Friday of the 3rd week of Ordinary Time

32But call to mind the former days, in which, after being enlightened, you endured a great struggle of afflictions. 33And certainly, in one way, by insults and tribulations, you were made a spectacle, but in another way, you became the companions of those who were the object of such behavior. 34For you even had compassion on those who were imprisoned, and you accepted with gladness being deprived of your goods, knowing that you have a better and more lasting substance. 35And so, do not lose your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For it is necessary for you to be patient, so that, by doing the will of God, you may receive the promise. 37“For, in a little while, and somewhat longer, he who is to come will return, and he will not delay. 38For my just man lives by faith. But if he were to draw himself back, he would not please my soul.” 39So then, we are not sons who are drawn away to perdition, but we are sons of faith toward the securing of the soul.

3Hope in the Lord and do good, and dwell in the land, and so you shall be pastured with its riches.

4Delight in the Lord, and he will grant to you the petitions of your heart.

5Reveal your way to the Lord, and hope in him, and he will accomplish it.

6And he will bring forth your justice like the light, and your judgment like the midday.

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23The steps of a man will be directed by the Lord, and he will choose his way.

24When he falls, he will not be harmed, because the Lord places his hand under him.

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39But the salvation of the just is from the Lord, and he is their protector in time of tribulation.

40And the Lord will help them and free them. And he will rescue them from sinners and save them, because they have hoped in him.

26And he said: “The kingdom of God is like this: it is as if a man were to cast seed on the land. 27And he sleeps and he arises, night and day. And the seed germinates and grows, though he does not know it. 28For the earth bears fruit readily: first the plant, then the ear, next the full grain in the ear. 29And when the fruit has been produced, immediately he sends out the sickle, because the harvest has arrived.” 30And he said: “To what should we compare the kingdom of God? Or to what parable should we compare it? 31It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when it has been sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds which are in the earth. 32And when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all the plants, and it produces great branches, so much so that the birds of the air are able to live under its shadow.” 33And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to hear. 34But he did not speak to them without a parable. Yet separately, he explained all things to his disciples.