THE EPISTLE (For the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)
Thou, O Lord, wilt preserve us and keep us from this generation. Save me, O Lord, for the Godly man hath disappeared.
– The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (12:6-14) –
Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace that was given to us, let each use them accordingly: whether prophecy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of the faith; or ministry, let him give himself to the ministry; or the teacher, to the teaching; or he who exhorts, in the exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with simplicity; he who presides, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Love one another with brotherly affection; in honour preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
THE GOSPEL (For the Sixth Sunday of Matthew)
– The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (9:1-8) –
At that time, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to His own city. And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they marvelled, and they glorified God, Who had given such authority to men.
Bulletin August 04, 2024