FIRST
READING: Ephesians
1: 11 - 14
11
In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things
according to the counsel of his will,
12
we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live
for the praise of his glory.
13
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your
salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised
Holy Spirit,
14
which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession
of it, to the praise of his glory.
PSALM:
Psalms 33:
1 - 2, 4 - 5, 12 - 13
1
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.
2
Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of
ten strings!
4
For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in
faithfulness.
5
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the
steadfast love of the LORD.
12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has
chosen as his heritage!
13
The LORD looks down from heaven, he sees all the sons of men.
GOSPEL:
Luke 12:
1 - 7
1
In the meantime, when so many thousands of the multitude had gathered
together that they trod upon one another, he began to say to his
disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which
is hypocrisy.
2
Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will
not be known.
3
Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the
light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be
proclaimed upon the housetops.
4
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body,
and after that have no more that they can do.
5
But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed,
has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!
6
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is
forgotten before God.
7
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are
of more value than many sparrows.
