Readings for Lent and Easter

⁸ Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with a joy that is indescribable and glorious. ⁹ For you are achieving the goal of your faith, that is, the salvation of your souls.

¹⁰ This salvation was the subject of intense scrutiny and investigation by the Prophets^[a] who spoke about the grace that you were to receive. ¹¹ They were searching out the time and the circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ^[b] within them was pointing when it testified in advance to the sufferings that Christ would endure and the glories that would then follow.

¹² It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been announced to you through those who proclaimed the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even the angels long to catch a glimpse of such things.

¹³ Convictions for Living.^[c] Therefore, prepare your minds for action. Be calm and fix your hopes completely on the grace that you will be granted at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ Like obedient children, do not yield to the evil desires you had in your former ignorance. ¹⁵ He who called you is holy. Therefore, be holy yourselves in all your conduct. ¹⁶ For Scripture says, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

¹⁷ If you address as Father the one who judges everyone impartially on the basis of each person’s deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile here.