FIRST
READING: Ephesians
4: 1 - 6
1
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy
of the calling to which you have been called,
2
with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one
another in love,
3
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one
hope that belongs to your call,
5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6
one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in
all.
PSALM:
Psalms 24:
1 - 6
1
The earth is the LORD's and the fulness thereof, the world and those
who dwell therein;
2
for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the
rivers.
3
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his
holy place?
4
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his
soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully.
5
He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God
of his salvation.
6
Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of
the God of Jacob. [Selah]
GOSPEL:
Luke 12:
54 - 59
54
He also said to the multitudes, "When you see a cloud rising in
the west, you say at once, `A shower is coming'; and so it happens.
55
And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be
scorching heat'; and it happens.
56
You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and
sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
57
"And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
58
As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to
settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the
judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in
prison.
59
I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last
copper."