January 30, 2015

Reading

The Letter to the Hebrews   10: 32-39

10:32	But call to mind the former days, in which, after being enlightened, you endured a great struggle of afflictions.
10:33	And certainly, in one way, by insults and tribulations, you were made a spectacle, but in another way, you became the companions of those who were the object of such behavior.
10:34	For you even had compassion on those who were imprisoned, and you accepted with gladness being deprived of your goods, knowing that you have a better and more lasting substance.
10:35	And so, do not lose your confidence, which has a great reward.
10:36	For it is necessary for you to be patient, so that, by doing the will of God, you may receive the promise.
10:37	“For, in a little while, and somewhat longer, he who is to come will return, and he will not delay.
10:38	For my just man lives by faith. But if he were to draw himself back, he would not please my soul.”
10:39	So then, we are not sons who are drawn away to perdition, but we are sons of faith toward the securing of the soul.

Gospel

The Holy Gospel According to Mark   4: 26-34

4:26	And he said: “The kingdom of God is like this: it is as if a man were to cast seed on the land.
4:27	And he sleeps and he arises, night and day. And the seed germinates and grows, though he does not know it.
4:28	For the earth bears fruit readily: first the plant, then the ear, next the full grain in the ear.
4:29	And when the fruit has been produced, immediately he sends out the sickle, because the harvest has arrived.”
4:30	And he said: “To what should we compare the kingdom of God? Or to what parable should we compare it?
4:31	It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when it has been sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds which are in the earth.
4:32	And when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all the plants, and it produces great branches, so much so that the birds of the air are able to live under its shadow.”
4:33	And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to hear.
4:34	But he did not speak to them without a parable. Yet separately, he explained all things to his disciples.