Epistle Reading: Romans 1:18-27
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in
unrighteousness,
because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God
has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes
are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His
eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as
God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their
foolish hearts were darkened.
Professing to be wise, they became fools,
and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image
made like corruptible man; and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping
things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts
of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and
served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even
their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is
shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was
due.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:20-26
"For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds
the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter
the kingdom of heaven.
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You
shall not murder,' and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.
"But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his
brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You
fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.
"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there
remember that your brother has something against you,
"leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way.
First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
"Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the
way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand
you over to the officer, and you are thrown into prison.
"Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of
there till you have paid the last penny.
Saints and Feasts
Holy Ascension; Alexander and Antonina the Martyrs; Timothy, Bishop of Proussa; Theophanes & Pansemne of Antioch; Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Assos; The Holy Martyrs of China
