FIRST READING: Romans 8: 18 - 25
18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us.
19
For the expectation of the creature waiteth for the revelation of the
sons of God.
20
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by
reason of him that made it subject, in hope:
21
Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the
servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the
children of God.
22
For we know that every creature groaneth and travaileth in pain, even
till now.
23
And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the
adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body.
24
For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen, is not hope. For
what a man seeth, why doth he hope for?
25
But if we hope for that which we see not, we wait for it with
patience.
1
When the lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men
comforted.
2
Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy.
Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath done great
things for them.
3
The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful.
4
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south.
5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6
Going they went and wept, casting their seeds. But coming they shall
come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.
18
He said therefore: To what is the kingdom of God like, and whereunto
shall I resemble it?
19
It is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and cast into
his garden, and it grew and became a great tree, and the birds of the
air lodged in the branches thereof.
20
And again he said: Whereunto shall I esteem the kingdom of God to be
like?
21
It is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of
meal, till the whole was leavened.
