Thursday of the 9th week of Ordinary Time

8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News, 9in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. 10Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11This saying is trustworthy:

“For if we died with him,

we will also live with him.

12If we endure,

we will also reign with him.

If we deny him,

he also will deny us.

13If we are faithless,

he remains faithful;

for he can’t deny himself.”

14Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. 15Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

4Show me your ways, LORD.

Teach me your paths.

5Guide me in your truth, and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation.

I wait for you all day long.

…

8Good and upright is the LORD,

therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.

9He will guide the humble in justice.

He will teach the humble his way.

10All the paths of the LORD are loving kindness and truth

to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

…

14The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him.

He will show them his covenant.

28One of the scribes came and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” 29Jesus answered, “The greatest is: ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30You 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. 31The second is like this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he; 33and to love him with all the heart, with all the understanding, all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.” No one dared ask him any question after that.