Isaiah 53:1-12 NRSV-CI
[1] Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? [2] For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. [3] He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. [4] Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. [8] By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. [9] They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. [11] Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Matthew 28:16-20 NRSV-CI
[16] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Genesis 1:22-31 NRSV-CI
[22] God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” [23] And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. [24] And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. [25] God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. [26] Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” [27] So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. [28] God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” [29] God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. [30] And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. [31] God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Isaiah 52:10-15 NRSV-CI
[10] The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. [11] Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. [12] For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. [13] See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. [14] Just as there were many who were astonished at him —so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals— [15] so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.
Proverbs 21:20-31 NRSV-CI
[20] Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it. [21] Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor. [22] One wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted. [23] To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble. [24] The proud, haughty person, named “Scoffer,” acts with arrogant pride. [25] The craving of the lazy person is fatal, for lazy hands refuse to labor. [26] All day long the wicked covet, but the righteous give and do not hold back. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when brought with evil intent. [28] A false witness will perish, but a good listener will testify successfully. [29] The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright give thought to their ways. [30] No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord. [31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-10 NRSV-CI
[1] Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back. [2] Divide your means seven ways, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may happen on earth. [3] When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. [4] Whoever observes the wind will not sow; and whoever regards the clouds will not reap. [5] Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who makes everything. [6] In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hands be idle; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. [7] Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. [8] Even those who live many years should rejoice in them all; yet let them remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. [9] Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. [10] Banish anxiety from your mind, and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
Leviticus 21:1-12 NRSV-CI
[1] The Lord said to Moses: Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: No one shall defile himself for a dead person among his relatives, [2] except for his nearest kin: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, his brother; [3] likewise, for a virgin sister, close to him because she has had no husband, he may defile himself for her. [4] But he shall not defile himself as a husband among his people and so profane himself. [5] They shall not make bald spots upon their heads, or shave off the edges of their beards, or make any gashes in their flesh. [6] They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God; for they offer the Lord’s offerings by fire, the food of their God; therefore they shall be holy. [7] They shall not marry a prostitute or a woman who has been defiled; neither shall they marry a woman divorced from her husband. For they are holy to their God, [8] and you shall treat them as holy, since they offer the food of your God; they shall be holy to you, for I the Lord, I who sanctify you, am holy. [9] When the daughter of a priest profanes herself through prostitution, she profanes her father; she shall be burned to death. [10] The priest who is exalted above his fellows, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the vestments, shall not dishevel his hair, nor tear his vestments. [11] He shall not go where there is a dead body; he shall not defile himself even for his father or mother. [12] He shall not go outside the sanctuary and thus profane the sanctuary of his God; for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the Lord.
Revelation 18:1-7 NRSV-CI
[1] After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendor. [2] He called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! It has become a dwelling place of demons, a haunt of every foul spirit, a haunt of every foul bird, a haunt of every foul and hateful beast. [3] For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxury.” [4] Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you do not take part in her sins, and so that you do not share in her plagues; [5] for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. [6] Render to her as she herself has rendered, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double draught for her in the cup she mixed. [7] As she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, so give her a like measure of torment and grief. Since in her heart she says, ‘I rule as a queen; I am no widow, and I will never see grief,’
2 Corinthians 13:12-13 NRSV-CI
[12] Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. [13] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Romans 16:16 NRSV-CI
[16] Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
1 Corinthians 16:17-24 NRSV-CI
[17] I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence; [18] for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. So give recognition to such persons. [19] The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord. [20] All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. [21] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. [22] Let anyone be accursed who has no love for the Lord. Our Lord, come! [23] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. [24] My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:12-14 NRSV-CI
[12] Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. [13] Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. [14] Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Hebrews 1:3-14 NRSV-CI
[3] He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4] having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. [5] For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? [6] And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” [7] Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” [8] But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” [10] And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; [11] they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; [12] like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” [13] But to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? [14] Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Psalms 104:1-35 NRSV-CI
[1] Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, [2] wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, [3] you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, [4] you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. [5] You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. [6] You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. [7] At your rebuke they flee; at the sound of your thunder they take to flight. [8] They rose up to the mountains, ran down to the valleys to the place that you appointed for them. [9] You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth. [10] You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills, [11] giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst. [12] By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches. [13] From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. [14] You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth, [15] and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart. [16] The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. [17] In them the birds build their nests; the stork has its home in the fir trees. [18] The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the coneys. [19] You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. [20] You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come creeping out. [21] The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. [22] When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. [23] People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening. [24] O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. [25] Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. [26] There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. [27] These all look to you to give them their food in due season; [28] when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. [29] When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. [30] When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. [31] May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works— [32] who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. [33] I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. [34] May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. [35] Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!
Proverbs 27:15-19 NRSV-CI
[15] A continual dripping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike; [16] to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in the right hand. [17] Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another. [18] Anyone who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and anyone who takes care of a master will be honored. [19] Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another.
Jeremiah 8:18-22 NRSV-CI
[18] My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. [19] Hark, the cry of my poor people from far and wide in the land: “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?” (“Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their foreign idols?”) [20] “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [21] For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. [22] Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?
Matthew 7:13-20 NRSV-CI
[13] “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. [14] For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. [15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [16] You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? [17] In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will know them by their fruits.
Matthew 12:25-33 NRSV-CI
[25] He knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. [26] If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? [27] If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. [28] But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. [29] Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. [30] Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. [31] Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. [32] Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. [33] “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
Isaiah 54:13-17 NRSV-CI
[13] All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the prosperity of your children. [14] In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. [15] If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. [16] See it is I who have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and produces a weapon fit for its purpose; I have also created the ravager to destroy. [17] No weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, says the Lord.
Mark 9:35-43, 45, 47-50 NRSV-CI
[35] He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” [36] Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, [37] “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” [38] John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” [39] But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. [40] Whoever is not against us is for us. [41] For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. [42] “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. [43] If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.
[45] And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell.
[47] And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, [48] where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. [49] “For everyone will be salted with fire. [50] Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Luke 9:46-62 NRSV-CI
[46] An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. [47] But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, [48] and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” [49] John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” [50] But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.” [51] When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. [52] And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; [53] but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. [54] When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” [55] But he turned and rebuked them. [56] Then they went on to another village. [57] As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” [58] And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” [59] To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” [60] But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
[61] Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” [62] Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:29-31 NRSV-CI
[29] Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, [30] who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. [31] But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Matthew 19:28-30 NRSV-CI
[28] Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Philippians 4:9-14 NRSV-CI
[9] Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. [10] I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. [11] Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. [12] I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me. [14] In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.
John 14:17-31 NRSV-CI
[17] This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. [18] “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. [19] In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. [20] On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. [21] They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” [22] Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” [23] Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. [24] Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. [25] “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. [26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. [28] You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. [29] And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. [30] I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; [31] but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.
Isaiah 60:1-22 NRSV-CI
[1] Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. [2] For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. [3] Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. [4] Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. [5] Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. [6] A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord. [7] All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall be acceptable on my altar, and I will glorify my glorious house. [8] Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows? [9] For the coastlands shall wait for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from far away, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you. [10] Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in my wrath I struck you down, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. [11] Your gates shall always be open; day and night they shall not be shut, so that nations shall bring you their wealth, with their kings led in procession. [12] For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste. [13] The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will glorify where my feet rest. [14] The descendants of those who oppressed you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet; they shall call you the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. [15] Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age. [16] You shall suck the milk of nations, you shall suck the breasts of kings; and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. [17] Instead of bronze I will bring gold, instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will appoint Peace as your overseer and Righteousness as your taskmaster. [18] Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. [19] The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. [20] Your sun shall no more go down, or your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. [21] Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever. They are the shoot that I planted, the work of my hands, so that I might be glorified. [22] The least of them shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the Lord; in its time I will accomplish it quickly.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NRSV-CI
[18] Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. [19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? [20] For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
Galatians 5:19-26 NRSV-CI
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, [21] envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.
Proverbs 14:23-35 NRSV-CI
[23] In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. [24] The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but folly is the garland of fools. [25] A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is a betrayer. [26] In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and one’s children will have a refuge. [27] The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death. [28] The glory of a king is a multitude of people; without people a prince is ruined. [29] Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but one who has a hasty temper exalts folly. [30] A tranquil mind gives life to the flesh, but passion makes the bones rot. [31] Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him. [32] The wicked are overthrown by their evildoing, but the righteous find a refuge in their integrity. [33] Wisdom is at home in the mind of one who has understanding, but it is not known in the heart of fools. [34] Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. [35] A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
Genesis 17:1-9 NRSV-CI
[1] When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. [2] And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” [3] Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, [4] “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. [5] No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. [6] I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. [7] I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. [8] And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.” [9] God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.
Daniel 7:1-14 NRSV-CI
[1] In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: [2] I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, [3] and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. [4] The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings. Then, as I watched, its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a human being; and a human mind was given to it. [5] Another beast appeared, a second one, that looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, had three tusks in its mouth among its teeth and was told, “Arise, devour many bodies!” [6] After this, as I watched, another appeared, like a leopard. The beast had four wings of a bird on its back and four heads; and dominion was given to it. [7] After this I saw in the visions by night a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth and was devouring, breaking in pieces, and stamping what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that preceded it, and it had ten horns. [8] I was considering the horns, when another horn appeared, a little one coming up among them; to make room for it, three of the earlier horns were plucked up by the roots. There were eyes like human eyes in this horn, and a mouth speaking arrogantly. [9] As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. [10] A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. [11] I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. [12] As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. [13] As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. [14] To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.
Luke 8:1-8 NRSV-CI
[1] Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, [2] as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, [3] and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. [4] When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: [5] “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. [6] Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. [7] Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. [8] Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”
Mark 16:1-16 NRSV-CI
[1] When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. [2] And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. [3] They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” [4] When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. [5] As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. [6] But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. [7] But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” [8] So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. [And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.] [9] [Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. [10] She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. [11] But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. [12] After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. [13] And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. [14] Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. [15] And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. [16] The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.
Numbers 27:1-11 NRSV-CI
[1] Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward. Zelophehad was son of Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh son of Joseph, a member of the Manassite clans. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. [2] They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and all the congregation, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and they said, [3] “Our father died in the wilderness; he was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah, but died for his own sin; and he had no sons. [4] Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father’s brothers.” [5] Moses brought their case before the Lord. [6] And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: [7] The daughters of Zelophehad are right in what they are saying; you shall indeed let them possess an inheritance among their father’s brothers and pass the inheritance of their father on to them. [8] You shall also say to the Israelites, “If a man dies, and has no son, then you shall pass his inheritance on to his daughter. [9] If he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. [10] If he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. [11] And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman of his clan, and he shall possess it. It shall be for the Israelites a statute and ordinance, as the Lord commanded Moses.”
Psalms 87:1-7 NRSV-CI
[1] On the holy mount stands the city he founded; [2] the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. [3] Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah [4] Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia — “This one was born there,” they say. [5] And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in it”; for the Most High himself will establish it. [6] The Lord records, as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah [7] Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.”
1 Samuel 3:1-18 NRSV-CI
[1] Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. [2] At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; [3] the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. [4] Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” [5] and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. [6] The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” [7] Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. [8] The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. [9] Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” [11] Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. [12] On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. [13] For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. [14] Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.” [15] Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. [16] But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” [17] Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” [18] So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.”
Philippians 4:4-9 NRSV-CI
[4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. [5] Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. [6] Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.