The Last Sunday after Trinity Bible Sunday

First reading

Isaiah 45.22–25

Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return:

'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.'

Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength;

all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.

Psalm 119.129–136

Your testimonies are wonderful;  therefore my soul keeps them.

The opening of your word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

I open my mouth and draw in my breath, as I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me,  as is your way with those who love your name. 

Order my steps by your word, and let no wickedness have dominion over me.

Redeem me from earthly oppressors so that I may keep your commandments.

Show the light of your countenance upon your servant and teach me your statutes.

My eyes run down with streams of water, because the wicked do not keep your law.

Second reading

Romans 15.1–6

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour.

For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, 'The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.' For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel

Luke 4.16–24

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.'

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, 'Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.'

All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, 'Is not this Joseph's son?'

He said to them, 'Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, "Doctor, cure yourself!" And you will say, "Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at

Capernaum." ' And he said, 'Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's home town.