Open Word

FIRST READING

Genesis 18:1-8

Verse 1. Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. Verse 2. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. Verse 3. “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. Verse 4. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. Verse 5. And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” Verse 6. So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” Verse 7. Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. Verse 8. Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.

PSALM

Psalm 30

A Psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David. I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me.

O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.

O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol; You spared me from descending into the Pit.

Sing to the LORD, O you His saints, and praise His holy name.

For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.

In prosperity I said, “I will never be shaken.”

O LORD, You favored me; You made my mountain stand strong. When You hid Your face, I was dismayed.

To You, O LORD, I called, and I begged my Lord for mercy:

“What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?

Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy; O LORD, be my helper.”

You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.

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.”