October 13, 2014

The Letter from Saint Paul to the Galatians     4: 22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1

4:22	For it is written that Abraham had two sons: one by a servant woman, and one by a free woman.
4:23	And he who was of the servant was born according to the flesh. But he who was of the free woman was born by the promise.
4:24	These things are said through an allegory. For these represent the two testaments. Certainly the one, on Mount Sinai, gives birth unto servitude, which is Hagar.
4:26	But that Jerusalem which is above is free; the same is our mother.
4:27	For it was written: “Rejoice, O barren one, though you do not conceive. Burst forth and cry out, though you do not give birth. For many are the children of the desolate, even more than of her who has a husband.”
4:30	And what does Scripture say? “Cast out the woman servant and her son. For the son of a servant women shall not be an heir with the son of a free woman.”
4:31	And so, brothers, we are not the sons of the servant woman, but rather of the free woman. And this is the freedom with which Christ has set us free.

5:1	Stand firm, and do not be willing to be again held by the yoke of servitude.

The Holy Gospel According to Luke   11: 29-32

11:29	But in response, Jesus said to them: “I also will ask you one word, and if you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
11:30	The baptism of John: was it from heaven or from men? Answer me.”
11:31	But they discussed it among themselves, saying: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
11:32	If we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people. For they all hold that John was a true prophet.”