Readings for Lent and Easter

¹⁸ For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared^[a] to the coming glory that will be revealed to us. ¹⁹ For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly but because of God^[b] who subjected it—in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now. ²³ Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,^[c] groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption,^[d] the redemption of our bodies.^{[e] 24} For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.^[f]