Introit: Ps 111:1-5, 9 (antiphon: 111:10)
Gradual: [Ps. 34:9, 19, alt.]
Old Testament: Prov 9:1-10
or Josh 24:1-2a, 14-18\nPs 34:12-22 (antiphon: v. 11)
Epistle: Eph 5:6-21
ProperVerse: John 6:68
Gospel: Jn 6:51-69

Jesus Is the Word and Wisdom of God, Who Gives You Life and Light in His Flesh
Jesus is the divine Word by whom all things were made, who has become flesh and dwells among us. He gives His flesh "for the life of the world," not only as a sacrifice for sin but as "the living bread" from heaven (John 6:51). Eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:54_57), and no longer walk in the darkness of sin, but walk in His light. "Arise from the dead" and live in Him, because you are "light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8, 14). Being filled with His Spirit, confess Him to "one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart" (Eph. 5:18_19). Fear, love and trust in Him, "and serve him in sincerity and faithfulness" (Josh. 24:14). For He has brought you "out of the house of slavery" by His cross and resurrection, and now He does "great signs" in your sight (Josh. 24:17). Indeed, He is the divine wisdom, who has built His house, prepared His feast and set His table; He bids you to recline and eat of His bread and drink of the wine He has mixed (Prov. 9:1_5).

Introit: Ps 26:1-2, 6-7 (antiphon: 26:8)
Gradual: [Ps. 34:9, 19, alt.]
Old Testament: Is 29:11-19
Ps 14 (antiphon: v. 7a)
Epistle: Eph 5:22-33
ProperVerse: Jer 15:16a
Gospel: Mk 7:1-13

The True Tradition of the Church Is the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, Her Savior
The true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and administration of Christ Jesus. Other traditions, although not commanded by God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church dare not "[reject] the commandment of God" in order to establish or hold to "the tradition of men" (Mark 7:8_9). Sinful people attempt to draw near to the Lord "with their mouth" and to honor Him "with their lips," while their hearts are far removed from Him (Is. 29:13). Yet, He is "the Holy One of Israel," who brings about salvation by His cross. Therefore, "the wisdom of their wise men shall perish," but "the deaf shall hear" and "the eyes of the blind shall see" (Is. 29:14_19). This mystery of Christ is profound, for He is the Husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great love, He "gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word" (Eph. 5:25_26).

Introit: Ps 51:7, 10-12 (antiphon: 51:2)
Gradual: [Ps. 34:9, 19, alt.]
Old Testament: Dt 4:1-2, 6-9
Ps 119:129-136 (antiphon: v. 132)
Epistle: Eph 6:10-20
ProperVerse: Matt 5:8
Gospel: Mk 7:14-23\n
We Are Cleansed and Sustained by the Word of God
Wickedness and evil come "from within, out of the heart," and that is what defiles a person (Mark 7:21_23). Hence, we cannot save ourselves, because we are sinful and unclean from the inside out. But as the Lord Jesus "declared all foods clean" (Mark 7:19), so He cleanses us by His Word, by the preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, "listen to the statutes and the rules" of the Lord, "and do them, that you may live" (Deut. 4:1). For His Word is righteous, and to live according to it is "your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples" (Deut. 4:6). Cling to His Word, and also teach it "to your children and your children's children" (Deut. 4:9). Put on this "armor of God" by hearing and heeding what He speaks to you, that you may "stand firm" in the evil day (Eph. 6:11_13). Gird yourself with the righteousness of Christ, by faith in the "gospel of peace," and take up "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," by confessing Christ Jesus and "praying at all times in the Spirit" (Eph. 6:14_18).

Introit: Ps 28:1-2, 6-7 (antiphon: 28:8)
Gradual: [Ps. 34:9, 19, alt.]
Old Testament: Is 35:4-7a
Ps 146 (antiphon: v. 2)
Epistle: Jas 2:1-10, 14-18
ProperVerse: Ps 147:2-3
Gospel: Mk 7:(24-30) 31-37

Our Merciful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Does All Things Well\nThe Lord proclaims the Gospel "to those who have an anxious heart" to comfort and encourage them with His presence. He comes not only with threats of "vengeance" and "recompense," but with His gracious salvation (Is. 35:4). He opens "the eyes of the blind" and "the ears of the deaf," and He loosens "the tongue of the mute" to "sing for joy" (Is. 35:5_6). Like water on thirsty ground, He speaks His life-giving Word to people of all nations. With His Word and the touch of His hand, He does "all things well," so that you may now speak "plainly" (Mark 7:31_37). You confess the truth of God in Christ to the glory of His holy name, and you call upon His name in every trouble, confident that He will hear and answer. As you pray and confess with your tongue, so also "love your neighbor as yourself" (James 2:8). Show your faith "in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory," by loving without partiality. For God has "chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom" (James 2:1_5).