Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

15Therefore, through him, let us offer the sacrifice of continual praise to God, which is the fruit of lips confessing his name. 16But do not be willing to forget good works and fellowship. For God is deserving of such sacrifices. 17Obey your leaders and be subject to them. For they watch over you, as if to render an account of your souls. So then, may they do this with joy, and not with grief. Otherwise, it would not be as helpful to you.

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20Then may the God of peace, who led back from the dead that great Pastor of sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, with the blood of the eternal testament, 21equip you with all goodness, so that you may do his will. May he accomplish in you whatever is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom is glory forever and ever. Amen.

1A Psalm of David. The Lord directs me, and nothing will be lacking to me.

2He has settled me here, in a place of pasture. He has led me out to the water of refreshment.

3He has converted my soul. He has led me away on the paths of justice, for the sake of his name.

4For, even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they have given me consolation.

5You have prepared a table in my sight, opposite those who trouble me. You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup, which inebriates me, how brilliant it is!

6And your mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and so may I dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days.

30And the Apostles, returning to Jesus, reported to him everything that they had done and taught. 31And he said to them, “Go out alone, into a deserted place, and rest for a little while.” For there were so many who were coming and going, that they did not even have time to eat. 32And climbing into a boat, they went away to a deserted place alone. 33And they saw them going away, and many knew about it. And together they ran by foot from all the cities, and they arrived before them. 34And Jesus, going out, saw a great multitude. And he took pity on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.