FIRST READING
Matthew 9:2-13
2Verse 2. Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3Verse 3. On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!”
4Verse 4. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?
5Verse 5. Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
6Verse 6. But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
7Verse 7. And the man got up and went home.
8Verse 8. When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
9Verse 9. As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.
10Verse 10. Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples.
11Verse 11. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12Verse 12. On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
13Verse 13. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. ”
1Verse 1. Of David. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2Verse 2. in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3Verse 3. Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who engage in treachery without cause will be disgraced.
4Verse 4. Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
5Verse 5. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.
6Verse 6. Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion, for they are from age to age.
7Verse 7. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O LORD.
8Verse 8. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.
9Verse 9. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
10Verse 10. All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
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1Verse 1. Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2Verse 2. Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3Verse 3. When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.
4Verse 4. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat.
5Verse 5. Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin.
6Verse 6. Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near.
7Verse 7. You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.
8Verse 8. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
9Verse 9. Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.
10Verse 10. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.
11Verse 11. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.