DAILY READING

Friday, September 10, 2021

Reading (1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14)

[1] Paul, an apostle of Yeshua the Messiah by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Yeshua the Messiah, which is our hope;

[2] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Yeshua the Messiah our Lord.

[12] And I thank Yeshua the Messiah our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Yeshua the Messiah.

Gospel (Luke 6:39-42)

[39] And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

[40] The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

[41] And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

[42] Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

Thursday, September 09, 2021

Reading (Colossians 3:12-17)

[12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

[13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Messiah forgave you, so also do ye.

[14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

[16] Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Gospel (Luke 6:27-38)

[27] But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, [28] Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

[29] And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

[30] Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. [31] And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

[32] For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. [33] And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

[34] And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

[35] But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

[36] Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. [37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

[38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Wednesday, September 08, 2021

Reading (Romans 8:28-30)

[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

[29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

[30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Gospel (Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23)

[1] The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. [2] Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

[3] And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; [4] And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

[5] And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; [6] And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

[7] And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; [8] And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; [9] And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

[10] And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; [11] And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

[12] And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

[13] And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; [14] And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

[15] And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; [16] And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Yeshua who is called Messiah.

[18] Now the birth of Yeshua the Messiah was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Tuesday, September 07, 2021

Reading (Colossians 2:6-15)

[6] As ye have therefore received Yeshua the Messiah the Lord, so walk ye in him:

[7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

[8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah.

[9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah:

[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

[13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

[15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Gospel (Luke 6:12-19)

[12] And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

[13] And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

[14] Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

[15] Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

[16] And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

[17] And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

[18] And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

[19] And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Monday, September 06, 2021

Reading (Colossians 1:24 – 29; 2:1-3)

[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Messiah in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Messiah in you, the hope of glory:

[28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Yeshua the Messiah:

[29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

[2:1] For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

[2] That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Messiah;

[3] In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Gospel (Luke 6:6-11)

[6] And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

[7 ] And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

[8] But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

[9] Then said Yeshua unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

[10] And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

[11] And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Yeshua.

Sunday, September 05, 2021

First Reading (Isaiah 35:4-7)

[4] Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

[5] Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

[6] Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

[7] And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

Second Reading (James 2:1-5)

[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Gospel (Mark 7:31-37)

[31] And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

[32] And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

[33] And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

[34] And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

[35] And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

[36] And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

[37] And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Saturday, September 04, 2021

Reading (Colossians 1:21-23)

[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Gospel (Luke 6:1-5)

[1] And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

[2] And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

[3] And Yeshua answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

[4] How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

[5] And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Friday, September 03, 2021

Reading (Colossians 1:15-20)

[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Gospel (Luke 5:33-39)

[33] And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

[34] And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

[35] But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

[36] And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

[37] And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

[38] But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. [39] No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Thursday, September 02, 2021

Reading (Colossians 1:9-14)

[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Gospel (Luke 5:1-11)

[1] And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

[2] And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

[3] And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

[4] Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

[5] And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

[6] And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

[7] And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

[8] When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Yeshua’s knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

[9] For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

[10] And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

[11] And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Wednesday, September 01, 2021

Reading (Colossians 1:1-8)

[1] Paul, an apostle of Yeshua the Messiah by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

[2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Messiah which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

[3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, praying always for you,

[4] Since we heard of your faith in Yeshua the Messiah, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

[5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

[7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Messiah; [8 ] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Gospel (Luke 4:38-44)

[38] And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

[39] And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

[40] Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

[41] And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Messiah the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Messiah.

[42] And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

[43] And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. [44] And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11)

[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

[3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Yeshua the Messiah,

[10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. [11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Gospel (Luke 4:31-37)

[31] And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. [32] And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

[33] And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

[34] Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Yeshua of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

[35] And Yeshua rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

[36] And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

[37] And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

Monday, August 30, 2021

Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

[14] For if we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Yeshua will God bring with him.

[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Gospel (Luke 4:16-30)

[16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

[17] And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

[18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

[19] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. [20] And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

[21] And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. [22] And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

[23] And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. [24] And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

[25] But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

[26] But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

[27] And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. [28] And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

[29] And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. [30] But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

Sunday, August 29, 2021

First Reading (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8)

[1] Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you.

[2] Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

[6] Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

[7] For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

[8] And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Second Reading (James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27)

[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

[21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

[22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

[27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Gospel (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)

[1] Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

[2] And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

[3] For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

[4] And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

[5] Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

[6] He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

[7] Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

[8] For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

[14] And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

[15] There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

[21] For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

[22] Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: [23] All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:9-11)

[9] But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

[10] And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

[11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Gospel (Matthew 25.14-30)

[14] For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

[15] And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

[16] Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

[17] And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. [18] But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

[19] After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

[20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

[21] His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

[22] He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

[23] His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

[24] Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

[25] And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

[26] His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

[27] Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

[28] Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

[29] For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

[30] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Friday, August 27, 2021

Reading (1 Thessalonians 4.1-8)

[1] Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Yeshua, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

[2] For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Yeshua. [3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

[4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; [5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

[6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

[7] For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. [8] He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Gospel (Matthew 25.1-13)

[1] Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

[2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

[5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

[7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

[9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

[10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

[11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Reading (1 Thessalonians 3:7-13)

[7] Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: [8] For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

[9] For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

[10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

[11] Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, direct our way unto you.

[12] And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

[13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah with all his saints.

Gospel (Matthew 24:42-51)

[42] Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. [43] But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

[44] Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

[45] Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

[47] Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. [48] But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

[49] And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

[50] The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

[51] And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13)

[9] For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

[10] Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

[11] As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

[12] That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

[13] For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Gospel (Matthew 23:27-32)

[27] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

[28] Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

[29] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

[30] And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

[31] Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. [32] Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Reading (Revelation 21:9-14)

[9] And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

[10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

[11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

[12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

[13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

[14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Gospel (John 1:45-51)

[45] Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Yeshua of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

[46] And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

[47] Yeshua saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

[48] Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Yeshua answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

[49] Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

[50] Yeshua answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

[51] And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Monday, August 23, 2021

Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10)

[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[2] We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; [3] Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

[4] Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. [5] For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

[8] For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

[9] For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

[10] And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Yeshua, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Gospel (Matthew 23:13-22)

[13] But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

[14] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

[15] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

[16] Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! [17] Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

[18] And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. [19] Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

[20] Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. [21] And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. [22] And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Sunday, August 22, 2021

First Reading (Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18)

[1] And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

[2] And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

[15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

[16] And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;

[17] For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:

[18] And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God.

Second Reading (Ephesians 4:32; 5:1-2, 21-32)

[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Messiah’s sake hath forgiven you.

[5:1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. [22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Messiah is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Messiah, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Messiah and the church.

Gospel (John 6:53, 60-69)

[53] Then Yeshua said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

[60] Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? [61] When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

[62] What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? [63] It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

[64] But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

[65] And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

[66] From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. [67] Then said Yeshua unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

[68] Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. [69] And we believe and are sure that thou art that Messiah, the Son of the living God.

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Reading (Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17)

[1] And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

[2] And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

[3] And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

[8] Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

[9] Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

[10] Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

[11] And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

[4:13] So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.

[14] And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

[15] And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

[16] And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

[17] And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12)

[1] Then spake Yeshua to the multitude, and to his disciples, [2] Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

[3] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

[4] For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

[5] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

[6] And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, [7] And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

[8] But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

[10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. [11] But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

[12] And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Friday, August 20, 2021

Reading (Ruth 1:1-2, 3-6, 14-16, 22)

[1] Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

[2] And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

[3] And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

[4] And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

[5] And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

[6] Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.

[14] And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

[15] And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

[16] And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

[22] So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Gospel (Matthew 22:34-40)

[34] But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

[35] Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, [36] Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

[37] Yeshua said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.

[39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Reading (Judges 11:29-39a)

[29] Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.

[30] And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

[31] Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

[32] So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the Lord delivered them into his hands.

[33] And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

[34] And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

[35] And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back.

[36] And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the Lord hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.

[37] And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.

[38] And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.

[39] And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel,

Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14)

[1] And Yeshua answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, [2] The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, [3] And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

[4] Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

[5] But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: [6] And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

[7] But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

[8] Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. [9] Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

[10] So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

[11] And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

[12] And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. [13]

 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

[14] For many are called, but few are chosen.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Reading (Judges 9:6-15)

[6] And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.

[7] And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.

[8] The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.

[9] But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

[10] And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us. [11] But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

[12] Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us. [13] And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

[14] Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us.

[15] And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16a)

[1] For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

[2] And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

[4] And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

[5] Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

[7] They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

[8] So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

[9] And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

[10] But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

[11] And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

[12] Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

[13] But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

[14] Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. [15] Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

[16] So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Reading (Judges 6:11-24a)

[11] And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.

[12] And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

[13] And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

[14] And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

[15] And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.

[16] And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

[17] And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.

[18] Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.

[19] And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.

[20] And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

[21] Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.

[22] And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.

[23] And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. [24] Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Gospel (Matthew 19:23-30)

[23] Then said Yeshua unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

[24] And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

[25] When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

[26] But Yeshua beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

[27] Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

[28] And Yeshua said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

[29] And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

[30] But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Monday, August 16, 2021

Reading (Judges 2:11-19)

[11] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim:

[12] And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger.

[13] And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

[14] And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

[15] Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.

[16] Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.

[17] And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord; but they did not so.

[18] And when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

[19] And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Gospel (Matthew 19:16-22)

[16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

[17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

[18] He saith unto him, Which? Yeshua said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

[19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

[20] The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

[21] Yeshua said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

[22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Sunday, August 15, 2021

First Reading (Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10)

[19] And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

[12:1] And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

[2] And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

[3] And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

[4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

[5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

[6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

[10] And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Messiah: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:20-26)

[20] But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

[22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah’s at his coming.

[24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Gospel (Luke 1:39-56)

[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; [40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, [47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

[48] For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. [50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. [53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

[54] He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; [55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Reading (Joshua 24:14-29)

[14] Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

[15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

[16] And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;

[17] For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:

[18] And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God.

[19] And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

[20] If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

[21] And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. [22] And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.

[23] Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel.

[24] And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. [25] So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

[26] And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the Lord.

[27] And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

[28] So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance. [29] And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

Gospel (Matthew 19:13-15)

[13] Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

[14] But Yeshua said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

[15] And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Friday, August 13, 2021

Reading (Joshua 24:1-13)

[1] And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

[2] And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

[3] And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

[4] And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.

[5] I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.

[6] And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea.

[7] And when they cried unto the Lord, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season.

[8] And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you.

[9] Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

[10] But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

[11] And you went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

[12] And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

[13] And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.

Gospel (Matthew 19:3-12)

[3] The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

[4] And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

[5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

[6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

[7] They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

[8] He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

[9] And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

[10] His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. [11] But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

[12] For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Reading (Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17)

[7] And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

[8] And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.

[9] And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God.

[10] And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

[11] Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.

[13] And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

[14] And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;

[15] And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

[16] That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

[17] And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

Gospel (Matthew 18:21 – 19:1)

[21] Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Yeshua saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

[23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

[24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

[25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

[26] The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [27] Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

[29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

[31] So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

[32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

[33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? [34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

[35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

[19:1] And it came to pass, that when Yeshua had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Reading (Deuteronomy 34:1-12)

[1] And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

[2] And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea, [3] And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

[4] And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

[5] So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. [6] And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

[7] And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. [8] And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

[9] And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

[10] And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

[11] In all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land,

[12] And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.

Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20)

[15] Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

[16] But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

[17] And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

[18] Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

[19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 9:6-10)

[6] But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

[10] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Gospel (John 12:24-26)

[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

[25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

[26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Monday, August 09, 2021

Reading (Deuteronomy 10:12-22)

[12] And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

[13] To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

[14] Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.

[15] Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. [16] Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

[17] For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

[18] He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. [19] Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

[20] Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

[21] He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

[22] Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the Lord thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.

Gospel (Matthew 17:22-27)

[22] And while they abode in Galilee, Yeshua said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: [23] And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

[24] And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

[25] He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Yehsua prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

[26] Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Yeshua saith unto him, Then are the children free.

[27] Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Sunday, August 08, 2021

First Reading (1 Kings 19:4-8)

[4] But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

[5] And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

[6] And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

[7] And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

[8] And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

Second Reading (Ephesians 4:30 –32; 5:1-2)

[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

[5:1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Gospel (John 6:41-51)

[41] The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. [42] And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

[43] Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. [44] No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

[45] It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

[46] Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. [47] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

[48] I am that bread of life. [49] Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. [50] This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

[51] I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Saturday, August 07, 2021

Reading (Deuteronomy 6:4-13)

[4] Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: [5] And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. [6] And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

[7] And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

[8] And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. [9] And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

[10] And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

[11] And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

[12] Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. [13] Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Gospel (Matthew 17:14-20)

[14] And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, [15] Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

[16] And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. [17] Then Yeshua answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

[18] And Yeshua rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. [19] Then came the disciples to Yeshua apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

[20] And Yeshua said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Friday, August 06, 2021

Reading (Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14)

[9] I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

[10] A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

[13] I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

[14] And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-10)

[2] And after six days Yeshua taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

[3] And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. [4] And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Yeshua.

[5] And Peter answered and said to Yeshua, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. [6] For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

[7] And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

[8] And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Yeshua only with themselves.

[9] And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

[10] And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

Thursday, August 05, 2021

Reading (Numbers 20.1-13)

[1] Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

[2] And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

[3] And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!

[4] And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?

[5] And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.

[6] And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them.

[7] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

[8] Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

[9] And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.

[10] And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

[11] And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

[12] And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

[13] This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in them.

Gospel (Matthew 16.13-23)

[13] When Yeshua came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

[1]5 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

[17] And Yeshua answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

[19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

[20] Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Yeshua the Messiah.

[21] From that time forth began Yeshua to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

[22] Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

[23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Wednesday, August 04, 2021

Reading (Numbers 13:1-2, 25-33; 14:1-2b, 26-29, 34-35)

[1] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.

[25] And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. [26] And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.

[27] And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

[28] Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

[29] The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

[30] And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. [31] But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

[32] And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

[33] And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

[14:1] And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. [2] And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!

[26] And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, [27] How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

[28] Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: [29] Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me.

[34] After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

[35] I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

Gospel (Matthew 15:21-28)

[21] Then Yeshua went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

[23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. [24] But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

[25] Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. [26] But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.

[27] And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. [28] Then Yeshua answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Reading (Numbers 12:1-13)

[1] And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

[2] And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it. [3] (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

[4] And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

[5] And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

[6] And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. [7] My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

[8] With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

[9] And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed. [10] And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

[11] And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

[12] Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. [13] And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

Gospel (Matthew 14.22-36)

[22] And straightway Yeshua constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

[23] And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. [24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Yeshua went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

[27] But straightway Yeshua spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

[29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Yeshua. [30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

[31] And immediately Yeshua stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? [32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

[33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. [34] And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

[35] And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

[36] And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Monday, August 02, 2021

Reading (Numbers 11:4b-15)

[4] And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

[5] We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:

[6] But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. [7] And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium.

[8] And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

[9] And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it. [10] Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

[11] And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?

[12] Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

[13] Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. [14] I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

[15] And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

[13] When Yeshua heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

[14] And Yeshua went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

[15] And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

[16] But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. [17] And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. [18] He said, Bring them hither to me.

[19] And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

[20] And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. [21] And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Sunday, August 01, 2021

First Reading (Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15, 31a)

[2] And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

[3] And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

[4] Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

[12] I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.

[13] And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

[14] And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

[15] And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.

[31] And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

Second Reading (Ephesians 4:17, 20-24)

[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, [20] But ye have not so learned Messiah;

[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Yeshua: [22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Gospel (John 6:24-35)

[24] When the people therefore saw that Yeshua was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Yeshua.

[25] And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

[26] Yeshua answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

[27] Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

[28] Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? [29] Yeshua answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

[30] They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

[31] Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. [32] Then Yeshua said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

[33] For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. [34] Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

[35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Reading (Leviticus 25:1, 8-17)

[1] And the Lord spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying, [8] And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.

[9] Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.

[10] And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

[11] A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed.

[12] For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field. [13] In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession.

[14] And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour’s hand, ye shall not oppress one another: [15] According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of years of the fruits he shall sell unto thee:

[16] According to the multitude of years thou shalt increase the price thereof, and according to the fewness of years thou shalt diminish the price of it: for according to the number of the years of the fruits doth he sell unto thee.

[17] Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the Lord your God.

Gospel (Matthew 14:1-12)

[1] At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Yeshua, [2] And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

[3] For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife.

[4] For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. [5] And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. [6] But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

[7] Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. [8] And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.

[9] And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. [10] And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

[11] And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. [12] And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Yeshua.

Friday, July 30, 2021

Reading (Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37)

[1] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [4] These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. [5] In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord’s passover.

[6] And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. [7] In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

[8] But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

[9] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [10] Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:

[11] And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. [15] And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:

[16] Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the Lord.

[27] Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.

[34] Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. [35] On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

[36] Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.

[37] These are the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:

Gospel (Matthew 13:54-58)

[54] And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

[55] Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

[56] And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

[57] And they were offended in him. But Yeshua said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

[58] And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Reading (Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38)

[16] Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he. [17] And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.

[18] And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.

[19] And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the Lord commanded Moses. [20] And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

[21] And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the Lord commanded Moses.

[34] Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

[35] And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

[36] And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: [37] But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

[38] For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

Gospel (John 11:17-27)

[17] Then when Yeshua came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. [18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

[19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. [20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Yeshua was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

[21] Then said Martha unto Yeshua, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

[23] Yeshua saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

[25] Yeshua said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

[27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Reading (Exodus 34:29-35)

[29] And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

[30] And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

[31] And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.

[32] And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai.

[33] And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

[34] But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

[35] And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Gospel (Matthew 13:44-46)

[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

[46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Reading (Exodus 33:7-11; 34:4b-9, 28)

[7] And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.

[8] And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.

[9] And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

[10] And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.

[11] And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Gospel (Matthew 13:36-43)

[36] Then Yeshua sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

[37] He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

[38] The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

[39] The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

[40] As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

[41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

42] And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

[43] Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Monday, July 26, 2021

Reading (Sirach 44:1, 8, 10-15)

[1] Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations. [8] There are some of them who have left a name, so that men declare their praise.

[10] But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; [11] their prosperity will remain with their descendants, and their inheritance to their children’s children.

[12] Their descendants stand by the covenants; their children also, for their sake. [13] Their posterity will continue for ever, and their glory will not be blotted out.

[14] Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations. [15] Peoples will declare their wisdom, and the congregation proclaims their praise.

Gospel (Matthew 13:16-17)

[16] But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

[17] For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Sunday, July 25, 2021

First Reading (2 Kings 4:42-44)

[42] And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

[43] And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the Lord, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof.

[44] So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the Lord.

Second Reading (Ephesians 4:1-6)

[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Gospel (John 6:1-15)

[1] After these things Yeshua went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. [2] And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

[3] And Yeshua went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. [4] And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

[5] When Yeshua then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? [6] And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

[7] Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. [8] One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,

[9] There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? [10] And Yeshua said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

[11] And Yeshua took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

[12] When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

[13] Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

[14] Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Yeshua did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. [15] When Yeshua therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Reading (Exodus 24:3-8)

[3]And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.

[4] And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

[5] And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord.

[6] And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

[7] And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.

[8] And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.

Gospel (Matthew 13:24-30)

[24] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

[25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

[26] But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

[27] So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

[28] He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

[29] But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

[30] Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Friday, July 23, 2021

Reading (Exodus 20:1-17)

[1] And God spake all these words, saying, [2] I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

[4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

[5] Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

[6] And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. [7] Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

[8] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [10] But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

[11] For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

[12] Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. [13] Thou shalt not kill. [14] Thou shalt not commit adultery. [15] Thou shalt not steal.

[16] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. [17] Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

Gospel (Matthew 13:18-23)

[18] Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. [19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.

This is he which received seed by the way side. [20] But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

[21] Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

[22] He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

[23] But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Reading (Song of Songs 3:1-4a)

[1] By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. [1] I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

[3] The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

[4] It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

Gospel (John 20:1, 11-18)

[11] But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, [12] And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Yeshua had lain.

[13] And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. [14] And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Yeshua standing, and knew not that it was Yeshua.

[15] Yeshua saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

[16] Yeshua saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. [17] Yeshua saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

[18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Reading (Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15)

[1]And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

[2] And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

[3] And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

[4] Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

[5] And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. [9] And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings.

[10] And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

[11] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [12] I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.

[13] And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

[14] And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

[15] And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9)

[1] The same day went Yeshua out of the house, and sat by the sea side. [2] And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

[3] And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; [4] And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

[5] Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: [6] And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: [8] But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. [9] Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Reading (Exodus 14:21–31; 15:1, 20-21)

[21]And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. [22] And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

[23] And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

[24] And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, [25] And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

[26] And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

[27] And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

[28] And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. [29] But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

[30] Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. [31] And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

[15:1] Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

[20] And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

[21] And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Gospel (Matthew 12:46 -50)

[46] While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

[47] Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

[48] But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

[49] And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

[50] For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Reading (Exodus 14:5-18)

[5]And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

[6] And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: [7] And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

[8] And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

[9] But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

[10] And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.

[11] And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

[12] Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

 [13] And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

[14] The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. [15] And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

[16] But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

[17] And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

[18] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Gospel (Matthew 12:38-42)

[38] Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

[39] But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

[40] For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

[41] The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

[42] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Sunday, July 18, 2021

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:1-6)

[1]Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. [2] Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.

[3] And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

[4] And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.

[5] Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

[6] In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.

Second Reading (Ephesians 2:13-18)

[13]But now in Yeshua the Messiah [Christ Jesus] ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Messiah [Christ].

[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Gospel (Mark 6:30-34)

[30] And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Yeshua [Jesus], and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

[31] And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

[32] And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. [33] And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

[34] And Yeshua [Jesus], when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Reading (Exodus 12:37-42)

[37]And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. [38] And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.

[39] And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.

[40] Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

[41] And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.

[42] It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

Gospel (Matthew 12:14-21)

[14] Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. [15] But when Yeshua knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

[16] And charged them that they should not make him known: [17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, [18] Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

[19] He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. [21] And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Friday, July 16, 2021

Reading (Exodus 11:10; 12:1-14)

[10] And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

[12:1] And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying, [2] This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. [3] Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:

[4] And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

[5] Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

[6] And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

[7] And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

[8] And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

[9] Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

[10] And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

[11] And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.

[12] For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.

[13] And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

[14] And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Gospel (Matthew 12:1-8)

[1] At that time Yeshua went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.

[2] But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

[3] But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him; [4] How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

[5] Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? [6] But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. [

7] But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. [8] For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Reading (Exodus 3:13-20)

[13]And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

[14] And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

[15] And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

[16] Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:

[17] And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

[18] And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.

[19] And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. [20] And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

Gospel (Matthew 11:28-30)

[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Reading (Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12)

[1]Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

[2] And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

[3] And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.[4] And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses.

And he said, Here am I. [5] And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

[6] Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

[9] Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

[10] Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

[10] And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

[12] And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Gospel (Matthew 11:25-27)

[25] At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

[26] Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. [27] All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Reading (Exodus 2:1-15a)

[1]And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. [2] And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

[3] And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. [4] And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

[5] And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.

[6] And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.

[7] Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

[8] And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. [9] And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages.

And the women took the child, and nursed it. [10] And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

[11] And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

[12] And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

[13] And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

[14] And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

[15] Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

Gospel (Matthew 11:20-24)

[20] Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: [21] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

[22] But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

[23] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [

24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

Monday, July 12, 2021

Reading (Exodus 1:8-14, 22)

[8] Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. [9] And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

[10]Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

[11] Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. [12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.

And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. [13] And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:

[14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

[22] And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Gospel (Matthew 10:34 – 42; 11:1)

[34] Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

[36] And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. [37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

[38] And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. [39] He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

[40] He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. [41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

[42] And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. [11:1] And it came to pass, when Yeshua had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

Sunday, July 11, 2021

First Reading (Amos 7:12-15)

[12]Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: [13] But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court.

[14] Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: ]15] And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:3-14)

[3]Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Messiah:

[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Yeshua the Messiah to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

[10] That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Messiah, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Messiah.

[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Gospel (Mark 6:7-13)

[7] And Yeshua called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; [8] And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:

[9] But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.[10] And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

[11] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

[12] And they went out, and preached that men should repent. [13] And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Reading (Genesis 49:29-31, 33; 50:15-26)

[29]And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, [30] In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.

[31] There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.  [33] And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

[15] And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

[16] And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, [17] So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.

And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. [18] And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. [19] And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

[20] But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. [21] Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.

And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. [22] And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

[23] And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees.

[24] And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

[25] And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

[26] So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Gospel (Matthew 10:24-33)

[24] The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. [25] It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

[26] Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [37] What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

[28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

[30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

[32] Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Friday, July 09, 2021

Reading (Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30)

[1]And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. [2] And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

[3] And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: [4] I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

[5] And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

[6] And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him: [7]His sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.

[28] And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

[29] And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. [30] And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.

Gospel (Matthew 10:16-23)

[16] Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

[17] But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; [18] And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

[19] But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. [20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

[21] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

[22] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

[23] But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Thursday, July 08, 2021

Reading (Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5)

[18]Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.

[19] My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother? [20] And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

[21] And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. [23] And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

[24] And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. [25] And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food. [26] And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man’s face, except our youngest brother be with us.

[27] And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons: [28] And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since:

[29] And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

[45:1] Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

[2] And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. [3] And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.

[4] And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. [5] Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Gospel (Matthew 10:7-15)

[7] And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. [8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

[9] Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [10] Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

[11] And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. [12] And when ye come into an house, salute it.

[13] And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

[14] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

[15] Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Wednesday, July 07, 2021

Reading (Genesis 41:55-57; 42.5-7a, 17-24)

[55]And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.

[56] And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. 

[57] And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands. [42:5] And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

[6] And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.

[7] And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.

[17] And he put them all together into ward three days. [18] And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: [19] If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:

[20] But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. [21] And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

[22] And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

[23] And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. [24] And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.

Gospel (Matthew 10:1-7)

[1] And when Yeshua had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

[2] Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; [3] Philip, and Bartholomew;

Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; [4] Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

[5] These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: [6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Tuesday, July 06, 2021

Reading (Genesis 32:22-32)

[22] And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. [23] And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.

[24] And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. [25] And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

[26] And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. [27] And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

[28] And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. [29] And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.

And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. [30] And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

[31] And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. [32] Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.

Gospel (Matthew 9:32-38)

[32] As they went out, behold, they brought to Yeshua a dumb man possessed with a devil. [33] And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

[34] But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. [35] And Yeshua went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

[36] But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

[37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Monday, July 05, 2021

Reading (Genesis 28:10-22a)

[10]And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. [11] And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

[12] And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

[13] And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

[14] And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

[15] And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

[16] And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. [17] And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

[18] And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. [19] And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

[20] And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, [21] So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:

[22] And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Gospel (Matthew 9:18-26)

[18] While Yeshua spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

[19] And Yeshua arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. [20] And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

[21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [22] But Yeshua turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

[23] And when Yeshua came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, [24] He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

[25] But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. [26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Sunday, July 04, 2021

First Reading (Ezekiel 2:3-5)

[3] And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

[4] For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God.

[5] And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Messiah may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Messiah’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Gospel (Mark 6:1-6)

[1] And Yeshua went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

[2] And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

[3] Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

[4] But Yeshua, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

[5] And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. [6] And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Saturday, July 03, 2021

Reading (Ephesians 2:19-22)

[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yeshua the Messiah himself being the chief corner stone;

[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Gospel (John 20:24-29)

[24] But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Yeshua came. [25] The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

[26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Yeshua, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

[27]] Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

[28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. [29] Yeshua saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Friday, July 02, 2021

Reading (Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67)

[1] And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. [2] And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

[3] And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, [4] I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burying place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.

[19] And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan. [24:1] And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.

[2] And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: [3] And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

[4] But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. [5] And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

[6] And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. [7] The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.

[8] And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. [62] And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.

[32] And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. [64] And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

[65] For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. [66] And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.

[67] And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Gospel (Matthew 9:9-13)

[9] And as Yeshua passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. [10] And it came to pass, as Yeshua sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

[11] And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? [12] But when Yeshua heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

[13] But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Thursday, July 01, 2021

Reading (Genesis 22:1-19)

[1] And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. [2] And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

[3] And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

[4] Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. [5] And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

[6] And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. [7] And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son.

And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? [8] And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

[9] And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. [10] And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

[11] And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. [12] And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

[13] And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

[14] And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

[15] And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, [16] And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

[17] That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

[18] And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. [19] So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.

Gospel (Matthew 9:1-8)

[1] And Yeshua entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. [2] And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Yeshua seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

[3] And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. [4] And Yeshua knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? [5] For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

[6] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

[7] And he arose, and departed to his house. [8] But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Reading (Genesis 21:5, 8-20)

[5] And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. [8] And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. [9] And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

[10] Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. [11] And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.

[12] And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

[13] And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed. [14] And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

[15] And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. [16] And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child.

And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. [17] And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

[18] Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. [19] And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. [20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

Gospel (Matthew 8:28-34)

[28] And when Yeshua was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

[29] And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Yeshua, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? [30] And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

[31] So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. [32] And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

[33] And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told everything, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. [34] And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Yeshua: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

First Reading (Acts 12:1-11)

[1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. [20] And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. [3] And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

[4] And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. [5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

[6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. [7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly.

And his chains fell off from his hands. [8] And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. [9] And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

[10] When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

[11] And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18)

[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

[17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. [18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-19)

[13] When Yeshua came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? [14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Yeshua answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Monday, June 28, 2021

Reading (Genesis 18:16-33)

[16] And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. [17] And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

[18] Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

[19] For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

[20] And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; [21] I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

[22] And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord. [23] And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

[24] Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

[25] That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

[26] And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

[27] And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: [28] Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five?

And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. [29] And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.

[30] And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

[31] And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.

[32] And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. [33] And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

Gospel (Matthew 8:18-22)

[18] Now when Yeshua saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

[19] And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. [20] And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

[21] And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [22] But Yeshua said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Sunday, June 27, 2021

First Reading (Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24)

[13] God did not invent death, and when living creatures die, it gives him no pleasure. [14] He created everything so that it might continue to exist, and everything he created is wholesome and good.

There is no deadly poison in them. No, death does not rule this world, [15] for God’s justice does not die. [2:23] When God created us, he did not intend for us to die; he made us like himself.

[24] It was the Devil’s jealousy that brought death into the world, and those who belong to the Devil are the ones who will die.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15)

[7] Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: [14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

[15] As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Gospel (Mark 5:21-43)

[21] And when Yeshua was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

[22] And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, [23] And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

[24] And Yeshua went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. [25] And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, [26] And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

[27] When she had heard of Yeshua, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. [28] For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. [29] And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

[30] And Yeshua, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? [31] And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

[32] And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. [33] But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

[34] And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. [35] While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

[36] As soon as Yeshua heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. [37] And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

[38] And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. [39] And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

[40] And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. [41]

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. [42] And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years.

And they were astonished with a great astonishment. [43] And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Reading (Genesis 18:1-15)

[1] And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; [2] And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

[3] And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: [4] Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

[5] And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant.

And they said, So do, as thou hast said. [6] And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.

 [7] And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. [8] And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

[9] And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. [10] And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.

And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. [11] Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

[12] Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? [13] And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

[14] Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. [15] Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Gospel (Matthew 8:5-17)

[5] And when Yeshua was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, [6] And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. [7] And Yeshua saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

[8] The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

[9] For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

[10] When Yeshua heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. [11] And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

[12] But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [13] And Yeshua said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.

And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. [14] And when Yeshua was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. [15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: [17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Friday, June 25, 2021

Reading (Genesis 17:1, 5, 9-10, 15-22)

[1] And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

[5] Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. [9] And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

[10] This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. [15] And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.

[16] And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

[17] Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

[18] And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! [19] And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

[20] And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

[21] But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. [22] And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

Gospel (Matthew 8.1-4)

[1] When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. [2] And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

[3] And Yeshua put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

[4] And Yeshua saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Thursday, June 24, 2021

First Reading (Isaiah 49:1-6)

[1] Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

[2] And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; [3] And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

[4] Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.

[5] And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.

[6] And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Second Reading (Acts 13:22-26)

[22] And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

[23] Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Messiah, Yeshua: [24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

[25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. [26] Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

Gospel (Luke 1:57-66, 80)

[57] Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. [58] And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

[59] And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. [60] And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

[61] And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. [62] And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. [63] And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John.

And they marvelled all. [64] And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. [65] And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

[66] And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. [80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

[1] After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. [2] And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

[3] And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. [4] And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

[5] And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. [6] And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

[7] And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. [8] And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

[9] And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. [10] And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

[11] And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. [12] And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

[17] And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. [18] In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Gospel (Matthew 7:15-20)

[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

[19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Reading (Genesis 13:2, 5-18)

[2] And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. [5] And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. [6] And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

[7] And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. [8] And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.

[9] Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

[10] And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

[11] Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. [12] Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.

[13] But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. [14] And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:

[15] For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. [16] And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

[17] Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. [18] Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord.

Gospel (Matthew 7:6, 12-14)

[12] Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

[13] Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Monday, June 21, 2021

Reading (Genesis 12:1-9)

[1] Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: [3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

[4] So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

[5] And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

[6] And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. [7] And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.

[8] And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. [9] And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

Gospel (Matthew 7:1-5)

[1] Judge not, that ye be not judged. [2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

[3] And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

[4] Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

[5] Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Sunday, June 20, 2021

First Reading (Job 38:1-4, 8-11)

[1] Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, [2] Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

[3] Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. [4] Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

[8] Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? [9] When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, [10] And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,

[11] And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:14-17)

[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: [15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

[16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. [17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

[35] And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. [36] And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

[37] And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. [38] And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

[39] And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. [40] And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

[41] And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

[1] I have to boast. There is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. [2] I know a man in union with the Messiah who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the third heaven; whether he was in the body or outside the body I don’t know, God knows.

[3] And I know that such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I don’t know, God knows —  [4] was snatched into Gan-‘Eden and heard things that cannot be put into words, things unlawful for a human being to utter.

[5] About such a man I will boast; but about myself I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. [6] If I did want to boast, I would not be foolish; because I would be speaking the truth.

But, because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what my words or deeds may warrant. [7] Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited.

[8] Three times I begged the Lord to take this thing away from me; [9] but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in weakness.” Therefore, I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses, in order that the Messiah’s power will rest upon me.

[10] Yes, I am well pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties endured on behalf of the Messiah; for it is when I am weak that I am strong.

Gospel (Matthew 6:24-34)

[24] No one can be slave to two masters; for he will either hate the first and love the second, or scorn the second and be loyal to the first. You can’t be a slave to both God and money.

[25] “Therefore, I tell you, don’t worry about your life — what you will eat or drink; or about your body — what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?

[26] Look at the birds flying about! They neither plant nor harvest, nor do they gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they are? [27] Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to his life?

[28] “And why be anxious about clothing? Think about the fields of wild irises, and how they grow. They neither work nor spin thread, [29] yet I tell you that not even Shlomo in all his glory was clothed as beautifully as one of these.

[30] If this is how God clothes grass in the field — which is here today and gone tomorrow, thrown in an oven — won’t he much more clothe you? What little trust you have! [31] “So don’t be anxious, asking, ‘What will we eat?,’ ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘How will we be clothed?’

[32] For it is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. [33] But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

[34] Don’t worry about tomorrow — tomorrow will worry about itself! Today has enough tsuris already!

Friday, June 18, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 11:18, 21b-30)

[18] Since many people boast in a worldly way, I too will boast this way. [21] To my shame, I must admit that we have been too “weak” to do such things! But if anyone dares to boast about something — I’m talking like a fool! — I am just as daring.

[22] Are they Hebrew-speakers? So am I. Are they of the people of Isra’el? So am I. Are they descendants of Avraham? So am I. [23] Are they servants of the Messiah? (I’m talking like a madman!)

I’m a better one! I’ve worked much harder, been imprisoned more often, suffered more beatings, been near death over and over. [24] Five times I received “forty lashes less one” from the Jews. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

[26] In my many travels I have been exposed to danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the desert, danger at sea, danger from false brothers.

[27] I have toiled and endured hardship, often not had enough sleep, been hungry and thirsty, frequently gone without food, been cold and naked. [28] And besides these external matters, there is the daily pressure of my anxious concern for all the congregations.

[29] Who is weak without my sharing his weakness? Who falls into sin without my burning inside? [3] If I must boast, I will boast about things that show how weak I am.

Gospel (Matthew 6:19-23)

[19] “Do not store up for yourselves wealth here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and burglars break in and steal. [20] Instead, store up for yourselves wealth in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and burglars do not break in or steal.

[21] For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also. [22] ‘The eye is the lamp of the body.’ So if you have a ‘good eye’ [that is, if you are generous] your whole body will be full of light; [23] but if you have an ‘evil eye’ [if you are stingy] your whole body will be full of darkness.

If, then, the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 11:1-11)

[1] I would like you to bear with me in a little foolishness — please do bear with me! [2] For I am jealous for you with God’s kind of jealousy; since I promised to present you as a pure virgin in marriage to your one husband, the Messiah; [3] and I fear that somehow your minds may be seduced away from simple and pure devotion to the Messiah, just as Havah was deceived by the serpent and his craftiness.

[4] For if someone comes and tells you about some other Yeshua than the one we told you about, or if you receive a spirit different from the one you received or accept some so-called “good news” different from the Good News you already accepted, you bear with him well enough!

[5] For I don’t consider myself in any way inferior to these “super-emissaries.” [6] I may not be a skilled speaker, but I do have the knowledge; anyhow, we have made this clear to you in every way and in every circumstance.

[7] Or did I sin in humbling myself so that you could be exalted, in proclaiming God’s Good News to you free of charge? [8] I robbed other congregations by accepting support from them in order to serve you.

[9] And when I was with you and had needs, I did not burden anyone: my needs were met by the brothers who came from Macedonia. In nothing have I been a burden to you, nor will I be.

[10] The truthfulness of the Messiah is in me, so that this boast concerning me is not going to be silenced anywhere in Achaia. [11] Why won’t I ever accept your support? Is it that I don’t love you? God knows I do!

Gospel (Matthew 6:7-15)

[7] “And when you pray, don’t babble on and on like the pagans, who think God will hear them better if they talk a lot. [8] Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

[9] You, therefore, pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven! May your Name be kept holy. [10] May your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. [11] Give us the food we need today.

[12] Forgive us what we have done wrong, as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us. [13] And do not lead us into hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. For kingship, power and glory are yours forever. Amen.’ [

14] For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; [15] but if you do not forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will not forgive yours.

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)

[6] Here’s the point: he who plants sparingly also harvests sparingly. [7] Each should give according to what he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

[8] Moreover, God has the power to provide you with every gracious gift in abundance, so that always in every way you will have all you need yourselves and be able to provide abundantly for every good cause — [9] as the Tanakh says, “He gave generously to the poor; his tzedakah lasts forever.”

[10] He who provides both seed for the planter and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your tzedakah. [11] You will be enriched in every way, so that you can be generous in everything. And through us your generosity will cause people to thank God,

Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)

[1] “Be careful not to parade your acts of tzedakah in front of people in order to be seen by them! If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

[2] So, when you do tzedakah, don’t announce it with trumpets to win people’s praise, like the hypocrites in the synagogues and on the streets. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already! [3] But you, when you do tzedakah, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

[4] Then your tzedakah will be in secret; and your Father, who sees what you do in secret, will reward you. [5] “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites, who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on street corners, so that people can see them.

Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already! [6] But you, when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

[16] “Now when you fast, don’t go around looking miserable, like the hypocrites. They make sour faces so that people will know they are fasting. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already!

[17] But you, when you fast, wash your face and groom yourself, [18] so that no one will know you are fasting — except your Father, who is with you in secret. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 8:1-9)

[1] Now, brothers, we must tell you about the grace God has given the congregations in Macedonia. [2] Despite severe trials, and even though they are desperately poor, their joy has overflowed in a wealth of generosity.

[3] I tell you they have not merely given according to their means, but of their own free will they have given beyond their means. [4] They begged and pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service for God’s people.

[5] Also, they didn’t do this in the way we had expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord, which means, by God’s will, to us. [6] All this has led us to urge Titus to bring this same gracious gift to completion among you, since he has already made a beginning of it.

[7] Just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in diligence of every kind, and in your love for us — see that you excel in this gift too. [8] I am not issuing an order; rather, I am testing the genuineness of your love against the diligence of others.

[9] For you know how generous our Lord Yeshua the Messiah was — for your sakes he impoverished himself, even though he was rich, so that he might make you rich by means of his poverty.

Gospel (Matthew 5:43-48)

[43] “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Love your neighbor — and hate your enemy.’ 44] But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

[45] Then you will become children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun shine on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike. [46] What reward do you get if you love only those who love you? Why, even tax-collectors do that!

[47] And if you are friendly only to your friends, are you doing anything out of the ordinary? Even the Goyim do that! [48] Therefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Monday, June 14, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 6.1-10)

[1] As God’s fellow-workers we also urge you not to receive his grace and then do nothing with it. [2] For he says, “At the acceptable time I heard you; in the day of salvation I helped you.”[3] We try not to put obstacles in anyone’s path, so that no one can find fault with the work we do.

[4] On the contrary, we try to commend ourselves in every way as workers for God by continually enduring troubles, hardships, calamities, [5] beatings, imprisonments, riots, overwork, lack of sleep and food.

[6] We commend ourselves by our purity, knowledge, patience and kindness; by the Ruach HaKodesh; by genuineness of love [7] and truthfulness of speech; and by God’s power.

We commend ourselves through our use of righteous weapons, whether for pressing our cause or defending it; [8] through being honored and dishonored, praised and blamed, considered deceptive and sincere, [9] unknown and famous.

And we commend ourselves as God’s workers headed for death, yet look! we’re alive! as punished, yet not killed; [10] as having reason to be sad, yet always filled with joy; as poor, yet making many people rich; as having nothing, yet having everything!

Gospel (Matthew 5.38-42)

[38] “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’[39] But I tell you not to stand up against someone who does you wrong.

On the contrary, if someone hits you on the right cheek, let him hit you on the left cheek too! [40] If someone wants to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well!

[41] And if a soldier forces you to carry his pack for one mile, carry it for two! [42] When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something from you, lend it to him.

Sunday, June 13, 2021

First Reading (Ezekiel 17:22-24)

[22] “Adonai Elohim says, ‘From the top of this tall cedar, from its highest branch, I will take a shoot and plant it myself on a high and prominent mountain.

[23] I will plant it on the highest mountain in Isra’el, where it will put out branches, bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it will live all kinds of birds; winged creatures of every description will live there in the shadow of its branches.

[24] Then all the trees of the field will know that I, Adonai, bring down the tall tree and raise up the low tree, wither the green tree and make the withered tree bear fruit. I, Adonai, have spoken; and I will do it.’”

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)

[6] So we are always confident — we know that so long as we are at home in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord; [7] for we live by trust, not by what we see.

[8] We are confident, then, and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and come to our home with the Lord.

[9] Therefore, whether at home or away from home, we try our utmost to please him; [10] for we must all appear before the Messiah’s court of judgment, where everyone will receive the good or bad consequences of what he did while he was in the body.

Gospel (Mark 4:26-34)

[26] And he said, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. [27] Nights he sleeps, days he’s awake; and meanwhile the seeds sprout and grow — how, he doesn’t know.

[28] By itself the soil produces a crop — first the stalk, then the head, and finally the full grain in the head. [29] But as soon as the crop is ready, the man comes with his sickle, because it’s harvest-time.”

[30] Yeshua also said, “With what can we compare the Kingdom of God? What illustration should we use to describe it?

[31] It is like a mustard seed, which, when planted, is the smallest of all the seeds in the field; [32] but after it has been planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants, with such big branches that the birds flying about can build nests in its shade.”

[33] With many parables like these he spoke the message to them, to the extent that they were capable of hearing it.

[34] He did not say a thing to them without using a parable; when he was alone with his own talmidim he explained everything to them.

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 61:9-11)

[9] Their descendants will be known among the nations, their offspring among the peoples; all who see them will acknowledge that they are the seed Adonai has blessed.

[10] I am so joyful in Adonai! My soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in salvation, dressed me with a robe of triumph, like a bridegroom wearing a festive turban, like a bride adorned with her jewels.

[11] For just as the earth brings forth its plants, or a garden makes its plants spring up, so Adonai, God, will cause victory and glory to spring up before all nations.

Gospel (Luke 2:41-51)

[41] Every year Yeshua’s parents went to Yerushalayim for the festival of Pesach. [42] When he was twelve years old, they went up for the festival, as custom required. [43] But after the festival was over, when his parents returned, Yeshua remained in Yerushalayim.

They didn’t realize this; [44] supposing that he was somewhere in the caravan, they spent a whole day on the road before they began searching for him among their relatives and friends. [45] Failing to find him, they returned to Yerushalayim to look for him.

[46] On the third day they found him — he was sitting in the Temple court among the rabbis, not only listening to them but questioning what they said; [47] and everyone who heard him was astonished at his insight and his responses.

[48] When his parents saw him, they were shocked; and his mother said to him, “Son! Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried looking for you!” [49] He said to them, “Why did you have to look for me?

Didn’t you know that I had to be concerning myself with my Father’s affairs?” [50] But they didn’t understand what he meant. [51] So he went with them to Natzeret and was obedient to them. But his mother stored up all these things in her heart.

Friday, June 11, 2021

First Reading (Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9)

[1] “When Isra’el was a child, I loved him; and out of Egypt I called my son. [2] But the more [the prophets] called them, the farther they went from them. They sacrificed to the ba‘alim and offered incense to idols.

[3] “Yet it was I who taught Efrayim to walk; I took them by their arms. But they did not know that it was I who was healing them, [4] who was guiding them on through human means with reins made of love.

With them I was like someone removing the yoke from their jaws, and I bent down to feed them. [8] Efrayim, how can I give you up, or surrender you, Isra’el? How could I treat you like Admah or make you like Tzvoyim? My heart recoils at the idea, as compassion warms within me.

[9] I will not give vent to the fierceness of my rage, I will not return to destroy Efrayim; for I am God, not a human being, the Holy One among you; so I will not come in fury.

Second Reading (Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19)

[8] To me, the least important of all God’s holy people, was given this privilege of announcing to the Gentiles the Good News of the Messiah’s unfathomable riches, [9] and of letting everyone see how this secret plan is going to work out.

This plan, kept hidden for ages by God, the Creator of everything, [10] is for the rulers and authorities in heaven to learn, through the existence of the Messianic Community, how many-sided God’s wisdom is.

[11] This accords with God’s age-old purpose, accomplished in the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord. [12] In union with him, through his faithfulness, we have boldness and confidence when we approach God. [14] For this reason, I fall on my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its character.

[16] I pray that from the treasures of his glory he will empower you with inner strength by his Spirit, [17] so that the Messiah may live in your hearts through your trusting.

Also I pray that you will be rooted and founded in love, [18] so that you, with all God’s people, will be given strength to grasp the breadth, length, height and depth of the Messiah’s love, [19] yes, to know it, even though it is beyond all knowing, so that you will be filled with all the fullness of God.

Gospel (John 19:31-37)

[31] It was Preparation Day, and the Judeans did not want the bodies to remain on the stake on Shabbat, since it was an especially important Shabbat. So they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed.

[32] The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been put on a stake beside Yeshua, then the legs of the other one; [33] but when they got to Yeshua and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs.

[34] However, one of the soldiers stabbed his side with a spear, and at once blood and water flowed out. [35] The man who saw it has testified about it, and his testimony is true. And he knows that he tells the truth, so you too can trust. ³⁶ For these things happened in order to fulfill this passage of the Tanakh: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” [37] And again, another passage says, “They will look at him whom they have pierced.”

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 3:15 –18; 4:1, 3-6)

[15] Yes, till today, whenever Moshe is read, a veil lies over their heart. [16] “But,” says the Torah, “whenever someone turns to Adonai, the veil is taken away.” [17] Now, “Adonai” in this text means the Spirit. And where the Spirit of Adonai is, there is freedom.

[18] So all of us, with faces unveiled, see as in a mirror the glory of the Lord; and we are being changed into his very image, from one degree of glory to the next, by Adonai the Spirit. [4:1] God has shown us such mercy that we do not lose courage as we do the work he has given us.

[3] So if indeed our Good News is veiled, it is veiled only to those in the process of being lost. [4] They do not come to trust because the god of the ‘olam hazeh has blinded their minds, in order to prevent them from seeing the light shining from the Good News about the glory of the Messiah, who is the image of God.

[5] For what we are proclaiming is not ourselves, but the Messiah Yeshua as Lord, with ourselves as slaves for you because of Yeshua.

[6] For it is the God who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has made his light shine in our hearts, the light of the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of the Messiah Yeshua.

Gospel (Matthew 5:20-26)

[20] For I tell you that unless your righteousness is far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and P’rushim, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven! [21] “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Do not murder,’and that anyone who commits murder will be subject to judgment.

[22] But I tell you that anyone who nurses anger against his brother will be subject to judgment; that whoever calls his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing!’ will be brought before the Sanhedrin; that whoever says, ‘Fool!’ incurs the penalty of burning in the fire of Gei-Hinnom!

[23] So if you are offering your gift at the Temple altar and you remember there that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift where it is by the altar, and go, make peace with your brother. Then come back and offer your gift.

[25] If someone sues you, come to terms with him quickly, while you and he are on the way to court; or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer of the court, and you may be thrown in jail! [26] Yes indeed! I tell you, you will certainly not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Wednesday, June 09, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 3:4-11)

[4] Such is the confidence we have through the Messiah toward God. [5] It is not that we are competent in ourselves to count anything as having come from us; on the contrary, our competence is from God.

[6] He has even made us competent to be workers serving a New Covenant, the essence of which is not a written text but the Spirit. For the written text brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

[7] Now if that which worked death, by means of a written text engraved on stone tablets, came with glory — such glory that the people of Isra’el could not stand to look at Moshe’s face because of its brightness, even though that brightness was already fading away — [8] won’t the working of the Spirit be accompanied by even greater glory?

[9] For if there was glory in what worked to declare people guilty, how much more must the glory abound in what works to declare people innocent!

[10] In fact, by comparison with this greater glory, what was made glorious before has no glory now. [11] For if there was glory in what faded away, how much more glory must there be in what lasts.

Gospel (Matthew 5:17-19)

[17] “Don’t think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. [18] Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened.

[19] So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Tuesday, June 08, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 1.18-22)

[18] As surely as God is trustworthy, we don’t say “Yes” when we mean “No.” [19] For the Son of God, the Messiah Yeshua, who was proclaimed among you through us — that is, through me and Sila and Timothy — was not a yes-and-no man; on the contrary, with him it is always “Yes!”

[20] For however many promises God has made, they all find their “Yes” in connection with him; that is why it is through him that we say the “Amen” when we give glory to God.

[21] Moreover, it is God who sets both us and you in firm union with the Messiah; he has anointed us, [22] put his seal on us, and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee for the future.

Gospel (Matthew 5.13-16)

[13] “You are salt for the Land. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except being thrown out for people to trample on. [14] “You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

[15] Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

Monday, June 07, 2021

Reading (2 Corinthians 1:1-7)

[1] From: Sha’ul, by God’s will an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua, and brother Timothy To: God’s Messianic community in Corinth, along with all God’s people throughout Achaia: [2] Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

[3] Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort; [4] who encourages us in all our trials, so that we can encourage others in whatever trials they may be undergoing with the encouragement we ourselves have received from God.

[5] For just as the Messiah’s sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows. [6] So if we undergo trials, it is for your encouragement and deliverance; and if we are encouraged, that should encourage you when you have to endure sufferings like those we are experiencing.

[7] Moreover, our hope for you remains staunch, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, you will also share in the encouragement.

Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12)

[1] Seeing the crowds, Yeshua walked up the hill. After he sat down, his talmidim came to him, [2] and he began to speak. This is what he taught them: [3] “How blessed are the poor in spirit! for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

[4] “How blessed are those who mourn! for they will be comforted. [5] “How blessed are the meek! for they will inherit the Land! [6] “How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness! for they will be filled.

[7] “How blessed are those who show mercy! for they will be shown mercy. [8] “How blessed are the pure in heart! for they will see God. [9] “How blessed are those who make peace! for they will be called sons of God.

[10] “How blessed are those who are persecuted because they pursue righteousness! for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. [11] “How blessed you are when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of vicious lies about you because you follow me!

[12] Rejoice, be glad, because your reward in heaven is great — they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

Sunday, June 06, 2021

First Reading (Exodus 24:3-8)

[3] Moshe came and told the people everything Adonai had said, including all the rulings. The people answered with one voice: “We will obey every word Adonai has spoken.”

[4] Moshe wrote down all the words of Adonai. He rose early in the morning, built an altar at the base of the mountain and set upright twelve large stones to represent the twelve tribes of Isra’el.

[5] He sent the young men of the people of Isra’el to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings of oxen to Adonai. [6] Moshe took half of the blood and put it in basins; the other half of the blood he splashed against the altar.

[7] Then he took the book of the covenant and read it aloud, so that the people could hear; and they responded, “Everything that Adonai has spoken, we will do and obey.”

[8] Moshe took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which Adonai has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

Second Reading (Hebrews 9:11-15)

[11] But when the Messiah appeared as cohen gadol of the good things that are happening already, then, through the greater and more perfect Tent which is not man-made (that is, it is not of this created world), [12] he entered the Holiest Place once and for all.

And he entered not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus setting people free forever.

[13] For if sprinkling ceremonially unclean persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer restores their outward purity; [14] then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!

[15] It is because of this death that he is mediator of a new covenant [or will]. Because a death has occurred which sets people free from the transgressions committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

Gospel (Mark 14:12-16, 22-26)

[12] On the first day for matzah, when they slaughtered the lamb for Pesach, Yeshua’s talmidim asked him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare your Seder?” [13] He sent two of his talmidim with these instructions: “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you.

Follow him; [14] and whichever house he enters, tell him that the Rabbi says, ‘Where is the guest room for me, where I am to eat the Pesach meal with my talmidim?’ [15] He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make the preparations there.”

[16] The talmidim went off, came to the city and found things just as he had told them they would be; and they prepared the Seder. [22] While they were eating, Yeshua took a piece of matzah, made the b’rakhah, broke it, gave it to them and said, “Take it! This is my body.” 

[23] Also he took a cup of wine, made the b’rakhah, and gave it to them; and they all drank. [24] He said to them, “This is my blood, which ratifies the New Covenant, my blood shed on behalf of many people.

[25] Yes! I tell you, I will not drink this ‘fruit of the vine’ again until the day I drink new wine in the Kingdom of God.” [26] After singing the Hallel, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Saturday, June 05, 2021

Reading (Tobit 12:1-20)

[1] When the wedding feast was over, Tobit called his son Tobias and said to him, Son, be sure to pay your traveling companion, and don’t forget to give him a bonus. [2] Tobias asked him, Father, how much do you think I should pay him?

I wouldn’t mind giving him half of everything we brought back with us. [3] He brought me back home safe and sound; he went to get the money for me from Gabael; he rid my wife of a demon; and he cured your blindness.

How much of a bonus should I give him? [4] Tobit answered, Give him half of what he helped you bring back. He well deserves that. [5] Tobias then called Raphael and said to him, Here is half of what you helped me bring back. You have earned it; have a safe journey home.

[6] Then Raphael called the two men aside and said to them, Praise God and tell everyone about the good things he has done for you, so that they too will honor him and sing his praises. Let everyone know what God has done. Never stop praising him.

[7] It’s a good idea to keep a king’s secret, but what God does should be told everywhere, so that he may be praised and honored. If you do good, no harm will come to you. [8] It is better to pray sincerely and to please God by helping the poor than to be rich and dishonest. It is better to give to the poor than to store up gold.

[9] Such generosity will save you from death and will wash away all your sins. Those who give to the poor will live full lives, [10] but those who live a life of sin and wickedness are their own worst enemies.

[11] I have already told you that a king’s secret ought to be kept, but the things God does should be told to everyone. Now I will reveal to you the full truth and keep nothing back. [12] Tobit, when you and Sarah prayed to the Lord, I was the one who brought your prayers into his glorious presence.

I did the same thing each time you buried the dead. [13] On the day you got up from the table without eating your meal in order to bury that corpse, God sent me to test you. [14] But he also sent me to cure you and to rescue your daughter-in-law, Sarah, from her troubles.

[15] I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to serve him. [16] Tobit and Tobias were terrified and fell to the ground, trembling with fear. [17] But Raphael said to them, Don’t be afraid; everything is all right. Always remember to praise God.

18] He wanted me to come and help you; I did not come on my own. So sing God’s praises as long as you live. [19] When you thought you saw me eating, I did not really eat anything; it only seemed so. [20] While you are on this earth, you must praise the Lord God and give him thanks. Now I must go back to him who sent me. Write down everything that has happened to you.

Gospel (Mark 12:38-44)

[35] As Yeshua was teaching in the Temple, he asked, “How is it that the Torah-teachers say the Messiah is the Son of David? [36] David himself, inspired by the Ruach HaKodesh, said, ‘Adonai said to my Lord, “Sit here at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’

 [37] David himself calls him ‘Lord’; so how is he his son?” The great crowd listened eagerly to him.

[38] As he taught them, he said, “Watch out for the kind of Torah-teachers who like to walk around in robes and be greeted deferentially in the marketplaces, [39] who like to have the best seats in the synagogues and take the places of honor at banquets, [40] who like to swallow up widows’ houses while making a show of davvening at great length.

Their punishment will be all the worse!” [41] Then Yeshua sat down opposite the Temple treasury and watched the crowd as they put money into the offering-boxes. Many rich people put in large sums, [42] but a poor widow came and put in two small coins.

[43] He called his talmidim to him and said to them, “Yes! I tell you, this poor widow has put more in the offering-box than all the others making donations. [44] For all of them, out of their wealth, have contributed money they can easily spare; but she, out of her poverty, has given everything she had to live on.”

Friday, June 04, 2021

Reading (Tobit 11:5-15)

[5] Meanwhile, Anna sat looking down the road for her son. [6] Suddenly she saw him coming and she shouted out to Tobit, Look! Our son is coming, and his friend is with him! [7] Before they reached Tobit, Raphael said to Tobias, Your father will be able to see again.

[8] Just put the fish’s gall bladder on his eyes like a plaster. The medicine will make the white film shrivel up so that you can peel it off, and your father will then regain his eyesight. [9] Anna ran to her son, threw her arms around him, and exclaimed, Now that I have seen you alive, my child, I can die in peace! And she wept for joy.

[10] Tobit got up and stumbled out through the entrance of the courtyard. [11] Tobias went up to him, holding the fish’s gall bladder in his hand. He blew on his father’s eyes and steadied him. Don’t worry now, father, he said.

[12-13] Tobias then applied the gall, and beginning from the corners of Tobit’s eyes, he peeled away the white film. [14] Tobit threw his arms around Tobias’ neck and wept for joy. Then he exclaimed, I can see you! My son, the light of my eyes! Praise God. Praise him for his greatness. Praise all his holy angels.

May he continue to bless us. Praise all his angels forever. [15] He brought this illness upon me, but now I can see my son Tobias. Then Tobias went happily into the house, praising God at the top of his voice. He told his father how successful he had been, that he had not only brought back the money, but had married Raguel’s daughter Sarah, who was on her way and would soon arrive.

Gospel (Mark 12:35-37)

[35] As Yeshua was teaching in the Temple, he asked, “How is it that the Torah-teachers say the Messiah is the Son of David? [36] David himself, inspired by the Ruach HaKodesh, said, ‘Adonai said to my Lord, “Sit here at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ’[37] David himself calls him ‘Lord’; so how is he his son?” The great crowd listened eagerly to him.

Thursday, June 03, 2021

Reading (Tobit 4:20; 5:4; 6:10-11b; 7:1, 9-16; 8:1, 4-9)

[20] Tobias, I want you to know that I once left a large sum of money with Gabrias’ son, Gabael, at Rages in Media. [5:4] Tobias then went out to look for someone who knew the way to Media and would travel with him.

Almost as soon as he left the house, he found himself face-to-face with Raphael. Tobias did not know that Raphael was an angel of God, [6:10] Raphael said, Tobias, my friend. Yes, what is it? Tobias asked. Raphael continued, Tonight we will stay at the home of your relative Raguel.

He has only one child, a daughter named Sarah, [11] and since you are her closest relative, you have the right to marry her. You also have the right to inherit all her father’s property. When Tobias and the angel Raphael had entered the city of Ecbatana, Tobias said, [7:1] Azarias, my friend, take me to see Raguel as quickly as you can.

The angel brought him to Raguel’s house, where they found him sitting at the entrance to his courtyard. Raphael and Tobias greeted him first; then he replied, [9] Come in, my friends. You are welcome in my home. Raguel brought them into his house But Raguel overheard the question and said to Tobias, [10] Eat and drink something first and enjoy yourself this evening.

You have the right to marry Sarah, and I cannot let anyone else marry her, because you are my closest relative. But I must tell you the truth, my son. [11] I have already given her to seven men, all of them relatives.

Each one died on his wedding night, as soon as he entered the bedroom. But now, my son, have something to eat and drink. The Lord will take care of you both. Tobias replied, I won’t eat or drink until you give me your word.

[12] Raguel agreed. Certainly I will, he said. I will give her to you just as the Law of Moses commands. God in heaven has arranged this marriage, so take her as your wife. From now on, you belong to each other.

Sarah is yours today and forever. May the Lord of heaven keep both of you safe tonight. May he be merciful and kind to you. [13] Then Raguel called his daughter. When she came in, he took her by the hand and gave her to Tobias with his blessing, Take her to be your wife according to the teachings in the Law of Moses.

Take her safely with you to your father’s house. May the God of heaven give you a happy life together. [14] Raguel asked his wife to bring him a blank scroll so that he could write out the marriage contract. Edna brought him the scroll, and Raguel wrote out the agreement, saying that Sarah was given to Tobias according to the teachings in the Law of Moses.

[15] After the ceremony they began the meal. [16] Raguel called his wife and said, Get the spare room ready, my dear, and take Sarah there. [8:1] When they had finished the meal, and it was time to go to bed, Sarah’s parents led young Tobias to the bedroom.

[4] When Tobias and Sarah were alone behind closed doors, Tobias got up from the bed and said to his wife, Get up, dear. Let’s pray for the Lord to be merciful and to protect us. [5] Sarah got up so that they could pray together and ask God for his protection.

Then Tobias prayed: God of our ancestors, you are worthy of praise. May your name be honored forever and ever by all your creatures in heaven and on earth. [6] You created Adam and gave him his wife Eve to be his helper and support.

They became the parents of the whole human race. You said, It is not good for man to live alone. I will make a suitable helper for him. [7] Lord, I have chosen Sarah because it is right, not because I lusted for her.

Please be merciful to us and grant that we may grow old together. [8] Then they both said Amen [9] and went to bed for the night. Later that night, Raguel called his servants, and together they went out to dig a grave,

Gospel (Mark 12.28-34)

[28]  One of the Torah-teachers came up and heard them engaged in this discussion. Seeing that Yeshua answered them well, he asked him, “Which is the most important mitzvah of them all?”

[29] Yeshua answered, “The most important is, ‘Sh’ma Yisra’el, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad [Hear, O Isra’el, the Lord our God, the Lord is one], [30] and you are to love Adonai your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your understanding and with all your strength.’

[31] The second is this: ‘You are to love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other mitzvah greater than these.”

[32] The Torah-teacher said to him, “Well said, Rabbi; you speak the truth when you say that he is one, and that there is no other besides him; [33] and that loving him with all one’s heart, understanding and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself, mean more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

[34] When Yeshua saw that he responded sensibly, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared put to him another sh’eilah.

Wednesday, June 02, 2021

Reading (Tobit 3:1-6a, 7-10a, 11-13, 15b-17a)

[1] I was so embarrassed and ashamed that I sighed and began to cry. Then, as I choked back my tears, I prayed: [2] You are righteous, O Lord! You are merciful^[a] in all you do, faithful in all your ways. You are the judge of this world.

[3-4] I beg you, treat me with kindness. Do not punish me for my sins, not even for sins of which I am unaware. My ancestors rebelled and disobeyedyour commands, but do not punish me for their sins. You let our people be plundered, taken captive and killed.

You made an example of our people, an object of contempt and disgrace in all the nations where you scattered us. [5]You have often judged my ancestors for their sins and punished me for mine. We were disloyal and rejected your commands, so our punishment has always been just. [6] Now treat me as you please.

Take my life away and free me from this world; let my body return to the earth. I would be better off dead. I am tormented by insults I don’t deserve, and weighed down with despair. Lord, give the command— bring all my troubles to an end, take me to my eternal rest.

Don’t reject my prayer. I would rather die than live in misery and face such cruel insults. [7] That same day in the city of Ecbatana in Media, it happened that Sarah, the daughter of a man named Raguel, was insulted by one of her father’s servant women.

[8] Sarah had been married seven times, but the evil demon, Asmodeus, killed each husband before the marriage could be consummated. The servant woman said to Sarah, You husband killer! Look at you! You’ve already had seven husbands, but not one of them lived long enough to give you a son.[9] Why should you take it out on us?

Why don’t you go and join your dead husbands? I hope we never see a child of yours! [10] Sarah was so depressed that she burst into tears and went upstairs determined to hang herself. But when she thought it over, she said to herself, No, I won’t do it! People would insult my father and say, You had only one child, a daughter whom you loved dearly, but she hanged herself because she felt so miserable.

Such grief would bring my gray-haired father to his grave, and I would be responsible. I won’t kill myself; I’ll just beg the Lord to let me die. Then I won’t have to listen to those insults any longer!

[11] Then Sarah stood by the window, raised her arms in prayer, and said, God of mercy, worthy of our praise, may your name always be honored, may all your creation praise you forever. [12] Lord, I look to you for help.

[13] Speak the word and set me free from this life; then I will no longer have to hear these insults. [15] Never have I disgraced myself or my father’s name, as long as we have lived in this land of exile. My father has no other child to be his heir, and there is no relative^[a] whom I can marry.

I have already lost seven husbands, so why should I live any longer? But if it is not your will to take my life, at least show mercy to me. Don’t let me hear those insults again! [16] As Tobit and Sarah were praying, God in heaven heard their prayers [17] and sent his angel Raphael to help them.

He was sent to remove the white film from Tobit’s eyes, so that he could see again, and to arrange a marriage between Sarah and Tobit’s son Tobias, who, as her cousin, had the right to marry her.

Raphael was also ordered to expel the demon Asmodeus from Sarah. At the very moment that Tobit went back into his house from the courtyard, Sarah, in her house in Ecbatana, was coming downstairs.

Gospel (Mark 12:18-27)

[18] Then some Tz’dukim came to him. They are the ones who say there is no such thing as resurrection, so they put to him a sh’eilah: [19] “Rabbi, Moshe wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and have children to preserve the man’s family line.

[20] There were seven brothers. The first one took a wife, and when he died, he left no children. [21] Then the second one took her and died without leaving children, and the third likewise, [22] and none of the seven left children. Last of all, the woman also died.

[23] In the Resurrection, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” [24] Yeshua said to them, “Isn’t this the reason that you go astray? because you are ignorant both of the Tanakh and of the power of God?

[25] For when people rise from the dead, neither men nor women marry — they are like angels in heaven. [26] And as for the dead being raised, haven’t you read in the book of Moshe, in the passage about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Avraham, the God of Yitz’chak and the God of Ya‘akov’?[27] He is God not of the dead, but of the living! You are going far astray!”

Tuesday, June 01, 2021

Reading (Tobit 2:9-14; 3:1)

[9] That night I washed, so as to purify myself, and went out into my courtyard to sleep by the wall. It was a hot night, and I did not pull the cover up over my head. [10] Sparrows were on the wall right above me, but I did not know it.

Their warm droppings fell into my eyes, causing a white film to form on them. I went to one doctor after another, but the more they treated me with their medicines, the worse my eyes became, until finally I was completely blind. For four years I could see nothing.

My relatives were deeply concerned about my condition, and Ahikar supported me for two years before he went to the land of Elam. [11] After Ahikar left, my wife Anna had to go to work, so she took up weaving, like many other women.

[12] The people she worked for would pay her when she delivered the cloth. One spring day, she cut a finished piece of cloth from the loom and took it to the people who had ordered it. They paid her the full price and also gave her a goat.

[13] When Anna came home with the goat, it began to bleat. I called out, Where did that goat come from? You stole it, didn’t you? Take it straight back to its owners. It’s not right to eat stolen food! [14] No! she replied.

It was given to me as a gift in addition to what I got for the cloth. But I didn’t believe her, and I blushed for shame for what she had done. I ordered her to return the goat to its owners, but she had the last word.

Now I see what you are really like! she shouted. Where is all that concern of yours for others? What about all those good deeds you used to do? [3:1] I was so embarrassed and ashamed that I sighed and began to cry. Then, as I choked back my tears, I prayed:

Gospel (Mark 12:13-17)

[13] Next they sent some P’rushim and some members of Herod’s party to him in order to trap him with a sh’eilah. [14] They came and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you tell the truth and are not concerned with what people think about you, since you pay no attention to a person’s status but really teach what God’s way is.

Does Torah say that taxes are to be paid to the Roman Emperor, or not?” [15] But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you trying to trap me? Bring me a denarius so I can look at it.” [16] They brought one; and he asked them, “Whose name and picture are these?” “The Emperor’s,” they replied.

[17] Yeshua said, “Give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give to God what belongs to God!” And they were amazed at him.

Monday, May 31, 2021

Reading (Zephaniah 3.14-18)

[14] Sing, daughter of Tziyon! Shout, Isra’el! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Yerushalayim! [15] Adonai has removed the judgments against you, he has expelled your enemy; the king of Isra’el, Adonai, is right there with you.

You no longer need to fear that anything bad will happen. [16] On that day, it will be said to Yerushalayim, “Do not fear, Tziyon! don’t let your hands droop down. [17] Adonai your God is right there with you, as a mighty savior.

He will rejoice over you and be glad, he will be silent in his love, he will shout over you with joy.” [18] “I will gather those of yours who grieve over the appointed feasts and bear the burden of reproach [because they cannot keep them].

Gospel (Luke 1.39-56)

[39] Without delay, Miryam set out and hurried to the town in the hill country of Y’hudah [40] where Z’kharyah lived, entered his house and greeted Elisheva. [41] When Elisheva heard Miryam’s greeting, the baby in her womb stirred.

Elisheva was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh [42] and spoke up in a loud voice, “How blessed are you among women! And how blessed is the child in your womb! [43] “But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

[44] For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! [45] Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise Adonai has made to you will be fulfilled.”

[46] Then Miryam said, “My soul magnifies Adonai; [47] and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, [48] who has taken notice of his servant-girl in her humble position. For — imagine it! — from now on, all generations will call me blessed! [49] “The Mighty One has done great things for me!

Indeed, his name is holy; [50] and in every generation he has mercy on those who fear him. [51] “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm, routed the secretly proud, [52] brought down rulers from their thrones, raised up the humble, [53] filled the hungry with good things, but sent the rich away empty.

[54] “He has taken the part of his servant Isra’el, mindful of the mercy [55] which he promised to our fathers, to Avraham and his seed forever.” [56] Miryam stayed with Elisheva for about three months and then returned home.

Sunday, May 30, 2021

First Reading (Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40)

[32] “Indeed, inquire about the past, before you were born: since the day God created human beings on the earth, from one end of heaven to the other, has there ever been anything as wonderful as this? Has anyone heard anything like it?

[33] Did any other people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and stay alive? [34] Or has God ever tried to go and take for himself a nation from the very bowels of another nation, by means of ordeals, signs, wonders, war, a mighty hand, an outstretched arm and great terrors — like all that Adonai your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?

[39] know today, and establish it in your heart, that Adonai is God in heaven above and on earth below — there is no other. [40] Therefore, you are to keep his laws and mitzvot which I am giving you today, so that it will go well with you and with your children after you, and so that you will prolong your days in the land Adonai your God is giving you forever.”

Second Reading (Romans 8:14-17)

[14] All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. [15] For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to bring you back again into fear; on the contrary, you received the Spirit, who makes us sons and by whose power we cry out, “Abba!” (that is, “Dear Father!”).

[16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our own spirits that we are children of God; [17] and if we are children, then we are also heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with the Messiah — provided we are suffering with him in order also to be glorified with him.

Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20)

[16] So the eleven talmidim went to the hill in the Galil where Yeshua had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they prostrated themselves before him; but some hesitated. [18] Yeshua came and talked with them.

He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore, go and make people from all nations into talmidim, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Ruach HaKodesh, [20] and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, yes, even until the end of the age.”

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Reading (Sirach 51:12-20)

[12] and saved me from the threat of destruction. And so I thank you and praise you. O Lord, I praise you! [13] When I was still young, before I started out on my travels, I boldly prayed for Wisdom. [14] I went to the Temple and asked for her, and I will look for her as long as I live.

[15] From my blossoming youth to my ripe old age she has been my delight. I have followed directly in her path ever since I was young. [16] I received Wisdom as soon as I began listening for her, and I have been rewarded with great knowledge.

[17] I have always been a learner and am grateful to everyone who has been my teacher. [18] I was determined to live wisely and was devoted to the cause of goodness. I have no regrets. [19] I fought for Wisdom and was strict in my conduct.

When I prayed, I sadly confessed how far short of Wisdom I fell. [20] But I was determined to have her, and I found her by keeping myself free from sin. I have grown in Wisdom since first I found her, and I will never be without her.

Gospel (Mark 11:27-33)

[27] They went back into Yerushalayim; and as he was walking in the Temple courts, there came to him the head cohanim, the Torah-teachers and the elders; [28] and they said to him, “What s’mikhah do you have that authorizes you to do these things?

Who gave you this s’mikhah authorizing you to do them?” [29] Yeshua said to them, “I will ask you just one question: answer me, and I will tell you by what s’mikhah I do these things. [30] The immersion of Yochanan — was it from Heaven or from a human source? Answer me.”

[31] They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From Heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ [32] But if we say, ‘From a human source, . . . ’” — they were afraid of the people, for they all regarded Yochanan as a genuine prophet.

[33] So they answered Yeshua, “We don’t know.” “Then,” he replied, “I won’t tell you by what s’mikhah I do these things.”

Friday, May 28, 2021

Reading (Sirach 44:1, 8-13)

[1] So let us now give praise to godlymen, our ancestors of generations past, [8] Some of them left a reputation, and people still praise them today.

[9] There are others who are not remembered, as if they had never lived, who died and were forgotten, they, and their children after them. [10] But we will praise these godly men, whose righteous deeds have never been forgotten.

[11] Their reputations will be passed on to their descendants, and this will be their inheritance. [12] Their descendants continue to keep the covenant and always will, because of what their ancestors did. [13] Their family line will go on forever, and their fame will never fade.

Gospel (Mark 11:11-25)

[11] Yeshua entered Yerushalayim, went into the Temple courts and took a good look at everything; but since it was now late, he went out with the Twelve to Beit-Anyah. [12] The next day, as they came back from Beit-Anyah, he felt hungry.

[13] Spotting in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came up to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it wasn’t fig season. [14] He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And his talmidim heard what he said.

[15] On reaching Yerushalayim, he entered the Temple courts and began driving out those who were carrying on business there, both the merchants and their customers. He also knocked over the desks of the money-changers, upset the benches of the pigeon-dealers, [16] and refused to let anyone carry merchandise through the Temple courts.

[17] Then, as he taught them, he said, “Isn’t it written in the Tanakh, My house will be called a house of prayer for all the Goyim But you have made it into a den of robbers!”[18] The head cohanim and the Torah-teachers heard what he said and tried to find a way to do away with him; they were afraid of him, because the crowds were utterly taken by his teaching.

[19] When evening came, they left the city. [20] In the morning, as the talmidim passed by, they saw the fig tree withered all the way to its roots. [21] Kefa remembered and said to Yeshua, “Rabbi! Look! The fig tree that you cursed has dried up!”

[22] He responded, “Have the kind of trust that comes from God! [23] Yes! I tell you that whoever does not doubt in his heart but trusts that what he says will happen can say to this mountain, ‘Go and throw yourself into the sea!’ and it will be done for him.

[24] Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, trust that you are receiving it, and it will be yours. [26] And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive your offenses.”

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Reading (Sirach 42:15-25)

[15] Now I will remind you of the works of the Lord and describe the things I have seen. The words of the Lord brought his works into being, and the whole creation obeys his commands. [16] The light of the sun shines down on everything, and everything is filled with the Lord’s glory.

[17] Not even to his holy angels has the Lord given power to describe all his mighty deeds, even though he has given them power to stand unharmed in his glorious presence. [18] He sees into the oceans and into the human heart, and he knows the secrets of both.

The Most High knows everything that can be known and understands the signs of the ages. [19] He knows all that has ever been and all that ever will be; he uncovers the deepest of mysteries. [20] He takes notice of our every thought and hears our every word.

[21] The orderly world shows the greatness of his wisdom; he is the same forever and ever.Nothing can be added to him, and nothing taken away; he needs no one to give him advice. [22] All his works are beautiful, down to the smallest and faintest spark of light.

[23] All these things go on forever, and all of them have their purpose. [24] All things are in pairs, each the opposite of the other, but nothing the Lord made is incomplete. [25] Everything completes the goodness of something else. Could anyone ever see enough of this splendor?

Gospel (Mark 10:46-52)

[46] They came to Yericho; and as Yeshua was leaving Yericho with his talmidim and a great crowd, a blind beggar, Bar-Timai (son of Timai), was sitting by the side of the road. [47] When he heard that it was Yeshua from Natzeret, he started shouting, “Yeshua! Son of David! Have pity on me!”

[48] Many people scolded him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the louder, “Son of David! Have pity on me!” [49] Yeshua stopped and said, “Call him over!” They called to the blind man, “Courage! Get up! He’s calling for you!”

[50] Throwing down his blanket, he jumped up and came over to Yeshua. [51] “What do you want me to do for you?” asked Yeshua. The blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me be able to see again.” [52] Yeshua said to him, “Go! Your trust has healed you.” Instantly he received his sight and followed him on the road.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Reading (Sirach 36:1-2, 5-6, 13-22)

[1] O Lord God of the universe, look upon us and have mercy. [2] Make every nation stand in fear of you. [5] Let them learn, as we have learned, that there is no God, O Lord, but you. [6] Give new signs, perform new miracles; show us your glorious strength!

[13] Take pity on Jerusalem, your holy city, where you chose to stay. [14] Fill your Temple on Mount Zion with your glory and with hymns of praise. [15] Testify for your people, whom you created in the beginning; fulfill the prophecies that have been spoken in your name.

[16] Reward those who have put their faith in you, and vindicate your prophets. [17] You have always been gracious to your people; listen to your servants as we pray. Then everyone on earth will recognize that you are the Lord, the God of the ages.

[18] Any kind of food can be eaten, but some foods are better than others. [19] And just as the tongue can distinguish the flavors of different kinds of meat, so a sharp mind can detect lies. [20] A person with a warped mind causes trouble, but an experienced person knows how to pay it back.

[21] A woman has to take any man as a husband, but a man must choose his wife carefully. [22] A woman’s beauty makes a man happy; there is no fairer sight for the human eye to see.

Gospel (Mark 10:32-45)

[32] They were on the road going up to Yerushalayim. Yeshua was walking ahead of them, and they were amazed — and those following were afraid. So again taking the Twelve along with him, he began telling them what was about to happen to him.

[33] “We are now going up to Yerushalayim, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers. They will sentence him to death and turn him over to the Goyim, [34] who will jeer at him, spit on him, beat him and kill him; but after three days, he will rise.”

[35] Ya‘akov and Yochanan, the sons of Zavdai, came up to him and said, “Rabbi, we would like you to do us a favor.” [36] He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” [37] They replied, “When you are in your glory, let us sit with you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

[38] But Yeshua answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink the cup that I am drinking? or be immersed with the immersion that I must undergo?” [39] They said to him, “We can.” Yeshua replied, “The cup that I am drinking, you will drink; and the immersion I am being immersed with, you will undergo.

[40] But to sit on my right and on my left is not mine to give. Rather, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” [41] When the other ten heard about this, they became outraged at Ya‘akov and Yochanan.

[42] But Yeshua called them to him and said to them, “You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators. [43] But among you, it must not be like that!

On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must be your servant; [44] and whoever wants to be first among you must become everyone’s slave! [45] For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Reading (Sirach 35:1-15)

[1] Keeping the Law is worth many offerings; it is a fellowship offering in itself. [2] Returning a kindness is like a grain offering; giving to the poor is like a thanksgiving offering. [3] Keeping away from sin will please the Lord and make atonement for sin.

[4] But don’t come to the Temple without an offering; [5] the Law requires that you bring one. [6] When someone righteous offers a sacrifice and the fat drips down on the altar, a pleasant smell rises to the Most High.

[7] The Lord will accept the offerings made by a righteous person and will not forget them. [8] Praise the Lord by making generous offerings to him; don’t be stingy with the first of your crops. [9] Be cheerful with every gift you make, and when you pay your tithes, do it gladly.

[10] Give to the Most High as he has given to you, just as generously as you can. [11] The Lord always repays and will do it many times over. [12] But don’t try to bribe him or rely on offerings that you have obtained dishonestly.

He will not accept them. The Lord is fairand does not show partiality. [13] He is not prejudiced against the poor; when someone prays who has been wronged, the Lord listens. [14] When orphans and widows pour out their prayers, he does not ignore them.

[15] The tears running down a widow’s cheek cry out in accusation against the one who has caused her distress.

Gospel (Mark 10:28-31)

[28] Kefa began saying to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”

[29] Yeshua said, “Yes! I tell you that there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, [30] who will not receive a hundred times over, now, in the ‘olam hazeh, homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and lands — with persecutions! — and in the ‘olam haba, eternal life.

[31] But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first!”

Monday, May 24, 2021

Reading (Genesis 3:9-15, 20)

[9] Adonai, God, called to the man, “Where are you?” [10] He answered, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” [11] He said, “Who told you that you were naked?

Have you eaten from the tree from which I ordered you not to eat?” [12] The man replied, “The woman you gave to be with me — she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” [13] Adonai, God, said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me, so I ate.” [14] Adonai, God, said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all livestock and wild animals. You will crawl on your belly and eat dust as long as you live.

[15] I will put animosity between you and the woman, and between your descendant and her descendant; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.” [20] The man called his wife Havah [life], because she was the mother of all living.

Gospel (John 19:25-27)

[25] Nearby Yeshua’s execution stake stood his mother, his mother’s sister Miryam the wife of K’lofah, and Miryam from Magdala.

[26] When Yeshua saw his mother and the talmid whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Mother, this is your son.” [27] Then he said to the talmid, “This is your mother.” And from that time on, the talmid took her into his own home

Sunday, May 23, 2021

First Reading (Acts 2:1-11)

[1] The festival of Shavu‘ot arrived, and the believers all gathered together in one place. [2] Suddenly there came a sound from the sky like the roar of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

[3] Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which separated and came to rest on each one of them. [4] They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

[5] Now there were staying in Yerushalayim religious Jews from every nation under heaven. [6] When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered; they were confused, because each one heard the believers speaking in his own language.

[7] Totally amazed, they asked, “How is this possible? Aren’t all these people who are speaking from the Galil? [8] How is it that we hear them speaking in our native languages?

9] We are Parthians, Medes, Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Y’hudah, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, [10] Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome; [11] Jews by birth and proselytes; Jews from Crete and from Arabia. . . !

How is it that we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things God has done?”

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13)

[3] Therefore, I want to make it clear to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says, “Yeshua is cursed!” and no one can say, “Yeshua is Lord,” except by the Ruach HaKodesh. [4] Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.

[5] Also there are different ways of serving, but it is the same Lord being served. [6] And there are different modes of working, but it is the same God working them all in everyone.

[7] Moreover, to each person is given the particular manifestation of the Spirit that will be for the common good. [12] For just as the body is one but has many parts; and all the parts of the body, though many, constitute one body; so it is with the Messiah.

[13] For it was by one Spirit that we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Gospel (John 20:19-23)

[19] In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came, stood in the middle and said, “Shalom aleikhem!”

[20] Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. [21] “Shalom aleikhem!” Yeshua repeated. “Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.”

[22] Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Ruach HaKodesh! [23] If you forgive someone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you hold them, they are held.”

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Reading (Acts 28:16-20, 30-31)

[16] And when we arrived at Rome, the officer allowed Sha’ul to stay by himself, though guarded by a soldier. [17] After three days Sha’ul called a meeting of the local Jewish leaders.

When they had gathered, he said to them: “Brothers, although I have done nothing against either our people or the traditions of our fathers, I was made a prisoner in Yerushalayim and handed over to the Romans.

[18] They examined me and were ready to release me, because I had done nothing to justify a death sentence. [19] But when the Judeans objected, I was forced to appeal to the Emperor — not that I had any charge to make against my own people.

[20] This is why I have asked to see you and speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Isra’el that I have this chain around me.”

Gospel (John 21:20-25)

[20] Kefa turned and saw the talmid Yeshua especially loved following behind, the one who had leaned against him at the supper and had asked, “Who is the one who is betraying you?” [21] On seeing him, Kefa said to Yeshua, “Lord, what about him?”

[22] Yeshua said to him, “If I want him to stay on until I come, what is it to you? You, follow me!” [23] Therefore the word spread among the brothers that that talmid would not die. However, Yeshua didn’t say he wouldn’t die, but simply, “If I want him to stay on until I come, what is it to you?”

[24] This one is the talmid who is testifying about these things and who has recorded them. And we know that his testimony is true. [25] But there are also many other things Yeshua did; and if they were all to be recorded, I don’t think the whole world could contain the books that would have to be written!

Friday, May 21, 2021

Reading (Acts 24:27; 25:13b-21)

[27] After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; but because Felix wanted to grant the Judeans a favor, he left Sha’ul still a prisoner. [13] After some days, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.

[14] Since they were staying on there for some time, Festus had the opportunity to acquaint the king with Sha’ul’s situation. “There is a man here,” he said, “who was left behind in custody by Felix. [15] When I was in Yerushalayim, the head cohanim and the elders of the Judeans informed me about him and asked me to pronounce judgment against him.

[16] My answer to them was that it is not the custom with Romans to give up an accused man just to grant a favor, before he has met his accusers face to face and had the opportunity to defend himself against the charge.

[17] So when they arrived here with me, I did not delay, but took my seat in court the next day and ordered the man brought in. [18] “When the accusers stood up, instead of charging him with some serious crime as I had expected, [19] they disputed with him about certain points of their own religion, and particularly about somebody called Yeshua, who had died, but who Sha’ul claimed was alive.

[20] Being at a loss as to how to investigate such questions, I asked him if he would be willing to go to Yerushalayim and be tried on these matters there. [21] But since Sha’ul appealed to be kept in custody and have his case decided by His Imperial Majesty, I ordered him held until I could send him to the Emperor.”

Gospel (John 21:15-19)

[15] After breakfast, Yeshua said to Shim‘on Kefa, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, do you love me more than these?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

[16] A second time he said to him, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend.” He said to him, “Shepherd my sheep.” [17] The third time he said to him, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, are you my friend?”

Shim‘on was hurt that he questioned him a third time: “Are you my friend?” So he replied, “Lord, you know everything! You know I’m your friend!” Yeshua said to him, “Feed my sheep! [18] Yes, indeed! I tell you, when you were younger, you put on your clothes and went where you wanted.

But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” [19] He said this to indicate the kind of death by which Kefa would bring glory to God. Then Yeshua said to him, “Follow me!”

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Reading (Acts 22:30; 23:6-11)

[30] However, the next day, since he wanted to know the specific charge the Judeans were bringing against him, he released him and ordered the head cohanim and the whole Sanhedrin to meet. Then he brought Sha’ul down and put him in front of them.

[6] But knowing that one part of the Sanhedrin consisted of Tz’dukim and the other of P’rushim, Sha’ul shouted, “Brothers, I myself am a Parush and the son of P’rushim; and it is concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am being tried!”

[7] When he said this, an argument arose between the P’rushim and the Tz’dukim, and the crowd was divided. [8] For the Tz’dukim deny the resurrection and the existence of angels and spirits; whereas the P’rushim acknowledge both.

[9] So there was a great uproar, with some of the Torah-teachers who were on the side of the P’rushim standing up and joining in — “We don’t find anything wrong with this man; and if a spirit or an angel spoke to him, what of it?”

[10] The dispute became so violent that the commander, fearing that Sha’ul would be torn apart by them, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force and bring him back into the barracks.

[11] The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage! For just as you have borne a faithful witness to me in Yerushalayim, so now you must bear witness in Rome.”

Gospel (John 17:20-26)

[20] “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will trust in me because of their word, [21] that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, are united with me and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.

[22] The glory which you have given to me, I have given to them; so that they may be one, just as we are one — [23] I united with them and you with me, so that they may be completely one, and the world thus realize that you sent me, and that you have loved them just as you have loved me.

[24] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am; so that they may see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

[25] Righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these people have known that you sent me. [26] I made your name known to them, and I will continue to make it known; so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I myself may be united with them.”

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Reading (Acts 20:28-38)

[28] “Watch out for yourselves, and for all the flock in which the Ruach HaKodesh has placed you as leaders, to shepherd God’s Messianic community, which he won for himself at the cost of his own Son’s blood. [29] I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you; and they won’t spare the flock.

[30] Even from among your own number, men will arise and teach perversions of the truth, in order to drag away the talmidim after themselves. [31] So stay alert! Remember that for three years, night and day, with tears in my eyes, I never stopped warning you!

[32] “And now I entrust you to the care of the Lord and to the message of his love and kindness, for it can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who have been set apart for God. [33] “I have not wanted for myself anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

[34] You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided not only for my own needs, but for the needs of my co-workers as well. [35] In everything I have given you an example of how, by working hard like this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Yeshua himself, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’”

[36] When he had finished speaking, Sha’ul kneeled down with them all and prayed. [37] They were all in tears as they threw their arms around his neck and kissed him farewell. [38] What saddened them the most was his remark that they would never see him again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Gospel (John 17:11b-19)

[11] Now I am no longer in the world. They are in the world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, guard them by the power of your name, which you have given to me, so that they may be one, just as we are.

[12] When I was with them, I guarded them by the power of your name, which you have given to me; yes, I kept watch over them; and not one of them was destroyed (except the one meant for destruction, so that the Tanakh might be fulfilled).

[13] But now, I am coming to you; and I say these things while I am still in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. [14] “I have given them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world — just as I myself do not belong to the world.

[15] I don’t ask you to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the Evil One. [16] They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. [17] Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth — your word is truth.

[18] Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] On their behalf I am setting myself apart for holiness, so that they too may be set apart for holiness by means of the truth.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Reading (Acts 20:17-27)

[17] But he did send from Miletus to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the Messianic community. [18] When they arrived, he said to them, “You yourselves know how, from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia, I was with you the whole time,

[19] serving the Lord with much humility and with tears, in spite of the tests I had to undergo because of the plots of the unbelieving Jews. [20] You know that I held back nothing that could be helpful to you, and that I taught you both in public and from house to house, [21] declaring with utmost seriousness the same message to Jews and Greeks alike: turn from sin to God; and put your trust in our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah.

[22] “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Yerushalayim. I don’t know what will happen to me there, [23] other than that in every city the Ruach HaKodesh keeps warning me that imprisonment and persecution await me.

[24] But I consider my own life of no importance to me whatsoever, as long as I can finish the course ahead of me, the task I received from the Lord Yeshua — to declare in depth the Good News of God’s love and kindness.

[25] “Now, listen! I know that none of you people among whom I have gone about proclaiming the Kingdom will ever see me again. [26] Therefore, I testify on this day that I am innocent of the blood of all. ²⁷ For I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the whole plan of God.

Gospel (John 17:1-11a)

[1] After Yeshua had said these things, he looked up toward heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that the Son may glorify you — [2] just as you gave him authority over all mankind, so that he might give eternal life to all those whom you have given him.

[3] And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah. [4] “I glorified you on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. [5] Now, Father, glorify me alongside yourself. Give me the same glory I had with you before the world existed.

[6] “I made your name known to the people you gave me out of the world. They were yours, you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. [7] Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, [8] because the words you gave me I have given to them, and they have received them.

They have really come to know that I came from you, and they have come to trust that you sent me. [9] “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given to me, because they are yours. [10] Indeed, all I have is yours, and all you have is mine, and in them I have been glorified. [11] Now I am no longer in the world. They are in the world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, guard them by the power of your name, which you have given to me, so that they may be one, just as we are.

Monday, May 17, 2021

Reading (Acts 19:1-8)

[1] While Apollos was in Corinth, Sha’ul completed his travels through the inland country and arrived at Ephesus, where he found a few talmidim.

[2] He asked them, “Did you receive the Ruach HaKodesh when you came to trust?” “No,” they said to him, “we have never even heard that there is such a thing as the Ruach HaKodesh.” [3] “In that case,” he said, “into what were you immersed?” “The immersion of Yochanan,” they answered.

[4] Sha’ul said, “Yochanan practiced an immersion in connection with turning from sin to God; but he told the people to put their trust in the one who would come after him, that is, in Yeshua.”

[5] On hearing this, they were immersed into the name of the Lord Yeshua; [6] and when Sha’ul placed his hands on them, the Ruach HaKodesh came upon them; so that they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

[7] In all, there were about twelve of these men. [8] Sha’ul went into the synagogue; and for three months he spoke out boldly, engaging in dialogue and trying to persuade people about the Kingdom of God.

Gospel (John 16:29-33)

[29] The talmidim said to him, “Look, you’re talking plainly right now, you’re not speaking indirectly at all. [30] Now we know that you know everything, and that you don’t need to have people put their questions into words. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

[31] Yeshua answered, “Now you do believe. [32] But a time is coming — indeed it has come already — when you will be scattered, each one looking out for himself; and you will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone; because the Father is with me.

[33] “I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom. In the world, you have tsuris. But be brave! I have conquered the world!”

Sunday, May 16, 2021

First Reading (Acts 1:1-11)

[1] Dear Theophilos: In the first book, I wrote about everything Yeshua set out to do and teach, [2] until the day when, after giving instructions through the Ruach HaKodesh to the emissaries whom he had chosen, he was taken up into heaven.

[3] After his death he showed himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. During a period of forty days they saw him, and he spoke with them about the Kingdom of God.

[4] At one of these gatherings, he instructed them not to leave Yerushalayim but to wait for “what the Father promised, which you heard about from me. [5] For Yochanan used to immerse people in water; but in a few days, you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh!”

[6] When they were together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?” [7] He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority.

[8] But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you; you will be my witnesses both in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Shomron, indeed to the ends of the earth!” [9] After saying this, he was taken up before their eyes; and a cloud hid him from their sight.

[10] As they were staring into the sky after him, suddenly they saw two men dressed in white standing next to them. [11] The men said, “You Galileans! Why are you standing, staring into space? This Yeshua, who has been taken away from you into heaven, will come back to you in just the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:17-23)

[17] the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him.

[18] I pray that he will give light to the eyes of your hearts, so that you will understand the hope to which he has called you, what rich glories there are in the inheritance he has promised his people, [19] and how surpassingly great is his power working in us who trust him.

It works with the same mighty strength he used [20] when he worked in the Messiah to raise him from the dead and seat him at his right hand in heaven, [21] far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion or any other name that can be named either in the ‘olam hazeh or in the ‘olam haba.

[22] Also, he has put all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the Messianic Community, [23] which is his body, the full expression of him who fills all creation.

Gospel (Mark 16:15-20)

[15] Then he said to them, “As you go throughout the world, proclaim the Good News to all creation. [16] Whoever trusts and is immersed will be saved; whoever does not trust will be condemned.

[17] And these signs will accompany those who do trust: in my name they will drive out demons, speak with new tongues, [18] not be injured if they handle snakes or drink poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them.”

[19] So then, after he had spoken to them, the Lord Yeshua was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God [19] And they went out and proclaimed everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the message by the accompanying signs.

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Reading (Acts 18:23-28)

[23] Spent some time there, and afterwards set out and passed systematically through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the talmidim. [24] Meanwhile, a Jewish man named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus.

He was an eloquent speaker with a thorough knowledge of the Tanakh. [25] This man had been informed about the Way of the Lord, and with great spiritual fervor he spoke and taught accurately the facts about Yeshua, but he knew only the immersion of Yochanan.

[26] He began to speak out boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God in fuller detail. [27] When he made plans to cross over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote the talmidim there to welcome him.

On arrival, he greatly helped those who through grace had come to trust; [28] for he powerfully and conclusively refuted the unbelieving Jews in public, demonstrating by the Tanakh that Yeshua is the Messiah.

Gospel (John 16:23b-28)

[23] “When that day comes, you won’t ask anything of me! Yes, indeed! I tell you that whatever you ask from the Father, he will give you in my name. [24] Till now you haven’t asked for anything in my name. Keep asking, and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

[25] “I have said these things to you with the help of illustrations; however, a time is coming when I will no longer speak indirectly but will talk about the Father in plain language. [26] When that day comes, you will ask in my name.

I am not telling you that I will pray to the Father on your behalf, [27] for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. [28] “I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and returning to the Father.”

Friday, May 14, 2021

Reading (Acts 1:15-17, 20-26)

[15] During this period, when the group of believers numbered about 120, Kefa stood up and addressed his fellow-believers: [16] “Brothers, the Ruach HaKodesh spoke in advance through David about Y’hudah, and these words of the Tanakh had to be fulfilled.

He was guide for those who arrested Yeshua — [17] he was one of us and had been assigned a part in our work.” [20] “Now,” said Kefa, “it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his estate become desolate, let there be no one to live in it’;and ‘Let someone else take his place as a supervisor.’

[21] Therefore, one of the men who have been with us continuously throughout the time the Lord Yeshua traveled around among us, [22] from the time Yochanan was immersing people until the day Yeshua was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.”

[23] They nominated two men — Yosef Bar-Sabba, surnamed Justus, and Mattityahu. [24] Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen [25] to take over the work and the office of emissary that Y’hudah abandoned to go where he belongs.”

[26] Then they drew lots to decide between the two, and the lot fell to Mattityahu. So he was added to the eleven emissaries.

Gospel (John 15:9-17)

[9] “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. [10] If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love.

[11] I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete. [12] “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. [13] No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends.

[14] You are my friends, if you do what I command you. [15] I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

[16] You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. [17] This is what I command you: keep loving each other!

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Reading (Acts 18:1-8)

[1] After this, Sha’ul left Athens and went to Corinth, [2] where he met a Jewish man named Aquila, originally from Pontus but having recently come with his wife Priscilla from Italy, because Claudius had issued a decree expelling all the Jews from Rome.

Sha’ul went to see them; [3] and because he had the same trade as they, making tents, he stayed on with them; and they worked together. [4] Sha’ul also began carrying on discussions every Shabbat in the synagogue, where he tried to convince both Jews and Greeks.

[5] But after Sila and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Sha’ul felt pressed by the urgency of the message and testified in depth to the Jews that Yeshua is the Messiah. [6] However when they set themselves against him and began hurling insults, he shook out his clothes and said to them,

“Your blood be on your own heads! For my part, I am clean; from now on, I will go to the Goyim!” [7] So he left them and went into the home of a “God-fearer” named Titius Justus, whose house was right next door to the synagogue.

[8] Crispus, the president of the synagogue, came to trust in the Lord, along with his whole household; also many of the Corinthians who heard trusted and were immersed.

Gospel (John 16:16-20)

[16] “In a little while, you will see me no more; then, a little while later, you will see me.” [17] At this, some of the talmidim said to one another, “What is this that he’s telling us, ‘In a little while, you won’t see me; then, a little while later, you will see me’? and, ‘I am going to the Father’?”

[18] They went on saying, “What is this ‘little while’? We don’t understand what he’s talking about.” [19] Yeshua knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you asking each other what I meant by saying, ‘In a little while, you won’t see me; and then, a little while later, you will see me’?

[20] Yes, it’s true. I tell you that you will sob and mourn, and the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Reading (Acts 17:15, 22-34; 18:1)

[15] Sha’ul’s escort went with him as far as Athens, then left with instructions for Sila and Timothy to come as quickly as they could. [22] Sha’ul stood up in the Council meeting and said, “Men of Athens: I see how very religious you are in every way!

[23] For as I was walking around, looking at your shrines, I even found an altar which had been inscribed, ‘To An Unknown God.’ So, the one whom you are already worshipping in ignorance — this is the one I proclaim to you.

[24] “The God who made the universe and everything in it, and who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in man-made temples; [25] nor is he served by human hands, as if he lacked something; since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything to everyone.

[26] “From one man he made every nation living on the entire surface of the earth, and he fixed the limits of their territories and the periods when they would flourish.

[27] God did this so that people would look for him and perhaps reach out and find him although in fact, he is not far from each one of us, [28] ‘for in him we live and move and exist.’ Indeed, as some of the poets among you have said, ‘We are actually his children.’

[29] So, since we are children of God, we shouldn’t suppose that God’s essence resembles gold, silver or stone shaped by human technique and imagination. [30] “In the past, God overlooked such ignorance; but now he is commanding all people everywhere to turn to him from their sins.

[31] For he has set a Day when he will judge the inhabited world, and do it justly, by means of a man whom he has designated. And he has given public proof of it by resurrecting this man from the dead.” [32] At the mention of a resurrection of dead people, some began to scoff; while others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”

[33] So Sha’ul left the meeting. [34] But some men stayed with him and came to trust, including the High Council member Dionysius; there was also a woman named Damaris; and others came to trust along with them. [18:1] After this, Sha’ul left Athens and went to Corinth,

Gospel (John 16:12-15)

[12] “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. [13] However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own initiative but will say only what he hears.

He will also announce to you the events of the future. [14] He will glorify me, because he will receive from what is mine and announce it to you. [15] Everything the Father has is mine; this is why I said that he receives from what is mine and will announce it to you.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Reading (Acts 16:22-34)

[22] The mob joined in the attack against them, and the judges tore their clothes off them and ordered that they be flogged. [23] After giving them a severe beating, they threw them in prison, charging the jailer to guard them securely.

[24] Upon receiving such an order, he threw them into the inner cell and clamped their feet securely between heavy blocks of wood. [25] Around midnight, Sha’ul and Sila were praying and singing hymns to God, while the other prisoners listened attentively.

[26] Suddenly there was a violent earthquake which shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. [27] The jailer awoke, and when he saw the doors open he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, for he assumed that the prisoners had escaped.

[28] But Sha’ul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here!” [29] Calling for lights, the jailer ran in, began to tremble and fell down in front of Sha’ul and Sila. [30] Then, leading them outside, he said, “Men, what must I do to be saved?”

[31] They said, “Trust in the Lord Yeshua, and you will be saved — you and your household!” [32] Whereupon they told him and everyone in his household the message about the Lord.

[33] Then, even at that late hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed off their wounds; and without delay, he and all his people were immersed.

[34] After that, he brought them up to his house and set food in front of them; and he and his entire household celebrated their having come to trust in God.

Gospel (John 16:5-11)

[5] But now I am going to the One who sent me. “Not one of you is asking me, ‘Where are you going?’ [6] Instead, because I have said these things to you, you are overcome with grief.

[7] But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don’t go away, the comforting Counselor will not come to you. However, if I do go, I will send him to you.

[8] “When he comes, he will show that the world is wrong about sin, about righteousness and about judgment — [9] about sin, in that people don’t put their trust in me; [10] about righteousness, in that I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; [11] about judgment, in that the ruler of this world has been judged.

Monday, May 10, 2021

Reading (Acts 16:11-15)

[11] Sailing from Troas, we made a straight run to Samothrace; the next day we went to Neapolis; [12] and from there, we went on to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that part of Macedonia.

We spent a few days in this city; [13] then on Shabbat, we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we understood a minyan met. We sat down and began speaking to the women who had gathered there.

[14] One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in fine purple cloth. She was already a “God-fearer,” and the Lord opened up her heart to respond to what Sha’ul was saying.

[15] After she and the members of her household had been immersed, she gave us this invitation: “If you consider me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay in my house.” And she insisted till we went.

Gospel (John 15:26-27; 16: 1-4a)

[26] “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send you from the Father — the Spirit of Truth, who keeps going out from the Father — he will testify on my behalf. [27] And you testify too, because you have been with me from the outset.

[16:1] “I have told you these things so that you won’t be caught by surprise. [2] They will ban you from the synagogue; in fact, the time will come when anyone who kills you will think he is serving God!

[3] They will do these things because they have understood neither the Father nor me. [4] But I have told you this, so that when the time comes for it to happen, you will remember that I told you. I didn’t tell you this at first, because I was with you.

Sunday, May 09, 2021

First Reading (Acts 9:26-31)

[26] On reaching Yerushalayim, he tried to join the talmidim; but they were all afraid of him — they didn’t believe he was a talmid. [27] However, Bar-Nabba got hold of him and took him to the emissaries.

He told them how Sha’ul had seen the Lord while traveling, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Dammesek Sha’ul had spoken out boldly in the name of Yeshua. [28] So he remained with them and went all over Yerushalayim continuing to speak out boldly in the name of the Lord.

[29] He talked and debated with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they began making attempts to kill him. [30] When the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

[31] Then the Messianic community throughout Y’hudah, the Galil and Shomron enjoyed peace and was built up. They lived in the fear of the Lord, with the counsel of the Ruach HaKodesh; and their numbers kept multiplying.

Second Reading (1 John 3:18-24)

[18] Children, let us love not with words and talk, but with actions and in reality! [19] Here is how we will know that we are from the truth and will set our hearts at rest in his presence: [20] if our hearts know something against us, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

[21] Dear friends, if our hearts know nothing against us, we have confidence in approaching God; [22] then, whatever we ask for, we receive from him; because we are obeying his commands and doing the things that please him.

[23] This is his command: that we are to trust in the person and power of his Son Yeshua the Messiah and to keep loving one another, just as he commanded us.

[24] Those who obey his commands remain united with him and he with them. Here is how we know that he remains united with us: by the Spirit whom he gave us.

Gospel (John 15:1-8)

[1] “I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] Every branch which is part of me but fails to bear fruit, he cuts off; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.

[3] Right now, because of the word which I have spoken to you, you are pruned. [4] Stay united with me, as I will with you — for just as the branch can’t put forth fruit by itself apart from the vine, so you can’t bear fruit apart from me.

[5] “I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can’t do a thing.

[6] Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up. Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up. [7] “If you remain united with me, and my words with you, then ask whatever you want, and it will happen for you.

[8] This is how my Father is glorified — in your bearing much fruit; this is how you will prove to be my talmidim. [9] “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love.

[10] If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love. [11] I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.

Saturday, May 08, 2021

Reading (Acts 16:1-10)

[1] Sha’ul came down to Derbe and went on to Lystra, where there lived a talmid named Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman who had come to trust, and a Greek father. [2] All the brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy.

[3] Sha’ul wanted Timothy to accompany him; so he took him and did a b’rit-milah, because of the Jews living in those areas; for they all knew that his father had been a Greek.

[4] As they went on through the towns, they delivered to the people the decisions reached by the emissaries and the elders in Yerushalayim for them to observe. [5] Accordingly, the congregations were strengthened in the faith and increased in number day by day.

[6] They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, because they had been prevented by the Ruach HaKodesh from speaking the message in the province of Asia. [7] When they came to the frontier of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit of Yeshua would not let them.

[8] So, after passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. [9] There a vision appeared to Sha’ul at night. A man from Macedonia was standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

[10] As soon as he had seen the vision, we lost no time getting ready to leave for Macedonia; for we concluded that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them.

Gospel (John 15:18-21)

[18] “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me first.[19] If you belonged to the world, the world would have loved its own. But because you do not belong to the world — on the contrary, I have picked you out of the world — therefore the world hates you.

[20] Remember what I told you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours too. [21] But they will do all this to you on my account, because they don’t know the One who sent me.

Friday, May 07, 2021

Reading (Acts 15:22-31)

[22]  Then the emissaries and the elders, together with the whole Messianic community, decided to select men from among themselves to send to Antioch with Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba.

They sent Y’hudah, called Bar-Sabba, and Sila, both leading men among the brothers, [23] with the following letter: From: The emissaries and the elders, your brothers To: The brothers from among the Gentiles throughout Antioch, Syria and Cilicia Greetings!

[24] We have heard that some people went out from among us without our authorization, and that they have upset you with their talk, unsettling your minds. [25] So we have decided unanimously to select men and send them to you with our dear friends Bar-Nabba and Sha’ul, [26] who have dedicated their lives to upholding the name of our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah.

[27] So we have sent Y’hudah and Sila, and they will confirm in person what we are writing. [28] For it seemed good to the Ruach HaKodesh and to us not to lay any heavier burden on you than the following requirements: [29] to abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from fornication.

If you keep yourselves from these, you will be doing the right thing. Shalom! [30] The messengers were sent off and went to Antioch, where they gathered the group together and delivered the letter. ³¹ After reading it, the people were delighted by its encouragement.

Gospel (John 15:12-17)

[12] “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. [13] No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. [14] You are my friends, if you do what I command you.

[15] I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

[16] You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. [17] This is what I command you: keep loving each other!

Thursday, May 06, 2021

Reading (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

[1] I solemnly charge you before God and the Messiah Yeshua, who will judge the living and the dead when he appears and establishes his Kingdom: [2] proclaim the Word! Be on hand with it whether the time seems right or not.

Convict, censure and exhort with unfailing patience and with teaching. [3] For the time is coming when people will not have patience for sound teaching, but will cater to their passions and gather around themselves teachers who say whatever their ears itch to hear.

[4] Yes, they will stop listening to the truth, but will turn aside to follow myths. [5] But you, remain steady in every situation, endure suffering, do the work that a proclaimer of the Good News should, and do everything your service to God requires.

Gospel (John 10:11-16)

[11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] The hired hand, since he isn’t a shepherd and the sheep aren’t his own, sees the wolf coming, abandons the sheep and runs away.

Then the wolf drags them off and scatters them. [13] The hired worker behaves like this because that’s all he is, a hired worker; so it doesn’t matter to him what happens to the sheep.

[14]  am the good shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me — [15] just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father — and I lay down my life on behalf of the sheep.

[16] Also I have other sheep which are not from this pen; I need to bring them, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Wednesday, May 05, 2021

Reading (Acts 15:1-6)

[1] But some men came down from Y’hudah to Antioch and began teaching the brothers, “You can’t be saved unless you undergo b’rit-milah in the manner prescribed by Moshe.” [2] This brought them into no small measure of discord and dispute with Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba.

So the congregation assigned Sha’ul, Bar-Nabba and some of themselves to go and put this sh’eilah before the emissaries and the elders up in Yerushalayim. [3] After being sent off by the congregation, they made their way through Phoenicia and Shomron, recounting in detail how the Gentiles had turned to God; and this news brought great joy to all the brothers.

[4] On arrival in Yerushalayim, they were welcomed by the Messianic community, including the emissaries and the elders; and they reported what God had done through them.

[5] But some of those who had come to trust were from the party of the P’rushim; and they stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Torah of Moshe.” [6] The emissaries and the elders met to look into this matter.

Gospel (John 15:1-8)

[1] “I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] Every branch which is part of me but fails to bear fruit, he cuts off; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, so that it may bear more fruit. [3] Right now, because of the word which I have spoken to you, you are pruned.

[4] Stay united with me, as I will with you — for just as the branch can’t put forth fruit by itself apart from the vine, so you can’t bear fruit apart from me. [5] “I am the vine and you are the branches.

Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can’t do a thing. [6] Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up.

Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up. [7] “If you remain united with me, and my words with you, then ask whatever you want, and it will happen for you. [8] This is how my Father is glorified — in your bearing much fruit; this is how you will prove to be my talmidim.

Tuesday, May 04, 2021

Reading (Acts 14:19-28)

[19] Then some unbelieving Jews came from Antioch and Iconium. They won over the crowds, stoned Sha’ul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. [20] But as the talmidim gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town.

The next day, he left with Bar-Nabba for Derbe. [21] After proclaiming the Good News in that city and making many people into talmidim, they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, [22] strengthening the talmidim, encouraging them to remain true to the faith, and reminding them that it is through many hardships that we must enter the Kingdom of God.

[23] After appointing elders for them in every congregation, Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord in whom they had put their trust. [24] Passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

[25] After speaking the message in Perga, they came down to Attalia; and from there, they sailed back to Antioch, [26] the place where they had been handed over to the care of God for the work which they had now completed.

[27] When they arrived, they gathered the Messianic community together and reported what God had done through them, that he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they stayed for some time there with the talmidim.

Gospel (John 14:27-31a)

[27]  “What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened. [28] You heard me tell you, ‘I am leaving, and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would have been glad that I am going to the Father; because the Father is greater than I.

[29] “Also, I have said it to you now, before it happens; so that when it does happen, you will trust. [30] “I won’t be talking with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me; [31] rather, this is happening so that the world may know that I love the Father, and that I do as the Father has commanded me. “Get up! Let’s get going!

Monday, May 03, 2021

Reading (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

[1] Now, brothers, I must remind you of the Good News which I proclaimed to you, and which you received, and on which you have taken your stand, [2] and by which you are being saved — provided you keep holding fast to the message I proclaimed to you.

For if you don’t, your trust will have been in vain. [3] For among the first things I passed on to you was what I also received, namely this: the Messiah died for our sins, in accordance with what the Tanakh says; [4] and he was buried; and he was raised on the third day, in accordance with what the Tanakh says; [5] and he was seen by Kefa, then by the Twelve; [6] and afterwards he was seen by more than five hundred brothers at one time, the majority of whom are still alive, though some have died.

[7] Later he was seen by Ya‘akov, then by all the emissaries; [8] and last of all he was seen by me, even though I was born at the wrong time.

Gospel (John 14:6-14)

[6] Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me. [7] Because you have known me, you will also know my Father; from now on, you do know him — in fact, you have seen him.”

[8] Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us.” [9] Yeshua replied to him, “Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

[10] Don’t you believe that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me? What I am telling you, I am not saying on my own initiative; the Father living in me is doing his own works.

[11] Trust me, that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me. But if you can’t, then trust because of the works themselves. [12] Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do!

Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. [13] In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it.

Sunday, May 02, 2021

First Reading (Acts 9:26-31)

[26] On reaching Yerushalayim, he tried to join the talmidim; but they were all afraid of him — they didn’t believe he was a talmid. [27] However, Bar-Nabba got hold of him and took him to the emissaries.

He told them how Sha’ul had seen the Lord while traveling, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Dammesek Sha’ul had spoken out boldly in the name of Yeshua. [28] So he remained with them and went all over Yerushalayim continuing to speak out boldly in the name of the Lord.

[29] He talked and debated with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they began making attempts to kill him. [30] When the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

[31] Then the Messianic community throughout Y’hudah, the Galil and Shomron enjoyed peace and was built up. They lived in the fear of the Lord, with the counsel of the Ruach HaKodesh; and their numbers kept multiplying.

Second Reading (1 John 3:18-24)

[18] Children, let us love not with words and talk, but with actions and in reality! [9] Here is how we will know that we are from the truth and will set our hearts at rest in his presence: [20] if our hearts know something against us, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

[21] Dear friends, if our hearts know nothing against us, we have confidence in approaching God; [22] then, whatever we ask for, we receive from him; because we are obeying his commands and doing the things that please him.

[23] This is his command: that we are to trust in the person and power of his Son Yeshua the Messiah and to keep loving one another, just as he commanded us.

[24] Those who obey his commands remain united with him and he with them. Here is how we know that he remains united with us: by the Spirit whom he gave us.

Gospel (John 15:1-8)

[1] “I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] Every branch which is part of me but fails to bear fruit, he cuts off; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.

[3] Right now, because of the word which I have spoken to you, you are pruned. [4] Stay united with me, as I will with you — for just as the branch can’t put forth fruit by itself apart from the vine, so you can’t bear fruit apart from me.

[5] “I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can’t do a thing. [6] Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up.

Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up. [7] “If you remain united with me, and my words with you, then ask whatever you want, and it will happen for you.

[8] This is how my Father is glorified — in your bearing much fruit; this is how you will prove to be my talmidim.

Saturday, May 01, 2021

Reading (Acts 13:44-52)

[44]  The next Shabbat, nearly the whole city gathered together to hear the message about the Lord; [45] but when the Jews who had not believed saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and spoke up against what Sha’ul was saying and insulted him.

[46] However, Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba answered boldly: “It was necessary that God’s word be spoken first to you. But since you are rejecting it and are judging yourselves unworthy of eternal life — why, we’re turning to the Goyim!

[47] For that is what Adonai has ordered us to do: ‘I have set you as a light for the Goyim, to be for deliverance to the ends of the earth.’ ” [48] The Gentiles were very happy to hear this. They honored the message about the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life came to trust.

[49] And the message about the Lord was carried throughout the whole region. [50] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the women ‘God-fearers’ of high social standing and the leading men of the city, and they organized persecution against Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba and expelled them from their district.

[51] However, Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba shook off the dust of their feet against them and went on to Iconium; [52] and the talmidim were filled with joy and with the Ruach HaKodesh.

Gospel (John 14:7-14)

[7] Because you have known me, you will also know my Father; from now on, you do know him — in fact, you have seen him.” [8] Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us.”

[9] Yeshua replied to him, “Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? [10] Don’t you believe that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me?

What I am telling you, I am not saying on my own initiative; the Father living in me is doing his own works. [11] Trust me, that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me. But if you can’t, then trust because of the works themselves.

[12] Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. [13] In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it.

Friday, April 30, 2021

Reading (Acts 13:26-33)

[26] “Brothers! — sons of Avraham and those among you who are ‘God-fearers’! It is to us that the message of this deliverance has been sent!

[27] For the people living in Yerushalayim and their leaders did not recognize who Yeshua was or understand the message of the Prophets read every Shabbat, so they fulfilled that message by condemning him.

[28] They could not find any legitimate ground for a death sentence; nevertheless they asked Pilate to have him executed; [29] and when they had carried out all the things written about him, he was taken down from the stake and placed in a tomb.

[30] “But God raised him from the dead! [31] He appeared for many days to those who had come up with him from the Galil to Yerushalayim; and they are now his witnesses to the people.

[32] “As for us, we are bringing you the Good News that what God promised to the fathers, [33] he has fulfilled for us the children in raising up Yeshua, as indeed it is written in the second Psalm, ‘You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.’

Gospel (John 14:1-6)

[1] “Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many places to live. If there weren’t, I would have told you; because I am going there to prepare a place for you.

[3] Since I am going and preparing a place for you, I will return to take you with me; so that where I am, you may be also. [4] Furthermore, you know where I’m going; and you know the way there.”

[5] T’oma said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going; so how can we know the way?” [6] Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Reading (Acts 13:13-25)

[13] Having set sail from Paphos, Sha’ul and his companions arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. There Yochanan left them and returned to Yerushalayim, [14] but the others went on from Perga to Pisidian Antioch, and on Shabbat they went into the synagogue and sat down.

[15] After the reading from the Torah and from the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent them a message, “Brothers, if any of you has a word of exhortation for the people, speak!” [16] So Sha’ul stood, motioned with his hand, and said: “Men of Isra’el and God-fearers, listen!

[17] The God of this people Isra’el chose our fathers. He made the people great during the time when they were living as aliens in Egypt and with a stretched-out arm he led them out of that land.

[18] For some forty yearshe took care of them in the desert, [19] and after he had destroyed seven nationsin the land of Kena‘an he gave their land to his people as an inheritance.

[20] All this took about 450 years. After that, he gave them judges,down to the prophet Sh’mu’el. [21] Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Sha’ul Ben-Kish, a man from the tribe of Binyamin.

After forty years, [22] God removed him and raised up David as king for them, making his approval known with these words, ‘I found David Ben-Yishai to be a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want.’

[23] “In keeping with his promise, God has brought to Isra’el from this man’s descendants a deliverer, Yeshua. [24] Now before the coming of Yeshua, Yochanan proclaimed to all the people of Isra’el an immersion in connection with turning to God from sin.

[25] But as Yochanan was ending his work, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? Well — I’m not! But after me is coming someone, the sandals of whose feet I am unworthy to untie.’

Gospel (John 13:16-20)

[11] Yes, indeed! I tell you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is an emissary greater than the one who sent him. [17] If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

[18] “I’m not talking to all of you — I know which ones I have chosen. But the words of the Tanakh must be fulfilled that say, ‘The one eating my bread has turned against me.’

[19] I’m telling you now, before it happens; so that when it does happen, you may believe that I AM [who I say I am]. [20] Yes, indeed! I tell you that a person who receives someone I send receives me, and that anyone who receives me receives the One who sent me.”

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Reading (Acts 12:24-25; 13:1-5)

[24] But the word of the Lord went on growing and being multiplied. [25] Bar-Nabba and Sha’ul, having completed their errand, returned from Yerushalayim, bringing with them Yochanan, surnamed Mark.

[31:1] In the Antioch congregation were prophets and teachers — Bar-Nabba, Shim‘on (known as “the Black”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Menachem (who had been brought up with Herod the governor) and Sha’ul.

[2] One time when they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Ruach HaKodesh said to them, “Set aside for me Bar-Nabba and Sha’ul for the work to which I have called them.” [3] After fasting and praying, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

[4] So these two, after they had been sent out by the Ruach HaKodesh, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. [5] After landing in Salamis, they began proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues, with Yochanan (Mark) as an assistant;

Gospel (John 12:44-50)

[44] Yeshua declared publicly, “Those who put their trust in me are trusting not merely in me, but in the One who sent me. [45] Also those who see me see the One who sent me. [46] I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who trusts in me might not remain in the dark.

[47] If anyone hears what I am saying and does not observe it, I don’t judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] Those who reject me and don’t accept what I say have a judge — the word which I have spoken will judge them on the Last Day.

[49] For I have not spoken on my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has given me a command, namely, what to say and how to say it. [50] And I know that his command is eternal life. So what I say is simply what the Father has told me to say.”

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Reading (Acts 11:19-26)

[19] Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution which had arisen over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch; they spoke God’s word, but only to Jews.

[20] However, some of these, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they arrived at Antioch, began speaking to the Greeks too, proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Yeshua. [21] The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people trusted and turned to the Lord.

[22] News of this reached the ears of the Messianic community in Yerushalayim, and they sent Bar-Nabba to Antioch. [23] On arriving and seeing for himself the grace of God at work, he was glad; and he encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with their whole hearts; [24]for he was a good man, full of the Ruach HaKodesh and trust.

[25] Then Bar-Nabba went off to Tarsus to look for Sha’ul; [26] and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They met with the congregation there for a whole year and taught a sizeable crowd. Also it was in Antioch that the talmidim for the first time were called “Messianic.”

Gospel (John 10:22-30)

[22] Then came Hanukkah in Yerushalayim. It was winter, [23] and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo’s Colonnade. [24] So the Judeans surrounded him and said to him, “How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense?

If you are the Messiah, tell us publicly!” [25] Yeshua answered them, “I have already told you, and you don’t trust me. The works I do in my Father’s name testify on my behalf, [26] but the reason you don’t trust is that you are not included among my sheep.

[27] My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, [28] and I give them eternal life. They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands.

[29] My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father’s hands. [30] I and the Father are one.”

Monday, April 26, 2021

Reading (Acts 11:1-18)

[1] The emissaries and the brothers throughout Y’hudah heard that the Goyim had received the word of God; [2] but when Kefa went up to Yerushalayim, the members of the Circumcision faction criticized him, [3] saying, “You went into the homes of uncircumcised men and even ate with them!”

[4] In reply, Kefa began explaining in detail what had actually happened: [5] “I was in the city of Yafo, praying; and in a trance I had a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being lowered by its four corners from heaven, and it came down to me.

[6] I looked inside and saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, crawling creatures and wild birds. [7] Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Kefa, slaughter and eat!’ [8] I said, ‘No, sir! Absolutely not! Nothing unclean or treif has ever entered my mouth!’

[9] But the voice spoke again from heaven: ‘Stop treating as unclean what God has made clean.’ [10] This happened three times, and then everything was pulled back up into heaven.

[11] “At that very moment, three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where I was staying; [12] and the Spirit told me to have no misgivings about going back with them.

These six brothers also came with me, and we went into the man’s house. [13] He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Yafo and bring back Shim‘on, known as Kefa.

[14] He has a message for you which will enable you and your whole household to be saved.’ [15] “But I had hardly begun speaking when the Ruach HaKodesh fell on them, just as on us at the beginning!

[16] And I remembered that the Lord had said, ‘Yochanan used to immerse people in water, but you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh.’ [17] Therefore, if God gave them the same gift as he gave us after we had come to put our trust in the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who was I to stand in God’s way?”

[18] On hearing these things, they stopped objecting and began to praise God, saying, “This means that God has enabled the Goyim as well to do t’shuvah and have life!”

Gospel (John 10:1-10)

[1] “Yes, indeed! I tell you, the person who doesn’t enter the sheep-pen through the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. [2] But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd.

[3] This is the one the gate-keeper admits, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep, each one by name, and leads them out. [4] After taking out all that are his own, he goes on ahead of them; and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice.

[5] They never follow a stranger but will run away from him, because strangers’ voices are unfamiliar to them.” [6] Yeshua used this indirect manner of speaking with them, but they didn’t understand what he was talking to them about.

[7] So Yeshua said to them again, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All those who have come before me have been thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them.

[9] I am the gate; if someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.

Sunday, April 25, 2021

First Reading (Acts 4:7-12)

[7] They had the emissaries stand before them and asked, “By what power or in what name did you do this?” [8] Then Kefa, filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!

[9] If we are being examined today about a good deed done for a disabled person, if you want to know how he was restored to health, [10] then let it be known to you and to all the people of Isra’el that it is in the name of the Messiah, Yeshua from Natzeret, whom you had executed on a stake as a criminal but whom God has raised from the dead, that this man stands before you perfectly healed.

 [11] “This Yeshua is the stone rejected by you builders which has become the cornerstone.[12] There is salvation in no one else! For there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by whom we must be saved!”

Second Reading (1 John 3:1-2)

[1] See what love the Father has lavished on us in letting us be called God’s children! For that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it has not known him.

[2] Dear friends, we are God’s children now; and it has not yet been made clear what we will become. We do know that when he appears, we will be like him; because we will see him as he really is.

Gospel (John 10:11-18)

[11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] The hired hand, since he isn’t a shepherd and the sheep aren’t his own, sees the wolf coming, abandons the sheep and runs away.

Then the wolf drags them off and scatters them. [13] The hired worker behaves like this because that’s all he is, a hired worker; so it doesn’t matter to him what happens to the sheep.

[14] I am the good shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me — [15] just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father — and I lay down my life on behalf of the sheep.

[16] Also I have other sheep which are not from this pen; I need to bring them, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd. [17] “This is why the Father loves me: because I lay down my life — in order to take it up again!

[18] No one takes it away from me; on the contrary, I lay it down of my own free will. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it up again. This is what my Father commanded me to do.”

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Reading (Acts 9:31-42)

[31]  Then the Messianic community throughout Y’hudah, the Galil and Shomron enjoyed peace and was built up. They lived in the fear of the Lord, with the counsel of the Ruach HaKodesh; and their numbers kept multiplying.

[32] As Kefa traveled around the countryside, he came down to the believers in Lud. [33] There he found a man named Aeneas who had lain bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed. [34] Kefa said to him, “Aeneas! Yeshua the Messiah is healing you! Get up, and make your bed!”

[35] Everyone living in Lud and the Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now in Yafo there was a talmidah named Tavita [36](which means “gazelle”); she was always doing tzedakah and other good deeds.

[37] It happened that just at that time, she took sick and died. After washing her, they laid her in a room upstairs. [38] Lud is near Yafo, and the talmidim had heard that Kefa was there, so they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come to us without delay.”

[39] Kefa got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him into the upstairs room. All the widows stood by him, sobbing and showing all the dresses and coats Tavita had made them while she was still with them.

[40] But Kefa put them all outside, kneeled down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he said, “Tavita! Get up!” She opened her eyes; and on seeing Kefa, she sat up.

[41] He offered her his hand and helped her to her feet; then, calling the believers and the widows, he presented her to them alive. [42] This became known all over Yafo, and many people put their trust in the Lord.

Gospel (John 6.53, 60-69)

[53] Then Yeshua said to them, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves. [60] On hearing it, many of his talmidim said, “This is a hard word — who can bear to listen to it?”

[61] But Yeshua, aware that his talmidim were grumbling about this, said to them, “This is a trap for you? [62] Suppose you were to see the Son of Man going back up to where he was before? [63] It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh is no help.

The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life, [64] yet some among you do not trust.” (For Yeshua knew from the outset which ones would not trust him, also which one would betray him.)

[65] “This,” he said, “is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has made it possible for him.” [66] From this time on, many of his talmidim turned back and no longer traveled around with him.

[67] So Yeshua said to the Twelve, “Don’t you want to leave too?” [68] Shim‘on Kefa answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the word of eternal life. [69] We have trusted, and we know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Friday, April 23, 2021

Reading (Acts 9:1-20)

[1] Meanwhile, Sha’ul, still breathing murderous threats against the Lord’s talmidim, went to the cohen hagadol [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Dammesek, authorizing him to arrest any people he might find, whether men or women, who belonged to “the Way,” and bring them back to Yerushalayim.

[3] He was on the road and nearing Dammesek, when suddenly a light from heaven flashed all around him. [4] Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Sha’ul! Sha’ul! Why do you keep persecuting me?”

[5] “Sir, who are you?” he asked. “I am Yeshua, and you are persecuting me. [6] But get up, and go into the city, and you will be told what you have to do.” [7] The men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.

[8] They helped Sha’ul get up off the ground; but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. So, leading him by the hand, they brought him into Dammesek. [9] For three days he remained unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.

[10] There was a talmid in Dammesek, Hananyah by name; and in a vision the Lord said to him, “Hananyah!” He said, “Here I am, Lord.” [11] The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street, to Y’hudah’s house; and ask for a man from Tarsus named Sha’ul; for he is praying, [12] and in a vision he has seen a man named Hananyah coming in and placing his hands on him to restore his sight.”

[13] But Hananyah answered, “Lord, many have told me about this man, how much harm he has done to your people in Yerushalayim; [14] and here he has a warrant from the head cohanim to arrest everyone who calls on your name.”

[15] But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the Goyim, even to their kings, and to the sons of Isra’el as well. [16] For I myself will show him how much he will have to suffer on account of my name.”

[17] So Hananyah left and went into the house. Placing his hands on him, he said, “Brother Sha’ul, the Lord — Yeshua, the one who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh.”

[18] In that moment, something like scales fell away from Sha’ul’s eyes; and he could see again. He got up and was immersed; [19] then he ate some food and regained his strength. Sha’ul spent some days with the talmidim in Dammesek, [20] and immediately he began proclaiming in the synagogues that Yeshua is the Son of God.

Gospel (John 6:52-59)

[52] At this, the Judeans disputed with one another, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” [53] Then Yeshua said to them, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves.

[54] Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life — that is, I will raise him up on the Last Day. [55] For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. [56] Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I live in him.

[57] Just as the living Father sent me, and I live through the Father, so also whoever eats me will live through me. [58] So this is the bread that has come down from heaven — it is not like the bread the fathers ate; they’re dead, but whoever eats this bread will live forever!”

[59] He said these things as he was teaching in a synagogue in K’far-Nachum.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Reading (Acts 8:26-40)

[26] An angel of Adonai said to Philip, “Get up, and go southward on the road that goes down from Yerushalayim to ‘Azah, the desert road.” [27] So he got up and went. On his way, he caught sight of an Ethiopian, a eunuch who was minister in charge of all the treasure of the Kandake, or queen, of Ethiopia.

He had been to Yerushalayim to worship; [28] and now, as he was returning home, he was sitting in his chariot, reading the prophet Yesha‘yahu. [29] The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot, and stay close to it.”

[30] As Philip ran up, he heard the Ethiopian reading from Yesha‘yahu the prophet. “Do you understand what you’re reading?” he asked. [31] “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” And he invited Philip to climb up and sit with him.

[32] Now the portion of the Tanakh that he was reading was this: “He was like a sheep led to be slaughtered; like a lamb silent before the shearer, he does not open his mouth. [33] He was humiliated and denied justice. Who will tell about his descendants, since his life has been taken from the earth?”

[34] The eunuch said to Philip, “Here’s my question to you — is the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” [35] Then Philip started to speak — beginning with that passage, he went on to tell him the Good News about Yeshua.

[36] As they were going down the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Here’s some water! Is there any reason why I shouldn’t be immersed?”[37 & 38]He ordered the chariot to stop; then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip immersed him.

[39] When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch saw no more of him, because he continued on his way — full of joy. [40] But Philip showed up at Ashdod and continued proclaiming the Good News as he went through all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Gospel (John 6:44-51)

[44] No one can come to me unless the Father — the One who sent me — draws him. And I will raise him up on the Last Day. [45] It is written in the Prophets, ‘They will all be taught by Adonai.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

[46] Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God — he has seen the Father. [47] Yes, indeed! I tell you, whoever trusts has eternal life: [48] I am the bread which is life. [49] Your fathers ate the man in the desert; they died.

[50] But the bread that comes down from heaven is such that a person may eat it and not die. [51] I am the living bread that has come down from heaven; if anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. Furthermore, the bread that I will give is my own flesh; and I will give it for the life of the world.”

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Reading (Acts 8:1-8)

[1]  and Sha’ul gave his approval to his murder. Starting with that day, there arose intense persecution against the Messianic Community in Yerushalayim; all but the emissaries were scattered throughout the regions of Y’hudah and Shomron.

[2] Some godly men buried Stephen and mourned him deeply. [3] But Sha’ul set out to destroy the Messianic Community — entering house after house, he dragged off both men and women and handed them over to be put in prison.

[4] However, those who were scattered announced the Good News of the Word wherever they went. [5] Now Philip went down to a city in Shomron and was proclaiming the Messiah to them; [6] and the crowds were paying close attention to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the miraculous signs he was doing.

[7] For many people were having unclean spirits driven out of them, shrieking; also many paralytics and crippled persons were being healed; ⁸ so that there was great joy in that city.

Gospel (John 6:35-40)

[35] Yeshua answered, “I am the bread which is life! Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever trusts in me will never be thirsty. [36] I told you that you have seen but still don’t trust.

[37] Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will certainly not turn away. [38] For I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of the One who sent me.

[39] And this is the will of the One who sent me: that I should not lose any of all those he has given me but should raise them up on the Last Day. [40] Yes, this is the will of my Father: that all who see the Son and trust in him should have eternal life, and that I should raise them up on the Last Day.”

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Reading (Acts 7:51-60; 8:1)

[51]  “Stiffnecked people,^[a] with uncircumcised hearts and ears!You continually oppose the Ruach HaKodesh!You do the same things your fathers did! [52] Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?

They killed those who told in advance about the coming of the Tzaddik, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers! — [53] you! — who receive the Torah as having been delivered by angels — but do not keep it!”

[54] On hearing these things, they were cut to their hearts and ground their teeth at him. [55] But he, full of the Ruach HaKodesh, looked up to heaven and saw God’s Sh’khinah, with Yeshua standing at the right hand of God.

[56] “Look!” he exclaimed, “I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”[57] At this, they began yelling at the top of their voices, so that they wouldn’t have to hear him; and with one accord, they rushed at him, [58] threw him outside the city and began stoning him.

And the witnesses laid down their coats at the feet of a young man named Sha’ul. [59] As they were stoning him, Stephen called out to God, “Lord Yeshua! Receive my spirit!”

[60] Then he kneeled down and shouted out, “Lord! Don’t hold this sin against them!” With that, he died; [8:1] and Sha’ul gave his approval to his murder.

Starting with that day, there arose intense persecution against the Messianic Community in Yerushalayim; all but the emissaries were scattered throughout the regions of Y’hudah and Shomron.

Gospel (John 6:30-35)

[30] They said to him, “Nu, what miracle will you do for us, so that we may see it and trust you? What work can you perform? [31] Our fathers ate man in the desert — as it says in the Tanakh, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’

[32] Yeshua said to them, “Yes, indeed! I tell you it wasn’t Moshe who gave you the bread from heaven. But my Father is giving you the genuine bread from heaven; [33] for God’s bread is the one who comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.”

[34] They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread from now on.” [35] Yeshua answered, “I am the bread which is life! Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever trusts in me will never be thirsty.

Monday, April 19, 2021

Reading (Acts 6:8-15)

[8] Now Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great miracles and signs among the people. [9] But opposition arose from members of the Synagogue of the Freed Slaves (as it was called), composed of Cyrenians, Alexandrians and people from Cilicia and the province of Asia.

They argued with Stephen, [10] but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by which he spoke. [11] So they secretly persuaded some men to allege, “We heard him speak blasphemously against Moshe and against God.”

[12] They stirred up the people, as well as the elders and the Torah-teachers; so they came and arrested him and led him before the Sanhedrin.

[13] There they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the Torah; [14] for we have heard him say that Yeshua from Natzeret will destroy this place and will change the customs Moshe handed down to us.”

[15] Everyone sitting in the Sanhedrin stared at Stephen and saw that his face looked like the face of an angel.

Gospel (John 6:22-29)

[22] The next day, the crowd which had stayed on the other side of the lake noticed that there had been only one boat there, and that Yeshua had not entered the boat with his talmidim, but that the talmidim had been alone when they sailed off.

[23] Then other boats, from Tiberias, came ashore near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had made the b’rakhah. [24] Accordingly, when the crowd saw that neither Yeshua nor his talmidim were there, they themselves boarded the boats and made for K’far-Nachum in search of Yeshua.

[25] When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” [26] Yeshua answered, “Yes, indeed! I tell you, you’re not looking for me because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate the bread and had all you wanted!

[27] Don’t work for the food which passes away but for the food that stays on into eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For this is the one on whom God the Father has put his seal.”

[28] So they said to him, “What should we do in order to perform the works of God?” [29] Yeshua answered, “Here’s what the work of God is: to trust in the one he sent!”

Sunday, April 18, 2021

First Reading (Acts 3:13-15, 17-19)

[13] The God of Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya‘akov, the God of our fathers,has glorified his servant Yeshua — the same Yeshua you handed over and disowned before Pilate, even after he had decided to release him.

[14] You denied the holy and innocent one, and instead asked for the reprieve of a murderer! [15] You killed the author of life! “But God has raised him from the dead! Of this we are witnesses.

[17] “Now, brothers, I know that you did not understand the significance of what you were doing; neither did your leaders.

[18] But this is how God fulfilled what he had announced in advance, when he spoke through all the prophets, namely, that his Messiah was to die. [19] “Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased;

Second Reading (1 John 2:1-5)

[1] My children, I am writing you these things so that you won’t sin. But if anyone does sin, we have Yeshua the Messiah, the Tzaddik, who pleads our cause with the Father. [2] Also, he is the kapparah for our sins — and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

[3] The way we can be sure we know him is if we are obeying his commands. [4] Anyone who says, “I know him,” but isn’t obeying his commands is a liar — the truth is not in him.

[5] But if someone keeps doing what he says, then truly love for God has been brought to its goal in him. This is how we are sure that we are united with him.

Gospel (Luke 24:35-48)

[35] Then the two told what had happened on the road and how he had become known to them in the breaking of the matzah. [36] They were still talking about it when — there he was, standing among them!

[37] Startled and terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost. [38] But he said to them, “Why are you so upset? Why are these doubts welling up inside you? [39] Look at my hands and my feet — it is I, myself! Touch me and see — a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I do.” [40] As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

[41] While they were still unable to believe it for joy and stood there dumbfounded, he said to them, “Have you something here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] which he took and ate in their presence.

[44] Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.”

[45] Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, [48] telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; [47] and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. [48] You are witnesses of these things.

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Reading (Acts 6:1-7)

[1] Around this time, when the number of talmidim was growing, the Greek-speaking Jews began complaining against those who spoke Hebrew that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.

[2] So the Twelve called a general meeting of the talmidim and said, “It isn’t appropriate that we should neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables. [3] Brothers, choose seven men from among yourselves who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.

We will appoint them to be in charge of this important matter, [4] but we ourselves will give our full attention to praying and to serving the Word.” [5] What they said was agreeable to the whole gathering.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Ruach HaKodesh, Philip, Prochoros, Nikanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicholas, who was a proselyte from Antioch. [6] They presented these men to the emissaries, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

[7] So the word of God continued to spread. The number of talmidim in Yerushalayim increased rapidly, and a large crowd of cohanim were becoming obedient to the faith.

Gospel (John 6:16-21)

[16] When evening came, his talmidim went down to the lake, [17] got into a boat and set out across the lake toward K’far-Nachum. By now it was dark, Yeshua had not yet joined them, [18] and the sea was getting rough, because a strong wind was blowing.

[19] They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Yeshua approaching the boat, walking on the lake! They were terrified; [20] but he said to them, “Stop being afraid, it is I.”

[21] Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and instantly the boat reached the land they were heading for.

Friday, April 16, 2021

Reading (Acts 5:34-42)

[34] But one of the members of the Sanhedrin rose to his feet, a Parush named Gamli’el, a teacher of the Torah highly respected by all the people. He ordered the men put outside for a little while [35] and then addressed the court: “Men of Isra’el, take care what you do to these people.

[36] Some time ago, there was a rebellion under Todah, who claimed to be somebody special; and a number of men, maybe four hundred, rallied behind him. But upon his being put to death, his whole following was broken up and came to nothing.

[37] After this, Y’hudah HaG’lili led another uprising, back at the time of the enrollment for the Roman tax; and he got some people to defect to him. But he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

[38] So in the present case, my advice to you is not to interfere with these people, but to leave them alone. For if this idea or this movement has a human origin, it will collapse. [39] But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you might even find yourselves fighting God!”

They heeded his advice. [40] After summoning the emissaries and flogging them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Yeshua, and let them go. [41] The emissaries left the Sanhedrin overjoyed at having been considered worthy of suffering disgrace on account of him.

[42] And not for a single day, either in the Temple court or in private homes, did they stop teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Yeshua is the Messiah.

Gospel (John 6:1-15)

[1] Some time later, Yeshua went over to the far side of Lake Kinneret (that is, Lake Tiberias), [2] and a large crowd followed him, because they had seen the miracles he had performed on the sick.

3] Yeshua went up into the hills and sat down there with his talmidim. [4] Now the Judean festival of Pesach was coming up; [5] so when Yeshua looked up and saw that a large crowd was approaching, he said to Philip, “Where will we be able to buy bread, so that these people can eat?”

[6] (Now Yeshua said this to test Philip, for Yeshua himself knew what he was about to do.) [7] Philip answered, “Half a year’s wages wouldn’t buy enough bread for them — each one would get only a bite!”

[8] One of the talmidim, Andrew the brother of Shim‘on Kefa, said to him, [9] “There’s a young fellow here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish. But how far will they go among so many?”

[10] Yeshua said, “Have the people sit down.” There was a lot of grass there, so they sat down. The number of men was about five thousand. [11] Then Yeshua took the loaves of bread, and, after making a b’rakhah, gave to all who were sitting there, and likewise with the fish, as much as they wanted.

[12] After they had eaten their fill, he told his talmidim, “Gather the leftover pieces, so that nothing gets wasted.” [13] They gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.

[14]When the people saw the miracle he had performed, they said, “This has to be ‘the prophet’ who is supposed to come into the world.” [15] Yeshua knew that they were on the point of coming and seizing him, in order to make him king; so he went back to the hills again. This time he went by himself.

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Reading (Acts 5:27-33)

[27] They conducted them to the Sanhedrin, where the cohen hagadol demanded of them, [28] “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name! Look here! you have filled Yerushalayim with your teaching; moreover, you are determined to make us responsible for this man’s death!”

[29] Kefa and the other emissaries answered, “We must obey God, not men. [30] The God of our fathersraised up Yeshua, whereas you men killed him by having him hanged on a stake.

[31] God has exalted this man at his right handas Ruler and Savior, in order to enable Isra’el to do t’shuvah and have her sins forgiven. [32] We are witnesses to these things; so is the Ruach HaKodesh, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

[33] On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were infuriated and wanted to put the emissaries to death.

Gospel (John 3:31-36)

[31] “He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and talks from an earthly point of view; he who comes from heaven is above all. [32] He testifies about what he has actually seen and heard, yet no one accepts what he says!

[33] Whoever does accept what he says puts his seal on the fact that God is true, [34] because the one whom God sent speaks God’s words. For God does not give him the Spirit in limited degree — [35] the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.

[36] Whoever trusts in the Son has eternal life. But whoever disobeys the Son will not see that life but remains subject to God’s wrath.”

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Reading (Acts 5:17-26)

[17] But the cohen hagadol and his associates, who were members of the party of the Tz’dukim, were filled with jealousy. [18] They arrested the emissaries and put them in the public jail.

[19] But during the night, an angel of Adonai opened the doors of the prison, led them out and said, [20] “Go, stand in the Temple court and keep telling the people all about this new life!” [21] After hearing that, they entered the Temple area about dawn and began to teach.

Now the cohen hagadol and his associates came and called a meeting of the Sanhedrin (that is, of Isra’el’s whole assembly of elders) and sent to the jail to have them brought. [22] But the officers who went did not find them in the prison.

So they returned and reported, [23] “We found the jail securely locked and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened it, we found no one inside!”

[24] When the captain of the Temple police and the head cohanim heard these things, they were puzzled and wondered what would happen next. [25] Then someone came and reported to them, “Listen! The men you ordered put in prison are standing in the Temple court, teaching the people!”

[26] The captain and his officers went and brought them, but not with force; because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Gospel (John 3:16-21)

[16] “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. [17] For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved.

[18] Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son. [19] “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why?

Because their actions were wicked. [20] For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. [21] But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Reading (Acts 4:32-37)

[32] All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had. [33] With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard.

[34] No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds [35] to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.

[36] Thus Yosef, whom the emissaries called Bar-Nabba (which means “the Exhorter”), a Levi and a native of Cyprus, [37] sold a field which belonged to him and brought the money to the emissaries.

Gospel (John 3:7-15)

[7] Stop being amazed at my telling you that you must be born again from above! [8] The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it’s going.

That’s how it is with everyone who has been born from the Spirit.” [9] Nakdimon replied, “How can this happen?” [10] Yeshua answered him, “You hold the office of teacher in Isra’el, and you don’t know this?

[11] Yes, indeed! I tell you that what we speak about, we know; and what we give evidence of, we have seen; but you people don’t accept our evidence! [12] If you people don’t believe me when I tell you about the things of the world, how will you believe me when I tell you about the things of heaven?

13] No one has gone up into heaven; there is only the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. [14] Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; [15] so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.

Monday, April 12, 2021

Reading (Acts 4:23-31)

[23] Upon being released, they went back to their friends and reported what the head cohanim and elders had said to them. [24] When they heard it, they raised their voices to God with singleness of heart.

“Master,” they prayed, “You made heaven, earth, the sea and everything in them. [25] By the Ruach HaKodesh, through the mouth of our father David, your servant, you said, ‘Why did the nations rage and the peoples devise useless plans?

[26] The kings of the earth took their stand; and the rulers assembled together against Adonai and against his Messiah.’ [27] “This has come true in this city, since Herod and Pontius Pilate, with Goyim and the peoples of Isra’el, all assembled against your holy servant Yeshua, whom you made Messiah, [28] to do what your power and plan had already determined beforehand should happen.

[29] “So now, Lord, take note of their threats; and enable your slaves to speak your message with boldness! [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and to do signs and miracles through the name of your holy servant Yeshua!”

[31] While they were still praying, the place where they were gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, and they spoke God’s message with boldness.

Gospel (John 3:1-8)

[1]There was a man among the P’rushim, named Nakdimon, who was a ruler of the Judeans. [2] This man came to Yeshua by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know it is from God that you have come as a teacher; for no one can do these miracles you perform unless God is with him.”

[3] “Yes, indeed,” Yeshua answered him, “I tell you that unless a person is born again from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” [4] Nakdimon said to him, “How can a grown man be ‘born’? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”

[5] Yeshua answered, “Yes, indeed, I tell you that unless a person is born from water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. [6] What is born from the flesh is flesh, and what is born from the Spirit is spirit.

[7] Stop being amazed at my telling you that you must be born again from above! [8] The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it’s going. That’s how it is with everyone who has been born from the Spirit.”

Sunday, April 11, 2021

First Reading (Acts 4:32-35)

[32] All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had.

[33] With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard.

[34] No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds ³⁵ to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.

Second Reading (1 John 5:1-6)

[1] Everyone who believes that Yeshua is the Messiah has God as his father, and everyone who loves a father loves his offspring too. [2] Here is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God, we also do what he commands.

[3] For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome, [4] because everything which has God as its Father overcomes the world. And this is what victoriously overcomes the world: our trust.

[5] Who does overcome the world if not the person who believes that Yeshua is the Son of God? [6] He is the one who came by means of water and blood, Yeshua the Messiah — not with water only, but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

[19] In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came, stood in the middle and said, “Shalom aleikhem!”

[20] Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. P21] “Shalom aleikhem!” Yeshua repeated. “Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.”

[22] Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Ruach HaKodesh! [23] If you forgive someone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you hold them, they are held.” [24] Now T’oma (the name means “twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Yeshua came.

[25] When the other talmidim told him, “We have seen the Lord,” he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger into the place where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe it.”

[26] A week later his talmidim were once more in the room, and this time T’oma was with them. Although the doors were locked, Yeshua came, stood among them and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” [27] Then he said to T’oma, “Put your finger here, look at my hands, take your hand and put it into my side.

Don’t be lacking in trust, but have trust!” [28] T’oma answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Yeshua said to him, “Have you trusted because you have seen me? How blessed are those who do not see, but trust anyway!

[30] In the presence of the talmidim Yeshua performed many other miracles which have not been recorded in this book. [31] But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is.

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Reading (Acts 4:13-21)

[13] When they saw how bold Kefa and Yochanan were, even though they were untrained ‘am-ha’aretz, they were amazed; also they recognized them as having been with Yeshua. [14] Moreover, since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there beside them, there was nothing they could say to discredit the healing.

[15] So they told them to step away from the Sanhedrin while they discussed the matter privately. [16] “What can we do with these men?” they asked each other. “Why, anyone in Yerushalayim can see that a remarkable miracle has come about through them — we can’t possibly deny that.

[17] But to prevent it from spreading any further among the people, let’s warn them not to speak any more to anyone in this name.” [18] So they called them in again and ordered them under no circumstances to speak or teach in the name of Yeshua.

[19] But Kefa and Yochanan answered, “You must judge whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God. [20] As for us, we can’t help talking about what we have actually seen and heard.”

[21] They threatened them some more but finally let them go — they couldn’t punish them because of the people, for everyone was praising God over what had happened,

Gospel (Mark 16:9-15)

[9] When Yeshua rose early Sunday, he appeared first to Miryam of Magdala, from whom he had expelled seven demons. [10] She went and told those who had been with him, as they were crying and mourning.

[11] But when they heard that he was alive and that she had seen him, they wouldn’t believe it. [12] After that, Yeshua appeared in another form to two of them as they were walking into the country. [13] They went and told the others, but they didn’t believe them either.

[14] Later, Yeshua appeared to the Eleven as they were eating, and he reproached them for their lack of trust and their spiritual insensitivity in not having believed those who had seen him after he had risen.

[15] Then he said to them, “As you go throughout the world, proclaim the Good News to all creation.

Friday, April 09, 2021

Reading (Acts 4:1-12)

[1] Kefa and Yochanan were still speaking to the people when the cohanim, the captain in charge of the Temple police, and the Tz’dukim came upon them, [2] very annoyed that they were teaching the people the doctrine of resurrection from the dead and offering Yeshua as proof.

[3] The Temple police arrested them; and since it was already evening, they put them in custody overnight. [4] However, many of those who heard the message trusted; the number of men alone was about five thousand.

[5] The next day, the people’s rulers, elders and Torah-teachers assembled in Yerushalayim, [6] along with ‘Anan the cohen hagadol, Kayafa, Yochanan, Alexander and the other men from the family of the cohen hagadol.

[7] They had the emissaries stand before them and asked, “By what power or in what name did you do this?” [8] Then Kefa, filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!

[9] If we are being examined today about a good deed done for a disabled person, if you want to know how he was restored to health, [10] then let it be known to you and to all the people of Isra’el that it is in the name of the Messiah, Yeshua from Natzeret, whom you had executed on a stake as a criminal but whom God has raised from the dead, that this man stands before you perfectly healed.

[11] “This Yeshua is the stone rejected by you builders which has become the cornerstone.[12] There is salvation in no one else! For there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by whom we must be saved!”

Gospel (John 21:1-14)

[1]After this, Yeshua appeared again to the talmidim at Lake Tiberias. Here is how it happened: [2] Shim‘on Kefa and T’oma (his name means “twin”) were together with Natan’el from Kanah in the Galil, the sons of Zavdai, and two other talmidim.

[3] Shim‘on Kefa said, “I’m going fishing.” They said to him, “We’re coming with you.” They went and got into the boat, but that night they didn’t catch anything. [4] However, just as day was breaking, Yeshua stood on shore, but the talmidim didn’t know it was he.

[5] He said to them, “You don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered him. [6] He said to them, “Throw in your net to starboard and you will catch some.” So they threw in their net, and there were so many fish in it that they couldn’t haul it aboard.

[7] The talmid Yeshua loved said to Kefa, “It’s the Lord!” On hearing it was the Lord, Shim‘on Kefa threw on his coat, because he was stripped for work, and plunged into the lake; [8] but the other talmidim followed in the boat, dragging the net full of fish; for they weren’t far from shore, only about a hundred yards.

[9] When they stepped ashore, they saw a fire of burning coals with a fish on it, and some bread. [10] Yeshua said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” [11] Shim‘on Kefa went up and dragged the net ashore.

It was full of fish, 153 of them; but even with so many, the net wasn’t torn. [12] Yeshua said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the talmidim dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

[13] Yeshua came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. [14] This was now the third time Yeshua had appeared to the talmidim after being raised from the dead.

Thursday, April 08, 2021

Reading (Acts 3:11-26)

[11] While he clung to Kefa and Yochanan, all the people came running in astonishment toward them in Shlomo’s Colonnade. [12] Seeing this, Kefa addressed the people: “Men of Isra’el! Why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us as if we had made this man walk through some power or godliness of our own?

[13] The God of Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya‘akov, the God of our fathers,has glorified his servant Yeshua — the same Yeshua you handed over and disowned before Pilate, even after he had decided to release him.

[14] You denied the holy and innocent one, and instead asked for the reprieve of a murderer! [15] You killed the author of life! “But God has raised him from the dead! Of this we are witnesses.

16] And it is through putting trust in his name that his name has given strength to this man whom you see and know. Yes, it is the trust that comes through Yeshua which has given him this perfect healing in the presence of you all.

[17] “Now, brothers, I know that you did not understand the significance of what you were doing; neither did your leaders. [18] But this is how God fulfilled what he had announced in advance, when he spoke through all the prophets, namely, that his Messiah was to die.

[19] “Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased; [20] so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord’s presence; and he may send the Messiah appointed in advance for you, that is, Yeshua.

[21] He has to remain in heaven until the time comes for restoring everything, as God said long ago, when he spoke through the holy prophets. [22] For Moshe himself said, ‘Adonai will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You are to listen to everything he tells you.

[23] Everyone who fails to listen to that prophet will be removed from the people and destroyed.’[24] Indeed, all the prophets announced these days, starting with Sh’mu’el and continuing through all who followed.

[25] “You are the sons of the prophets; and you are included in the covenant which God made with our fathers when he said to Avraham, ‘By your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.’

[26] So it is to you first that God has sent his servant whom he has raised up, so that he might bless you by turning each one of you from your evil ways.”

Gospel (Luke 24:35-48)

[35] Then the two told what had happened on the road and how he had become known to them in the breaking of the matzah. [36] They were still talking about it when — there he was, standing among them!

[37] Startled and terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost. [38] But he said to them, “Why are you so upset? Why are these doubts welling up inside you? [39] Look at my hands and my feet — it is I, myself! Touch me and see — a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I do.”

[40] As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. [41] While they were still unable to believe it for joy and stood there dumbfounded, he said to them, “Have you something here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] which he took and ate in their presence.

[44] Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.”

[45] Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, [46] telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; [47] and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. [48] You are witnesses of these things.

Wednesday, April 07, 2021

Reading (Acts 3:1-10)

[1] One afternoon at three o’clock, the hour of minchah prayers, as Kefa and Yochanan were going up to the Temple, [2] a man crippled since birth was being carried in. Every day people used to put him at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, so that he could beg from those going into the Temple court.

[3] When he saw Kefa and Yochanan about to enter, he asked them for some money. [4] But they stared straight at him; and Kefa said, “Look at us!” [5] The crippled man fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.

[6] Kefa said, “I don’t have silver, and I don’t have gold, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of the Messiah, Yeshua of Natzeret, walk!” [7] And taking hold of him by his right hand, Kefa pulled him up.

Instantly his feet and ankles became strong; [8] so that he sprang up, stood a moment, and began walking. Then he entered the Temple court with them, walking and leaping and praising God! [9] Everyone saw him walking and praising God.

[10] They recognized him as the same man who had formerly sat begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, and they were utterly amazed and confounded at what had happened to him.

Gospel (Luke 24:13-35)

[13] That same day, two of them were going toward a village about seven miles from Yerushalayim called Amma’us, [14] and they were talking with each other about all the things that had happened.

[15] As they talked and discussed, Yeshua himself came up and walked along with them, [16] but something kept them from recognizing him. [17] He asked them, “What are you talking about with each other as you walk along?”

They stopped short, their faces downcast; [18] and one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only person staying in Yerushalayim that doesn’t know the things that have been going on there the last few days?”

[19] “What things?” he asked them. They said to him, “The things about Yeshua from Natzeret. He was a prophet and proved it by the things he did and said before God and all the people. [20] Our head cohanim and our leaders handed him over, so that he could be sentenced to death and executed on a stake as a criminal.

[21] And we had hoped that he would be the one to liberate Isra’el! Besides all that, today is the third day since these things happened; [22] and this morning, some of the women astounded us.

They were at the tomb early [23] and couldn’t find his body, so they came back; but they also reported that they had seen a vision of angels who say he’s alive! [24] Some of our friends went to the tomb and found it exactly as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

[25] He said to them, “Foolish people! So unwilling to put your trust in everything the prophets spoke! [26] Didn’t the Messiah have to die like this before entering his glory?” [27] Then, starting with Moshe and all the prophets, he explained to them the things that can be found throughout the Tanakh concerning himself.

[28] They approached the village where they were going. He made as if he were going on farther; [29] but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us, for it’s almost evening, and it’s getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them.

[30] As he was reclining with them at the table, he took the matzah, made the b’rakhah, broke it and handed it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. But he became invisible to them.

[32] They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn inside us as he spoke to us on the road, opening up the Tanakh to us?” [33] They got up at once, returned to Yerushalayim and found the Eleven gathered together with their friends, [34] saying, “It’s true!

The Lord has risen! Shim‘on saw him!” [35] Then the two told what had happened on the road and how he had become known to them in the breaking of the matzah.

Tuesday, April 06, 2021

Reading (Acts 2:36-41)

[36] Therefore, let the whole house of Isra’el know beyond doubt that God has made him both Lord and Messiah — this Yeshua, whom you executed on a stake!” [37] On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Kefa and the other emissaries, “Brothers, what should we do?”

[38] Kefa answered them, “Turn from sin, return to God, and each of you be immersed on the authority of Yeshua the Messiah into forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh!

[39] For the promise is for you, for your children, and for those far away — as many as Adonai our God may call!” [40] He pressed his case with many other arguments and kept pleading with them, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”

[41] So those who accepted what he said were immersed, and there were added to the group that day about three thousand people.

Gospel (John 20:11-18)

[11] but Miryam stood outside crying. As she cried, she bent down, peered into the tomb, ¹² and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Yeshua had been, one at the head and one at the feet.

[13] “Why are you crying?” they asked her. “They took my Lord,” she said to them, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” [14] As she said this, she turned around and saw Yeshua standing there, but she didn’t know it was he.

[15] Yeshua said to her, “Lady, why are you crying? Whom are you looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you’re the one who carried him away, just tell me where you put him; and I’ll go and get him myself.”

[16] Yeshua said to her, “Miryam!” Turning, she cried out to him in Hebrew, “Rabbani!” (that is, “Teacher!”) [17] “Stop holding onto me,” Yeshua said to her, “because I haven’t yet gone back to the Father.

But go to my brothers, and tell them that I am going back to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” [18] Miryam of Magdala went to the talmidim with the news that she had seen the Lord and that he had told her this.

Monday, April 05, 2021

Reading (Acts 2:14, 22-33)

[14] Then Kefa stood up with the Eleven and raised his voice to address them: “You Judeans, and all of you staying here in Yerushalayim! Let me tell you what this means! Listen carefully to me!

[22] “Men of Isra’el! Listen to this! Yeshua from Natzeret was a man demonstrated to you to have been from God by the powerful works, miracles and signs that God performed through him in your presence. You yourselves know this.

[23] This man was arrested in accordance with God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge; and, through the agency of persons not bound by the Torah, you nailed him up on a stake and killed him!

[24] “But God has raised him up and freed him from the suffering of death; it was impossible that death could keep its hold on him. [25] For David says this about him: ‘I saw Adonai always before me,for he is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken.

[26] For this reason, my heart was glad; and my tongue rejoiced; and now my body too will live on in the certain hope [27] that you will not abandon me to Sh’ol or let your Holy One see decay.

[28] You have made known to me the ways of life; you will fill me with joy by your presence.’[29] “Brothers, I know I can say to you frankly that the patriarch David died and was buried — his tomb is with us to this day.

[30] Therefore, since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that one of his descendants would sit on his throne, [31] he was speaking in advance about the resurrection of the Messiah, that it was he who was not abandoned in Sh’ol and whose flesh did not see decay.

[32] God raised up this Yeshua! And we are all witnesses of it! [33] “Moreover, he has been exalted to the right hand of God; has received from the Father what he promised, namely, the Ruach HaKodesh; and has poured out this gift, which you are both seeing and hearing.

Gospel (Matthew 28:8-15)

[8] So they left the tomb quickly, frightened yet filled with joy; and they ran to give the news to his talmidim. [9] Suddenly Yeshua met them and said, “Shalom!” They came up and took hold of his feet as they fell down in front of him.

[10] Then Yeshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go and tell my brothers to go to the Galil, and they will see me there.” [11] As they were going, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the head cohanim everything that had happened.

[12] Then they met with the elders; and after discussing the matter, they gave the soldiers a sizeable sum of money [13] and said to them, “Tell people, ‘His talmidim came during the night and stole his body while we were sleeping.’

[14] If the governor hears of it, we will put things right with him and keep you from getting in trouble.” [15] The soldiers took the money and did as they were told, and this story has been spread about by Judeans till this very day.

Sunday, April 04, 2021

First Reading (Acts 10:34, 37-43)

[34] Then Kefa addressed them: “I now understand that God does not play favorites, [37] You know what has been going on throughout Y’hudah, starting from the Galil after the immersion that Yochanan proclaimed; [38] how God anointed Yeshua from Natzeret with the Ruach HaKodesh and with power; how Yeshua went about doing good and healing all the people oppressed by the Adversary, because God was with him.

[39] “As for us, we are witnesses of everything he did, both in the Judean countryside and in Yerushalayim. They did away with him by hanging him on a stake; [40] but God raised him up on the third day and let him be seen, [41] not by all the people, but by witnesses God had previously chosen, that is, by us, who ate and drank with him after he had risen again from the dead.

[42] “Then he commanded us to proclaim and attest to the Jewish people that this man has been appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets bear witness to him, that everyone who puts his trust in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-4)

[1] So if you were raised along with the Messiah, then seek the things above, where the Messiah is sitting at the right hand of God.[2] Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth.

[3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. [4] When the Messiah, who is our life, appears, then you too will appear with him in glory!

Gospel (John 20:1-18)

[1] Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Miryam from Magdala went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. [2] So she came running to Shim‘on Kefa and the other talmid, the one Yeshua loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

[3] Then Kefa and the other talmid started for the tomb. [4] They both ran, but the other talmid outran Kefa and reached the tomb first. [5] Stooping down, he saw the linen burial-sheets lying there but did not go in.

[6] Then, following him, Shim‘on Kefa arrived, entered the tomb and saw the burial-sheets lying there, [7] also the cloth that had been around his head, lying not with the sheets but in a separate place and still folded up.

[8] Then the other talmid, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went in; he saw, and he trusted. [9] (They had not yet come to understand that the Tanakh teaches that the Messiah has to rise from the dead.)

[10] So the talmidim returned home, [11] but Miryam stood outside crying. As she cried, she bent down, peered into the tomb, [12] and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Yeshua had been, one at the head and one at the feet.

[13] “Why are you crying?” they asked her. “They took my Lord,” she said to them, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” [14] As she said this, she turned around and saw Yeshua standing there, but she didn’t know it was he.

[15] Yeshua said to her, “Lady, why are you crying? Whom are you looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you’re the one who carried him away, just tell me where you put him; and I’ll go and get him myself.”

[16] Yeshua said to her, “Miryam!” Turning, she cried out to him in Hebrew, “Rabbani!” (that is, “Teacher!”) [17] “Stop holding onto me,” Yeshua said to her, “because I haven’t yet gone back to the Father.

But go to my brothers, and tell them that I am going back to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” [18] Miryam of Magdala went to the talmidim with the news that she had seen the Lord and that he had told her this.

Saturday, April 03, 2021

Reading (No Reading)

Gospel (Mark 16.1-8)

[1]When Shabbat was over, Miryam of Magdala, Miryam the mother of Ya‘akov, and Shlomit bought spices in order to go and anoint Yeshua. [2] Very early the next day, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb.

[3] They were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” [4] Then they looked up and saw that the stone, even though it was huge, had been rolled back already.

[5] On entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right; and they were dumbfounded. [6] But he said, “Don’t be so surprised! You’re looking for Yeshua from Natzeret, who was executed on the stake. He has risen, he’s not here!

Look at the place where they laid him. [7] But go and tell his talmidim, especially Kefa, that he is going to the Galil ahead of you. You will see him there, just as he told you.”

[8] Trembling but ecstatic they went out and fled from the tomb, and they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Friday, April 02, 2021

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:1-12)

[13] “See how my servant will succeed! He will be raised up, exalted, highly honored! [14] Just as many were appalled at him, because he was so disfigured that he didn’t even seem human and simply no longer looked like a man, [15] so now he will startle many nations; because of him, kings will be speechless.

For they will see what they had not been told, they will ponder things they had never heard.” [53:1] Who believes our report? To whom is the arm of Adonai revealed? [2] For before him he grew up like a young plant, like a root out of dry ground.

He was not well-formed or especially handsome; we saw him, but his appearance did not attract us. [3] People despised and avoided him, a man of pains, well acquainted with illness. Like someone from whom people turn their faces, he was despised; we did not value him.

[4] In fact, it was our diseases he bore, our pains from which he suffered; yet we regarded him as punished, stricken and afflicted by God. [5] But he was wounded because of our crimes,
crushed because of our sins; the disciplining that makes us whole fell on him, and by his bruises we are healed.

[6] We all, like sheep, went astray; we turned, each one, to his own way;
yet Adonai laid on him the guilt of all of us, [7] Though mistreated, he was submissive —
he did not open his mouth.

Like a lamb led to be slaughtered, like a sheep silent before its shearers, he did not open his mouth. [8] After forcible arrest and sentencing, he was taken away; and none of his generation protested his being cut off from the land of the living for the crimes of my people, who deserved the punishment themselves.

[9] He was given a grave among the wicked; in his death he was with a rich man. Although he had done no violence and had said nothing deceptive, [10] yet it pleased Adonai to crush him with illness, to see if he would present himself as a guilt offering.

If he does, he will see his offspring; and he will prolong his days; and at his hand Adonai’s desire will be accomplished. [11] After this ordeal, he will see satisfaction. “By his knowing [pain and sacrifice], my righteous servant makes many righteous; it is for their sins that he suffers.

[12]Therefore I will assign him a share with the great, he will divide the spoil with the mighty, for having exposed himself to death and being counted among the sinners, while actually bearing the sin of many and interceding for the offenders.”

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

[14] Therefore, since we have a great cohen gadol who has passed through to the highest heaven, Yeshua, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we acknowledge as true.

[15] For we do not have a cohen gadol unable to empathize with our weaknesses; since in every respect he was tempted just as we are, the only difference being that he did not sin.

[16] Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

[5:7] During Yeshua’s life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions, crying aloud and shedding tears, to the One who had the power to deliver him from death; and he was heard because of his godliness.

[8] Even though he was the Son, he learned obedience through his sufferings. [9] And after he had been brought to the goal, he became the source of eternal deliverance to all who obey him,

Gospel (John 18:1 40; 19:1-42)

[1]After Yeshua had said all this, he went out with his talmidim across the stream that flows in winter through the Vadi Kidron, to a spot where there was a grove of trees; and he and his talmidim went into it. [2] Now Y’hudah, who was betraying him, also knew the place; because Yeshua had often met there with his talmidim.

[3] So Y’hudah went there, taking with him a detachment of Roman soldiers and some Temple guards provided by the head cohanim and the P’rushim; they carried weapons, lanterns and torches. [4] Yeshua, who knew everything that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Whom do you want?”

[5] “Yeshua from Natzeret,” they answered. He said to them, “I AM.” Also standing with them was Y’hudah, the one who was betraying him. [6] When he said, “I AM,” they went backward from him and fell to the ground. [7] So he inquired of them once more, “Whom do you want?” and they said, “Yeshua from Natzeret.”

[8] “I told you, ‘I AM,’” answered Yeshua, “so if I’m the one you want, let these others go.” [9] This happened so that what he had said might be fulfilled, “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

[10] Then Shim‘on Kefa, who had a sword, drew it and struck the slave of the cohen hagadol, cutting off his right ear; the slave’s name was Melekh. [11] Yeshua said to Kefa, “Put your sword back in its scabbard! This is the cup the Father has given me; am I not to drink it?”

[12] So the detachment of Roman soldiers and their captain, together with the Temple Guard of the Judeans, arrested Yeshua, tied him up, [13] and took him first to ‘Anan, the father-in-law of Kayafa, who was cohen gadol that fateful year.

[14] (It was Kayafa who had advised the Judeans that it would be good for one man to die on behalf of the people.) [15] Shim‘on Kefa and another talmid followed Yeshua. The second talmid was known to the cohen hagadol, and he went with Yeshua into the courtyard of the cohen hagadol; [16] but Kefa stood outside by the gate.

So the other talmid, the one known to the cohen hagadol, went back out and spoke to the woman on duty at the gate, then brought Kefa inside. [17] The woman at the gate said to Kefa, “Aren’t you another of that man’s talmidim?” He said, “No, I’m not.”

[18] Now the slaves and guards had lit a fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it warming themselves; Kefa joined them and stood warming himself too. [19] The cohen hagadol questioned Yeshua about his talmidim and about what he taught.

[20] Yeshua answered, “I have spoken quite openly to everyone; I have always taught in a synagogue or in the Temple where all Jews meet together, and I have said nothing in secret; [21] so why are you questioning me?

Question the ones who heard what I said to them; look, they know what I said.” [22] At these words, one of the guards standing by slapped Yeshua in the face and said, “This is how you talk to the cohen hagadol?”

[23] Yeshua answered him, “If I said something wrong, state publicly what was wrong; but if I was right, why are you hitting me?” [24] So ‘Anan sent him, still tied up, to Kayafa the cohen hagadol.

[25] Meanwhile, Shim‘on Kefa was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “Aren’t you also one of his talmidim?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.” [26] One of the slaves of the cohen hagadol, a relative of the man whose ear Kefa had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the grove of trees?”

[27] So again Kefa denied it, and instantly a rooster crowed. [28] They led Yeshua from Kayafa to the governor’s headquarters. By now it was early morning. They did not enter the headquarters building because they didn’t want to become ritually defiled and thus unable to eat the Pesach meal.

[29] So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What charge are you bringing against this man?” [30]They answered, “If he hadn’t done something wrong, we wouldn’t have brought him to you.” [31] Pilate said to them, “You take him and judge him according to your own law.”

The Judeans replied, “We don’t have the legal power to put anyone to death.” [32]This was so that what Yeshua had said, about how he was going to die, might be fulfilled. [33] So Pilate went back into the headquarters, called Yeshua and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

[34] Yeshua answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have other people told you about me?” [35] Pilate replied, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and head cohanim have handed you over to me; what have you done?”

[36] Yeshua answered, “My kingship does not derive its authority from this world’s order of things. If it did, my men would have fought to keep me from being arrested by the Judeans. But my kingship does not come from here.”

[37] “So then,” Pilate said to him, “You are a king, after all.” Yeshua answered, “You say I am a king. The reason I have been born, the reason I have come into the world, is to bear witness to the truth. Every one who belongs to the truth listens to me.” [38] Pilate asked him, “What is truth?”

Having said this, Pilate went outside again to the Judeans and told them, “I don’t find any case against him. [39] However, you have a custom that at Passover I set one prisoner free. Do you want me to set free for you the ‘king of the Jews’?”

[40] But they yelled back, “No, not this man but Bar-Abba!” (Bar-Abba was a revolutionary.) [19:1] Pilate then took Yeshua and had him flogged. [2] The soldiers twisted thorn-branches into a crown and placed it on his head, put a purple robe on him, [3] and went up to him, saying over and over, “Hail, ‘king of the Jews’!” and hitting him in the face.

[4] Pilate went outside once more and said to the crowd, “Look, I’m bringing him out to you to get you to understand that I find no case against him.” [5] So Yeshua came out, wearing the thorn-branch crown and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Look at the man!”

[6] When the head cohanim and the Temple guards saw him they shouted, “Put him to death on the stake! Put him to death on the stake!” Pilate said to them, “You take him out yourselves and put him to death on the stake, because I don’t find any case against him.”

[7] The Judeans answered him, “We have a law; according to that law, he ought to be put to death, because he made himself out to be the Son of God.” [8] On hearing this, Pilate became even more frightened.

[9] He went back into the headquarters and asked Yeshua, “Where are you from?” But Yeshua didn’t answer. [10] So Pilate said to him, “You refuse to speak to me? Don’t you understand that it is in my power either to set you free or to have you executed on the stake?”

[11] Yeshua answered, “You would have no power over me if it hadn’t been given to you from above; this is why the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” [12] On hearing this, Pilate tried to find a way to set him free; but the Judeans shouted, “If you set this man free, it means you’re not a ‘Friend of the Emperor’!

Everyone who claims to be a king is opposing the Emperor!” [13] When Pilate heard what they were saying, he brought Yeshua outside and sat down on the judge’s seat in the place called The Pavement (in Aramaic, Gabta); [14] it was about noon on Preparation Day for Pesach.

He said to the Judeans, “Here’s your king!” [15] They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Put him to death on the stake!” Pilate said to them, “You want me to execute your king on a stake?” The head cohanim answered, “We have no king but the Emperor.”

[16] Then Pilate handed Yeshua over to them to have him put to death on the stake. So they took charge of Yeshua. [17] Carrying the stake himself he went out to the place called Skull (in Aramaic, Gulgolta).

[18] There they nailed him to the stake along with two others, one on either side, with Yeshua in the middle. [19] Pilate also had a notice written and posted on the stake; it read, YESHUA FROM NATZERET THE KING OF THE JEWS [20] Many of the Judeans read this notice, because the place where Yeshua was put on the stake was close to the city; and it had been written in Hebrew, in Latin and in Greek.

[21] The Judeans’ head cohanim therefore said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but ‘He said, “I am King of the Jews.”’” [22] Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

[23] When the soldiers had nailed Yeshua to the stake, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier, with the under-robe left over. Now the under-robe was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom; [24] so they said to one another, “We shouldn’t tear it in pieces; let’s draw for it.”

This happened in order to fulfill the words from the Tanakh, “They divided my clothes among themselves and gambled for my robe.”This is why the soldiers did these things. [25] Nearby Yeshua’s execution stake stood his mother, his mother’s sister Miryam the wife of K’lofah, and Miryam from Magdala.

[26] When Yeshua saw his mother and the talmid whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Mother, this is your son.” [27] Then he said to the talmid, “This is your mother.” And from that time on, the talmid took her into his own home.

[28] After this, knowing that all things had accomplished their purpose, Yeshua, in order to fulfill the words of the Tanakh, said, “I’m thirsty.” [29] A jar full of cheap sour wine was there; so they soaked a sponge in the wine, coated it with oregano leaves and held it up to his mouth.

[30] After Yeshua had taken the wine, he said, “It is accomplished!” And, letting his head droop, he delivered up his spirit. [31] It was Preparation Day, and the Judeans did not want the bodies to remain on the stake on Shabbat, since it was an especially important Shabbat. So they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed.

[32] The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been put on a stake beside Yeshua, then the legs of the other one; [33] but when they got to Yeshua and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs.

[34] However, one of the soldiers stabbed his side with a spear, and at once blood and water flowed out. [35] The man who saw it has testified about it, and his testimony is true. And he knows that he tells the truth, so you too can trust.

[36] For these things happened in order to fulfill this passage of the Tanakh: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”[37] And again, another passage says, “They will look at him whom they have pierced.”

[38] After this, Yosef of Ramatayim, who was a talmid of Yeshua, but a secret one out of fear of the Judeans, asked Pilate if he could have Yeshua’s body. Pilate gave his consent, so Yosef came and took the body away.

[39] Also Nakdimon, who at first had gone to see Yeshua by night, came with some seventy pounds of spices — a mixture of myrrh and aloes. [40] They took Yeshua’s body and wrapped it up in linen sheets with the spices, in keeping with Judean burial practice. [41] In the vicinity of where he had been executed was a garden, and in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had ever been buried. [42] So, because it was Preparation Day for the Judeans, and because the tomb was close by, that is where they buried Yeshua.

Thursday, April 01, 2021

First Reading (Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14)

[1] Adonai spoke to Moshe and Aharon in the land of Egypt; he said, [2] “You are to begin your calendar with this month; it will be the first month of the year for you.

[3] Speak to all the assembly of Isra’el and say, ‘On the tenth day of this month, each man is to take a lamb or kid for his family, one per household — [4] except that if the household is too small for a whole lamb or kid, then he and his next-door neighbor should share one, dividing it in proportion to the number of people eating it.

[5] Your animal must be without defect, a male in its first year, and you may choose it from either the sheep or the goats. [6] “‘You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, and then the entire assembly of the community of Isra’el will slaughter it at dusk.

[7] They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame at the entrance of the house in which they eat it. [8] That night, they are to eat the meat, roasted in the fire; they are to eat it with matzah and maror.

[11] “‘Here is how you are to eat it: with your belt fastened, your shoes on your feet and your staff in your hand; and you are to eat it hurriedly. It is Adonai’s Pesach [Passover]. [12] For that night, I will pass through the land of Egypt and kill all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both men and animals; and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt; I am Adonai.

[13] The blood will serve you as a sign marking the houses where you are; when I see the blood, I will pass over ^[a] you — when I strike the land of Egypt, the death blow will not strike you. [14] “‘This will be a day for you to remember and celebrate as a festival to Adonai; from generation to generation you are to celebrate it by a perpetual regulation.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

[23] For what I received from the Lord is just what I passed on to you — that the Lord Yeshua, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; [24] and after he had made the b’rakhah he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you.

Do this as a memorial to me”; [25] likewise also the cup after the meal, saying, “This cup is the New Covenant effected by my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, as a memorial to me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.

Gospel (John 13.1-15)

[1] It was just before the festival of Pesach, and Yeshua knew that the time had come for him to pass from this world to the Father. Having loved his own people in the world, he loved them to the end. [2] They were at supper, and the Adversary had already put the desire to betray him into the heart of Y’hudah Ben-Shim‘on from K’riot.

[3] Yeshua was aware that the Father had put everything in his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God. [4] So he rose from the table, removed his outer garments and wrapped a towel around his waist.

[5] Then he poured some water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the talmidim and wipe them off with the towel wrapped around him. [6] He came to Shim‘on Kefa, who said to him, “Lord! You are washing my feet?”

[7] Yeshua answered him, “You don’t understand yet what I am doing, but in time you will understand.” [8] “No!” said Kefa, “You will never wash my feet!” Yeshua answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no share with me.”

[9] “Lord,” Shim‘on Kefa replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and head too!” [10] Yeshua said to him, “A man who has had a bath doesn’t need to wash, except his feet — his body is already clean. And you people are clean, but not all of you.”

[11] (He knew who was betraying him; this is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”) [12] After he had washed their feet, taken back his clothes and returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?

[13] You call me ‘Rabbi’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because I am. [14] Now if I, the Lord and Rabbi, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other’s feet. [15] For I have set you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you.

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 50.4-9)

[4] Adonai Elohim has given me the ability to speak as a man well taught, so that I, with my words, know how to sustain the weary. Each morning he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught.

[5] Adonai Elohim has opened my ear, and I neither rebelled nor turned away. [6] I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who plucked out my beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

[7] For Adonai Elohim will help. This is why no insult can wound me. This is why I have set my face like flint, knowing I will not be put to shame. [8] My vindicator is close by; let whoever dares to accuse me appear with me in court!

Let whoever has a case against me step forward! [9] Look, if Adonai Elohim helps me, who will dare to condemn me? Here, they are all falling apart like old, moth-eaten clothes.

Gospel (Matthew 26.14-26)

[14] Then one of the Twelve, the one called Y’hudah from K’riot, went to the head cohanim [15] and said, “What are you willing to give me if I turn Yeshua over to you?” They counted out thirty silver coins and gave them to Y’hudah.

[16] From then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray him. [17] On the first day for matzah, the talmidim came to Yeshua and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare your Seder?”

[18] “Go into the city, to so-and-so,” he replied, “and tell him that the Rabbi says, ‘My time is near, my talmidim and I are celebrating Pesach at your house.’” [19] The talmidim did as Yeshua directed and prepared the Seder.

[20] When evening came, Yeshua reclined with the twelve talmidim; [21] and as they were eating, he said, “Yes, I tell you that one of you is going to betray me.” [22] They became terribly upset and began asking him, one after the other, “Lord, you don’t mean me, do you?”

[23] He answered, “The one who dips his matzah in the dish with me is the one who will betray me. [24] The Son of Man will die just as the Tanakh says he will; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him had he never been born!” 

[25] Y’hudah, the one who was betraying him, then asked, “Surely, Rabbi, you don’t mean me?” He answered, “The words are yours.” [26] While they were eating, Yeshua took a piece of matzah, made the b’rakhah, broke it, gave it to the talmidim and said, “Take! Eat! This is my body!”

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 49:1-6)

[1] Coastlands, listen to me; listen, you peoples far away: Adonai called me from the womb;
before I was born, he had spoken my name. [2] He has made my mouth like a sharp sword while hiding me in the shadow of his hand; he has made me like a sharpened arrow while concealing me in his quiver.

[3] He said to me, “You are my servant, Isra’el, through whom I will show my glory.” [4] But I said, “I have toiled in vain, spent my strength for nothing, futility.” Yet my cause is with Adonai, my reward is with my God.

[5] So now Adonai says —he formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Ya‘akov back to him, to have Isra’el gathered to him, so that I will be honored in the sight of Adonai, my God having become my strength — [6] he has said, “It is not enough that you are merely my servant to raise up the tribes of Ya‘akov and restore the offspring of Isra’el.

I will also make you a light to the nations, so my salvation can spread to the ends of the earth.”

Gospel (John 13:21-33, 36-38)

[21] After saying this, Yeshua, in deep anguish of spirit, declared, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that one of you will betray me.” [22] The talmidimstared at one another, totally mystified — whom could he mean? [23]

One of his talmidim, the one Yeshua particularly loved, was reclining close beside him. [24] So Shim‘on Kefa motioned to him and said, “Ask which one he’s talking about.” [25] Leaning against Yeshua’s chest, he asked Yeshua, “Lord, who is it?”

[26] Yeshua answered, “It’s the one to whom I give this piece of matzah after I dip it in the dish.” So he dipped the piece of matzah and gave it to Y’hudah Ben-Shim‘on from K’riot. [27] As soon as Y’hudah took the piece of matzah, the Adversary went into him.

“What you are doing, do quickly!” Yeshua said to him. [28] But no one at the table understood why he had said this to him. [29] Some thought that since Y’hudah was in charge of the common purse, Yeshua was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or telling him to give something to the poor.

[30] As soon as he had taken the piece of matzah, Y’hudah went out, and it was night. [31] After Y’hudah had left, Yeshua said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.

[32] If the Son has glorified God, God will himself glorify the Son, and will do so without delay. [33] Little children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and, as I said to the Judeans, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ now I say it to you as well.

Monday, March 29, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 42.1-7)

[1] “Here is my servant, whom I support, my chosen one, in whom I take pleasure. I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring justice to the Goyim. [2] He will not cry or shout; no one will hear his voice in the streets.

[3] He will not snap off a broken reed or snuff out a smoldering wick.
He will bring forth justice according to truth; [4] he will not weaken or be crushed until he has established justice on the earth, and the coastlands wait for his Torah.”

[5] Thus says God, Adonai, who created the heavens and spread them out, who stretched out the earth and all that grows from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk on it:

[6] “I, Adonai, called you righteously, I took hold of you by the hand, I shaped you and made you a covenant for the people, to be a light for the Goyim, [7] so that you can open blind eyes, free the prisoners from confinement, those living in darkness from the dungeon.

Gospel (John 12:1-11)

[1] Six days before Pesach, Yeshua came to Beit-Anyah, where El‘azar lived, the man Yeshua had raised from the dead; [2] so they gave a dinner there in his honor. Marta served the meal, and El‘azar was among those at the table with him.

[3] Miryam took a whole pint of pure oil of spikenard, which is very expensive, poured it on Yeshua’s feet and wiped his feet with her hair, so that the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [4] But one of the talmidim, Y’hudah from K’riot, the one who was about to betray him, said, [5] “This perfume is worth a year’s wages!

Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” [6] Now he said this not out of concern for the poor, but because he was a thief — he was in charge of the common purse and used to steal from it.

[7] Yeshua said, “Leave her alone! She kept this for the day of my burial. [8] You always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

[9] A large crowd of Judeans learned that he was there; and they came not only because of Yeshua, but also so that they could see El‘azar, whom he had raised from the dead.

[10] The head cohanim then decided to do away with El‘azar too, [11] since it was because of him that large numbers of the Judeans were leaving their leaders and putting their trust in Yeshua.

Sunday, March 28, 2021

First Reading (Isaiah 50:4-7)

[4] Adonai Elohim has given me the ability to speak as a man well taught, so that I, with my words, know how to sustain the weary. Each morning he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught.

[5] Adonai Elohim has opened my ear, and I neither rebelled nor turned away. [6] I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who plucked out my beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

[7] For Adonai Elohim will help. This is why no insult wound me. This is why I have set my face like flint, knowing I will not be put to shame.

Second Reading (Philippians 2:6-11)

[6] Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be possessed by force. [7] On the contrary, he emptied himself, in that he took the form of a slave
by becoming like human beings are.

And when he appeared as a human being, [8] he humbled himself still more by becoming obedient even to death — death on a stake as a criminal!

[9]Therefore God raised him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name; [10] that in honor of the name given Yeshua, every knee will bow — in heaven, on earth and under the earth — [11] and every tongue will acknowledgethat Yeshua the Messiah is Adonai — to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel (Mark 14:1 – 72; 15: 1 – 47)

[1] It was now two days before Pesach (that is, the festival of Matzah), and the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers were trying to find some way to arrest Yeshua surreptitiously and have him put to death; [2] for they said, “Not during the festival, or the people will riot.”

[3] While he was in Beit-Anyah in the home of Shim‘on (a man who had had tzara‘at), and as he was eating, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfume, pure oil of nard, very costly. She broke the jar and poured the perfume over Yeshua’s head.

[4] But some there angrily said to themselves, “Why this waste of perfume? [5] It could have been sold for a year’s wages and given to the poor!” And they scolded her. [6] But he said, “Let her be. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing for me.

[7] For you will always have the poor with you; and whenever you want to, you can help them. But you will not always have me. [8] What she could do, she did do — in advance she poured perfume on my body to prepare it for burial.

[9] Yes! I tell you that wherever in the whole world this Good News is proclaimed, what she has done will be told in her memory.” [10] Then Y’hudah from K’riot, who was one of the Twelve, went to the head cohanim in order to betray Yeshua to them.

[11]They were pleased to hear this and promised to give him money. And he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Yeshua. [12] On the first day for matzah, when they slaughtered the lamb for Pesach, Yeshua’s talmidim asked him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare your Seder?”

[13] He sent two of his talmidim with these instructions: “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him; [14] and whichever house he enters, tell him that the Rabbi says, ‘Where is the guest room for me, where I am to eat the Pesach meal with my talmidim?’

[15] He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make the preparations there.” [16] The talmidim went off, came to the city and found things just as he had told them they would be; and they prepared the Seder.

[17] When evening came, Yeshua arrived with the Twelve. [18] As they were reclining and eating, Yeshua said, “Yes! I tell you that one of you is going to betray me.” [19] They became upset and began asking him, one after the other, “You don’t mean me, do you?”

[20] “It’s one of the Twelve,” he said to them, “someone dipping matzah in the dish with me. [21] For the Son of Man will die, just as the Tanakh says he will; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him had he never been born!”

[22] While they were eating, Yeshua took a piece of matzah, made the b’rakhah, broke it, gave it to them and said, “Take it! This is my body.” [23] Also he took a cup of wine, made the b’rakhah, and gave it to them; and they all drank.

[24] He said to them, “This is my blood, which ratifies the New Covenant, my blood shed on behalf of many people. [25] Yes! I tell you, I will not drink this ‘fruit of the vine’ again until the day I drink new wine in the Kingdom of God.”

[26] After singing the Hallel, they went out to the Mount of Olives. [27] Yeshua said to them, “You will all lose faith in me, for the Tanakh says, ‘I will strike the shepherd dead, and the sheep will be scattered.’

[28] But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you into the Galil.” [29] Kefa said to him, “Even if everyone else loses faith in you, I won’t.” [30] Yeshua replied, “Yes! I tell you that this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will disown me three times!”

[31] But Kefa kept insisting, “Even if I must die with you, I will never disown you!” And they all said the same thing. [32] They went to a place called Gat Sh’manim; and Yeshua said to his talmidim, “Sit here while I pray.”

[33] He took with him Kefa, Ya‘akov and Yochanan. Great distress and anguish came over him; [34] and he said to them, “My heart is so filled with sadness that I could die! Remain here and stay awake.”

[35] Going on a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him: [36] “Abba!” (that is, “Dear Father!”) “All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me! Still, not what I want, but what you want.”

[37] He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Kefa, “Shim‘on, are you asleep? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? [38] Stay awake, and pray that you will not be put to the test — the spirit indeed is eager, but human nature is weak.”

[39] Again he went away and prayed, saying the same words; [40] and again he came and found them sleeping, their eyes were so very heavy; and they didn’t know what to answer him.

[41] The third time, he came and said to them, “For now, go on sleeping, take your rest. . . .There, that’s enough! The time has come! Look! The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners! [42] Get up! Let’s go! Here comes my betrayer!”

[43] While Yeshua was still speaking, Y’hudah (one of the Twelve!) came, and with him a crowd carrying swords and clubs, from the head cohanim, the Torah-teachers and the elders. [44] The betrayer had arranged to give them a signal: “The man I kiss is the one you want. Grab him, and take him away under guard.”

[45] As he arrived, he went right up to Yeshua, said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. [46] Then they laid hold of Yeshua and arrested him; [47] but one of the people standing nearby drew his sword and struck at the servant of the cohen hagadol, cutting off his ear.

[48] Yeshua addressed them: “So you came out to take me with swords and clubs, the way you would the leader of a rebellion? [49] Every day I was with you in the Temple court, teaching, and you didn’t seize me then! But let the Tanakh be fulfilled.”

[50] And they all deserted him and ran away. [51] There was one young man who did try to follow him; but he was wearing only a nightshirt; and when they tried to seize him, [52] he slipped out of the nightshirt and ran away naked.

[53] They led Yeshua to the cohen hagadol, with whom all the head cohanim, elders and Torah-teachers were assembling. [54] Kefa followed him at a distance right into the courtyard of the cohen hagadol, where he sat down with the guards and warmed himself by the fire.

[55] The head cohanim and the whole Sanhedrin tried to find evidence against Yeshua, so that they might have him put to death, but they couldn’t find any. [56] For many people gave false evidence against him, but their testimonies didn’t agree.

[57] Some stood up and gave this false testimony: [58] “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with hands; and in three days I will build another one, not made with hands.’” [59] Even so, their testimonies didn’t agree.

[60] The cohen hagadol stood up in the front and asked Yeshua, “Have you nothing to say to the accusations these men are making?” [61] But he remained silent and made no reply. Again the cohen hagadol questioned him: “Are you the Mashiach, Ben-HaM’vorakh?” [62] “I AM,” answered Yeshua.

“Moreover, you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of HaG’vurah and coming on the clouds of heaven.” [63] At this, the cohen hagadol tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? [64] You heard him blaspheme! What is your decision?” And they all declared him guilty and subject to the death penalty.

[65] Then some began spitting at him; and after blindfolding him, they started pounding him with their fists and saying to him, “Let’s see you prophesy!” And as the guards took him, they beat him too. [66] Meanwhile, Kefa was still in the courtyard below.

One of the serving-girls of the cohen hagadol [67] saw Kefa warming himself, took a look at him, and said, “You were with the man from Natzeret, Yeshua!” [68] But he denied it, saying, “I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about!” He went outside into the entryway, and a rooster crowed.

[69] The girl saw him there and started telling the bystanders, “This fellow is one of them.” [70] Again he denied it. A little later, the bystanders themselves said to Kefa, “You must be one of them, because you’re from the Galil.”

[71] At this he began to invoke a curse on himself as he swore, “I do not know this man you are telling me about!” — [72] and immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Kefa remembered what Yeshua had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown me three times.”

And throwing himself down, he burst into tears. [15:1] As soon as it was morning, the head cohanim held a council meeting with the elders, the Torah-teachers and the whole Sanhedrin.

Then they put Yeshua in chains, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. [2] Pilate put this question to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “The words are yours.” [3] The head cohanim too made accusations against him, [4] and Pilate again inquired of him, “Aren’t you going to answer?

Look how many charges they are making against you!” [5] But Yeshua made no further response, to Pilate’s amazement. [6] Now during a festival, Pilate used to set free one prisoner, whomever the crowd requested.

[7] There was in prison among the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection a man called Bar-Abba. [8] When the crowd came up and began asking Pilate to do for them what he usually did, [9] he asked them, “Do you want me to set free for you the ‘King of the Jews’?”

[10] For it was evident to him that it was out of jealousy that the head cohanim had handed him over. [11] But the head cohanim stirred up the crowd to have him release Bar-Abba for them instead.

[12] Pilate again said to them, “Then what should I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” [13] They shouted back, “Put him to death on the stake!” [14] He asked, “Why? What crime has he committed?” But they only shouted louder, “Put him to death on the stake!”

[15] So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the mob, set Bar-Abba free for them; but he had Yeshua whipped and then handed him over to be executed on the stake. [16] The soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the headquarters building) and called together the whole battalion.

[17] They dressed him in purple and wove thorn branches into a crown, which they put on him. [18] Then they began to salute him, “Hail to the King of the Jews!” [19] They hit him on the head with a stick, spat on him and kneeled in mock worship of him.

[20] When they had finished ridiculing him, they took off the purple robe, put his own clothes back on him and led him away to be nailed to the execution-stake. [21] A certain man from Cyrene, Shim‘on, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country; and they forced him to carry the stake.

[22] They brought Yeshua to a place called Gulgolta (which means “place of a skull”), [23] and they gave him wine spiced with myrrh, but he didn’t take it. [24] Then they nailed him to the execution-stake; and they divided his clothes among themselves, throwing dice to determine what each man should get.

[25]It was nine in the morning when they nailed him to the stake. [26] Over his head, the written notice of the charge against him read, [27] On execution-stakes with him they placed two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.

[28-29] People passing by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! So you can destroy the Temple, can you, and rebuild it in three days? [30] Save yourself and come down from the stake!”

[31] Likewise, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers made fun of him, saying to each other, “He saved others, but he can’t save himself!” [32] and, “So he’s the Messiah, is he? The King of Isra’el? Let him come down now from the stake! If we see that, then we’ll believe him!” Even the men nailed up with him insulted him.

[33] At noon, darkness covered the whole Land until three o’clock in the afternoon. [34] At three, he uttered a loud cry, “Elohi! Elohi! L’mah sh’vaktani?” (which means, “My God! My God! Why have you deserted me?”)

[35] On hearing this, some of the bystanders said, “Look! He’s calling for Eliyahu!” [36] One ran and soaked a sponge in vinegar, put it on a stick and gave it to him to drink. “Wait!” he said, “Let’s see if Eliyahu will come and take him down.”

[37] But Yeshua let out a loud cry and gave up his spirit. [38] And the parokhet in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. [39] When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw the way he gave up his spirit, he said, “This man really was a son of God!”

[40] There were women looking on from a distance; among them were Miryam from Magdala, Miryam the mother of the younger Ya‘akov and of Yosi, and Shlomit. [41] These women had followed him and helped him when he was in the Galil. And many other women were there who had come up with him to Yerushalayim.

[42] Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before a Shabbat), as evening approached, [43] Yosef of Ramatayim, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who himself was also looking forward to the Kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Yeshua’s body.

[44] Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead, so he summoned the officer and asked him if he had been dead awhile. [45] After he had gotten confirmation from the officer that Yeshua was dead, he granted Yosef the corpse.

[46] Yosef purchased a linen sheet; and after taking Yeshua down, he wrapped him in the linen sheet, laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. [47] Miryam of Magdala and Miryam the mother of Yosi saw where he had been laid.

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Reading (Ezekiel 37:21-28)

[21] Then say to them that Adonai Elohim says: ‘I will take the people of Isra’el from among the nations where they have gone and gather them from every side and bring them back to their own land.

[22] I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Isra’el; and one king will be king for all of them. They will no longer be two nations, and they will never again be divided into two kingdoms.

[24] “‘They will never again defile themselves with their idols, their detestable things, or any of their transgressions; but I will save them from all the places where they have been living and sinning; and I will cleanse them, so that they will be my people, and I will be their God.

[25] My servant David will be king over them, and all of them will have one shepherd; they will live by my rulings and keep and observe my regulations.  They will live in the land I gave to Ya‘akov my servant, where your ancestors lived; they will live there — they, their children, and their grandchildren, forever; and David my servant will be their leader forever.

[26] I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give to them, increase their numbers, and set my sanctuary among them forever. [27] My home will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

[28] The nations will know that I am Adonai, who sets Isra’el apart as holy, when my sanctuary is with them forever.’”

Gospel (John 11:45-56)

[45] At this, many of the Judeans who had come to visit Miryam, and had seen what Yeshua had done, trusted in him. [46] But some of them went off to the P’rushim and told them what he had done.

[47] So the head cohanim and the P’rushim called a meeting of the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? — for this man is performing many miracles.

[48] If we let him keep going on this way, everyone will trust in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both the Temple and the nation.” [49] But one of them, Kayafa, who was cohen gadol that year, said to them, “You people don’t know anything!

[50] You don’t see that it’s better for you if one man dies on behalf of the people, so that the whole nation won’t be destroyed.”

[51] Now he didn’t speak this way on his own initiative; rather, since he was cohen gadol that year, he was prophesying that Yeshua was about to die on behalf of the nation, [52] and not for the nation alone, but so that he might gather into one the scattered children of God.

[53] From that day on, they made plans to have him put to death. [54] Therefore Yeshua no longer walked around openly among the Judeans but went away from there into the region near the desert, to a town called Efrayim, and stayed there with his talmidim.

[55] The Judean festival of Pesach was near, and many people went up from the country to Yerushalayim to perform the purification ceremony prior to Pesach.

[56] They were looking for Yeshua, and as they stood in the Temple courts they said to each other, “What do you think? that he simply won’t come to the festival?”

Friday, March 26, 2021

Reading (Jeremiah 20:7, 10-13)

[7] You fooled me, Adonai; I have been your dupe. You overpowered me, and you have prevailed. All day long I’m a laughingstock; everyone makes fun of me. [10] I have heard many whispering their plot: “‘Terror in every direction’? Denounce him! Let’s denounce him!”

Even all my close friends are watching for me to make a false step — “Maybe he can be tricked, then we’ll get the better of him, then we’ll take our revenge on him.”

[11] But Adonai is with me like a dreaded warrior; so my persecutors will stumble, defeated, greatly ashamed because of their failure; their lasting disgrace will not be forgotten.

[12] Adonai–Tzva’ot, you who test the righteous and see people’s hearts and thoughts, let me see you take vengeance on them, for I have committed my cause to you. [13] Sing to Adonai! Praise Adonai! For he rescues those in need from the clutches of evildoers.

Gospel (John 10:31-42)

[31] Once again the Judeans picked up rocks in order to stone him. [32] Yeshua answered them, “You have seen me do many good deeds that reflect the Father’s power; for which one of these deeds are you stoning me?”

[33] The Judeans replied, “We are not stoning you for any good deed, but for blasphemy — because you, who are only a man, are making yourself out to be God.” [34] Yeshua answered them, “Isn’t it written in your Torah, ‘I have said, “You people are Elohim’”?

[35] If he called ‘elohim’ the people to whom the word of Elohim was addressed (and the Tanakh cannot be broken), [36] then are you telling the one whom the Father set apart as holy and sent into the world, ‘You are committing blasphemy,’ just because I said, ‘I am a son of Elohim’?

[37] “If I am not doing deeds that reflect my Father’s power, don’t trust me. [38] But if I am, then, even if you don’t trust me, trust the deeds; so that you may understand once and for all that the Father is united with me, and I am united with the Father.”

[39] One more time they tried to arrest him, but he slipped out of their hands. [40] He went off again beyond the Yarden, where Yochanan had been immersing at first, and stayed there.

[41] Many people came to him and said, “Yochanan performed no miracles, but everything Yochanan said about this man was true.” [42] And many people there put their trust in him.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

First Reading (Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10)

[10] Adonai spoke again to Achaz; he said, [11] “Ask Adonai your God to give you a sign. Ask it anywhere, from the depths of Sh’ol to the heights above.” [12] But Achaz answered, “I won’t ask, I won’t test Adonai.”

[13] Then [the prophet] said, “Listen here, house of David! Is trying people’s patience such a small thing for you that you must try the patience of my God as well?

[14] Therefore Adonai himself will give you people a sign: the young woman will become pregnant, bear a son and name him ‘Immanu El [God is with us].

[8:1] Adonai said to me, “Take a large tablet, and write on it in easily readable letters; ‘Maher shalal, hash baz [the spoil hurries, the prey speeds along].’” [2] I had it witnessed for me by reliable witnesses — Uriyah the cohen and Z’kharyahu the son of Y’verekhyahu.

[3] Then I had sexual relations with my wife; she became pregnant and gave birth to a son; and Adonai said to me, “Name him Maher Shalal Hash Baz; [4] because before the child knows how to cry, ‘Abba!’ and ‘Eema!’, the riches of Dammesek and the spoil of Shomron will be carried off and given to the king of Ashur.”

[5] Adonai went on speaking and said more to me: [6] “Since this people has rejected the gently flowing waters from Shilo’ach and takes joy in Retzin and the son of Remalyah; [7] now Adonai will bring upon them the mighty floodwaters of the [Euphrates] River — that is, the king of Ashur and his power. It will rise above all its channels and overflow all its banks.

[8] It will sweep through Y’hudah, flooding everything and passing on. It will reach even up to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the whole expanse of the land.” God is with us!

[9] You may make an uproar, peoples; but you will be shattered. Listen, all of you from distant lands: arm yourselves, but you will be shattered; yes, arm yourselves, but you will be shattered;

[10]devise a plan, but it will come to nothing; say anything you like, but it won’t happen; because God is with us.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:4-10)

[4] For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins. [5] This is why, on coming into the world, he says, “It has not been your will to have an animal sacrifice and a meal offering; rather, you have prepared for me a body.

[6] No, you have not been pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings. [7] Then I said, ‘Look! In the scroll of the book it is written about me. I have come to do your will.’”

[8] In saying first, “You neither willed nor were pleased with animal sacrifices, meal offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings,” things which are offered in accordance with the Torah; [9] and then, “Look, I have come to do your will”; he takes away the first system in order to set up the second.

[10] It is in connection with this will that we have been separated for God and made holy, once and for all, through the offering of Yeshua the Messiah’s body.

Gospel (Luke 1:26-38)

[26] In the sixth month, the angel Gavri’el was sent by God to a city in the Galil called Natzeret, [27] to a virgin engaged to a man named Yosef, of the house of David; the virgin’s name was Miryam.

[28] Approaching her, the angel said, “Shalom, favored lady! Adonai is with you!” [29] She was deeply troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. [30] The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God.

[31] Look! You will become pregnant, you will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua.

[32] He will be great, he will be called Son of Ha‘Elyon. Adonai, God, will give him the throne of his forefather David; [33] and he will rule the House of Ya‘akov forever — there will be no end to his Kingdom.”

[34] “How can this be,” asked Miryam of the angel, “since I am a virgin?” [35]The angel answered her, “The Ruach HaKodesh will come over you, the power of Ha‘Elyon will cover you. Therefore, the holy child born to you will be called the Son of God.

[36] “You have a relative, Elisheva, who is an old woman; and everyone says she is barren. But she has conceived a son and is six months pregnant! [37] For with God, nothing is impossible.” [38] Miryam said, “I am the servant of Adonai; may it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Reading (Daniel 3:13-20, 24)

[13]In a raging fury N’vukhadnetzar ordered that Shadrakh, Meishakh and ‘Aved-N’go be brought. When the men had been brought before the king, [14] N’vukhadnetzar said to them, “Shadrakh! Meishakh! ‘Aved-N’go! Is it true that you neither serve my gods nor worship the gold statue I set up?

[15] All right, then. If you are prepared, when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, harp, zither, lute, bagpipe and the rest of the musical instruments, to fall down and worship the gold statue, very well.

But if you won’t worship, you will immediately be thrown into a blazing hot furnace — and what god will save you from my power then?” [16] Shadrakh, Meishakh and ‘Aved-N’go answered the king, “Your question doesn’t require an answer from us.

[17] Your majesty, if our God, whom we serve, is able to save us, he will save us from the blazing hot furnace and from your power. [18] But even if he doesn’t, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will neither serve your gods nor worship the gold statue which you have set up.”

[19] N’vukhadnetzar became so utterly enraged that his face was distorted with anger against Shadrakh, Meishakh and ‘Aved-N’go. He ordered the furnace made seven times hotter than usual.

[20] Then he ordered some of the strongest men in his army to tie up Shadrakh, Meishakh and ‘Aved-N’go and throw them into the blazing hot furnace.

[24] Suddenly N’vukhadnetzar sprang to his feet. Alarmed, he asked his advisers, “Didn’t we throw three men, bound, into the flames?” They answered the king, “Yes, of course, your majesty.”

Gospel (John 8:31-42)

[31] So Yeshua said to the Judeans who had trusted him, “If you obey what I say, then you are really my talmidim, [32] you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered, “We are the seed of Avraham and have never been slaves to anyone; so what do you mean by saying, ‘You will be set free’?”

[34] Yeshua answered them, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin. [35] Now a slave does not remain with a family forever, but a son does remain with it forever. [36] So if the Son frees you, you will really be free!

[37] I know you are the seed of Avraham. Yet you are out to kill me, because what I am saying makes no headway in you. [38] I say what my Father has shown me; you do what your father has told you!”

[39] They answered him, “Our father is Avraham.” Yeshua replied, “If you are children of Avraham, then do the things Avraham did! [40] As it is, you are out to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Avraham did nothing like that!

[41] You are doing the things your father does.” “We’re not illegitimate children!” they said to him. “We have only one Father — God!” [42] Yeshua replied to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me; because I came out from God; and now I have arrived here. I did not come on my own; he sent me.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Reading (Numbers 21:4-9)

[4] Then they traveled from Mount Hor on the road toward the Sea of Suf in order to go around the land of Edom; but the people’s tempers grew short because of the detour. [5] The people spoke against God and against Moshe: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt?

To die in the desert? There’s no real food, there’s no water, and we’re sick of this miserable stuff we’re eating!” [6] In response, Adonai sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit the people, and many of Isra’el’s people died.

[7] The people came to Moshe and said, “We sinned by speaking against Adonai and against you. Pray to Adonai that he rid us of these snakes.” Moshe prayed for the people, [8] and Adonai answered Moshe: “Make a poisonous snake and put it on a pole.

When anyone who has been bitten sees it, he will live.” [9] Moshe made a bronze snake and put it on the pole; if a snake had bitten someone, then, when he looked toward the bronze snake, he stayed alive.

Gospel (John 8:21-30)

[21] Again he told them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin — where I am going, you cannot come.” [22] The Judeans said, “Is he going to commit suicide? Is that what he means when he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?”

[23] Yeshua said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. [24] This is why I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not trust that I AM [who I say I am], you will die in your sins.”

[25] At this, they said to him, “You? Who are you?” Yeshua answered, “Just what I’ve been telling you from the start. [26] There are many things I could say about you, and many judgments I could make.

However, the One who sent me is true; so I say in the world only what I have heard from him.” [27] They did not understand that he was talking to them about the Father. [28]So Yeshua said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM [who I say I am], and that of myself I do nothing, but say only what the Father has taught me.

[29] Also, the One who sent me is still with me; he did not leave me to myself, because I always do what pleases him.” [30] Many people who heard him say these things trusted in him.

Monday, March 22, 2021

Reading (Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-64)

[1] In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim, [2] who married a very beautiful and God-fearing woman, Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah; [3] her parents were righteous and had trained their daughter according to the law of Moses.

[4] Joakim was very rich and he had a garden near his house. The Jews had recourse to him often because he was the most respected of them all. [4] That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, of whom the Lord said, “Lawlessness has come out of Babylon, that is, from the elders who were to govern the people as judges.”

[6] These men, to whom all brought their cases, frequented the house of Joakim. [7] When the people left at noon, Susanna used to enter her husband’s garden for a walk. [8] When the elders saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her.

[9] They perverted their thinking; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments. [15] One day, while they were waiting for the right moment, she entered as usual, with two maids only, wanting to bathe in the garden, for the weather was warm.

[16] Nobody else was there except the two elders, who had hidden themselves and were watching her. [17] “Bring me oil and soap,” she said to the maids, “and shut the garden gates while I bathe.” [19] As soon as the maids had left, the two old men got up and ran to her.

[20] “Look,” they said, “the garden doors are shut, no one can see us, and we want you. So give in to our desire, and lie with us. [21] If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was here with you and that is why you sent your maids away.”

[22] “I am completely trapped,” Susanna groaned. “If I yield, it will be my death; if I refuse, I cannot escape your power. [23] Yet it is better for me not to do it and to fall into your power than to sin before the Lord.”

[24] Then Susanna screamed, and the two old men also shouted at her, [25] as one of them ran to open the garden gates. [26] When the people in the house heard the cries from the garden, they rushed in by the side gate to see what had happened to her.

[27] At the accusations of the old men, the servants felt very much ashamed, for never had any such thing been said about Susanna. [28] When the people came to her husband Joakim the next day, the two wicked old men also came, full of lawless intent to put Susanna to death.

[29] Before the people they ordered: “Send for Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim.” When she was sent for, [30] she came with her parents, children and all her relatives. [33] All her companions and the onlookers were weeping.

[34] In the midst of the people the two old men rose up and laid their hands on her head. [35] As she wept she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly. [36] The old men said, “As we were walking in the garden alone, this woman entered with two servant girls, shut the garden gates and sent the servant girls away.

[37] A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her. [38] When we, in a corner of the garden, saw this lawlessness, we ran toward them. [39] We saw them lying together, but the man we could not hold, because he was stronger than we; he opened the gates and ran off.

[40] Then we seized this one and asked who the young man was, [41] but she refused to tell us. We testify to this.” The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death.

[42] But Susanna cried aloud: “Eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: [43] you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things for which these men have condemned me.”

[44] The Lord heard her prayer. [45] As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel, [46] and he cried aloud: “I am innocent of this woman’s blood.”

[47] All the people turned and asked him, “What are you saying?” [48] He stood in their midst and said, “Are you such fools, you Israelites, to condemn a daughter of Israel without investigation and without clear evidence?

[49] Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her.” [50] Then all the people returned in haste. To Daniel the elders said, “Come, sit with us and inform us, since God has given you the prestige of old age.”

[51] But he replied, “Separate these two far from one another, and I will examine them.” [52] After they were separated from each other, he called one of them and said: “How you have grown evil with age!

Now have your past sins come to term: [53] passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says, ‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.’

[54] Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together.” [55] “Under a mastic tree,” he answered. “Your fine lie has cost you your head,” said Daniel; “for the angel of God has already received the sentence from God and shall split you in two.”

[56] Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. “Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah,” Daniel said to him, “beauty has seduced you, lust has perverted your heart.

[57] This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your lawlessness. [58] Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together.”

[59] “Under an oak,” he said. “Your fine lie has cost you also your head,” said Daniel; “for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to destroy you both.” [60] The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those who hope in him. 

[61] They rose up against the two old men, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of bearing false witness. They condemned them to the fate they had planned for their neighbor: [62] in accordance with the law of Moses they put them to death. Thus was innocent blood spared that day.

Gospel (John 8:1-11)

[1] But Yeshua went to the Mount of Olives. [2] At daybreak, he appeared again in the Temple Court, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. [3] The Torah-teachers and the P’rushim brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery and made her stand in the center of the group.

[4] Then they said to him, “Rabbi, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. [5] Now in our Torah, Moshe commanded that such a woman be stoned to death. What do you say about it?”

[6] They said this to trap him, so that they might have ground for bringing charges against him; but Yeshua bent down and began writing in the dust with his finger. [7] When they kept questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “The one of you who is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

[8] Then he bent down and wrote in the dust again. [9] On hearing this, they began to leave, one by one, the older ones first, until he was left alone, with the woman still there. [10] Standing up, Yeshua said to her, “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] She said, “No one, sir.” Yeshua said, “Neither do I condemn you. Now go, and don’t sin any more.”

Sunday, March 21, 2021

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

[31] It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers on the day I took them by their hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt; because they, for their part, violated my covenant, even though I, for my part, was a husband to them,” says Adonai.

[32] “For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Isra’el after those days,” says Adonai: “I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

[33] No longer will any of them teach his fellow community member or his brother, ‘Know Adonai’; for all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest; because I will forgive their wickednesses and remember their sins no more.”

[34] This is what Adonai says, who gives the sun as light for the day, who ordained the laws for the moon and stars to provide light for the night, who stirs up the sea until its waves roar — Adonai-Tzva’ot is his name:

Second Reading (Hebrews 5:7-9)

[7] During Yeshua’s life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions, crying aloud and shedding tears, to the One who had the power to deliver him from death; and he was heard because of his godliness.

[8] Even though he was the Son, he learned obedience through his sufferings. [9] And after he had been brought to the goal, he became the source of eternal deliverance to all who obey him,

Gospel (John 12:20-33)

[20] Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greek-speaking Jews. [21] They approached Philip, the one from Beit-Tzaidah in the Galil, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Yeshua.”

[22] Philip came and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Yeshua. [23] Yeshua gave them this answer: “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

[24] Yes, indeed! I tell you that unless a grain of wheat that falls to the ground dies, it stays just a grain; but if it dies, it produces a big harvest. [25] He who loves his life loses it, but he who hates his life in this world will keep it safe right on into eternal life!

[26] If someone is serving me, let him follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too. My Father will honor anyone who serves me. [27] “Now I am in turmoil. What can I say — ‘Father, save me from this hour’?

No, it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour. I will say this: [28] ‘Father, glorify your name!’” At this a bat-kol came out of heaven, “I have glorified it before, and I will glorify it again!”

[29] The crowd standing there and hearing it said that it had thundered; others said, “An angel spoke to him.” [30] Yeshua answered, “This bat-kol did not come for my sake but for yours. [31] Now is the time for this world to be judged, now the ruler of this world will be expelled.

[32] As for me, when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” [33] He said this to indicate what kind of death he would die.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Reading (Jeremiah 11:18-20)

[18] Adonai made this known to me, and then I knew —you showed me what they were doing. [19] But I was like a tame lamb led to be slaughtered; I did not know that they were plotting
schemes against me — “Let’s destroy the tree with its fruit, we’ll cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will be forgotten.”

[20] Adonai–Tzva’ot, righteous judge, tester of motives and thoughts, I have committed my cause to you; so let me see your vengeance on them.

Gospel (John 7:40-53)

[40] On hearing his words, some people in the crowd said, “Surely this man is ‘the prophet’”; [41] others said, “This is the Messiah.” But others said, “How can the Messiah come from the Galil?

[42] Doesn’t the Tanakh say that the Messiah is from the seed of Davidand comes from Beit-Lechem,the village where David lived?” [43] So the people were divided because of him. [44] Some wanted to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him.

[45] The guards came back to the head cohanim and the P’rushim, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” [46] The guards replied, “No one ever spoke the way this man speaks!” [47] “You mean you’ve been taken in as well?” the P’rushim retorted.

[48] “Has any of the authorities trusted him? Or any of the P’rushim? No! [49] True, these ‘am-ha’aretz do, but they know nothing about the Torah, they are under a curse!”

[50] Nakdimon, the man who had gone to Yeshua before and was one of them, said to them, [51] “Our Torah doesn’t condemn a man — does it? — until after hearing from him and finding out what he’s doing.”

[52] They replied, “You aren’t from the Galil too, are you? Study the Tanakh, and see for yourself that no prophet comes from the Galil!” ^[c] 53 Then they all left, each one to his own home.

Friday, March 19, 2021

First Reading (2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16)

[4] But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: [5] “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?

[12] When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

[14] I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. [16] Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me^[a]; your throne will be established forever.’”

Second Reading (Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22)

[13] It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

[16] Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.

[17] As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

[18] Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[22] This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Gospel (Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a)

[16] and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. [18] This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

[19] Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

[20] But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

[21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” [24] When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Reading (Exodus 32:7-14)

[7]Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. [8] They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. 

They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ [9]“I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people.

[10] Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” [11] But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God.

“Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? [12] Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? 

Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. [13] Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’”

[14]Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Gospel (John 5.18, 31-47)

[31] “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. [32] There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true. [33] “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth.

[34] Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. [35] John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. [36] “I have testimony weightier than that of John. 

For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. [37] And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. 

You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, [38] nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. [39] You studythe Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. 

These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, [40] yet you refuse to come to me to have life. [41] “I do not accept glory from human beings, [42] but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.

[43] I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. [44] How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

[45] “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. [46] If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. [47] But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 49:8-15)

[8]Here is what Adonai says: “At the time when I choose, I will answer you; on the day of salvation, I will help you. I have preserved you, and I have appointed you to be the covenant for a people, to restore the land and distribute again its ruined inheritances to their owners, [9]to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out!’ to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves!’

They will feed along the paths, and all the high hills will be their pastures. [10] They will be neither hungry nor thirsty; neither scorching wind nor sun will strike them; for he who has mercy on them will lead them and guide them to springs of water.

[11] I will turn all my mountains into a road, my highways will be raised up. [12] There they come, some from far away, some from the north, some from the west, and some from the land of Sinim.”

[13] Sing, heaven! Rejoice, earth! Break out in song, you mountains! For Adonai is comforting his people, having mercy on his own who have suffered. [14] “But Tziyon says, ‘Adonai has abandoned me, Adonai has forgotten me.’

[15] Can a woman forget her child at the breast, not show pity on the child from her womb? Even if these were to forget, I would not forget you.

Gospel (John 5:16-30)

[16] and on account of this, the Judeans began harassing Yeshua because he did these things on Shabbat.[17] But he answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I too am working.”

[18] This answer made the Judeans all the more intent on killing him — not only was he breaking Shabbat; but also, by saying that God was his own Father, he was claiming equality with God.

[19] Therefore, Yeshua said this to them: “Yes, indeed! I tell you that the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; whatever the Father does, the Son does too.

[20] For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does; and he will show him even greater things than these, so that you will be amazed. [21] Just as the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, so too the Son makes alive anyone he wants.

[22] The Father does not judge anyone but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, [23] so that all may honor the Son as they honor the Father. Whoever fails to honor the Son is not honoring the Father who sent him.

[24] Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever hears what I am saying and trusts the One who sent me has eternal life — that is, he will not come up for judgment but has already crossed over from death to life!

[25] Yes, indeed! I tell you that there is coming a time — in fact, it’s already here — when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who listen will come to life. [26] For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has given the Son life to have in himself. [27] Also he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

[28] Don’t be surprised at this; because the time is coming when all who are in the grave will hear his voice [29] and come out — those who have done good to a resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to a resurrection of judgment.

[30] I can’t do a thing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is right; because I don’t seek my own desire, but the desire of the one who sent me.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Reading (Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12)

[1] Then he brought me back to the entrance of the house, and I saw water flowing eastward from under the threshold of the house, for the house faced east. The water flowed down from under the right side of the house, south of the altar.

[2] Next he led me out through the north gate and took me around outside to the outer gate, by way of the east gate, where I saw water trickling from the south side.

[3] With a line in his hand the man went out toward the east and measured a thousand cubits [one-third of a mile] and had me wade across the stream; the water came up to my ankles. [4] He measured another thousand and had me wade through the water, which reached my knees.

He measured another thousand and had me wade through water up to my waist. [5] Finally he measured a thousand, and it was a river I couldn’t cross on foot, because the water was so deep one would have to swim across; it was a river that could not be waded through.

[6] He asked me, “Human being, have you seen this?” Then, guiding me, he got me back to the riverbank. [7] After being returned, I saw on the bank of the river a great number of trees on the one side and on the other.

[8] He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and continues down to the ‘Aravah. When it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant water, [the Dead Sea,] its water will become fresh.

[9] When this happens, swarms of all kinds of living creatures will be able to live in it wherever the streams flow; so that there will be a vast number of fish; for this water is flowing there, so that, wherever the river goes, everything will be restored and able to live.

[12] On both riverbanks will grow all kinds of trees for food; their leaves will not dry up, nor will their fruit fail. There will be a different kind of fruit each month, because the water flows from the sanctuary, so that this fruit will be edible, and the leaves will have healing properties.”

Gospel (John 5:1-16)

[1] After this, there was a Judean festival; and Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim. [2] In Yerushalayim, by the Sheep Gate, is a pool called in Aramaic, Beit-Zata, [3] in which lay a crowd of invalids — blind, lame, crippled.

[4-5] One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. [6] Yeshua, seeing this man and knowing that he had been there a long time, said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

[7] The sick man answered, “I have no one to put me in the pool when the water is disturbed; and while I’m trying to get there, someone goes in ahead of me.” [8] Yeshua said to him, “Get up, pick up your mat and walk!”

[9] Immediately the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and walked. Now that day was Shabbat, [10] so the Judeans said to the man who had been healed, “It’s Shabbat! It’s against Torah for you to carry your mat!”

[11[ But he answered them, “The man who healed me — he’s the one who told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” [12 They asked him, “Who is the man who told you to pick it up and walk?”

[13] But the man who had been healed didn’t know who it was, because Yeshua had slipped away into the crowd. [14] Afterwards Yeshua found him in the Temple court and said to him, “See, you are well!

Now stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you!” [15] The man went off and told the Judeans it was Yeshua who had healed him; [16] and on account of this, the Judeans began harassing Yeshua because he did these things on Shabbat.

Monday, March 15, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 65:17-21)

[17] “For, look! I create new heavens and a new earth; past things will not be remembered, they will no more come to mind. [18] So be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for look! I am making Yerushalayim a joy, and her people a delight.

[19] I will rejoice in Yerushalayim and take joy in my people. The sound of weeping will no longer be heard in it, no longer the sound of crying.

[20] No more will babies die in infancy, no more will an old man die short of his days he who dies at a hundred will be thought young, and at less than a hundred thought cursed.

[21] They will build houses and live in them, they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Gospel (John 4:43-54)

[43] After the two days, he went on from there toward the Galil. [44] Now Yeshua himself said, “A prophet is not respected in his own country.”

[45] But when he arrived in the Galil, the people there welcomed him, because they had seen all he had done at the festival in Yerushalayim; since they had been there too. [46] He went again to Kanah in the Galil, where he had turned the water into wine.

An officer in the royal service was there; his son was ill in K’far-Nachum. [47] This man, on hearing that Yeshua had come from Y’hudah to the Galil, went and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

[48] Yeshua answered, “Unless you people see signs and miracles, you simply will not trust!” [49] The officer said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” [50] Yeshua replied, “You may go, your son is alive.”

 The man believed what Yeshua said and left. [51] As he was going down, his servants met him with the news that his son was alive [52] So he asked them at what time he had gotten better; and they said, “The fever left him yesterday at one o’clock in the afternoon.”

[53] The father knew that that was the very hour when Yeshua had told him, “Your son is alive”; and he and all his household trusted. [54]This was a second sign that Yeshua did; he did it after he had come from Y’hudah into the Galil.

Sunday, March 14, 2021

First Reading (2 Chronicles 36:14-17a, 19-23)

[14]In addition, the chief cohanim and the people grew increasingly unfaithful, following all the abominable practices of the other nations; and they polluted the house of Adonai, which he had consecrated in Yerushalayim.

[15] Time after time, and frequently, Adonai, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers; because he had compassion on his people and on the place where he lived.

[16] But they ridiculed God’s messengers, treating his words with contempt and scoffing at his prophets, until the anger of Adonai rose up against his people to the extent that there was no longer any remedy.

[17] Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Kasdim, who put their young men to the sword in the house of their sanctuary. They had no compassion on either young men or young women, old men or gray-haired; God handed all of them over to him.

[19] Then they burned down the house of God, broke down the wall of Yerushalayim, put to flames all its palaces and destroyed everything in it of worth.

[20] Those who had escaped the sword he carried off to Bavel, and they became slaves to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia. [21] Thus was fulfilled the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu, “until the land has been paid her Shabbats” — for as long as it lay desolate, it kept Shabbat, until seventy years had passed.

[22] Now in the first year of Koresh king of Persia, so that the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu might be fulfilled, Adonai activated the spirit of Koresh king of Persia to proclaim throughout his entire kingdom, and put in writing as well:

[23] “Here is what Koresh king of Persia says: Adonai, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on earth, and he has charged me to build him a house in Yerushalayim, in Y’hudah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may Adonai his God be with him! He may go up . . . .”

Second Reading (Ephesians 2:4-10)

[4] But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love [5] that, even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, he brought us to life along with the Messiah — it is by grace that you have been delivered.

[6] That is, God raised us up with the Messiah Yeshua and seated us with him in heaven, [7] in order to exhibit in the ages to come how infinitely rich is his grace, how great is his kindness toward us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua.

[8] For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift. [9] You were not delivered by your own actions; therefore no one should boast.

[10] For we are of God’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.

Gospel (John 3:14-21)

[14] Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; [15] so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.

[16] “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed.

[17] For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved.

[18] Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son. [

19] “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. [20] For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed.

[21] But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Reading (Hosea 5:15; 6: 1-6)

[15]I will go and return to my place, till they admit their guilt and search for me, seeking me eagerly in their distress.” [6:1] Come, let us return to Adonai; for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck, and he will bind our wounds.

[2] After two days, he will revive us; on the third day, he will raise us up; and we will live in his presence. [3] Let us know, let us strive to know Adonai. That he will come is as certain as morning; he will come to us like the rain, like the spring rains that water the earth.

[4] “Efrayim, what should I do to you? Y’hudah, what should I do to you? For your ‘faithful love’ is like a morning cloud, like dew that disappears quickly.

[5] This is why I have cut them to pieces by the prophets, slaughtered them with the words from my mouth — the judgment on you shines out like light. [6] For what I desire is mercy, not sacrifices, knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Gospel (Luke 18:9-14)

[9] Also, to some who were relying on their own righteousness and looking down on everyone else, he told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Parush and the other a tax-collector.

[11] The Parush stood and prayed to himself, ‘O God! I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, immoral, or like this tax-collector! [12] I fast twice a week, I pay tithes on my entire income, . . . ’

[13] But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes toward heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God! Have mercy on me, sinner that I am!’

[14] I tell you, this man went down to his home right with God rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Friday, March 12, 2021

Reading (Hosea 14:1-9)

[1]Shomron will bear her guilt, for she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword,
their little ones will be dashed to pieces and their pregnant women ripped open. [2] Return, Isra’el, to Adonai your God, for your guilt has made you stumble.

[3] Take words with you, and return to Adonai; say to him, “Forgive all guilt, and accept what is good; we will pay instead of bulls [the offerings of] our lips. [4] Ashur will not save us, we will not ride on horses, and we will no longer call what we made with our hands our gods.

For it is only in you that the fatherless can find mercy.” [5] “I will heal their disloyalty, I will love them freely; for my anger has turned from him. [6] I will be like dew to Isra’el; he will blossom like a lily and strike roots like the L’vanon.

[7] His branches will spread out, his beauty be like an olive tree and his fragrance like the L’vanon. [8] Again they will live in his shade and raise grain; they will blossom like a vine, and its aroma will be like the wine of the L’vanon.

[9] Efrayim [will say], ‘What have I to do any more with idols?’ And I, I answer and affirm him; I am like a fresh, green cypress tree; your fruitfulness comes from me.”

Gospel (Mark 12:28b-34)

[28] One of the Torah-teachers came up and heard them engaged in this discussion. Seeing that Yeshua answered them well, he asked him, “Which is the most important mitzvah of them all?”

[29] Yeshua answered, “The most important is, ‘Sh’ma Yisra’el, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai 

echad [Hear, O Isra’el, the Lord our God, the Lord is one], [30] and you are to love Adonai your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your understanding and with all your strength.’

[31] The second is this: ‘You are to love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other mitzvah greater than these.”

[32] The Torah-teacher said to him, “Well said, Rabbi; you speak the truth when you say that he is one, and that there is no other besides him; [33] and that loving him with all one’s heart, understanding and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself, mean more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

[34] When Yeshua saw that he responded sensibly, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared put to him another sh’eilah.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Reading (Jeremiah 7:23-28)

[23]Rather, what I did order them was this: ‘Pay attention to what I say. Then I will be your God, and you will be my people. In everything, live according to the way that I order you, so that things will go well for you.’

[24] But they neither listened nor paid attention, but lived according to their own plans, in the stubbornness of their evil hearts, thus going backward and not forward. [25] You have done this from the day your ancestors came out of Egypt until today.

Even though I sent you all my servants the prophets, sending them time after time, [26] they would not listen or pay attention to me, but stiffened their necks; they did worse than their ancestors.

[27] So tell them all this; but they won’t listen to you; likewise, call to them; but they won’t answer you. [28] Therefore, say to them, ‘This is the nation that has not listened
to the voice of Adonai their God. They won’t take correction; faithfulness has perished;
it has vanished from their mouths.

Gospel (Luke 11:14-23)

[14] He was expelling a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute spoke; and the people were astounded. [15] But some of them said, “It is by Ba‘al-Zibbul” — the ruler of the demons — “that he expels the demons.”

[16] And others, trying to trap him, demanded from him a sign from Heaven. [17] But he, knowing what they were thinking, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, with one house collapsing on another.

[18] So if the Adversary too is divided against himself, how can his kingdom survive? I’m asking because you claim it is by Ba‘al-Zibbul that I drive out the demons. [19] If I drive out demons by Ba‘al-Zibbul, by whom do your people drive them out? So, they will be your judges!

[20] But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you! [21] “When a strong man who is fully equipped for battle guards his own house, his possessions are secure.

[22] But when someone stronger attacks and defeats him, he carries off all the armor and weaponry on which the man was depending, and divides up the spoils. [23] Those who are not with me are against me, and those who do not gather with me are scattering.

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Reading (Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9)

[1] “Now, Isra’el, listen to the laws and rulings I am teaching you, in order to follow them, so that you will live; then you will go in and take possession of the land that Adonai, the God of your fathers, is giving you.

[5] Look, I have taught you laws and rulings, just as Adonai my God ordered me, so that you can behave accordingly in the land where you are going in order to take possession of it.

[6] Therefore, observe them; and follow them; for then all peoples will see you as having wisdom and understanding. When they hear of all these laws, they will say, ‘This great nation is surely a wise and understanding people.’

[7] For what great nation is there that has God as close to them as Adonai our God is, whenever we call on him? [8] What great nation is there that has laws and rulings as just as this entire Torah which I am setting before you today?

[9] Only be careful, and watch yourselves diligently as long as you live, so that you won’t forget what you saw with your own eyes, so that these things won’t vanish from your hearts. Rather, make them known to your children and grandchildren —

Gospel (Matthew 5:17-19)

[17] “Don’t think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete.

[18] Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened.

[19] So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Tuesday, March 09, 2021

Reading (Daniel 3:25, 34-43)

[25] But he exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied up, walking around there in the flames, unhurt; and the fourth looks like one of the gods!” [33(4:30]“How great are his signs! How powerful his wonders! His kingdom lasts forever, and he rules all generations.

Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35)

[21] Then Kefa came up and said to him, “Rabbi, how often can my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? As many as seven times?” [22] “No, not seven times,” answered Yeshua, “but seventy times seven!

[23] Because of this, the Kingdom of Heaven may be compared with a king who decided to settle accounts with his deputies. [24] Right away they brought forward a man who owed him many millions; [25] and since he couldn’t pay, his master ordered that he, his wife, his children and all his possessions be sold to pay the debt.

[26]But the servant fell down before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ [27] So out of pity for him, the master let him go and forgave the debt. [28] “But as that servant was leaving, he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him some tiny sum. He grabbed him and began to choke him, crying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’

[29] His fellow servant fell before him and begged, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ [30] But he refused; instead, he had him thrown in jail until he should repay the debt. [31] When the other servants saw what had happened, they were extremely distressed; and they went and told their master everything that had taken place.

[32] Then the master summoned his servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt just because you begged me to do it. [33] Shouldn’t you have had pity on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’

[34] And in anger his master turned him over to the jailers for punishment until he paid back everything he owed. [35] This is how my heavenly Father will treat you, unless you each forgive your brother from your hearts.”

Monday, March 08, 2021

Reading (2 Kings 5:1-15a)

[1] Na‘aman, commander of the king of Aram’s army, was highly respected and esteemed by his master; because through him Adonai had brought victory to Aram. But although he was a brave warrior, he also suffered from tzara‘at.

[2] Now on one of their raids into Isra’el’s territory, Aram carried away captive a little girl, who became a servant for Na‘aman’s wife. [3] She said to her mistress, “I wish my lord could go to the prophet in Shomron! He could heal his tzara‘at.”

[4] Na‘aman went in and told his lord, “The girl from the land of Isra’el said such-and-such.” [5] The king of Aram said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Isra’el.” He set out, taking with him 660 pounds of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold and ten changes of clothes.

[6] He brought the king of Isra’el the letter, which said, “When this letter reaches you, you will see that I have sent my servant Na‘aman to you, so that you can heal his tzara‘at.” [7] When the king of Isra’el finished reading the letter, he tore his clothes.

“Am I God, able to kill and make alive,” he asked, “so that he sends me a man to heal of tzara‘at? You can see that he is only seeking an excuse to quarrel with me.” [8] But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Isra’el had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why did you tear your clothes?

Just have him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Isra’el.” [9] So Na‘aman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. [10] Elisha sent a messenger to him, who said, “Go, and bathe in the Yarden seven times.

Your skin will become as it was, and you will be clean.” [11] But Na‘aman became angry and left, saying, “Here now! I thought for certain that he would come out personally, that he would stand, call on the name of Adonai his God and wave his hand over the diseased place and thus heal the person with tzara‘at.

[12] Aren’t Amanah and Parpar, the rivers of Dammesek, better than all the water in Isra’el? Why can’t I bathe in them and be clean?” So he turned and went off in a rage. [13] But his servants approached him and said, “My father!

If the prophet had asked you to do something really difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So, doesn’t it make even more sense to do what he says, when it’s only, ‘Bathe, and be clean’?”

[14] So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Yarden, as the man of God had said to do; and his skin was restored and became like the skin of a child; and he became clean.

[15] Then, with his whole retinue, he returned to the man of God, went and stood before him, and said, “Well, I’ve learned that there is no God in all the earth except in Isra’el; therefore, please accept a present from your servant.”

Gospel (Luke 4:24-30)

[24] Yes!” he said, “I tell you that no prophet is accepted in his home town. [25] It’s true, I’m telling you — when Eliyahu was in Isra’el, and the sky was sealed off for three-and-a-half years, so that all the Land suffered a severe famine, there were many widows; [26] but Eliyahu was sent to none of them, only to a widow in Tzarfat in the land of Tzidon.

[27] Also there were many people with tzara‘at in Isra’el during the time of the prophet Elisha; but not one of them was healed, only Na‘aman the Syrian.” [28] On hearing this, everyone in the synagogue was filled with fury.

[29] They rose up, drove him out of town and dragged him to the edge of the cliff on which their town was built, intending to throw him off. [30] But he walked right through the middle of the crowd and went away.

Sunday, March 07, 2021

First Reading (Exodus 20:1-20)

[1] Then God said all these words: [2] “I am Adonai your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the abode of slavery. [3] “You are to have no other gods before me. [4] You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline.

[5] You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I, Adonai your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but displaying grace to the thousandth generation of those who love me and obey my mitzvot.

[7] “You are not to use lightly the name of Adonai your God, because Adonai will not leave unpunished someone who uses his name lightly. [8] “Remember the day, Shabbat, to set it apart for God.

[9] You have six days to labor and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Shabbat for Adonai your God. On it, you are not to do any kind of work — not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you inside the gates to your property.

[11] For in six days, Adonai made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. This is why Adonai blessed the day, Shabbat, and separated it for himself. [12] “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land which Adonai your God is giving you.

[13] “Do not murder. [14] “Do not commit adultery. [15] “Do not steal. [16] “Do not give false evidence against your neighbor. [17] “Do not covet your neighbor’s house; do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox, his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

[18] All the people experienced the thunder, the lightning, the sound of the shofar, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled. Standing at a distance, [19] they said to Moshe, “You, speak with us; and we will listen.

But don’t let God speak with us, or we will die.” [20] Moshe answered the people, “Don’t be afraid, because God has come only to test you and make you fear him, so that you won’t commit sins.”

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-31, 2:1-2)

[18] For the message about the execution-stake is nonsense to those in the process of being destroyed, but to us in the process of being saved it is the power of God. [22] Precisely because Jews ask for signs and Greeks try to find wisdom, [23] we go on proclaiming a Messiah executed on a stake as a criminal!

To Jews this is an obstacle, and to Greeks it is nonsense; [24] but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, this same Messiah is God’s power and God’s wisdom! [25] For God’s “nonsense” is wiser than humanity’s “wisdom.” And God’s “weakness” is stronger than humanity’s “strength.”

[26] Just look at yourselves, brothers — look at those whom God has called! Not many of you are wise by the world’s standards, not many wield power or boast noble birth.

[27] But God chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise; God chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the strong; [28] and God chose what the world looks down on as common or regards as nothing in order to bring to nothing what the world considers important; [29] so that no one should boast before God.

[30] It is his doing that you are united with the Messiah Yeshua. He has become wisdom for us from God, and righteousness and holiness and redemption as well! [31] Therefore — as the Tanakh says — “Let anyone who wants to boast, boast about Adonai.”  

[2:1] From: Sha’ul, called by God’s will to be an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua; and from brother Sosthenes [2] To: God’s Messianic community in Corinth, consisting of those who have been set apart by Yeshua the Messiah and called to be God’s holy people — along with everyone everywhere who calls on the name of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, their Lord as well as ours:

Gospel (John 2:13-25)

[13] It was almost time for the festival of Pesach in Y’hudah, so Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim. [14] In the Temple grounds he found those who were selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, and others who were sitting at tables exchanging money.

[15] He made a whip from cords and drove them all out of the Temple grounds, the sheep and cattle as well. He knocked over the money-changers’ tables, scattering their coins; [16] and to the pigeon-sellers he said, “Get these things out of here!

How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market?” [17] (His talmidim later recalled that the Tanakh says, “Zeal for your house will devour me.”) [18] So the Judeans confronted him by asking him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove you have the right to do all this?”

[19] Yeshua answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” [20] The Judeans said, “It took 46 years to build this Temple, and you’re going to raise it in three days?” [21] But the “temple” he had spoken of was his body.

[22] Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his talmidim remembered that he had said this, and they trusted in the Tanakh and in what Yeshua had said. [23] Now while Yeshua was in Yerushalayim at the Pesach festival, there were many people who “believed in his name” when they saw the miracles he performed.

[24] But he did not commit himself to them, for he knew what people are like — [25] that is, he didn’t need anyone to inform him about a person, because he knew what was in the person’s heart.

Saturday, March 06, 2021

Reading (Micah 7:14-15, 18-20)

[14] Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, who live alone, like a forest in the middle of a fertile pasture. Let them feed in Bashan and Gil‘ad, as they did in days of old.

[15] “As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them wonders.” [18] Who is a God like you, pardoning the sin and overlooking the crimes of the remnant of his heritage? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in grace.

[19] He will again have compassion on us, he will subdue our iniquities. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea. [20] You will show truth to Ya‘akov and grace to Avraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors since days of long ago.

Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)

[1] The tax-collectors and sinners kept gathering around to hear Yeshua, [2] and the P’rushim and Torah-teachers kept grumbling. “This fellow,” they said, “welcomes sinners — he even eats with them!”

[3] So he told them this parable: [11] Again Yeshua said, “A man had two sons. [12] The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will be mine.’ So the father divided the property between them.

[13] As soon as he could convert his share into cash, the younger son left home and went off to a distant country, where he squandered his money in reckless living. [14] But after he had spent it all, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he began to feel the pinch.

[15] “So he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him any.

[17] “At last he came to his senses and said, ‘Any number of my father’s hired workers have food to spare; and here I am, starving to death! [18] I’m going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers.” ’

[20] So he got up and started back to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly.

[21] His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son — ’ [22] but his father said to his slaves, ‘Quick, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet; [23] and bring the calf that has been fattened up, and kill it.

Let’s eat and have a celebration! [24] For this son of mine was dead, but now he’s alive again! He was lost, but now he has been found!’ And they began celebrating. [25] “Now his older son was in the field. As he came close to the house, he heard music and dancing.

[26] So he called one of the servants and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ [27] The servant told him, ‘Your brother has come back, and your father has slaughtered the calf that was fattened up, because he has gotten him back safe and sound.’

[28] But the older son became angry and refused to go inside. “So his father came out and pleaded with him. [29] ‘Look,’ the son answered, ‘I have worked for you all these years, and I have never disobeyed your orders.

But you have never even given me a young goat, so that I could celebrate with my friends. [30] Yet this son of yours comes, who squandered your property with prostitutes, and for him you slaughter the fattened calf!’

[31] ‘Son, you are always with me,’ said the father, ‘and everything I have is yours. [32] We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead but has come back to life — he was lost but has been found.’”

Friday, March 05, 2021

Reading (Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28)

[3] Now Isra’el loved Yosef the most of all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a long-sleeved robe. [4] When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they began to hate him and reached the point where they couldn’t even talk with him in a civil manner.

[12] After this, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father’s sheep in Sh’khem, [13] Isra’el asked Yosef, “Aren’t your brothers pasturing the sheep in Sh’khem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.”

[17] The man said, “They’ve left here; because I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dotan.’” Yosef went after his brothers and found them in Dotan. [18] They spotted him in the distance, and before he had arrived where they were, they had already plotted to kill him.

[19] They said to each other, “Look, this dreamer is coming! [20] So come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these water cisterns here. Then we’ll say some wild animal devoured him. We’ll see then what becomes of his dreams!”

[21] But when Re’uven heard this, he saved him from being destroyed by them. He said, “We shouldn’t take his life. [22] Don’t shed blood,” Re’uven added. “Throw him into this cistern here in the wilds, but don’t lay hands on him yourselves.”

He intended to rescue him from them later and restore him to his father. [23] So it was that when Yosef arrived to be with his brothers, they stripped off his robe, the long-sleeved robe he was wearing, [24] and took him and threw him into the cistern (the cistern was empty; without any water in it).

[25] Then they sat down to eat their meal; but as they looked up, they saw in front of them a caravan of Yishma‘elim coming from Gil‘ad, their camels loaded with aromatic gum, healing resin and opium, on their way down to Egypt.

[26] Y’hudah said to his brothers, “What advantage is it to us if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? [27] Come, let’s sell him to the Yishma‘elim, instead of putting him to death with our own hands. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh.” His brothers paid attention to him.

[28] So when the Midyanim, merchants, passed by, they drew and lifted Yosef up out of the cistern and sold him for half a pound of silver shekels to the Yishma‘elim, who took Yosef on to Egypt.

Gospel (Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46)

[33] “Now listen to another parable. There was a farmer who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower; then he rented it to tenants and left. [34] When harvest-time came, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the crop.

[35] But the tenants seized his servants — this one they beat up, that one they killed, another they stoned. [36] So he sent some other servants, more than the first group, and they did the same to them.

[37] Finally, he sent them his son, saying, ‘My son they will respect.’ [38] But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance!’

[39] So they grabbed him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. [40] Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

[41] They answered him, “He will viciously destroy those vicious men and rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the crop when it’s due.”

[42] Yeshua said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Tanakh, ‘The very rock which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone! This has come from Adonai, and in our eyes it is amazing’?

[43] Therefore, I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to the kind of people that will produce its fruit!” [45] As the head cohanim and the P’rushim listened to his stories, they saw that he was speaking about them.

[46] But when they set about to arrest him, they were afraid of the crowds; because the crowds considered him a prophet.

Thursday, March 04, 2021

Reading (Jeremiah 17:5-10)

[5]Here is what Adonai says: “A curse on the person who trusts in humans, who relies on merely human strength, whose heart turns away from Adonai.

[6] He will be like a tamarisk in the ‘Aravah — when relief comes, it is unaffected; for it lives in the sun-baked desert, in salty, uninhabited land. [7] Blessed is the man who trusts in Adonai; Adonai will be his security.

[8] He will be like a tree planted near water; it spreads out its roots by the river; it does not notice when heat comes; and its foliage is luxuriant; it is not anxious in a year of drought
but keeps on yielding fruit.

[9]“The heart is more deceitful than anything else and mortally sick. Who can fathom it? [10] I, Adonai, search the heart; I test inner motivations; in order to give to everyone what his actions and conduct deserve.”

Gospel (Luke 16:19-31)

[19]  “Once there was a rich man who used to dress in the most expensive clothing and spent his days in magnificent luxury. [20] At his gate had been laid a beggar named El‘azar who was covered with sores.

[21] He would have been glad to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table; but instead, even the dogs would come and lick his sores. [22] In time the beggar died and was carried away by the angels to Avraham’s side; the rich man also died and was buried.

[23] “In Sh’ol, where he was in torment, the rich man looked up and saw Avraham far away with El‘azar at his side. [24] He called out, ‘Father Avraham, take pity on me, and send El‘azar just to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue, because I’m in agony in this fire!’

[25] However, Avraham said, ‘Son, remember that when you were alive, you got the good things while he got the bad; but now he gets his consolation here, while you are the one in agony.

[26] Yet that isn’t all: between you and us a deep rift has been established, so that those who would like to pass from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

[27] “He answered, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house, [28] where I have five brothers, to warn them; so that they may be spared having to come to this place of torment too.’

[29] But Avraham said, ‘They have Moshe and the Prophets; they should listen to them.’ [30] However, he said, ‘No, father Avraham, they need more. If someone from the dead goes to them, they’ll repent!’

[31] But he replied, ‘If they won’t listen to Moshe and the Prophets, they won’t be convinced even if someone rises from the dead!’”

Wednesday, March 03, 2021

Reading (Jeremiah 18:18-20)

[18] Then they said, “Let’s develop a plan for dealing with Yirmeyahu. Torah won’t be lost from the cohanim, or counsel from the wise, or words from the prophets. So come, let’s destroy him with slander; and meanwhile, we won’t pay attention to anything he says.”

[19] Pay attention to me, Adonai! Listen to what my opponents are saying! [20] Is good to be repaid with evil? For they have dug a pit [to trap] me. Remember how I stood before you and spoke well of them, in order to turn your anger away from them?

Gospel (Matthew 20:17-28)

[17] As Yeshua was going up to Yerushalayim, he took the twelve talmidim aside by themselves and said to them, as they went on their way, [18] “We are now going up to Yerushalayim, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the head cohanim and Torah-teachers.

They will sentence him to death [19] and turn him over to the Goyim, who will jeer at him, beat him and execute him on a stake as a criminal. But on the third day, he will be raised.” [20] Then Zavdai’s sons came to Yeshua with their mother. She bowed down, begging a favor from him.

[21] He said to her, “What do you want?” She replied, “Promise that when you become king, these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left.” [22] But Yeshua answered, “You people don’t know what you are asking.

Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” [23] He said to them, “Yes, you will drink my cup. But to sit on my right and on my left is not mine to give, it is for those for whom my Father has prepared it.”

[24] Now when the other ten heard about this, they were outraged at the two brothers. [25] But Yeshua called them and said, “You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators.

[26] Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave! [28] For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, 27-28, 31)

[10] Hear what Adonai says, you rulers of S’dom! Listen to God’s Torah,
you people of ‘Amora! [16] “Wash yourselves clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing evil, [17] learn to do good!

Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend orphans, plead for the widow. [18] “Come now,” says Adonai, “let’s talk this over together. Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow; even if they are red as crimson, they will be like wool.

[19] If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land; [20] but if you refuse and rebel, you will be eaten by the sword”; for the mouth of Adonai has spoken. [27] Tziyon will be redeemed by justice; and those in her who repent, by righteousness.

[28] “Rebels and sinners together will be broken and those who abandon Adonai be consumed. [31] The strong will be like tinder and [the idol’s] maker like a spark; both will burn together, and no one will put them out.”

Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12)

[1] Then Yeshua addressed the crowds and his talmidim: [2] “The Torah-teachers and the P’rushim,” he said, “sit in the seat of Moshe. [3] So whatever they tell you, take care to do it. But don’t do what they do, because they talk but don’t act!

[4] They tie heavy loads onto people’s shoulders but won’t lift a finger to help carry them. [5] Everything they do is done to be seen by others; for they make their t’fillin broad and their tzitziyot long, [6] they love the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, [7] and they love being greeted deferentially in the marketplaces and being called ‘Rabbi.’

[8] “But you are not to let yourselves be called ‘Rabbi’; because you have one Rabbi, and you are all each other’s brothers. [9] And do not call anyone on earth ‘Father.’ because you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

[10] Nor are you to let yourselves be called ‘leaders,’ because you have one Leader, and he is the Messiah! [11] The greatest among you must be your servant, [12] for whoever promotes himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be promoted.

[1] In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.[2] And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.[3] His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:[4] And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.[5] And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.[6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.[7] And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.[8] And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.[9] And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.[10] Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

[1] In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.[2] And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.[3] His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:[4] And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.[5] And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.[6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.[7] And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.[8] And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.[9] And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.[10] Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Monday, March 01, 2021

Reading (Daniel 9:3, 4-10)

[3] I turned to Adonai, God, to seek an answer, pleading with him in prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. [4] I prayed to Adonai my God and made this confession: “Please, Adonai, great and fearsome God, who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his mitzvot! 

[5] We have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled and turned away from your mitzvot and rulings. [6] We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our leaders, our ancestors and to all the people of the land.

[7] “To you, Adonai, belongs righteousness; but to us today belongs shame — to us, the men of Y’hudah, the inhabitants of Yerushalayim and all Isra’el, including those nearby and those far away, throughout all the countries where you have driven them; because they broke faith with you.

[8] Yes, Adonai, shame falls on us, our kings, our leaders and our ancestors; because we sinned against you. [9] It is for Adonai our God to show compassion and forgiveness, because we rebelled against him.

[10] We didn’t listen to the voice of Adonai our God, so that we could live by his laws, which he presented to us through his servants the prophets.

Gospel (Luke 6:36-38)

[36] Show compassion, just as your Father shows compassion. [37] “Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

[38] Give, and you will receive gifts —the full measure, compacted, shaken together and overflowing, will be put right in your lap. For the measure with which you measure out will be used to measure back to you!”

Sunday, February 28, 2021

First Reading (Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18)

[1] After these things, God tested Avraham. He said to him, “Avraham!” and he answered, “Here I am.” [2] He said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Yitz’chak; and go to the land of Moriyah. There you are to offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain that I will point out to you.”

[9] They came to the place God had told him about; and Avraham built the altar there, set the wood in order, bound Yitz’chak his son and laid him on the altar, on the wood. [10] Then Avraham put out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. [11] But the angel of Adonai called to him out of heaven: “Avraham? Avraham!”

He answered, “Here I am.” [12] He said, “Don’t lay your hand on the boy! Don’t do anything to him! For now I know that you are a man who fears God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”

[13] Avraham raised his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. Avraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son. [15] The angel of Adonai called to Avraham a second time out of heaven.

[16] He said, “I have sworn by myself — says Adonai — that because you have done this, because you haven’t withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will most certainly bless you; and I will most certainly increase your descendants to as many as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand on the seashore.

Your descendants will possess the cities of their enemies, [18] and by your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed — because you obeyed my order.”

Second Reading (Romans 8.31-35, 37)

[31] What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up on behalf of us all — is it possible that, having given us his Son, he would not give us everything else too?

[33] So who will bring a charge against God’s chosen people? Certainly not God — he is the one who causes them to be considered righteous! [34] Who punishes them? Certainly not the Messiah Yeshua, who died and — more than that — has been raised, is at the right hand of God and is actually pleading on our behalf!

[35] Who will separate us from the love of the Messiah? Trouble? Hardship? Persecution? Hunger? Poverty? Danger? War? [37] No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-10)

[2] Six days later, Yeshua took Kefa, Ya‘akov and Yochanan and led them up a high mountain privately. As they watched, he began to change form, [3] and his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than anyone in the world could possibly bleach them.

[4] Then they saw Eliyahu and Moshe speaking with Yeshua. [5] Kefa said to Yeshua, “It’s good that we’re here, Rabbi! Let’s put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu.”

[6] (He didn’t know what to say, they were so frightened.) [7] Then a cloud enveloped them; and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” [8] Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Yeshua.

[9] As they came down the mountain, he warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. [10] So they kept the matter to themselves; but they continued asking each other, “What is this ‘rising from the dead’?”

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Reading (Deuteronomy 26:16-19)

[16] This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

[17] Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:

[18] And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;

[19] And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken.

Gospel (Matthew 5:43-48)

[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Friday, February 26, 2021

Reading (Ezekiel 18:21-28)

[21] But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. [22] All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

[23] Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? [24] But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live?

All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. [25] Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

[26] When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. [27] Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

[28] Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Gospel (Matthew 5:20-26)

[20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

[21] Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: [22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

[23] Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

[25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

[26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Reading (Esther 14:1, 3-5, 12-14)

[1] Queen Esther also, fearing the danger that was at hand, had recourse to the Lord. [3] And she prayed to the Lord the God of Israel, saying: O my Lord, who alone art our king, help me a desolate woman, and who have no other helper but thee.

[4] My danger is in my hands. [5] I have heard of my father that thou, O Lord, didst take Israel from among all nations, and our fathers from all their predecessors, to possess them as an everlasting inheritance, and thou hast done to them as thou hast promised.

[12] Remember, O Lord, and shew thyself to us in the time of our tribulation, and give me boldness, O Lord, king of gods, and of all power: [13] Give me a well ordered speech in my mouth in the presence of the lion, and turn his heart to the hatred of our enemy, that both he himself may perish, and the rest that consent to him.

[14] But deliver us by thy hand, and help me, who have no other helper, but thee, O Lord, who hast the knowledge of all things.

Gospel (Matthew 7:7-12)

[7] “Keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who keeps asking receives; he who keeps seeking finds; and to him who keeps knocking, the door will be opened.

[9] Is there anyone here who, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? [10] or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

[11] So if you, even though you are bad, know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will your Father in heaven keep giving good things to those who keep asking him!

[12] “Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sums up the teaching of the Torah and the Prophets.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Reading (Jonah 3:1-10)

[1] The word of Adonai came to Yonah a second time: [2]“Set out for the great city of Ninveh, and proclaim to it the message I will give you.” [3] So Yonah set out and went to Ninveh, as Adonai had said.

Now Ninveh was such a large city that it took three days just to cross it. [4] Yonah began his entry into the city and had finished only his first day of proclaiming, ‘In forty days Ninveh will be overthrown,’ [5] when the people of Ninveh believed God.

They proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. [6] When the news reached the king of Ninveh, he got up from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth and sat in ashes.

[7] He then had this proclamation made throughout Ninveh: “By decree of the king and his nobles, no person or animal, herd or flock, is to put anything in his mouth; they are neither to eat nor drink water.

[8] They must be covered with sackcloth, both people and animals; and they are to cry out to God with all their might — let each of them turn from his evil way and from the violence they practice.

[9] Who knows? Maybe God will change his mind, relent and turn from his fierce anger; and then we won’t perish.” [10] When God saw by their deeds that they had turned from their evil way, he relented and did not bring on them the punishment he had threatened.

Gospel (Luke 11:29-32)

[29] As the people crowded around him, Yeshua went on to say, “This generation is a wicked generation! It asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it — except the sign of Yonah. [30]For just as Yonah became a sign to the people of Ninveh, so will the Son of Man be for this generation.

[31] The Queen of the South will appear at the Judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Shlomo, and what is here now is greater than Shlomo.

[32] The people of Ninveh will stand up at the Judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they turned to God from their sins when Yonah preached, and what is here now is greater than Yonah.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 55:10-11)

[1] For just as rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return there, but water the earth,
causing it to bud and produce, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater; [11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth — it will not return to me unfulfilled; but it will accomplish what I intend, and cause to succeed what I sent it to do.”

Gospel (Matthew 6:7-15)

[7] “And when you pray, don’t babble on and on like the pagans, who think God will hear them better if they talk a lot. [8] Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

[9] You, therefore, pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven! May your Name be kept holy. [10] May your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. [11] Give us the food we need today.

[12] Forgive us what we have done wrong, as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us. [13] And do not lead us into hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. For kingship, power and glory are yours forever. Amen.’

[14] For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; [15] but if you do not forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will not forgive yours.

Monday, February 22, 2021

Reading (1 Peter 5:1-4)

[1] Therefore, I urge the congregation leaders among you, as a fellow-leader and witness to the Messiah’s sufferings, as well as a sharer in the glory to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, exercising oversight not out of constraint, but willingly, as God wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm; [3] also not as machers domineering over those in your care, but as people who become examples to the flock.

[4] Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive glory as your unfading crown.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-19)

[13] When Yeshua came into the territory around Caesarea Philippi, he asked his talmidim, “Who are people saying the Son of Man is?” [14] They said, “Well, some say Yochanan the Immerser, others Eliyahu, still others Yirmeyahu or one of the prophets.”

[15] “But you,” he said to them, “who do you say I am?” [16] Shim‘on Kefa answered, “You are the Mashiach, the Son of the living God.” [17] “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan,” Yeshua said to him, “how blessed you are!

For no human being revealed this to you, no, it was my Father in heaven. [18] I also tell you this: you are Kefa,” [which means ‘Rock,’] “and on this rock I will build my Community, and the gates of Sh’ol will not overcome it.

[19] I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Sunday, February 21, 2021

First Reading (Genesis 9:8-15)

[8] God spoke to Noach and his sons with him; he said, [9] “As for me — I am herewith establishing my covenant with you, with your descendants after you, [10] and with every living creature that is with you — the birds, the livestock and every wild animal with you, all going out of the ark, every animal on earth.

[11] I will establish my covenant with you that never again will all living beings be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.”

[12] God added, “Here is the sign of the covenant I am making between myself and you and every living creature with you, for all generations to come: [13] I am putting my rainbow in the cloud — it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth.

[14] Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud; [15] I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings.

Second Reading (1 Peter 3:18-22)

[18] For the Messiah himself died for sins, once and for all, a righteous person on behalf of unrighteous people, so that he might bring you to God.

He was put to death in the flesh but brought to life by the Spirit; [19] and in this form he went and made a proclamation to the imprisoned spirits, [20] to those who were disobedient long ago, in the days of Noach, when God waited patiently during the building of the ark, in which a few people — to be specific, eight — were delivered by means of water.

[21] This also prefigures what delivers us now, the water of immersion, which is not the removal of dirt from the body, but one’s pledge to keep a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah.

[22] He has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities and powers subject to him.

Gospel (Mark 1:12-15)

[12] Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness, [13] and he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by the Adversary. He was with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.

[14] After Yochanan had been arrested, Yeshua came into the Galil proclaiming the Good News from God: [15] “The time has come, God’s Kingdom is near! Turn to God from your sins and believe the Good News!”

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 58:9b-14)

[9] Then you will call, and Adonai will answer; you will cry, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you will remove the yoke from among you, stop false accusation and slander, [10] generously offer food to the hungry and meet the needs of the person in trouble; then your light will rise in the darkness, and your gloom become like noon.

[11] Adonai will always guide you; he will satisfy your needs in the desert, he will renew the strength in your limbs; so that you will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.

[12] You will rebuild the ancient ruins, raise foundations from ages past, and be called “Repairer of broken walls, Restorer of streets to live in.” [13] “If you hold back your foot on Shabbat from pursuing your own interests on my holy day; if you call Shabbat a delight, Adonai’s holy day, worth honoring; then honor it by not doing your usual things or pursuing your interests or speaking about them.

[14] If you do, you will find delight in Adonai —I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Ya‘akov, for the mouth of Adonai has spoken.”

Gospel (Luke 5:27-32)

[27] Later Yeshua went out and saw a tax-collector named Levi sitting in his tax-collection booth; and he said to him, “Follow me!” [28] He got up, left everything and followed him. [29]

Levi gave a banquet at his house in Yeshua’s honor, and there was a large group of tax-collectors and others at the table with them. [30] The P’rushim and their Torah-teachers protested indignantly against his talmidim, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and sinners?”

[31] It was Yeshua who answered them: “The ones who need a doctor aren’t the healthy but the sick. [32] I have not come to call the ‘righteous,’ but rather to call sinners to turn to God from their sins.”

Friday, February 19, 2021

Reading (Isaiah 58:1-9a)

[1] Shout out loud! Don’t hold back! Raise your voice like a shofar! Proclaim to my people what rebels they are, to the house of Ya‘akov their sins. [2] “Oh yes, they seek me day after day and [claim to] delight in knowing my ways.

As if they were an upright nation that had not abandoned the rulings of their God, they ask me for just rulings and [claim] to take pleasure in closeness to God, [3] [asking,] ‘Why should we fast, if you don’t see? Why mortify ourselves, if you don’t notice?’

“Here is my answer: when you fast, you go about doing whatever you like, while keeping your laborers hard at work. [4] Your fasts lead to quarreling and fighting, to lashing out with violent blows. On a day like today, fasting like yours will not make your voice heard on high.

[5] “Is this the sort of fast I want, a day when a person mortifies himself? Is the object to hang your head like a reed and spread sackcloth and ashes under yourself? Is this what you call a fast, a day that pleases Adonai?

[6] “Here is the sort of fast I want —releasing those unjustly bound, untying the thongs of the yoke, letting the oppressed go free, breaking every yoke, [7] sharing your food with the hungry, taking the homeless poor into your house, clothing the naked when you see them, fulfilling your duty to your kinsmen!”

[8] Then your light will burst forth like the morning, your new skin will quickly grow over your wound; your righteousness will precede you, and Adonai’s glory will follow you.

[9] Then you will call, and Adonai will answer; you will cry, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you will remove the yoke from among you, stop false accusation and slander,

Gospel (Matthew 9:14-15)

[14] Next, Yochanan’s talmidim came to him and asked, “Why is it that we and the P’rushim fast frequently, but your talmidim don’t fast at all?”

[15] Yeshua said to them, “Can wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them; then they will fast.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Reading (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

[15] “Look! I am presenting you today with, on the one hand, life and good; and on the other, death and evil — [16] in that I am ordering you today to love Adonai your God, to follow his ways, and to obey his mitzvot, regulations and rulings ; for if you do, you will live and increase your numbers; and Adonai your God will bless you in the land you are entering in order to take possession of it.

[17] But if your heart turns away, if you refuse to listen, if you are drawn away to prostrate yourselves before other gods and serve them; [18] I am announcing to you today that you will certainly perish; you will not live long in the land you are crossing the Yarden to enter and possess.

[19] “I call on heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have presented you with life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore, choose life, so that you will live, you and your descendants, [20] loving Adonai your God, paying attention to what he says and clinging to him — for that is the purpose of your life!

On this depends the length of time you will live in the land Adonai swore he would give to your ancestors Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya‘akov.”

Gospel (Luke 9:22-25)

[22] adding, “The Son of Man has to endure much suffering and be rejected by the elders, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers; and he has to be put to death; but on the third day, he has to be raised to life.”

[23] Then to everyone he said, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him say ‘No’ to himself, take up his execution-stake daily and keep following me. [24] For whoever tries to save his own life will destroy it, but whoever destroys his life on my account will save it.

[25] What will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but destroys or forfeits his own life?

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

First Reading (Joel 2:12-18)

[12]“Yet even now,” says Adonai, “turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and lamenting.” [13] Tear your heart, not your garments; and turn to Adonai your God. For he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace, and willing to change his mind about disaster.

[14] Who knows? He may turn, change his mind and leave a blessing behind him,
[enough for] grain offerings and drink offerings to present to Adonai your God. [15] “Blow the shofar in Tziyon! Proclaim a holy fast, call for a solemn assembly.”

[16] Gather the people; consecrate the congregation; assemble the leaders; gather the children, even infants sucking at the breast; let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride the bridal chamber.

[17] Let the cohanim, who serve Adonai, stand weeping between the vestibule and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Adonai! Don’t expose your heritage to mockery, or make them a byward among the Goyim.

Why should the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’” [18] Then Adonai will become jealous for his land and have pity on his people.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20 –21; 6:1-2)

[20] Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah; in effect, God is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, “Be reconciled to God!

[21] God made this sinless man be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with him we might fully share in God’s righteousness.” [6:1] As God’s fellow-workers we also urge you not to receive his grace and then do nothing with it.

[2] For he says, “At the acceptable time I heard you; in the day of salvation I helped you.”

Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)

[1] “Be careful not to parade your acts of tzedakah in front of people in order to be seen by them! If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. [2] So, when you do tzedakah, don’t announce it with trumpets to win people’s praise, like the hypocrites in the synagogues and on the streets.

Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already! [3] But you, when you do tzedakah, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. [4] Then your tzedakah will be in secret; and your Father, who sees what you do in secret, will reward you.

[5] “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites, who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on street corners, so that people can see them. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already!

[6] But you, when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. [16] “Now when you fast, don’t go around looking miserable, like the hypocrites.

They make sour faces so that people will know they are fasting. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already! [17] But you, when you fast, wash your face and groom yourself, [18] so that no one will know you are fasting — except your Father, who is with you in secret. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Reading (Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10)

[5] Adonai saw that the people on earth were very wicked, that all the imaginings of their hearts were always of evil only. [6]Adonai regretted that he had made humankind on the earth; it grieved his heart.

[7] Adonai said, “I will wipe out humankind, whom I have created, from the whole earth; and not only human beings, but animals, creeping things and birds in the air; for I regret that I ever made them.”

[8] But Noach found grace in the sight of Adonai. [7:1] Adonai said to Noach, “Come into the ark, you and all your household; for I have seen that you alone in this generation are righteous before me.

[2]Of every clean animal you are to take seven couples, and of the animals that are not clean, one couple; [3] also of the birds in the air take seven couples — in order to preserve their species throughout the earth.

[4] For in seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; I will wipe out every living thing that I have made from the face of the earth.” [5] Noach did all that Adonai ordered him to do. [10] After seven days the water flooded the earth.

Gospel (Mark 8:14-21)

[14] Now the talmidim had forgotten to bring bread and had with them in the boat only one loaf. [15] So when Yeshua said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves from the hametz of the P’rushim and the hametz of Herod,” [16] they thought he had said it because they had no bread.

[17] But, aware of this, he said, “Why are you talking with each other about having no bread? Don’t you see or understand yet? Have your hearts been made like stone? [18] You have eyes — don’t you see?

You have ears — don’t you hear? And don’t you remember? [19] When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” “Twelve,” they answered him.

[20]“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” “Seven,” they answered. [21] He said to them, “And you still don’t understand?”

Monday, February 15, 2021

Reading (Genesis 4:1-15, 25)

[1] The man had sexual relations with Havah his wife; she conceived, gave birth to Kayin [acquisition] and said, “I have acquired a man from Adonai.” [2] In addition she gave birth to his brother Hevel. Hevel kept sheep, while Kayin worked the soil.

[3] In the course of time Kayin brought an offering to Adonai from the produce of the soil; [4] and Hevel too brought from the firstborn of his sheep, including their fat. Adonai accepted Hevel and his offering [5] but did not accept Kayin and his offering.

Kayin was very angry, and his face fell. [6] Adonai said to Kayin, “Why are you angry? Why so downcast? [7] If you are doing what is good, shouldn’t you hold your head high? And if you don’t do what is good, sin is crouching at the door — it wants you, but you can rule over it.”

[8] Kayin had words with Hevel his brother; then one time, when they were in the field, Kayin turned on Hevel his brother and killed him. [9] Adonai said to Kayin, “Where is Hevel your brother?” And he replied, “I don’t know; am I my brother’s guardian?”

[10] He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! [11] Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood at your hands.

[12] When you farm the ground it will no longer yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive, wandering the earth.” [13] Kayin said to Adonai, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. [14] You are banning me today from the land and from your presence.

I will be a fugitive wandering the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” [15]Adonai answered him, “Therefore, whoever kills Kayin will receive vengeance sevenfold,” and Adonai put a sign on Kayin, so that no one who found him would kill him.

[25] Adam again had sexual relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son whom she named Shet [granted], “For God has granted me another seed in place of Hevel, since Kayin killed him.”

Gospel (Mark 8:11-13)

[11] The P’rushim came and began arguing with him; they wanted him to give them a sign from Heaven, because they were out to trap him. [12] With a sigh that came straight from his heart, he said, “Why does this generation want a sign?

Yes! I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation!” [13] With that, he left them, got into the boat again and went off to the other side of the lake.

Sunday, February 14, 2021

First Reading (Leviticus 13:1-2, 45-46)

[1] Adonai said to Moshe and Aharon, [2] “If someone develops on his skin a swelling, scab or bright spot which could develop into the disease tzara‘at, he is to be brought to Aharon the cohen or to one of his sons who are cohanim. [45]“Everyone who has tzara‘at sores is to wear torn clothes and unbound hair, cover his upper lip and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’

[46] As long as he has sores, he will be unclean; since he is unclean, he must live in isolation; he must live outside the camp.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 10:31 –33; 11:1)

[31] Well, whatever you do, whether it’s eating or drinking or anything else, do it all so as to bring glory to God. [32] Do not be an obstacle to anyone — not to Jews, not to Gentiles, and not to God’s Messianic Community.

[33] Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not looking out for my own interests but for those of the many, so that they may be saved; [11:1] try to imitate me, even as I myself try to imitate the Messiah.

Gospel (Mark 1:40-45)

[40] A man afflicted with tzara‘at came to Yeshua and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” [41] Moved with pity, Yeshua reached out his hand, touched him and said to him, “I am willing! Be cleansed!”

[42] Instantly the tzara‘at left him, and he was cleansed. [43] Yeshua sent him away with this stern warning: [44] “See to it that you tell no one; instead, as a testimony to the people, go and let the cohen examine you, and offer for your cleansing what Moshe commanded.”

[45] But he went out and began spreading the news, talking freely about it; so that Yeshua could no longer enter a town openly but stayed out in the country, where people continued coming to him from all around.

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Reading (Genesis 3:9-24)

[9] Adonai, God, called to the man, “Where are you?” [10] He answered, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” [11] He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I ordered you not to eat?”

[12] The man replied, “The woman you gave to be with me — she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” [13] Adonai, God, said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me, so I ate.”

[14] Adonai, God, said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all livestock and wild animals. You will crawl on your belly and eat dust as long as you live. [15] I will put animosity between you and the woman, and between your descendant and her descendant; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”

[16] To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your pain in childbirth. You will bring forth children in pain. Your desire will be toward your husband, but he will rule over you.”

[17]  To Adam he said, “Because you listened to what your wife said and ate from the tree about which I gave you the order, ‘You are not to eat from it,’ the ground is cursed on your account; you will work hard to eat from it as long as you live.

[18] It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat field plants. [19] You will eat bread by the sweat of your forehead till you return to the ground — for you were taken out of it: you are dust, and you will return to dust.”

[20] The man called his wife Havah [life], because she was the mother of all living. [21] Adonai, God, made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. [22] Adonai, God, said, “See, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil.

Now, to prevent his putting out his hand and taking also from the tree of life, eating, and living forever — ” [23] therefore Adonai, God, sent him out of the garden of ‘Eden to cultivate the ground from which he was taken.

[24] So he drove the man out, and he placed at the east of the garden of ‘Eden the k’ruvim and a flaming sword which turned in every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.

Gospel (Mark 8:1-10)

[1] It was during that time that another large crowd gathered, and they had nothing to eat. Yeshua called his talmidim to him and said to them, [2] “I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me three days, and now they have nothing to eat.

[3] If I send them off to their homes hungry, they will collapse on the way; some of them have come a long distance.” [4] His talmidim said to him, “How can anyone find enough bread to satisfy these people in a remote place like this?”

[5] “How many loaves do you have?” he asked them. They answered, “Seven.” [6] He then told the crowd to sit down on the ground, took the seven loaves, made a b’rakhah, broke the loaves and gave them to his talmidim to serve to the people.

[7] They also had a few fish; making a b’rakhah over them he also ordered these to be served. [8] The people ate their fill; and the talmidim took up the leftover pieces, seven large basketsful. [9] About four thousand were there.

[10] After sending them away, Yeshua got into the boat with his talmidim and went off to the district of Dalmanuta.

Friday, February 12, 2021

Reading (Genesis 3:1-8)

[1] Now the serpent was more crafty than any wild animal which Adonai, God, had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You are not to eat from any tree in the garden’?”

[2] The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat from the fruit of the trees of the garden, [3] but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, ‘You are neither to eat from it nor touch it, or you will die.’” [4] The serpent said to the woman, “It is not true that you will surely die; [5] because God knows that on the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

[6] When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it had a pleasing appearance and that the tree was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her; and he ate.

[7] Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together to make themselves loincloths.

[8]They heard the voice of Adonai, God, walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, so the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Adonai, God, among the trees in the garden.

Gospel (Mark 7:31-37)

[31] Then he left the district of Tzor and went through Tzidon to Lake Kinneret and on to the region of the Ten Towns. [32] They brought him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment and asked Yeshua to lay his hand on him.

[33] Taking him off alone, away from the crowd, Yeshua put his fingers into the man’s ears, spat, and touched his tongue; [34] then, looking up to heaven, he gave a deep groan and said to him, “Hippatach!” (that is, “Be opened!”).

[35] His ears were opened, his tongue was freed, and he began speaking clearly. [36] Yeshua ordered the people to tell no one; but the more he insisted, the more zealously they spread the news.

[37] People were overcome with amazement. “Everything he does, he does well!” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak!”

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Reading (Genesis 2:18-25)

[18] Adonai, God, said, “It isn’t good that the person should be alone. I will make for him a companion suitable for helping him.” [19] So from the ground Adonai, God, formed every wild animal and every bird that flies in the air, and he brought them to the person to see what he would call them.

Whatever the person would call each living creature, that was to be its name. [20] So the person gave names to all the livestock, to the birds in the air and to every wild animal. But for Adam there was not found a companion suitable for helping him.

[21] Then God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the person; and while he was sleeping, he took one of his ribs and closed up the place from which he took it with flesh. [22] The rib which Adonai, God, had taken from the person, he made a woman-person; and he brought her to the man-person.

[23] The man-person said, “At last! This is bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh. She is to be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” [24] This is why a man is to leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and they are to be one flesh.

[25] They were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed.

Gospel (Mark 7:24-30)

[24] Next, Yeshua left that district and went off to the vicinity of Tzor and Tzidon. There he found a house to stay in and wanted to remain unrecognized, but keeping hidden proved impossible.

[25] Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit in her came to him and fell down at his feet. [26] The woman was a Greek, by birth a Syro-phoenician, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.

[27] He said, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s food and toss it to their pet dogs.” [28] She answered him, “That is true, sir; but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s leftovers.”

[29] Then he said to her, “For such an answer you may go on home; the demon has left your daughter.” [30] She went back home and found the child lying on the couch, the demon gone.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Reading (Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17)

[4] Here is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created. On the day when Adonai, God, made earth and heaven, [5] there was as yet no wild bush on the earth, and no wild plant had as yet sprung up; for Adonai, God, had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no one to cultivate the ground.

[6] Rather, a mist went up from the earth which watered the entire surface of the ground. [7] Then Adonai, God, formed a person from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, so that he became a living being.

[8] Adonai, God, planted a garden toward the east, in ‘Eden, and there he put the person whom he had formed. [9] Out of the ground Adonai, God, caused to grow every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

[15] Adonai, God, took the person and put him in the garden of ‘Eden to cultivate and care for it. [16] Adonai, God, gave the person this order: “You may freely eat from every tree in the garden [17] except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

You are not to eat from it, because on the day that you eat from it, it will become certain that you will die.”

Gospel (Mark 7:14-23)

[14] Then Yeshua called the people to him again and said, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand this! [15] There is nothing outside a person which, by going into him, can make him unclean.

Rather, it is the things that come out of a person which make a person unclean!” [16] “Anyone who has ears that can hear, let him hear!” [17] When he had left the people and entered the house, his talmidim asked him about the parable.

[18] He replied to them, “So you too are without understanding? Don’t you see that nothing going into a person from outside can make him unclean? [19] For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and it passes out into the latrine.” (Thus he declared all foods ritually clean.)

[20] “It is what comes out of a person,” he went on, “that makes him unclean. [21] For from within, out of a person’s heart, come forth wicked thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, [22] greed, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, arrogance, foolishness…. [23] All these wicked things come from within, and they make a person unclean.”

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

Reading (Genesis 1:20 – 31; 2: 1-4a)

[20] God said, “Let the water swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open dome of the sky.” [21] God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that creeps, so that the water swarmed with all kinds of them, and there was every kind of winged bird; and God saw that it was good.

[22] Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, multiply and fill the water of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” [23] So there was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.

[24] God said, “Let the earth bring forth each kind of living creature — each kind of livestock, crawling animal and wild beast”; and that is how it was.

[25] God made each kind of wild beast, each kind of livestock and every kind of animal that crawls along the ground; and God saw that it was good.

[26] Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves; and let them rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, and over all the earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the earth.”

[27] So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. [28] God blessed them: God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.

Rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air and every living creature that crawls on the earth.” [29] Then God said, “Here! Throughout the whole earth I am giving you as food every seed-bearing plant and every tree with seed-bearing fruit.

[30] And to every wild animal, bird in the air and creature crawling on the earth, in which there is a living soul, I am giving as food every kind of green plant.” And that is how it was. [31] God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good. So there was evening, and there was morning, a sixth day.

[2:1] Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, along with everything in them. [2] On the seventh day God was finished with his work which he had made, so he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

[3] God blessed the seventh day and separated it as holy; because on that day God rested from all his work which he had created, so that it itself could produce. [4] Here is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created. On the day when Adonai, God, made earth and heaven,

Gospel (Mark 7:1-13)

[1] The P’rushim and some of the Torah-teachers who had come from Yerushalayim gathered together with Yeshua [2] and saw that some of his talmidim ate with ritually unclean hands, that is, without doing n’tilat-yadayim.

[3] (For the P’rushim, and indeed all the Judeans, holding fast to the Tradition of the Elders, do not eat unless they have given their hands a ceremonial washing.

[4] Also, when they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they have rinsed their hands up to the wrist; and they adhere to many other traditions, such as washing cups, pots and bronze vessels.)

[5] The P’rushim and the Torah-teachers asked him, “Why don’t your talmidim live in accordance with the Tradition of the Elders, but instead eat with ritually unclean hands?”

[6] Yeshua answered them, “Yesha‘yahu was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites — as it is written, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me.

[7] Their worship of me is useless, because they teach man-made rules as if they were doctrines.’[8] “You depart from God’s command and hold onto human tradition. [9] Indeed,” he said to them, “you have made a fine art of departing from God’s command in order to keep your tradition!

[10] For Moshe said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ [11] But you say, ‘If someone says to his father or mother, “I have promised as a korban” ’ ” (that is, as a gift to God) “ ‘ “what I might have used to help you,” ’

[12] then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. [13] Thus, with your tradition which you had handed down to you, you nullify the Word of God! And you do other things like this.”

Monday, February 08, 2021

Reading (Genesis 1:1-19)

[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was unformed and void, darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the water. [3] Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

[4] God saw that the light was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. [5] God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. So there was evening, and there was morning, one day.

[6] God said, “Let there be a dome in the middle of the water; let it divide the water from the water.” [7] God made the dome and divided the water under the dome from the water above the dome; that is how it was, [8] and God called the dome Sky.

So there was evening, and there was morning, a second day. [9] God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let dry land appear,” and that is how it was.

[10] God called the dry land Earth, the gathering together of the water he called Seas, and God saw that it was good. [11] God said, “Let the earth put forth grass, seed-producing plants, and fruit trees, each yielding its own kind of seed-bearing fruit, on the earth”; and that is how it was.

[12] The earth brought forth grass, plants each yielding its own kind of seed, and trees each producing its own kind of seed-bearing fruit; and God saw that it was good. [13] So there was evening, and there was morning, a third day.

[14] God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to divide the day from the night; let them be for signs, seasons, days and years; [15] and let them be for lights in the dome of the sky to give light to the earth”; and that is how it was.

[16] God made the two great lights — the larger light to rule the day and the smaller light to rule the night — and the stars.

[17] God put them in the dome of the sky to give light to the earth, [18] to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. [19] So there was evening, and there was morning, a fourth day.

Gospel (Mark 6:53-56)

[53] After they had made the crossing, they landed at Ginosar and anchored. [54] As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized him [55] and began running around throughout that whole region and bringing sick people on their stretchers to any place where they heard he was.

[56] Wherever he went, in towns, cities or country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the tzitzit on his robe, and all who touched it were healed.

Sunday, February 07, 2021

First Reading (Job 7:1-4, 6-7)

[1] “Human life on earth is like serving in the army; yes, we drudge through our days like a hired worker, [2] like a slave longing for shade, like a worker thinking only of his wages.

[3] So I am assigned months of meaninglessness; troubled nights are my lot. [4] When I lie down, I ask, ‘When can I get up?’ But the night is long, and I keep tossing to and fro until daybreak.

[6] My days pass more swiftly than a weaver’s shuttle and come to their end without hope. [7] “Remember that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never again see good times.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 9: 16-19, 22-23)

[16]For I can’t boast merely because I proclaim the Good News — this I do from inner compulsion: woe is me if I don’t proclaim the Good News! [17] For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if I do it unwillingly, I still do it, simply because I’ve been entrusted with a job.

[18] So then, what is my reward? Just this: that in proclaiming the Good News I can make it available free of charge, without making use of the rights to which it entitles me.

[19] For although I am a free man, not bound to do anyone’s bidding, I have made myself a slave to all in order to win as many people as possible. [22] With the “weak” I became “weak,” in order to win the “weak.”

With all kinds of people I have become all kinds of things, so that in all kinds of circumstances I might save at least some of them. [23] But I do it all because of the rewards promised by the Good News, so that I may share in them along with the others who come to trust.

Gospel (Mark 1:29-39)

[29] They left the synagogue and went with Ya‘akov and Yochanan to the home of Shim‘on and Andrew. [30] Shim‘on’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and they told Yeshua about her.

[31] He came, took her by the hand and lifted her onto her feet. The fever left her, and she began helping them. [32] That evening after sundown, they brought to Yeshua all who were ill or held in the power of demons, [33] and the whole town came crowding around the door.

[34] He healed many who were ill with various diseases and expelled many demons, but he did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. [35] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Yeshua got up, left, went away to a lonely spot and stayed there praying.

[36] But Shim‘on and those with him went after him; [37] and when they found him, they said, “Everybody is looking for you.” [38] He answered, “Let’s go somewhere else — to the other villages around here.

I have to proclaim the message there too — in fact this is why I came out.” [39] So he traveled all through the Galil, preaching in their synagogues and expelling demons.

Saturday, February 06, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21)

[15] Through him, therefore, let us offer God a sacrifice of praise continually. For this is the natural product of lips that acknowledge his name. [16] But don’t forget doing good and sharing with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

[17] Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your lives, as people who will have to render an account. So make it a task of joy for them, not one of groaning; for that is of no advantage to you.

[20] The God of shalom brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Yeshua, by the blood of an eternal covenant.

[21] May that God equip you with every good thing you need to do his will; and may he do in us whatever pleases him, through Yeshua the Messiah. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel (Mark 6:30-34)

[30] Those who had been sent out rejoined Yeshua and reported to him all they had done and taught.

[31] There were so many people coming and going that they couldn’t even take time to eat, so he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a place where we can be alone, and you can get some rest.”

[32] They went off by themselves to an isolated spot; [33] but many people, seeing them leave and recognizing them, ran ahead on foot from all the towns and got there first.

[34] When Yeshua came ashore, he saw a huge crowd. Filled with compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, he began teaching them many things.

Friday, February 05, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8)

[1] Let brotherly friendship continue; [2] but don’t forget to be friendly to outsiders; for in so doing, some people, without knowing it, have entertained angels.

[3] Remember those in prison and being mistreated, as if you were in prison with them and undergoing their torture yourselves. [4] Marriage is honorable in every respect; and, in particular, sex within marriage is pure.

But God will indeed punish fornicators and adulterers. [5] Keep your lives free from the love of money; and be satisfied with what you have; for God himself has said, “I will never fail you or abandon you.”

[6] Therefore, we say with confidence, “Adonai is my helper; I will not be afraid —what can a human being do to me?” [7] Remember your leaders, those who spoke God’s message to you. Reflect on the results of their way of life, and imitate their trust — [8] Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Gospel (Mark 6:14-29)

[14] Meanwhile, King Herod heard about this, for Yeshua’s reputation had spread. Some were saying, “Yochanan the Immerser has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.”

[15] Others said, “It is Eliyahu!” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the old prophets.” [16] But when Herod heard about it, he said, “Yochanan, whom I had beheaded, has been raised.”

[17] For Herod had sent and had Yochanan arrested and chained in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her, [18] but Yochanan had told him, “It violates the Torah for you to marry your brother’s wife.”

[19] So Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted him put to death. But this she could not accomplish, [20] because Herod stood in awe of Yochanan and protected him, for he knew that he was a tzaddik, a holy man. Whenever he heard him, he became deeply disturbed; yet he liked to listen to him.

[21] Finally, the opportunity came. Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his nobles and officers and the leading men of the Galil. [22] The daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and she pleased Herod and his guests.

The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want; I will give it to you”; [23] and he made a vow to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

[24] So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She said, “The head of Yochanan the Immerser.” [25] At once the daughter hurried back to the king and announced her request: “I want you to give me right now on a platter the head of Yochanan the Immerser.”

[26] Herod was appalled; but out of regard for the oaths he had sworn before his dinner guests, he did not want to break his word to her. [27] So the king immediately sent a soldier from his personal guard with orders to bring Yochanan’s head.

The soldier went and beheaded Yochanan in the prison, [28] brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. [29] When Yochanan’s talmidim heard of it, they came and took the body and laid it in a grave.

Thursday, February 04, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24)

[18] For you have not come to a tangible mountain, to an ignited fire, to darkness, to murk, to a whirlwind, [19] to the sound of a shofar, and to a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further message be given to them — [21] and so terrifying was the sight that Moshe said, “I am quaking with dread.”

[22] On the contrary, you have come to Mount Tziyon, that is, the city of the living God, heavenly Yerushalayim; to myriads of angels in festive assembly; [23] to a community of the firstborn whose names have been recorded in heaven; to a Judge who is God of everyone; to spirits of righteous people who have been brought to the goal; [24] to the mediator of a new covenant, Yeshua; and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better things than that of Hevel.

Gospel (Mark 6:7-13)

[7] Yeshua summoned the Twelve and started sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits. [8] He instructed them, “Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick — no bread, no pack, no money in your belt.

[9] Wear shoes but not an extra shirt. [10] Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place; [11] and if the people of some place will not welcome you, and they refuse to hear you, then, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them.”

[12] So they set out and preached that people should turn from sin to God, ¹³ they expelled many demons, and they anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Wednesday, February 03, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15)

[4] You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in the contest against sin. [5] Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons: “My son, don’t despise the discipline of Adonai or become despondent when he corrects you.

[6] For Adonai disciplines those he loves and whips everyone he accepts as a son.” [7] Regard your endurance as discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son goes undisciplined by his father?

[11] Now, all discipline, while it is happening, does indeed seem painful, not enjoyable; but for those who have been trained by it, it later produces its peaceful fruit, which is righteousness.

[12] So, strengthen your drooping arms, and steady your tottering knees; [13] and make a level path for your feet; so that what has been injured will not get wrenched out of joint but rather will be healed.

[14] Keep pursuing shalom with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. [15] See to it that no one misses out on God’s grace, that no root of bitterness^[c] springing up causes trouble and thus contaminates many,

Gospel (Mark 6:1-6)

[1] Then Yeshua left and went to his home town, and his talmidim followed him. [2] On Shabbat he started to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They asked, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom he has been given?

What are these miracles worked through him? [3] Isn’t he just the carpenter? the son of Miryam? the brother of Ya‘akov and Yosi and Y’hudah and Shim‘on? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

[4] But Yeshua said to them. “The only place people don’t respect a prophet is in his home town, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” [5] So he could do no miracles there, other than lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

[6] He was amazed at their lack of trust. Then he went through the surrounding towns and villages, teaching.

Tuesday, February 02, 2021

Reading (Malachi 3:1-4)

[1] “Look! I am sending my messenger to clear the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple. Yes, the messenger of the covenant, in whom you take such delight — look! Here he comes,” says Adonai-Tzva’ot.

[2] But who can endure the day when he comes? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like the soapmaker’s lye.

[3] He will sit, testing and purifying the silver; he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold and silver, so that they can bring offerings to Adonai uprightly.

[4] Then the offering of Y’hudah and Yerushalayim will be pleasing to Adonai, as it was in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Gospel (Luke 2:22-40)

[22] When the time came for their purification according to the Torah of Moshe, they took him up to Yerushalayim to present him to Adonai [23] (as it is written in the Torah of Adonai, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to Adonai” [24] and also to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Torah of Adonai.

[25] There was in Yerushalayim a man named Shim‘on. This man was a tzaddik, he was devout, he waited eagerly for God to comfort Isra’el, and the Ruach HaKodesh was upon him. [26] It had been revealed to him by the Ruach HaKodesh that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah of Adonai.

[27] Prompted by the Spirit, he went into the Temple courts; and when the parents brought in the child Yeshua to do for him what the Torah required, [28] Shim‘on took him in his arms, made a b’rakhah to God, and said, [29] “Now, Adonai, according to your word, your servant is at peace as you let him go; [30] for I have seen with my own eyes your yeshu‘ah, [31] which you prepared in the presence of all peoples — [32] a light that will bring revelation to the Goyim
    and glory to your people Isra’el.”

[33] Yeshua’s father and mother were marvelling at the things Shim‘on was saying about him. [34] Shim‘on blessed them and said to the child’s mother, Miryam, “This child will cause many in Isra’el to fall and to rise, he will become a sign whom people will speak against; [35] moreover, a sword will pierce your own heart too.

All this will happen in order to reveal many people’s inmost thoughts.” [36] There was also a prophet named Hannah Bat-P’nu’el, of the tribe of Asher. She was a very old woman — she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage [37] and had remained a widow ever since; now she was eighty-four.

She never left the Temple grounds but worshipped there night and day, fasting and praying. [38] She came by at that moment and began thanking God and speaking about the child to everyone who was waiting for Yerushalayim to be liberated.

[39]When Yosef and Miryam had finished doing everything required by the Torah of Adonai, they returned to the Galil, to their town Natzeret. [40] The child grew and became strong and filled with wisdom — God’s favor was upon him.

Monday, February 01, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 11:32-40)

[32] What more should I say? There isn’t time to tell about Gid‘on, Barak, Shimshon, Yiftach, David, Sh’mu’el and the prophets; [33] who, through trusting, conquered kingdoms, worked righteousness, received what was promised, shut the mouths of lions, [34] quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, had their weakness turned to strength, grew mighty in battle and routed foreign armies.

[35] Women received back their dead resurrected; other people were stretched on the rack and beaten to death, refusing to be ransomed, so that they would gain a better resurrection. [36] Others underwent the trials of being mocked and whipped, then chained and imprisoned.

[37] They were stoned, sawed in two, murdered by the sword; they went about clothed in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, mistreated, [38] wandering about in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the ground!

The world was not worthy of them! [39]All of these had their merit attested because of their trusting. Nevertheless, they did not receive what had been promised, [40] because God had planned something better that would involve us, so that only with us would they be brought to the goal.

Gospel (Mark 5:1-20)

[1] Yeshua and his talmidim arrived at the other side of the lake, in the Gerasenes’ territory. [2] As soon as he disembarked, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the burial caves to meet him.

[3] He lived in the burial caves; and no one could keep him tied up, not even with a chain. [4] He had often been chained hand and foot, but he would snap the chains and break the irons off his feet, and no one was strong enough to control him.

[5] Night and day he wandered among the graves and through the hills, howling and gashing himself with stones.

[6] Seeing Yeshua from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him [7] and screamed at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Yeshua, Son of God Ha‘Elyon? I implore you in God’s name! Don’t torture me!”

[8] For Yeshua had already begun saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of this man!” [9] Yeshua asked him, “What’s your name?” “My name is Legion,” he answered, “there are so many of us”; [10] and he kept begging Yeshua not to send them out of that region.

[11] Now there was a large herd of pigs feeding near the hill, [12] and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us to the pigs, so we can go into them.”

[13] Yeshua gave them permission. They came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering around two thousand, rushed down the hillside into the lake and were drowned. [14] The swineherds fled and told it in the town and in the surrounding country, and the people went to see what had happened.

[15] They came to Yeshua and saw the man who had had the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were frightened.

[16] Those who had seen it told what had happened to the man controlled by demons and to the pigs; [17] and the people began begging Yeshua to leave their district. [18] As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demonized begged him to be allowed to go with him.

[19] But Yeshua would not permit it. Instead, he said to him, “Go home to your people, and tell them how much Adonai in his mercy has done for you.” [20] He went off and began proclaiming in the Ten Towns how much Yeshua had done for him, and everyone was amazed.

Sunday, January 31, 2021

First Reading (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)

[15]“Adonai will raise up for you a prophet like me from among yourselves, from your own kinsmen.

You are to pay attention to him, [16] just as when you were assembled at Horev and requested Adonai your God, ‘Don’t let me hear the voice of Adonai my God any more, or let me see this great fire ever again; if I do, I will die!’

[17] On that occasion Adonai said to me, ‘They are right in what they are saying. [18] I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kinsmen. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I order him.

[19] Whoever doesn’t listen to my words, which he will speak in my name, will have to account for himself to me. [20] “‘But if a prophet presumptuously speaks a word in my name which I didn’t order him to say, or if he speaks in the name of other gods, then that prophet must die.’

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 7:32-35)

[32] What I want is for you to be free of concern. An unmarried man concerns himself with the Lord’s affairs, [33] with how to please the Lord; but the married man concerns himself with the world’s affairs, with how to please his wife; [34] and he finds himself split.

Likewise the woman who is no longer married or the girl who has never been married concerns herself with the Lord’s affairs, with how to be holy both physically and spiritually; but the married woman concerns herself with the world’s affairs, with how to please her husband.

[35] I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to put restrictions on you — I am simply concerned that you live in a proper manner and serve the Lord with undivided devotion.

Gospel (Mark 1:21-28)

[21] They entered K’far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching. [22] They were amazed at the way he taught, for he did not instruct them like the Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself.

[23] In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted, [24] “What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!”

[25] But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, “Be quiet and come out of him!” [26] Throwing the man into a convulsion, it gave a loud shriek and came out of him. [27] They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, “What is this?

A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” [28] And the news about him spread quickly through the whole region of the Galil.

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19)  

[1] Trusting is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see. [2] It was for this that Scripture attested the merit of the people of old. [8] By trusting, Avraham obeyed, after being called to go outto a place which God would give him as a possession; indeed, he went out without knowing where he was going.

[9] By trusting, he lived as a temporary resident in the Land of the promise, as if it were not his, staying in tents with Yitz’chak and Ya‘akov, who were to receive what was promised along with him.

[10] For he was looking forward to the city with permanent foundations, of which the architect and builder is God. [11] By trusting, he received potency to father a child, even when he was past the age for it, as was Sarah herself; because he regarded the One who had made the promise as trustworthy.

[12] Therefore this one man, who was virtually dead, fathered descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and as countless as the grains of the sand on the seashore.

[13] All these people kept on trusting until they died, without receiving what had been promised. They had only seen it and welcomed it from a distance, while acknowledging that they were aliens and temporary residents on the earth.

[14] For people who speak this way make it clear that they are looking for a fatherland. [15] Now if they were to keep recalling the one they left, they would have an opportunity to return;

[16] but as it is, they aspire to a better fatherland, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

[17] By trusting, Avraham, when he was put to the test, offered up Yitz’chak as a sacrifice. Yes, he offered up his only son, he who had received the promises, [18] to whom it had been said, “What is called your ‘seed’ will be in Yitz’chak.”

[19] For he had concluded that God could even raise people from the dead! And, figuratively speaking, he did so receive him.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

[35] That day, when evening had come, Yeshua said to them, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” [36] So, leaving the crowd behind, they took him just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him.

[37] A furious windstorm arose, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was close to being swamped. [38] But he was in the stern on a cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, “Rabbi, doesn’t it matter to you that we’re about to be killed?”

[39] He awoke, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind subsided, and there was a dead calm. [40] He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no trust even now?”

[41] But they were terrified and asked each other, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the waves obey him?”

Friday, January 29, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 10:32-39)

[32] But remember the earlier days, when, after you had received the light, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. [33] Sometimes you were publicly disgraced and persecuted, while at other times you stood loyally by those who were treated this way.

[34] For you shared the sufferings of those who had been put in prison. Also when your possessions were seized, you accepted it gladly; since you knew that what you possessed was better and would last forever.

[35] So don’t throw away that courage of yours, which carries with it such a great reward. [36] For you need to hold out; so that, by having done what God wills, you may receive what he has promised.

[37] For “There is so, so little time! The One coming will indeed come, he will not delay. [38] But the person who is righteous will live his life by trusting, and if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.”

[39] However, we are not the kind who shrink back and are destroyed; on the contrary, we keep trusting and thus preserve our lives!

Gospel (Mark 4:26-34)

[26] And he said, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. [27] Nights he sleeps, days he’s awake; and meanwhile the seeds sprout and grow — how, he doesn’t know.

[28] By itself the soil produces a crop — first the stalk, then the head, and finally the full grain in the head. [29] But as soon as the crop is ready, the man comes with his sickle, because it’s harvest-time.”

[30] Yeshua also said, “With what can we compare the Kingdom of God? What illustration should we use to describe it?

[31] It is like a mustard seed, which, when planted, is the smallest of all the seeds in the field; [32] but after it has been planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants, with such big branches that the birds flying about can build nests in its shade.”

[33] With many parables like these he spoke the message to them, to the extent that they were capable of hearing it.

[34] He did not say a thing to them without using a parable; when he was alone with his own talmidim he explained everything to them.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 10:19-25)

[19] So, brothers, we have confidence to use the way into the Holiest Place opened by the blood of Yeshua. [20] He inaugurated it for us as a new and living way through the parokhet, by means of his flesh.

[21] We also have a great cohen over God’s household. [22] Therefore, let us approach the Holiest Place with a sincere heart, in the full assurance that comes from trusting — with our hearts sprinkled clean from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

[23] Let us continue holding fast to the hope we acknowledge, without wavering; for the One who made the promise is trustworthy.

[24] And let us keep paying attention to one another, in order to spur each other on to love and good deeds, [25] not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing, but, rather, encouraging each other.

And let us do this all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Gospel (Mark 4:21-25)

[21] He said to them, “A lamp isn’t brought in to be put under a bowl or under the bed, is it? Wouldn’t you put it on a lampstand?

[22] Indeed, nothing is hidden, except to be disclosed; and nothing is covered up, except to come out into the open. [23] Those who have ears to hear with, let them hear!”

[24] He also said to them, “Pay attention to what you are hearing! The measure with which you measure out will be used to measure to you — and more besides!

[25] For anyone who has something will be given more; but from anyone who has nothing, even what he does have will be taken away.”

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 10:11-18)

[11] Now every cohen stands every day doing his service, offering over and over the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

[12] But this one, after he had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, sat down at the right hand of God, [13] from then on to wait until his enemies be made a footstool for his feet.

[14] For by a single offering he has brought to the goal for all time those who are being set apart for God and made holy. [15] And the Ruach HaKodesh too bears witness to us; for after saying,

[16] “ ‘This is the covenant which I will make with them after those days,’ says Adonai: ‘I will put my Torah on their hearts, and write it on their minds . . . ,’ ”  [17] he then adds, “ ‘And their sins and their wickednesses I will remember no more.’ ”  

[18] Now where there is forgiveness for these, an offering for sins is no longer needed.

Gospel (Mark 4:1-20)

[1] Again Yeshua began to teach by the lake, but the crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there, while the crowd remained on shore at the water’s edge.

[2] He taught them many things in parables. In the course of his teaching, he said to them: [3] “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. [4] As he sowed, some seed fell alongside the path; and the birds came and ate it up.

[5] Other seed fell on rocky patches where there was not much soil. It sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow; [6] but when the sun rose, the young plants were scorched; and since their roots were not deep, they dried up.

[7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked it; so that it yielded no grain. [8] But other seed fell into rich soil and produced grain; it sprouted, and grew, and yielded a crop — thirty, sixty, even a hundred times what was sown.”

[9] And he concluded, “Whoever has ears to hear with, let him hear!” [10] When Yeshua was alone, the people around him with the Twelve asked him about the parables.

[11] He answered them, “To you the secret of the Kingdom of God has been given; but to those outside, everything is in parables, [12] so that they may be always looking but never seeing; always listening but never understanding. Otherwise, they might turn and be forgiven!”  [13] Then Yeshua said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you be able to understand any parable? [14] The sower sows the message.

[15] Those alongside the path where the message is sown are people who no sooner hear it than the Adversary comes and takes away the message sown in them.

[16] Likewise, those receiving seed on rocky patches are people who hear the message and joyfully accept it at once; [17] but they have no root in themselves. So they hold out for a while, but as soon as some trouble or persecution arises on account of the message, they immediately fall away.

[18] Others are those sown among thorns — they hear the message; [19] but the worries of the world, the deceitful glamor of wealth and all the other kinds of desires push in and choke the message; so that it produces nothing.

[20] But those sown on rich soil hear the message, accept it and bear fruit — thirty, sixty or a hundredfold.”

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Reading (2 Timothy 1:1-8)

[1] From: Sha’ul, an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua by God’s will, which holds forth a promise of life through being united with Messiah Yeshua [2] To: Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and shalom from God the Father and the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.

[3] I give thanks to God, whom, like my forbears, I worship with a clean conscience, as I regularly remember you in my prayers night and day.

[4] I am reminded of your tears, and I long to see you, so that I might be filled with joy. [5] I recall your sincere trust, the same trust that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice had first; and I am convinced that you too now have this trust.

[6] For this reason, I am reminding you to fan the flame of God’s gift, which you received through s’mikhah from me. [7] For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity, but power, love and self-discipline.

[8] So don’t be ashamed of bearing testimony to our Lord or to me, his prisoner. On the contrary, accept your share in suffering disgrace for the sake of the Good News. God will give you the strength for it,

Gospel (Luke 10:1-9)

[1] After this, the Lord appointed seventy other talmidim and sent them on ahead in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. [2] He said to them, “To be sure, there is a large harvest. But there are few workers.

Therefore, plead with the Lord of the Harvest that he speed workers out to gather in his harvest. [3] Get going now, but pay attention! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. [4] Don’t carry a money-belt or a pack, and don’t stop to shmoose with people on the road.

[5] “Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘Shalom!’ to the household. [6] If a seeker of shalom is there, your ‘Shalom!’ will find its rest with him; and if there isn’t, it will return to you.

[7] Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for a worker deserves his wages — don’t move about from house to house.

[8] “Whenever you come into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is put in front of you. [9] Heal the sick there, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you.’

Monday, January 25, 2021

Reading (Acts 22:3-16)

[3] “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city and trained at the feet of Gamli’el in every detail of the Torah of our forefathers. I was a zealot for God, as all of you are today.

[4] I persecuted to death the followers of this Way, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. [5] The cohen hagadol and the whole Sanhedrin can also testify to this. Indeed, after receiving letters from them to their colleagues in Dammesek,

I was on my way there in order to arrest the ones in that city too and bring them back to Yerushalayim for punishment. [6] “As I was traveling and approaching Dammesek, around noon, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven flashed all around me!

[7] I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Sha’ul! Sha’ul! Why do you keep persecuting me?’ [8] I answered, ‘Sir, who are you?’ ‘I am Yeshua from Natzeret,’ he said to me, ‘and you are persecuting me!’

[9] Those who were with me did see the light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. [10] I said ‘What should I do, Lord?’

And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up, and go into Dammesek, and there you will be told about everything that has been laid out for you to do.’ [11] I had been blinded by the brightness of the light, so my companions led me by the hand into Dammesek.

[12] “A man named Hananyah, an observant follower of the Torah who was highly regarded by the entire Jewish community there, [13] came to me, stood by me and said, ‘Brother Sha’ul, see again!’ And at that very moment, I recovered my sight and saw him.

[14] He said, ‘The God of our fathersdetermined in advance that you should know his will, see the Tzaddik and hear his voice; [15]because you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.

[16] So now, what are you waiting for? Get up, immerse yourself and have your sins washed away as you call on his name.’

Gospel (Mark 16:15-18)

[15] Then he said to them, “As you go throughout the world, proclaim the Good News to all creation. [16] Whoever trusts and is immersed will be saved; whoever does not trust will be condemned.

[17] And these signs will accompany those who do trust: in my name they will drive out demons, speak with new tongues, [18] not be injured if they handle snakes or drink poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them.”

Sunday, January 24, 2021

First Reading (Jonah 3:1-5, 10)

[1] The word of Adonai came to Yonah a second time: [2] “Set out for the great city of Ninveh, and proclaim to it the message I will give you.”

[3] So Yonah set out and went to Ninveh, as Adonai had said. Now Ninveh was such a large city that it took three days just to cross it.

[4] Yonah began his entry into the city and had finished only his first day of proclaiming, ‘In forty days Ninveh will be overthrown,’ [5] when the people of Ninveh believed God.

They proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. [10] When God saw by their deeds that they had turned from their evil way, he relented and did not bring on them the punishment he had threatened.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

[29] What I am saying, brothers, is that there is not much time left: from now on a man with a wife should live as if he had none — [30] and those who are sad should live as if they weren’t, those who are happy as if they weren’t, [31] and those who deal in worldly affairs as if not engrossed in them — because the present scheme of things in this world won’t last much longer.

Gospel (Mark 1: 14-20)

[14] After Yochanan had been arrested, Yeshua came into the Galil proclaiming the Good News from God: [15] “The time has come, God’s Kingdom is near! Turn to God from your sins and believe the Good News!”

[16] As he walked beside Lake Kinneret, he saw Shim‘on and Andrew, Shim‘on’s brother, casting a net into the lake; for they were fishermen. [17] Yeshua said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you into fishers for men!”

[18] At once they left their nets and followed him. [19] Going on a little farther, he saw Ya‘akov Ben-Zavdai and Yochanan, his brother, in their boat, repairing their nets. [20] Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zavdai in the boat with the hired men and went after Yeshua.

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14)

[2] A tent was set up, the outer one, which was called the Holy Place; in it were the menorah, the table and the Bread of the Presence.

[3] Behind the second parokhet was a tent called the Holiest Place, [11] But when the Messiah appeared as cohen gadol of the good things that are happening already, then, through the greater and more perfect Tent which is not man-made (that is, it is not of this created world), [12] he entered the Holiest Place once and for all.

And he entered not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus setting people free forever.

[13] For if sprinkling ceremonially unclean persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer restores their outward purity; [14] then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!

Gospel (Mark 3.20-21)

[20] and once more, such a crowd came together that they couldn’t even eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they set out to take charge of him; for they said, “He’s out of his mind!”

Friday, January 22, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 8: 6-13)

[6] But now the work Yeshua has been given to do is far superior to theirs, just as the covenant he mediates is better. For this covenant has been given as Torah on the basis of better promises. [7] Indeed, if the first covenant had not given ground for faultfinding, there would have been no need for a second one.

[8] For God does find fault with the people when he says, “‘See! The days are coming,’ says Adonai, ‘when I will establish over the house of Isra’el and over the house of Y’hudah a new covenant.

[9]“‘It will not be like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by their hand and led them forth out of the land of Egypt; because they, for their part, did not remain faithful to my covenant; so I, for my part, stopped concerning myself with them,’ says Adonai.

[10] “‘For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Isra’el after those days,’ says Adonai: ‘I will put my Torah in their minds and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

[11] “‘None of them will teach his fellow-citizen or his brother, saying, “Know Adonai!” For all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest, [12] because I will be merciful toward their wickednesses and remember their sins no more.’”

[13] By using the term, “new,” he has made the first covenant “old”; and something being made old, something in the process of aging, is on its way to vanishing altogether.

Gospel (Mark 3:13-19)

[13] Then he went up into the hill country and summoned to himself those he wanted, and they came to him.

[14] He appointed twelve to be with him, to be sent out to preach [15]and to have authority to expel demons:

[16] Shim‘on, to whom he gave another name, “Kefa”; [17] Ya‘akov Ben-Zavdai and Yochanan, Ya‘akov’s brother — to them he gave the name “B’nei-Regesh” (that is, “Thunderers”);

[18] Andrew, Philip, Bar-Talmai, Mattityahu, T’oma, Ya‘akov Ben-Halfai, Taddai, Shim‘on the Zealot, [19] and Y’hudah from K’riot, the one who betrayed him. Then he entered a house;

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 7:25 –28; 8:6)

[25] and consequently, he is totally able to deliver those who approach God through him; since he is alive forever and thus forever able to intercede on their behalf.

[26] This is the kind of cohen gadol that meets our need — holy, without evil, without stain, set apart from sinners and raised higher than the heavens; [27] one who does not have the daily necessity, like the other cohanim g’dolim, of offering up sacrifices first for their own sins and only then for those of the people; because he offered one sacrifice, once and for all, by offering up himself.

[28] For the Torah appoints as cohanim g’dolim men who have weakness; but the text which speaks about the swearing of the oath, a text written later than the Torah, appoints a Son who has been brought to the goal forever.

[8:1] Here is the whole point of what we have been saying: we do have just such a cohen gadol as has been described. And he does sit at the right hand of HaG’dulah in heaven.

[2] There he serves in the Holy Place, that is, in the true Tent of Meeting, the one erected not by human beings but by Adonai.

[3] For every cohen gadol is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so this cohen gadol too has to have something he can offer. [4] Now if he were on earth, he wouldn’t be a cohen at all, since there already are cohanim offering the gifts required by the Torah.

[5] But what they are serving is only a copy and shadow of the heavenly original; for when Moshe was about to erect the Tent, God warned him, “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.”  

[6] But now the work Yeshua has been given to do is far superior to theirs, just as the covenant he mediates is better. For this covenant has been given as Torah on the basis of better promises.

Gospel (Mark 3.7-12)

[7] Yeshua went off with his talmidim to the lake, and great numbers followed him from the Galil. [8] When they heard what he was doing, great numbers also followed him from Y’hudah, Yerushalayim, Idumea, the territory beyond the Yarden, and the Tzor-Tzidon area.

[9] He told his talmidim to have a boat ready for him, so that he could escape the crush of the crowd if necessary, [10] for he had healed many people, and all the sick kept pressing forward to touch him.

[11] Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they would fall down in front of him and scream, “You are the Son of God!” [12] But he warned them strictly not to make him known.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17)

[1] This Malki-Tzedek, king of Shalem, a cohen of God Ha‘Elyon, met Avraham on his way back from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him; [2] also Avraham gave him a tenth of everything.

Now first of all, by translation of his name, he is “king of righteousness”; and then he is also king of Shalem, which means “king of peace.”

[3] There is no record of his father, mother, ancestry, birth or death; rather, like the Son of God, he continues as a cohen for all time.

[15] It becomes even clearer if a “different kind of cohen,” one like Malki-Tzedek, arises, [16] one who became a cohen not by virtue of a rule in the Torah concerning physical descent, but by virtue of the power of an indestructible life.

[17] For it is stated, “You are a cohen FOREVER, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.”

Gospel (Mark 3:1-6)  

[1] Yeshua went again into a synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. [2] Looking for a reason to accuse him of something, people watched him carefully to see if he would heal him on Shabbat.

[3] He said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Come up where we can see you!” [4] Then to them he said, “What is permitted on Shabbat? Doing good or doing evil? Saving life or killing?” But they said nothing.

[5] Then, looking them over and feeling both anger with them and sympathy for them at the stoniness of their hearts, he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” As he held it out, it became restored.

[6] The P’rushim went out and immediately began plotting with some members of Herod’s party how to do away with him.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 6:10-20)

[10] For God is not so unfair as to forget your work and the love you showed for him in your past service to his people — and in your present service too.

[11]However, we want each one of you to keep showing the same diligence right up to the end, when your hope will be realized; [12] so that you will not become sluggish, but will be imitators of those who by their trust and patience are receiving what has been promised.

[13] For when God made his promise to Avraham, he swore an oath to do what he had promised; and since there was no one greater than himself for him to swear by, he swore by himself[14] and said, “I will certainly bless you, and I will certainly give you many descendants”;[15] and so, after waiting patiently, Avraham saw the promise fulfilled.

[16] Now people swear oaths by someone greater than themselves, and confirmation by an oath puts an end to all dispute.

[17] Therefore, when God wanted to demonstrate still more convincingly the unchangeable character of his intentions to those who were to receive what he had promised, he added an oath to the promise; [18] so that through two unchangeable things, in neither of which God could lie, we, who have fled to take a firm hold on the hope set before us, would be strongly encouraged.

[19] We have this hope as a sure and safe anchor for ourselves, a hope that goes right on through to what is inside the parokhet, [20] where a forerunner has entered on our behalf, namely, Yeshua, who has become a cohen gadol forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.

Gospel (Mark 2: 23-28)

[23] One Shabbat Yeshua was passing through some wheat fields; and as they went along, his talmidim began picking heads of grain. [24] The P’rushim said to him, “Look! Why are they violating Shabbat?”

[25] He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he and those with him were hungry and needed food?

[26] He entered the House of God when Evyatar was cohen gadol and ate the Bread of the Presence,” — which is forbidden for anyone to eat but the cohanim — “and even gave some to his companions.”

[27] Then he said to them, “Shabbat was made for mankind, not mankind for Shabbat; [28]So the Son of Man is Lord even of Shabbat.”

Monday, January 18, 2021

Reading (Hebrews 5: 1-10)

[1] For every cohen gadol taken from among men is appointed to act on people’s behalf with regard to things concerning God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. [2] He can deal gently with the ignorant and with those who go astray, since he too is subject to weakness.

[3] Also, because of this weakness, he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as those of the people. [4] And no one takes this honor upon himself, rather, he is called by God, just as Aharon was.

[5] So neither did the Messiah glorify himself to become cohen gadol; rather, it was the One who said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”[6] Also, as he says in another place, “You are a cohen forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.”

[7] During Yeshua’s life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions, crying aloud and shedding tears, to the One who had the power to deliver him from death; and he was heard because of his godliness.

[8] Even though he was the Son, he learned obedience through his sufferings. [9] And after he had been brought to the goal, he became the source of eternal deliverance to all who obey him, [10] since he had been proclaimed by God as a cohen gadol to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.

Gospel (Mark 2: 18-22)

[18]  Also Yochanan’s talmidim and the P’rushim were fasting; and they came and asked Yeshua, “Why is it that Yochanan’s talmidim and the talmidim of the P’rushim fast, but your talmidim don’t fast?”

[19] Yeshua answered them, “Can wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, fasting is out of the question. [20] But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them; and when that day comes, they will fast.

[21] No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old coat; if he does, the new patch tears away from the old cloth and leaves a worse hole.

[22] And no one puts new wine in old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine is for freshly prepared wineskins.”

Sunday, January 17, 2021

First Reading (1 Samuel 3.3b-10, 19)

[3]The lamp of God had not yet gone out; and Sh’mu’el had lain down to sleep in the sanctuary of Adonai, where the ark of God was. [4] Adonai called, “Sh’mu’el!” and he answered, “Here I am.”

[5] Then he ran to ‘Eli and said, “Here I am — you called me?” But he said, “I didn’t call you; go back, and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

[6] Adonai called a second time, “Sh’mu’el!” Sh’mu’el got up, went to ‘Eli and said, “Here I am — you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son; lie down again.” [7] Now Sh’mu’el didn’t yet know Adonai; the word of Adonai had not yet been revealed to him.

[8] Adonai called, “Sh’mu’el!” again, a third time. He got up, went to ‘Eli and said, “Here I am — you called me.” At last ‘Eli realized it was Adonai calling the child. [9] So ‘Eli said to Sh’mu’el, “Go, and lie down.

If you are called again, say, ‘Speak, Adonai; your servant is listening.’ Sh’mu’el went and lay down in his place. [10] Adonai came and stood, then spoke as at the other times: “Sh’mu’el! Sh’mu’el!”

Then Sh’mu’el said, “Speak; your servant is listening.” [19] Sh’mu’el kept growing, Adonai was with him, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 6.13c-15a, 17-20)

[13]“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”? Maybe, but God will put an end to both of them. Anyhow, the body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.

[14] God raised up the Lord, and he will raise us up too by his power. [15] Don’t you know that your bodies are parts of the Messiah? So, am I to take parts of the Messiah and make them parts of a prostitute? Heaven forbid!

[17] but the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. [18] Run from sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the fornicator sins against his own body.

[19] Or don’t you know that your body is a temple for the Ruach HaKodesh who lives inside you, whom you received from God? The fact is, you don’t belong to yourselves; [20] for you were bought at a price. So use your bodies to glorify God.

Gospel (John 1.35-42)

[35] The next day, Yochanan was again standing with two of his talmidim. [36] On seeing Yeshua walking by, he said, “Look! God’s lamb!” [37] His two talmidim heard him speaking, and they followed Yeshua.

[38] Yeshua turned and saw them following him, and he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi!” (which means “Teacher!”) “Where are you staying?”

[39] He said to them, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and remained with him the rest of the day — it was about four o’clock in the afternoon.

[40] One of the two who had heard Yochanan and had followed Yeshua was Andrew the brother of Shim‘on Kefa. [41] The first thing he did was to find his brother Shim‘on and tell him, “We’ve found the Mashiach!” (The word means “one who has been anointed.”)

[41] He took him to Yeshua. Looking at him, Yeshua said, “You are Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan; you will be known as Kefa.” (The name means “rock.”)

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