It fell to him by lot, in accordance with the practice among the priests, to go into the Temple of the Lord and burn incense;

For no promise from God shall fail to be fulfilled."

Simeon gave them his blessing, and said to Mary, the child's mother: "This child is appointed to be the cause of the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign much spoken against--

Thinking that he was with their fellow-travelers, they went one day's journey before searching for him among their relations and acquaintances;

On returning from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the power of the Spirit through the Wilderness for forty days, tempted by the Devil.

All who were present spoke well of him, and were astonished at the beautiful words that fell from his lips. "Is not he Joseph's son?" they asked.

In the Synagogue there was a man with the spirit of a foul demon in him, who called out loudly:

And they were all lost in amazement, and kept saying to one another: "What words are these? For he gives his commands to the foul spirits with a marvelous authority, and they come out."

So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; and they came and filled both the boats so full of fish that they were almost sinking.

After this, Jesus went out; and he noticed a tax-gatherer, named Levi, sitting in the tax-office, and said to him: "Follow me."

Who had come to hear him and to be restored to health. Those, too, who were troubled with foul spirits were cured;

But 'alas for you who are rich,' for you have had your comforts in full.

Then, speaking in parables, Jesus said: "Can one blind man guide another? Will they not both fall into a ditch?

Why do you call me 'Master! Master!' and yet fail to do what I tell you?

"The sower went out to sow his seed; and, as he was sowing, some of the seed fell along the path and was trodden upon; and the wild birds ate it up.

Other seed fell upon rock, and, as soon as it began to grow, having no moisture, withered away.

Other seed fell in the middle of brambles, but the brambles grew up with it and choked it entirely.

Other seed fell into rich soil, and grew, and gave a hundred-fold return." After saying this, Jesus cried aloud: "Let him who has ears to hear with hear."

By the seed which fell along the path are meant those who hear the Message; but then comes the Devil and carries away the Message from their minds, to prevent their believing it and being saved.

By the seed which fell upon the rock are meant those who, as soon as they hear the Message, welcome it joyfully; but they have no root, and believe it only for a time, and, when the time of temptation comes, they draw back.

By that which fell among the brambles are meant those who hear the Message, but who, as they go on their way, are completely choked by this world's cares and wealth and pleasures, and bring nothing to perfection.

So they put off. While they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. A squall swept down upon the lake, and their boat was filling and they were in danger.

So the disciples came and roused him. "Sir, Sir," they cried, "we are lost!" Jesus rose and rebuked the wind and the rushing waves, and they fell, and a calm followed.

For Jesus was commanding the foul spirit to come out from the man. On many occasions it had seized him, and, even when secured with chains and fetters, and watched, he would break through anything that bound him, and be driven by the demon into the Wilds.

And to all present he said: "If any man wishes to walk in my steps, let him renounce self, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

While the boy was coming up to Jesus, the demon dashed him down and threw him into convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the foul spirit, and cured the boy, and gave him back to his father.

"Listen carefully to my words. For the Son of Man is destined to be betrayed into the hands of his fellow men."

Thereupon John said: "Sir, we saw a man driving out demons by using your name, and we tried to prevent him, because he does not follow you with us."

And, while they were on their way, a man said to Jesus: "I will follow you wherever you go."

To another man Jesus said: "Follow me." "Let me first go and bury my father," said the man.

"Master," said another, "I will follow you; but first let me say good-bye to my family."

To which Jesus replied: "A man was once going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him of everything, and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.

Now which, do you think, of these three men," asked Jesus, "proved himself a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?"

No sooner does a foul spirit leave a man, than it passes through places where there is no water, in search of rest; and finding none, it says 'I will go back to the home which I left';

Every one, I tell you, who shall acknowledge me before his fellow men, the Son of Man, also, will acknowledge before God's angels;

But he, who disowns me before his fellow men, will be altogether disowned before God's angels.

But God said to the man 'Fool! This very night your life is being demanded; and as for all you have prepared--who will have it?'

Or those eighteen men at Siloam on whom the tower fell, killing them all, do you suppose that they were worse offenders than any other inhabitants of Jerusalem?

No, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place, so that, when he who has invited you comes, he may say to you 'Friend, come higher up'; and then you will be honored in the eyes of all your fellow-guests.

His master complimented this dishonest steward on the shrewdness of his action. And indeed men of the world are shrewder in dealing with their fellow-men than those who have the Light.

And who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table. Even the very dogs came and licked his sores.

Does he feel grateful to his servant for doing what he is told?

People will say to you 'There he is! or 'Here he is!' Do not go and follow them.

Hearing this, Jesus said to him: "There is one thing still lacking in you; sell everything that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have wealth in Heaven; then come and follow me."

Instantly he recovered his sight, and began to follow Jesus, praising God. And all the people, on seeing it, gave glory to God.

"Go to the village facing us," he said, " and, when you get there, you will find a foal tethered, which no one has yet ridden; untie it and lead it here.

While they were untying the foal, the owners asked them--"Why are you untying the foal?"

Then they led it back to Jesus, and threw their cloaks on the foal and put Jesus upon it.

And Jesus said: "See that you are not led astray; for many will take my name, and come saying 'I am He,' and 'The time is close at hand.' Do not follow them.

They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be taken prisoners to every land, and 'Jerusalem will be under the heel of the Gentiles,' until their day is over--as it shall be.

Men's hearts will fail them through dread of what is coming upon the world; for 'the forces of the heavens will be convulsed.'

"Listen," he answered, "when you have got into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you; follow him into whatever house he enters;

But I prayed for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. And you, when you have returned to me, are to strengthen your Brothers."

And, when he reached the spot, he said to them: "Pray that you may not fall into temptation."

"Why are you asleep?" he asked them. "Rise and pray, that you may not fall into temptation."

But they began to shout as one man: "Kill this fellow, but release Barabbas for us."

At that time people will begin to say to the mountains 'Fall on us,' and to the hills 'Cover us.'

Look at my hands and my feet, and you will know that it is I. Feel me, and look at me, for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see that I have."

They [bowed to the ground before him and] returned to Jerusalem full of joy;