Thematic Bible: Select readings
Thematic Bible
Christ » Devotions of » Select readings
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them: "When you pray, say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us, day by day, the bread sufficient for our support; read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary, saying: There was in a certain city a judge, who neither feared God nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, and said: Avenge me on my opponent at law. read more.
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
Daily duty » Select readings
See that no one render evil for evil to any, but always pursue that which is good toward one another and toward all. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; read more.
in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from every appearance of evil. Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calls you; and he will do what he has promised. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord, that this letter be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from every appearance of evil. Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calls you; and he will do what he has promised. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord, that this letter be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The Dead » Resurrection of » Select readings
But concerning those who have fallen asleep, I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that you may not grieve, as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also should we believe that God will, through Jesus, bring with him those who sleep. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we, the living, who remain till the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who are asleep read more.
for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall arise first; then we, the living who remain, shall, together with them, be caught up in clouds into the air to meet the Lord, and so shall we be ever with the Lord. So, then, comfort one another with these words.
for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall arise first; then we, the living who remain, shall, together with them, be caught up in clouds into the air to meet the Lord, and so shall we be ever with the Lord. So, then, comfort one another with these words.
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus, of Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha her sister. It was the Mary that anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore his sisters sent to him, saying: Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. read more.
But when Jesus heard it, he said: This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that by it the Son of God may be glorified. Now, Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When, therefore, he heard that he was sick, he still remained two days in the place where he was. Then after this, he said to his disciples: Let us go into Judea again. His disciples said to him: Rabbi, the Jews just now sought to stone thee, and art thou going thither again? Jesus answered: Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks during the day,, he does not stumble, for he sees the light of this world. But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, be cause there is no light in him. Thus spoke he; and after this he said to them: Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep. Then his disciples said: Lord, if he sleeps, he will be saved. Jesus spoke of his death; but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. Therefore, Jesus then said to them plainly: Lazarus is dead. And I rejoice, on your account, that I was not there, in order that you may believe. But let us go to him. Then Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples: Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had already been four days in the tomb. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went out to meet him; but Mary sat still in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that whatever thou wilt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus said to her: Your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him: I know that he will rise, in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and he that lives and believes on me, shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to him: Yes, Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying: The Teacher has come, and calls for you. When she heard it, she rose quickly and came to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews that were with her in the house, and were comforting her, seeing Mary rise and go out quickly, followed her, saying: She is going to the tomb to weep there. Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him: Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died. Then, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews that came with her weeping also, he was greatly moved in spirit, and troubled; and he said: Where have you laid him? They said to him: Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews: See how he loved him! And some of them said: Could not he, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died? Then Jesus, again greatly moved within himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was laid against it. Jesus said: Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to him: Lord, the body is offensive; for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her: Did I not tell you, that, if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted -up his eyes and said: Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. I know, in deed, that thou dost always hear me. But for the sake of the multitude who stand around me, I have said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound around with a handkerchief. Jesus said to them: Loose him, and let him go.
But when Jesus heard it, he said: This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that by it the Son of God may be glorified. Now, Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When, therefore, he heard that he was sick, he still remained two days in the place where he was. Then after this, he said to his disciples: Let us go into Judea again. His disciples said to him: Rabbi, the Jews just now sought to stone thee, and art thou going thither again? Jesus answered: Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks during the day,, he does not stumble, for he sees the light of this world. But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, be cause there is no light in him. Thus spoke he; and after this he said to them: Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep. Then his disciples said: Lord, if he sleeps, he will be saved. Jesus spoke of his death; but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. Therefore, Jesus then said to them plainly: Lazarus is dead. And I rejoice, on your account, that I was not there, in order that you may believe. But let us go to him. Then Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples: Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had already been four days in the tomb. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went out to meet him; but Mary sat still in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that whatever thou wilt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus said to her: Your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him: I know that he will rise, in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and he that lives and believes on me, shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to him: Yes, Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying: The Teacher has come, and calls for you. When she heard it, she rose quickly and came to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews that were with her in the house, and were comforting her, seeing Mary rise and go out quickly, followed her, saying: She is going to the tomb to weep there. Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him: Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died. Then, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews that came with her weeping also, he was greatly moved in spirit, and troubled; and he said: Where have you laid him? They said to him: Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews: See how he loved him! And some of them said: Could not he, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died? Then Jesus, again greatly moved within himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was laid against it. Jesus said: Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to him: Lord, the body is offensive; for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her: Did I not tell you, that, if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted -up his eyes and said: Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. I know, in deed, that thou dost always hear me. But for the sake of the multitude who stand around me, I have said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound around with a handkerchief. Jesus said to them: Loose him, and let him go.
And when the sabbath had passed, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early, on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they came to the sepulcher. And they said among themselves: Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the sepulcher? read more.
for it was very great. And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. And they entered the sepulcher, and saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe: and they were frightened. But he said to them: Be not frightened; you seek Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here: see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter, that he goes before you into Galilee; there you shall see him, as he told you. And they went out, and fled from the sepulcher; for trembling and astonishment seized upon them. And they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid. Now when Jesus had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven demons. And she went and told it to those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And though they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest. But they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they reclined at table; and he reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
for it was very great. And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. And they entered the sepulcher, and saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe: and they were frightened. But he said to them: Be not frightened; you seek Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here: see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter, that he goes before you into Galilee; there you shall see him, as he told you. And they went out, and fled from the sepulcher; for trembling and astonishment seized upon them. And they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid. Now when Jesus had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven demons. And she went and told it to those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And though they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest. But they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they reclined at table; and he reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
And on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared; and with them came certain others. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher; and they entered in, but found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment. And while they feared and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them: Why seek you among the dead for him that lives? He is not here, but he has risen; remember that he spoke to you while he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulcher, and told all these things to the eleven and to the rest. It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the others with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulcher, and stooping down, he saw the linen clothes lying by themselves; and he departed, wondering in himself at that which had come to pass. And, behold, two of them were going, on the same day, to a village called Emmaus, distant from Jerusalem sixty furlongs. And they were talking to one another about all these things which had taken place. And it came to pass, that, while they conversed and reasoned together, Jesus himself drew near, and went on with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not recognize him. And he said to them: What matters are these which you are discussing with one another as you walk and are sad? And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said to him: Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem, and have not known the things that have taken place there in these days? And he said to them: What things? They said to him: The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and in word before God and all the people; and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we trusted that it was he that was about to redeem Israel. And besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. And further, certain women of our company, who were early at the sepulcher, astonished us: for they found not his body, and came and told that they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. And some of those who were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even as the women had said, but him they saw not. And he said to them: inconsiderate, and slow of heart to believe all things that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning from Moses, and all the prophets, he explained to them, in all the Scriptures, the things concerning himself. And they drew near the village to which they were going; and he made as if he would go further. And they constrained him, saying: Remain with us, for it is near the evening, and the day has declined. And he went in to remain with them. And it came to pass, while he reclined at table with them, that he took bread and blessed; and he broke, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from them. And they said one to an other, Did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they arose the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven, and those who were with them, assembled, and saying: The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon. And they told what had taken place on the way, and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread. And while they were speaking of these things, Jesus him self stood in the midst of them, and said to them: Peace be to you. But they were terrified and frightened, and thought that they saw a spirit. And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have. And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they did not believe as yet for joy, and were astonished, he said to them: Have you any thing here to eat? And they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and of a honey comb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said to them: These are the words that I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled that are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then he opened their mind, that they might understand the scriptures, and he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus was it necessary that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day,
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment. And while they feared and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them: Why seek you among the dead for him that lives? He is not here, but he has risen; remember that he spoke to you while he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulcher, and told all these things to the eleven and to the rest. It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the others with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulcher, and stooping down, he saw the linen clothes lying by themselves; and he departed, wondering in himself at that which had come to pass. And, behold, two of them were going, on the same day, to a village called Emmaus, distant from Jerusalem sixty furlongs. And they were talking to one another about all these things which had taken place. And it came to pass, that, while they conversed and reasoned together, Jesus himself drew near, and went on with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not recognize him. And he said to them: What matters are these which you are discussing with one another as you walk and are sad? And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said to him: Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem, and have not known the things that have taken place there in these days? And he said to them: What things? They said to him: The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and in word before God and all the people; and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we trusted that it was he that was about to redeem Israel. And besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. And further, certain women of our company, who were early at the sepulcher, astonished us: for they found not his body, and came and told that they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. And some of those who were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even as the women had said, but him they saw not. And he said to them: inconsiderate, and slow of heart to believe all things that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning from Moses, and all the prophets, he explained to them, in all the Scriptures, the things concerning himself. And they drew near the village to which they were going; and he made as if he would go further. And they constrained him, saying: Remain with us, for it is near the evening, and the day has declined. And he went in to remain with them. And it came to pass, while he reclined at table with them, that he took bread and blessed; and he broke, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from them. And they said one to an other, Did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they arose the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven, and those who were with them, assembled, and saying: The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon. And they told what had taken place on the way, and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread. And while they were speaking of these things, Jesus him self stood in the midst of them, and said to them: Peace be to you. But they were terrified and frightened, and thought that they saw a spirit. And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have. And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they did not believe as yet for joy, and were astonished, he said to them: Have you any thing here to eat? And they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and of a honey comb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said to them: These are the words that I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled that are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then he opened their mind, that they might understand the scriptures, and he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus was it necessary that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day,
God » Wisdom of » Select readings
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
Of him we have many things to say, and difficult to be explained, if we do say them, since you are slow in understanding. For though you ought to be teachers, considering the time, yet you have need that some one teach you again what are the first elements of the oracles of God; and you have be come such as have need of milk, and not of strong food. For every one that partakes of milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. read more.
But strong food belongs to those who are of mature age, who, by use, have their internal senses exercised to the discerning of both good and evil.
But strong food belongs to those who are of mature age, who, by use, have their internal senses exercised to the discerning of both good and evil.
Therefore, omitting the elementary Christian teaching, let us go on to the perfection of Christian instruction, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the teaching with respect to immersions, and of the laying on of hands, of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal condemnation. And this we will do, if God permit. read more.
For it is impossible to renew again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away; since they again crucify in themselves the Son of God, and put him to an open shame. For the land which drinks up the rain that comes often upon it, and produces herbs suitable for those for whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God. But that which produces thorns and thistles is rejected, and is near the curse, the end of which is to be burned. But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, and of things that tend to salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work, and the love which you have shown for his name by having ministered to the saints, and by continuing to minister. But we desire every one of you to show the same diligence, in order to have your hope fully assured to the end: that you may not become slothful, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, saying: Most surely will I abundantly bless you, and abundantly multiply you. And so, when he had waited patiently, he received the promises. For, verily, men swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all contradiction.
For it is impossible to renew again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away; since they again crucify in themselves the Son of God, and put him to an open shame. For the land which drinks up the rain that comes often upon it, and produces herbs suitable for those for whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God. But that which produces thorns and thistles is rejected, and is near the curse, the end of which is to be burned. But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, and of things that tend to salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work, and the love which you have shown for his name by having ministered to the saints, and by continuing to minister. But we desire every one of you to show the same diligence, in order to have your hope fully assured to the end: that you may not become slothful, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, saying: Most surely will I abundantly bless you, and abundantly multiply you. And so, when he had waited patiently, he received the promises. For, verily, men swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all contradiction.
Heavenly » Home heavenly home the final dwelling place of the saints » Select readings
And I say to you, Make for yourselves friends with the unrighteous riches, that when you fail, you may be received into the everlasting habitations.
Importunity » Select readings
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them: "When you pray, say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us, day by day, the bread sufficient for our support; read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary, saying: There was in a certain city a judge, who neither feared God nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, and said: Avenge me on my opponent at law. read more.
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
Prayer » Select readings
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them: "When you pray, say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us, day by day, the bread sufficient for our support; read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary, saying: There was in a certain city a judge, who neither feared God nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, and said: Avenge me on my opponent at law. read more.
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
Select readings » The raising of lazarus
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus, of Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha her sister. It was the Mary that anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore his sisters sent to him, saying: Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went out to meet him; but Mary sat still in the house. read more.
Then Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that whatever thou wilt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus said to her: Your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him: I know that he will rise, in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and he that lives and believes on me, shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to him: Yes, Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying: The Teacher has come, and calls for you. When she heard it, she rose quickly and came to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews that were with her in the house, and were comforting her, seeing Mary rise and go out quickly, followed her, saying: She is going to the tomb to weep there. Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him: Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died. Then, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews that came with her weeping also, he was greatly moved in spirit, and troubled; and he said: Where have you laid him? They said to him: Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews: See how he loved him! And some of them said: Could not he, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died? Then Jesus, again greatly moved within himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was laid against it. Jesus said: Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to him: Lord, the body is offensive; for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her: Did I not tell you, that, if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted -up his eyes and said: Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. I know, in deed, that thou dost always hear me. But for the sake of the multitude who stand around me, I have said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound around with a handkerchief. Jesus said to them: Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews that had come to Mary, and who saw what he had done, believed on him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.
Then Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that whatever thou wilt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus said to her: Your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him: I know that he will rise, in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and he that lives and believes on me, shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to him: Yes, Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying: The Teacher has come, and calls for you. When she heard it, she rose quickly and came to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews that were with her in the house, and were comforting her, seeing Mary rise and go out quickly, followed her, saying: She is going to the tomb to weep there. Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him: Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died. Then, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews that came with her weeping also, he was greatly moved in spirit, and troubled; and he said: Where have you laid him? They said to him: Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews: See how he loved him! And some of them said: Could not he, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died? Then Jesus, again greatly moved within himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was laid against it. Jesus said: Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to him: Lord, the body is offensive; for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her: Did I not tell you, that, if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted -up his eyes and said: Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. I know, in deed, that thou dost always hear me. But for the sake of the multitude who stand around me, I have said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound around with a handkerchief. Jesus said to them: Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews that had come to Mary, and who saw what he had done, believed on him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.
Select readings » David's lament over absalom
Select readings » The betrayal of jesus by judas iscariot
And while he was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and came near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him: Judas, do you deliver up the Son of man with a kiss? When those who were about him saw what would be done, they said to him: Lord, shall we strike with the sword? read more.
And a certain one of them struck the servant of the chief priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said: Let this matter proceed thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests, and the captains of the temple, and the elders that had come against him: Have you come out with swords and clubs, as against a robber? While I was daily with you in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the authority of darkness. And they took him, and led him away, and brought him into the house of the chief priest. But Peter followed at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the court, and had sat down together, Peter sat down in the midst of them. And a certain maid-servant saw him sitting by the fire; and, looking intently at him, she said: This man also was with him. But he denied, saying: "Woman, I know him not. And after a little, another saw him, and said: You also are one of them. Peter replied: Man, I am not. And about one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean. But Peter said: Man, I know not what you say. And immediately, while he was speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, that he had said to him, Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
And a certain one of them struck the servant of the chief priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said: Let this matter proceed thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests, and the captains of the temple, and the elders that had come against him: Have you come out with swords and clubs, as against a robber? While I was daily with you in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the authority of darkness. And they took him, and led him away, and brought him into the house of the chief priest. But Peter followed at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the court, and had sat down together, Peter sat down in the midst of them. And a certain maid-servant saw him sitting by the fire; and, looking intently at him, she said: This man also was with him. But he denied, saying: "Woman, I know him not. And after a little, another saw him, and said: You also are one of them. Peter replied: Man, I am not. And about one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean. But Peter said: Man, I know not what you say. And immediately, while he was speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, that he had said to him, Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Select readings » The parable of the good samaritan
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up to tempt him, and said: Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him: What is written in the law? How do you read? He answered and said: You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with your whole strength, and with your whole understanding, and your neighbor as yourself. read more.
He said to him: You have answered correctly; do this, and you shall live. But, wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus: And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among; robbers, who stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and went away, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest went down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In like manner, also, a Levite, when he came to the place, went and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came near him; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. And he went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine; and he put him on his own beast, and carried him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him: Take care of him; and whatever you spend more, on my return, I will repay you. Which, then, of these three do you think was neighbor to him that fell among the robbers? He replied: He that showed mercy to him. Jesus said to him: Go, and do you likewise.
He said to him: You have answered correctly; do this, and you shall live. But, wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus: And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among; robbers, who stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and went away, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest went down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In like manner, also, a Levite, when he came to the place, went and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came near him; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. And he went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine; and he put him on his own beast, and carried him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him: Take care of him; and whatever you spend more, on my return, I will repay you. Which, then, of these three do you think was neighbor to him that fell among the robbers? He replied: He that showed mercy to him. Jesus said to him: Go, and do you likewise.
Select readings » Elijah's miraculous preservation
Select readings » The parable of the prodigal son
Then he said: A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of the property that falls to me. And he divided his estate between them. And not many days after, the younger son, taking with him all that was his, left home for a distant country, and there wasted his property in riotous living. read more.
When he had spent all, there was a great famine throughout that country, and he began to be in want. And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods which the swine did eat. And no one gave to him. But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I am perishing with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. And while he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion on him, and ran and fell upon his neck, and kissed him. But his son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it- on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again: he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. But his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called to him one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in health. And he was angry, and would not go in. Then his father went out and entreated him. But he answered and said to his father, Behold, for so many years do I serve you, and never have I transgressed your commandment, and yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this your son has come, Who has eaten up your estate with harlots, you have killed for him the fatted calf. And he said to him, Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours. But it became us to make merry and rejoice; for this your brother was dead, and is alive again: was lost, and is found.
When he had spent all, there was a great famine throughout that country, and he began to be in want. And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods which the swine did eat. And no one gave to him. But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I am perishing with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. And while he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion on him, and ran and fell upon his neck, and kissed him. But his son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it- on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again: he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. But his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called to him one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in health. And he was angry, and would not go in. Then his father went out and entreated him. But he answered and said to his father, Behold, for so many years do I serve you, and never have I transgressed your commandment, and yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this your son has come, Who has eaten up your estate with harlots, you have killed for him the fatted calf. And he said to him, Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours. But it became us to make merry and rejoice; for this your brother was dead, and is alive again: was lost, and is found.
Select readings » The brevity of life
Select readings » Paul on mars' hill
Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars hill, and said: Men of Athens, I perceive that in all respects your reverence for demons excels that of other men. For as I was passing through, and looking attentively at the objects of your worship, I dis covered also an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him I make known to you. God, who made the world, and all things that are in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; read more.
nor is he ministered to by the hands of men, as if he needed any thing: for he himself gives to all life, and breath, and all things: and he has made from one blood every nation of men, that they might dwell on all the face of the earth, having marked out their appointed times, and the bounds of their dwelling: that they might seek for God, if perhaps they would feel after him, and find him, although, indeed, he is not far from every one of us. For in him we live, and move, and have our being: as also some of your own poets have said: For we his offspring are. Therefore, being the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhood is like gold, or silver, or stone, sculptured by art and the device of man. Yet the times of this ignorance God overlooked; but now, he commands all men everywhere to repent: because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world, in righteousness, by the man whom he has chosen, giving to all assurance of this, by having raised him from the dead.
nor is he ministered to by the hands of men, as if he needed any thing: for he himself gives to all life, and breath, and all things: and he has made from one blood every nation of men, that they might dwell on all the face of the earth, having marked out their appointed times, and the bounds of their dwelling: that they might seek for God, if perhaps they would feel after him, and find him, although, indeed, he is not far from every one of us. For in him we live, and move, and have our being: as also some of your own poets have said: For we his offspring are. Therefore, being the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhood is like gold, or silver, or stone, sculptured by art and the device of man. Yet the times of this ignorance God overlooked; but now, he commands all men everywhere to repent: because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world, in righteousness, by the man whom he has chosen, giving to all assurance of this, by having raised him from the dead.
Select readings » Judah's defense
Select readings » Paul and silas in prison
And it came to pass, that as we were going to the house of prayer, there met us a certain maid-servant that had a spirit of Python, who brought much gain to her masters, by giving responses. She followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying: These men are the servants of the most High God, who show us the way of salvation. And this she continued to do for many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit: I command you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her. And it came out that very hour. read more.
And when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the market to the rulers. And having brought them to the magistrates, they said: These men, who are Jews, do greatly trouble our city; and they teach customs which it is not lawful for us, who are Romans, to receive or to observe. And the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates stripped off their clothes, and gave command to beat them with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, and charged the jailer to keep them securely. And having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung a hymn to God; and the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bonds were loosed. And the jailer, being aroused from sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword, and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled. But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying: Do yourself no harm, for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas; and, having brought them out, he said: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? They replied: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your house shall be saved. And they spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all that were in his house. And he took them at that hour of the night, and washed the blood from their stripes; and he was immersed, himself and all his, immediately. And he brought them into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced, believing in God, with all his house. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying: Release those men. And the jailer told these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent to release you. Now, therefore, come out, and go in peace. But Paul said to them: Having publicly scourged us uncondemned, us who are Romans, they threw us into prison: and do they now put us out secretly? No, verily: but let them come and lead us out. And the lictors told these words to the magistrates: and they were alarmed when they heard that they were Romans; and they came, and entreated them, and led them out,. and requested them to depart from the city. And having come out of the prison, they went into the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
And when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the market to the rulers. And having brought them to the magistrates, they said: These men, who are Jews, do greatly trouble our city; and they teach customs which it is not lawful for us, who are Romans, to receive or to observe. And the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates stripped off their clothes, and gave command to beat them with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, and charged the jailer to keep them securely. And having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung a hymn to God; and the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bonds were loosed. And the jailer, being aroused from sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword, and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled. But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying: Do yourself no harm, for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas; and, having brought them out, he said: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? They replied: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your house shall be saved. And they spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all that were in his house. And he took them at that hour of the night, and washed the blood from their stripes; and he was immersed, himself and all his, immediately. And he brought them into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced, believing in God, with all his house. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying: Release those men. And the jailer told these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent to release you. Now, therefore, come out, and go in peace. But Paul said to them: Having publicly scourged us uncondemned, us who are Romans, they threw us into prison: and do they now put us out secretly? No, verily: but let them come and lead us out. And the lictors told these words to the magistrates: and they were alarmed when they heard that they were Romans; and they came, and entreated them, and led them out,. and requested them to depart from the city. And having come out of the prison, they went into the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Select readings » The majesty of God
Select readings » Song of moses when pharaoh and his army were overthrown
Select readings » The deliverance of the israelites from pharaoh
Select readings » The prophetic blessing of zacharias
And Zachariah his father was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he has visited and redeemed his people; and he has raised up for us, in the house of David his servant, a horn of salvation, read more.
(as he spoke by the mouth of all his holy prophets of ancient times,) salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us, in order to show the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us, that being delivered from the hands of our enemies, we might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all our days. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you shall go before the face of the Lord, to make ready his ways, by giving to his people the knowledge of salvation in the remission of their sins, through the tender mercies of our God; by which the dawn from on high has visited us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, by guiding our feet in the way of peace. And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
(as he spoke by the mouth of all his holy prophets of ancient times,) salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us, in order to show the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us, that being delivered from the hands of our enemies, we might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all our days. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you shall go before the face of the Lord, to make ready his ways, by giving to his people the knowledge of salvation in the remission of their sins, through the tender mercies of our God; by which the dawn from on high has visited us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, by guiding our feet in the way of peace. And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
Select readings » Joseph revealing his identity
Select readings » Mankind in extremity
Select readings » Mary's magnificat
And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior; for he has looked upon the lowly condition of his handmaid. For, behold, from this time, all generations shall call me blessed; read more.
for He that is Mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name: and his mercy is from generation to generation upon those who fear him. He has done mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in the understanding of their hearts. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped Israel his servant, (as he spoke to our fathers,) by remembering his mercy to Abraham and to his posterity forever. And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
for He that is Mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name: and his mercy is from generation to generation upon those who fear him. He has done mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in the understanding of their hearts. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped Israel his servant, (as he spoke to our fathers,) by remembering his mercy to Abraham and to his posterity forever. And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Select readings » God's providence
Observe the birds of the air, that they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into granaries. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they? Which of you, by his anxiety, can add one span to his life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow: they toil not, nor do they spin. read more.
But I say to you, That Solomon, in all his glory, was not clothed like one of these. If then, God so clothes the herb of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith? Therefore, be not anxious, saying: What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, with what shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you in addition. Therefore, be not anxious about the morrow, for the morrow will have anxieties of its own. Sufficient for the day is its own evil.
But I say to you, That Solomon, in all his glory, was not clothed like one of these. If then, God so clothes the herb of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith? Therefore, be not anxious, saying: What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, with what shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you in addition. Therefore, be not anxious about the morrow, for the morrow will have anxieties of its own. Sufficient for the day is its own evil.
Select readings » Naaman the leper
Select readings » The resurrection of jesus Christ
And on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared; and with them came certain others. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher; and they entered in, but found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment. And while they feared and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them: Why seek you among the dead for him that lives? He is not here, but he has risen; remember that he spoke to you while he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulcher, and told all these things to the eleven and to the rest. It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the others with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulcher, and stooping down, he saw the linen clothes lying by themselves; and he departed, wondering in himself at that which had come to pass.
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment. And while they feared and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them: Why seek you among the dead for him that lives? He is not here, but he has risen; remember that he spoke to you while he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulcher, and told all these things to the eleven and to the rest. It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the others with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulcher, and stooping down, he saw the linen clothes lying by themselves; and he departed, wondering in himself at that which had come to pass.
Select readings » Wise and foolish builders
Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out demons, and in thy name done many mighty works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. read more.
Therefore, whoever hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, and the torrents came, and the winds blew, and they beat against that house, and it fell not: for it was founded on the rock. And every one that hears these words of mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the torrents came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was its fall.
Therefore, whoever hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, and the torrents came, and the winds blew, and they beat against that house, and it fell not: for it was founded on the rock. And every one that hears these words of mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the torrents came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was its fall.
Select readings » Peter on the day of pentecost
And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one consent in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a rushing, violent wind, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues like fire, which distributed them selves, and sat one on each of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem devout Jews, from every nation under heaven. When the report of this had gone abroad, the multitude came together; and they were perplexed, for each one heard them speak in his own language. They were amazed and astonished, and said one to another: Are not all these that are speaking, Galileans? And how is it that we hear, every one in our own language in which we were born Parthians and Modes and Elamites, and we who dwell in Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Gyrene, Roman residents, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians we hear them speaking, in our own tongues, the wonderful works of God? And they were all in amazement and doubt, and said, one to another: What can this mean? But others deriding, said: They are full of new wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said to them: Men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known to you, and give ear to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose: for it is the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And also on my servants and on my handmaids, I will pour out of my Spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass, that whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene, clearly pointed out to you as a man from God, by mighty deeds and wonders and signs, which God did by him in your midst, as you yourselves also know, him, delivered up by the fixed purpose and foreknowledge of God, you took, and with wicked hands did crucify and slay: whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held in subjection by it. For David speaks with reference to him: I saw the Lord always in my presence: for he is at my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue sang praise. Moreover, my flesh shall rest in hope; because thou wilt not leave my soul in hades, nor suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. Thou didst make known to me the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Brethren, I may say to you plainly of the patriarch David, that he died, and was buried, and his sepulcher is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that he would cause one from the fruit of his loins to sit on his throne; foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul was not left in hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus has God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from his Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. For David has not ascended into the heavens; but he himself says, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies thy footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made this same Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem devout Jews, from every nation under heaven. When the report of this had gone abroad, the multitude came together; and they were perplexed, for each one heard them speak in his own language. They were amazed and astonished, and said one to another: Are not all these that are speaking, Galileans? And how is it that we hear, every one in our own language in which we were born Parthians and Modes and Elamites, and we who dwell in Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Gyrene, Roman residents, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians we hear them speaking, in our own tongues, the wonderful works of God? And they were all in amazement and doubt, and said, one to another: What can this mean? But others deriding, said: They are full of new wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said to them: Men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known to you, and give ear to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose: for it is the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And also on my servants and on my handmaids, I will pour out of my Spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass, that whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene, clearly pointed out to you as a man from God, by mighty deeds and wonders and signs, which God did by him in your midst, as you yourselves also know, him, delivered up by the fixed purpose and foreknowledge of God, you took, and with wicked hands did crucify and slay: whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held in subjection by it. For David speaks with reference to him: I saw the Lord always in my presence: for he is at my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue sang praise. Moreover, my flesh shall rest in hope; because thou wilt not leave my soul in hades, nor suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. Thou didst make known to me the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Brethren, I may say to you plainly of the patriarch David, that he died, and was buried, and his sepulcher is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that he would cause one from the fruit of his loins to sit on his throne; foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul was not left in hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus has God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from his Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. For David has not ascended into the heavens; but he himself says, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies thy footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made this same Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Select readings » Elisha and the widow's oil
Select readings » Stephen's defense
And the chief priest said: Are these things so? He replied: Brethren and fathers, hear: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, while he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him: Get out from your land, and from your kindred, and come into a land that I will show you. read more.
Then he departed from the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran; and thence, after his father died, he removed into this land, in which you now dwell. And he gave him no inheritance in it, not a foot breadth: and yet he promised to give it for a possession to him, and to his posterity after him, when as yet he had no child. And God spoke thus: That his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, and they should enslave them and afflict them, for four hundred years. And the nation to which they shall be in bondage I will judge, said God; and after that, they shall come forth and serve me in this place. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and thus he begot Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, and delivered him from all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharoah, king of Egypt: and he made him governor over Egypt, and his whole house. And there came a famine, and great affliction on the whole land of Egypt, and of Chanaan: and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time: and, on their second visit, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and the kindred of Joseph were made known to Pharaoh. And Joseph sent and called to him his father Jacob, and all his kindred, seventy-five souls. And Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, himself and our fathers; and they were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulcher which Abraham bought for its value in silver, from the sons of Emmor, the father of Sychem. And as the time of the promise which God had made with an oath to Abraham drew near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, till another king arose, who knew not Joseph. He dealt insidiously with our race, and afflicted our fathers, so that they exposed their infants, in order that they might not live. At which time Moses was born; and he was exceedingly beautiful, and was nursed three months in his father's house. But having been exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up, and educated him as her own son. And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. When he had completed his fortieth year, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. And seeing one of them unjustly treated, he defended and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren would understand that, by his hand, God would give them salvation: but they under stood not. And on the next day he showed himself to them, as they were fighting, and endeavored to persuade them to peace, saying, Men, you are brothers: why do you injure one another? But he that was doing the injury to his neighbor, thrust him. away, saying, Who made you a ruler or a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday? And at that saying Moses fled, and became a resident in the land of Midian, where he begot two sons. And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight, and as he was drawing near to observe it, the voice of the Lord came to him: I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abra ham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not observe it. Then said the Lord to him: Loose your shoes from your feet; for the place in which you stand is holy ground. I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them; and now come, and I will send you into Egypt. This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, Who made you a ruler and a judge? him God sent as a ruler and as a redeemer, by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, after he had performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness, forty years. This is that Moses, who said to the sons of Israel, A prophet like me will the Lord your God raise up for you from among your brethren; him shall you hear. This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers; he received the living oracles, that he might give them to us. To him our fathers were not willing to be obedient; but they rejected him, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt, saying to Aaron: Make us gods that shall go be fore us; for, as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what has become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. But God turned and delivered them up to serve the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: Your victims and your sacrifices did you offer to me for forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel? Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your God Remphan, images which you made to worship; and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, built as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to build it, according to the pattern which he had seen: which our fathers, who were with Joshua, received by succession, and brought into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God continued to drive out from the face of our fathers till the -days of David, who found favor before God, and desired to find a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Yet the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands, as says the prophet: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What house will -you build me? says the Lord; or what is the place of my rest? Has not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart and in ears, you do always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so also do you. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? They slew also those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you have now become the betrayers and murderers; who received the law by the appointment of angels, and have not kepi, it. "When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts, and gnashed upon him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he looked earnestly up into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.
Then he departed from the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran; and thence, after his father died, he removed into this land, in which you now dwell. And he gave him no inheritance in it, not a foot breadth: and yet he promised to give it for a possession to him, and to his posterity after him, when as yet he had no child. And God spoke thus: That his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, and they should enslave them and afflict them, for four hundred years. And the nation to which they shall be in bondage I will judge, said God; and after that, they shall come forth and serve me in this place. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and thus he begot Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, and delivered him from all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharoah, king of Egypt: and he made him governor over Egypt, and his whole house. And there came a famine, and great affliction on the whole land of Egypt, and of Chanaan: and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time: and, on their second visit, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and the kindred of Joseph were made known to Pharaoh. And Joseph sent and called to him his father Jacob, and all his kindred, seventy-five souls. And Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, himself and our fathers; and they were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulcher which Abraham bought for its value in silver, from the sons of Emmor, the father of Sychem. And as the time of the promise which God had made with an oath to Abraham drew near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, till another king arose, who knew not Joseph. He dealt insidiously with our race, and afflicted our fathers, so that they exposed their infants, in order that they might not live. At which time Moses was born; and he was exceedingly beautiful, and was nursed three months in his father's house. But having been exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up, and educated him as her own son. And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. When he had completed his fortieth year, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. And seeing one of them unjustly treated, he defended and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren would understand that, by his hand, God would give them salvation: but they under stood not. And on the next day he showed himself to them, as they were fighting, and endeavored to persuade them to peace, saying, Men, you are brothers: why do you injure one another? But he that was doing the injury to his neighbor, thrust him. away, saying, Who made you a ruler or a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday? And at that saying Moses fled, and became a resident in the land of Midian, where he begot two sons. And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight, and as he was drawing near to observe it, the voice of the Lord came to him: I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abra ham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not observe it. Then said the Lord to him: Loose your shoes from your feet; for the place in which you stand is holy ground. I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them; and now come, and I will send you into Egypt. This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, Who made you a ruler and a judge? him God sent as a ruler and as a redeemer, by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, after he had performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness, forty years. This is that Moses, who said to the sons of Israel, A prophet like me will the Lord your God raise up for you from among your brethren; him shall you hear. This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers; he received the living oracles, that he might give them to us. To him our fathers were not willing to be obedient; but they rejected him, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt, saying to Aaron: Make us gods that shall go be fore us; for, as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what has become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. But God turned and delivered them up to serve the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: Your victims and your sacrifices did you offer to me for forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel? Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your God Remphan, images which you made to worship; and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, built as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to build it, according to the pattern which he had seen: which our fathers, who were with Joshua, received by succession, and brought into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God continued to drive out from the face of our fathers till the -days of David, who found favor before God, and desired to find a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Yet the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands, as says the prophet: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What house will -you build me? says the Lord; or what is the place of my rest? Has not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart and in ears, you do always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so also do you. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? They slew also those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you have now become the betrayers and murderers; who received the law by the appointment of angels, and have not kepi, it. "When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts, and gnashed upon him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he looked earnestly up into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.
Select readings » The beatitudes
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain; and when he had sat down, his disciples came to him; and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. read more.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Bless ed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness; for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are they that are persecuted on account of righteousness; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say every evil thing against you, falsely, on my account. Rejoice, and leap for joy; for great is your reward in heaven: for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has become tasteless, by what means shall it become salt again? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trod upon by men. You are the light of the world: a city that lies upon a mountain can not be hid: neither do men light a lamp and place it under the measure, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all that are in the house. In this way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Bless ed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness; for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are they that are persecuted on account of righteousness; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say every evil thing against you, falsely, on my account. Rejoice, and leap for joy; for great is your reward in heaven: for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has become tasteless, by what means shall it become salt again? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trod upon by men. You are the light of the world: a city that lies upon a mountain can not be hid: neither do men light a lamp and place it under the measure, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all that are in the house. In this way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Select readings » Old age
Select readings » The wrath of God
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United prayer » Select readings
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them: "When you pray, say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us, day by day, the bread sufficient for our support; read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary, saying: There was in a certain city a judge, who neither feared God nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, and said: Avenge me on my opponent at law. read more.
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
Unwise prayers » Select readings
And it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, that, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them: "When you pray, say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us, day by day, the bread sufficient for our support; read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And he said to them: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine, who is on a journey, has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is already closed, and my children and myself are in bed; I can not rise and give you. I say to you, Although he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, on account of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needs. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any one of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he, instead of a fish, give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If, then, you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spoke a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to become weary, saying: There was in a certain city a judge, who neither feared God nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, and said: Avenge me on my opponent at law. read more.
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
And for a while he refused. But afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet, because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him day and night, though he delay long in respect to them? I say to you, that he will avenge them speedily. Yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find the faith on the earth?
Wealth » Accumulation of » Select readings
And he spoke a parable to them, saying: The farm of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he reasoned within himself, saying: What shall I do? for I have no place in which I can store my fruits. And he said: This will I do: I will pull down my barns and I will build larger ones; and there I will store ail my produce, and my good things; read more.
and I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said to him: Senseless man, this night shall your soul be required of you; and who shall have the things which you have provided? So is he that lays up treasure for him self, and is not rich toward God.
and I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said to him: Senseless man, this night shall your soul be required of you; and who shall have the things which you have provided? So is he that lays up treasure for him self, and is not rich toward God.
There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every day. And there was a certain poor man named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, full of sores: and he would gladly have been fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. And even the dogs came and licked his sores. read more.
And it came to pass, that the poor man died, and was carried by angels to Abra ham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus iii his bosom. And he called to him and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that, in your lifetime, you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus his evil things. But now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that they that would pass hence to you, can not; nor can they that would, pass thence to us. Then he said, I beseech you, therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house; for I have five brothers; that he may earnestly admonish them, lest they also come to this place of torment. Abraham said to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, Not so, Father Abraham; but if one should go to them from the dead, they would repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded, though one should rise from the dead.
And it came to pass, that the poor man died, and was carried by angels to Abra ham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus iii his bosom. And he called to him and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that, in your lifetime, you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus his evil things. But now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that they that would pass hence to you, can not; nor can they that would, pass thence to us. Then he said, I beseech you, therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house; for I have five brothers; that he may earnestly admonish them, lest they also come to this place of torment. Abraham said to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, Not so, Father Abraham; but if one should go to them from the dead, they would repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded, though one should rise from the dead.