Saint Denis and Companions Martyrs/Saint John Leonardi, Priest

7Therefore, know that those who are of faith, these are the sons of Abraham. 8Thus Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, foretold to Abraham: “All nations shall be blessed in you.” 9And so, those who are of faith shall be blessed with faithful Abraham. 10For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it has been written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all the things that have been written in the book of the Law, so as to do them.” 11And, since in the law no one is justified with God, this is manifest: “For the just man lives by faith.” 12But the law is not of faith; instead, “he who does these things shall live by them.” 13Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, since he became a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is anyone who hangs from a tree.” 14This was so that the blessing of Abraham might reach the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, in order that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

1Alleluia. I will confess to you, O Lord, with my whole heart, in the council of the just and in the congregation.

2Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all his intentions.

3Confession and magnificence are his work. And his justice remains from age to age.

4He has created a memorial to his wonders; he is a merciful and compassionate Lord.

5He has given food to those who fear him. He will be mindful of his covenant in every age.

6He will announce the virtue of his works to his people,

15But some of them said, “It is by Beelzebub, the leader of demons, that he casts out demons.” 16And others, testing him, required a sign from heaven of him. 17But when he perceived their thoughts, he said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself will become desolate, and house will fall upon house. 18So then, if Satan is also divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebub that I cast out demons. 19But if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your own sons cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges. 20Moreover, if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then certainly the kingdom of God has overtaken you. 21When a strong armed man guards his entrance, the things that he possesses are at peace. 22But if a stronger one, overwhelming him, has defeated him, he will take away all his weapons, in which he trusted, and he will distribute his spoils. 23Whoever is not with me, is against me. And whoever does not gather with me, scatters. 24When an unclean spirit has departed from a man, he walks through waterless places, seeking rest. And not finding any, he says: ‘I will return to my house, from which I departed.’ 25And when he has arrived, he finds it swept clean and decorated. 26Then he goes, and he takes in seven other spirits with him, more wicked than himself, and they enter and live there. And so, the end of that man is made worse than the beginning.”