FIRST READING Romans 3:19-28
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For “no human being will be justified in the sight of God” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by God’s grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in divine forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that God is righteous and that God justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
FROM THE 46th PSALM
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear. though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea;3though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult. we will not fear. God speaks, and the earth melts away. 7The LORD of hosts is with us; 8Come now, regard the works of the LORD,10“Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” 11The LORD of hosts is with us.
The Holy Gospel According to John the 8th chapter (John 8:31-36)
Glory to you, O Lord 31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
