FIRST
READING:2
Corinthians 4: 7 - 15
7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the
transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.
8
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
driven to despair;
9
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
10
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of
Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
11
For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus'
sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal
flesh.
12
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
13
Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I
believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak,
14
knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with
Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
15
For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and
more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
PSALM:
Psalms 126:
1 - 6
1
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who
dream.
2
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts
of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done
great things for them."
3
The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
4
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb!
5
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy!
6
He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come
home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 20:
20 - 28
20
Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her
sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
21
And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him,
"Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right
hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."
22
But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are
you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him,
"We are able."
23
He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right
hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for
whom it has been prepared by my Father."
24
And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.
25
But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers
of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise
authority over them.
26
It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you
must be your servant,
27
and whoever would be first among you must be your slave;
28
even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to
give his life as a ransom for many."
