Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 25:6-9

Verse 6. On this mountain the LORD of Hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all the peoples, a feast of aged wine, of choice meat, of finely aged wine. Verse 7. On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; Verse 8. He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. Verse 9. And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”

PSALM

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice — my appeal for mercy.

Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.

The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow.

Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!”

How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?

I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.

Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.

I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people,

in the courts of the LORD’s house, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

Luke 14:12-14

Verse 12. Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. Verse 13. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, Verse 14. and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”