Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-11
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh
has ceased from sin,
that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the
flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the
will of the Gentiles; when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness,
revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run
with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the
living and the dead.
For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are
dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live
according to God in the spirit.
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious
and watchful in your prayers.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for"
love will cover a multitude of sins."
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If
anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies,
that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom
belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading: Mark 12:28-37
Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning
together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is
the first commandment of all?"
Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: '
Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This
is the first commandment.
"And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have
spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.
"And to love Him with all the heart, with all the
understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love
one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and
sacrifices."
So when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "
You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared
question Him.
Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "
How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?
"For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: 'The LORD said to
my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool." '
"Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his
Son?" And the common people heard Him gladly.
Saints and Feasts
Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsacus; Luke of Mount Stirion; Theopemptos the Martyr & his Companions; George the New Martyr of Crete; Afterfeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
