Wednesday of the 25th week of Ordinary Time

5At the evening offering I rose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to the LORD my God; 6and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens. 7Since the days of our fathers we have been exceedingly guilty to this day; and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. 8Now for a little moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a stake in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and revive us a little in our bondage. 9For we are bondservants; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to set up the house of our God, and to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

2For he scourges, and shows mercy.

He leads down to the grave, and brings up again.

There is no one who will escape his hand.

3Give thanks to him before the Gentiles, all you children of Israel!

For he has scattered us among them.

4Declare his greatness, there.

Extol him before all the living,

because he is our Lord,

and God is our Father forever.

…

7I exalt my God.

My soul exalts the King of heaven,

and rejoices in his greatness.

8Let all men speak,

and let them give him thanks in Jerusalem.

1He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2He sent them out to preach God’s Kingdom and to heal the sick. 3He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—no staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money. Don’t have two tunics each. 4Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there. 5As many as don’t receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” 6They departed and went throughout the villages, preaching the Good News and healing everywhere.