Saturday in Lent — Open Word

FIRST READING

Leviticus 23:1-8

Verse 1. Then the LORD said to Moses, Verse 2. “Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. Verse 3. For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. Verse 4. These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times. Verse 5. The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. Verse 6. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. Verse 7. On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly; you are not to do any regular work. Verse 8. For seven days you are to present a food offering to the LORD. On the seventh day there shall be a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work.’”

PSALM

Psalm 31:9-16

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.

For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.

Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends — they flee when they see me on the street.

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.

For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.

SECOND READING

Luke 22:1-13

Verse 1. Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, Verse 2. and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. Verse 3. Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. Verse 4. And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. Verse 5. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. Verse 6. Judas consented, and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd. Verse 7. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. Verse 8. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” Verse 9. “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. Verse 10. He answered, “When you enter the city, a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters, Verse 11. and say to the owner of that house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ Verse 12. And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there.” Verse 13. So they went and found it just as Jesus had told them. And they prepared the Passover.