Reading I Hebrews 2:14-18 Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way,     that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was […]

Reading I Hebrews 2:5-12 It was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. Instead, someone has testified somewhere:     What is man that you are mindful of him,         or the son of man that you care for him?     You made him for a little while lower than the angels;         you crowned him with glory and honor,         subjecting all things under his feet. In “subjecting” all things to him, he left nothing not “subject to him.” Yet at present we do not see “all things subject […]

Reading I Hebrews 1:1-6 Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways  to our ancestors through the prophets;  in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son,      whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe,     who is the refulgence of his glory,          the very imprint of his being,     and who sustains all things by his mighty word.     When he had accomplished purification from sins,     he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,     as […]

Reading I Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Thus says the LORD: Here is my servant whom I uphold,      my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit;      he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting,      not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break,      and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth;      the coastlands will wait for his teaching. I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,      I have grasped you by the hand; I […]

Reading I 1 John 5:14-21 Beloved: We have this confidence in him that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours.  If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life.  This is only for those whose sin is not deadly.  There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray.  […]