Readings

First Reading 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (JB) A reading from the second book of Samuel They anointed David king of Israel. All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron. ‘Look’ they said ‘we are your own flesh and blood. In days past when Saul was our king, it was you who led Israel in…

First Reading Malachi 3:19-20 (JB) A reading from the prophet Malachi The sun of righteousness will shine on you. The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of hosts,…

First Reading Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 (JB) A reading from the prophet Ezekiel I see water flowing from the temple and all who were touched by it were saved. The angel brought me to the entrance of the Temple, where a stream came out from under the Temple threshold and flowed eastwards, since the Temple…

First Reading Sirach 35:12-14, 16-19 (JB) A reading from the book of Ecclesiasticus The prayer of the humble will penetrate the heavens. The Lord is a judge who is no respecter of personages. He shows no respect of personages to the detriment of a poor man, he listens to the plea of the injured party.…

First Reading Exodus 17:8-13 (JB) A reading from the book of Exodus As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage. The Amalekites came and attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Pick out men for yourself, and tomorrow morning march out to engage Amalek. I, meanwhile will stand on the…

First Reading 2 Kings 5:14-17 (JB) A reading from the second book of the Kings Naaman returned to Elisha, the prophet, and acknowledged the Lord. Naaman the leper went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha had told him to do. And his flesh became clean once more like the flesh…

First Reading Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 (JB) A reading from the prophet Habakkuk The just will live by faithfulness. How long, Lord, am I to cry for help while you will not listen; to cry ‘Oppression!’ in your ear and you will not save? Why do you set injustice before me, why do you look on…

First Reading Amos 6:1, 4-7 (JB) A reading from the prophet Amos You who give yourself to licentiousness and revelry will be exiled. The almighty Lord says this: Woe to those ensconced so snugly in Zion and to those who feel so safe on the mountain of Samaria. Lying on ivory beds and sprawling on…

First Reading Amos 8:4-7 (JB) A reading from the prophet Amos The Lord God spoke against those who buy the poor for money. Listen to this, you who trample on the needy and try to suppress the poor people of the country, you who say, ‘When will New Moon be over so that we can…

First Reading Numbers 21:4-9 (JB) A reading from the book of Numbers When those that were afflicted looked upon it, they were healed. On the way through the wilderness the people lost patience. They spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this wilderness? For there…