Saturday in Lent — Open Word

FIRST READING

Exodus 19:16-25

Verse 16. On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Verse 17. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Verse 18. Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. Verse 19. And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. Verse 20. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up, Verse 21. and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish. Verse 22. Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.” Verse 23. But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, ‘Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’” Verse 24. And the LORD replied, “Go down and bring Aaron with you. But the priests and the people must not break through to come up to the LORD, or He will break out against them.” Verse 25. So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.

PSALM

Psalm 19

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard,

their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.

Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course,

it rises at one end of the heavens and runs its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.

Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

SECOND READING

Mark 9:2-8

Verse 2. After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. Verse 3. His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. Verse 4. And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus. Verse 5. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Verse 6. For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say. Verse 7. Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!” Verse 8. Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them except Jesus.