Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor

1What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh? 2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God. 3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed. 5But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. 6Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

7“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

8Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”

1Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

2Blessed is the man to whom the LORD doesn’t impute iniquity,

in whose spirit there is no deceit.

…

5I acknowledged my sin to you.

I didn’t hide my iniquity.

I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

…

11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous!

Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!

1Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4“I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. 7But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.