August 27, 2019

Reading

First Letter to Thessalonians 2: 1- 8

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our acceptance among you was not empty.

2:2 Instead, having previously suffered and been treated shamefully, as you know, at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, so as to speak the Gospel of God to you with much solicitude.

2:3 For our exhortation was not in error, nor from impurity, nor with deception.

2:4 But, just as we have been tested by God, so that the Gospel would be entrusted to us, so also did we speak, not so as to please men, but rather to please God, who tests our hearts.

2:5 And neither did we, at any time, become flattering in speech, as you know, nor did we seek an opportunity for avarice, as God is witness.

2:6 Nor did we seek the glory of men, neither from you, nor from others.

2:7 And although we could have been a burden to you, as Apostles of Christ, instead we became like little ones in your midst, like a nurse cherishing her children.

2:8 So desirous were we for you that we were willing to hand over to you, not only the Gospel of God, but even our own souls. For you have become most beloved to us.

Gospel

The Holy Gospel According to Matthew   23: 23-26

23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you collect tithes on mint and dill and cumin, but you have abandoned the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, while not omitting the others.
23:24You blind guides, straining out a gnat, while swallowing a camel!
23:25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you clean what is outside the cup and the dish, but on the inside you are full of avarice and impurity.
23:26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the dish, and then what is outside becomes clean.