysed man lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven.’ Amongst those gathered there were some teachers of the law. Jesus knew immediately that they would be questioning whether these words might even be blasphemy, for they would say that God alone can forgive sins. So Jesus said to them, ‘Which is it easier to say? “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Stand up, take your mat, and walk”? But I will show you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ And Jesus turned to the paralysed man, and said, ‘Stand up, take your mat, and go home.’ And immediately, the man stood up, picked up his mat, and walked out, in full sight of them all. And they were all amazed, and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ This is the Gospel of the Lord.