1 Corinthians 4.1-5
(Epistle)
1So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries.
2Here, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by a human court. Yes, I don’t even judge my own self.
4For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.
5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
Titus 1.1-5, 2.15, 3.1-2, 12-15
(Epistle, Bartholomew relics)
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
2in hope of eternal life, which God, who can’t lie, promised before time began;
3but in his own time revealed his word in the message with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
4to Titus, my true child according to a common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
5I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you—
15Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.
1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.
13Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.
14Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Matthew 23.1-12
(Gospel)
1Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,
2saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.
3All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.
4For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.
5But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the fringes of their garments,
6and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
7the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men.
8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
9Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.
10Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.
11But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.
12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 5.14-19
(Gospel, Bartholomew relics)
14“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
15Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
16Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
17“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.
19Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.