Today's Readings

Paul, the servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed to the Gospel of God.

Romans 16 : 17 - 20

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.

The grace of God the Father be with you all.

May his blessing be upon us.

1 Peter 2 : 18 - 3 : 7

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

"Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth";

who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--

rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Do not love the world or the things in the world.

The world passes away, and its desires; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

The Acts of our fathers the apostles, may their blessings be with us.

Acts 2 : 8 - 14

And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."

So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"

Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.

The word of the Lord shall grow, multiply, be mighty, and be confirmed, in the holy Church of God.

From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet, and the Good King.

Psalms 20 : 2,6

May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion;

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.

Hallelujah.

Divine Gospel

Our Lord God, Savior, and King of us all, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God to whom be glory forever.

Mark 3 : 22 - 35

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebub," and, "By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons."

So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: "How can Satan cast out Satan?

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end.

No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter;

but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation"--

because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."

Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him.

And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You."

But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?"

And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!

For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother."

Acknowledgement

Opening page

From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet.

Psalms 5 : 7,11

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.

From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet.

Psalms 15 : 1 - 2

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;