Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
7 It rises from one end of the heavens,
and its circuit is completed at the other;
nothing can be hidden from its heat.
8 The law of the Lord is perfect,
affording refreshment to the soul.
The decree of the Lord is worthy of trust,
imparting wisdom to the simple.[a]
9 The precepts of the Lord are right,
causing the heart[b] to rejoice.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving light to the eyes.
10 The fear of the Lord[c] is pure,
destined to endure forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are true,
and all of them are just.
11 They are even more precious than gold,
than an abundance of the purest gold;
they are also sweeter than honey
that drips from the comb.[d]
12 [e]By these your servant is instructed;
obedience in following them will ensure a great reward.
13 But who can fully recognize his shortcomings?
Cleanse me of my hidden faults.
14 From willful sins preserve your servant;
never let them gain power over me.
Then I will be blameless
and innocent of serious sin.
Chapter 27
Altar on Mount Ebal.[a][b] 1 Moses and the elders of Israel said to the people: Observe all of the commandments that I give you today. 2 When you cross over the Jordan into the land that the Lord, your God, has given you, set up some large stones for yourselves and plaster them over. 3 When you cross over to enter the land that the Lord, your God, has promised you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, write all of these laws on them. 4 When you have crossed over the Jordan, I command you today, you are to set them up on Mount Ebal and plaster them over. 5 Build an altar there to the Lord, your God, an altar of stone. Do not use any iron tool upon them. 6 Build an altar of unhewn stones there to the Lord, your God. You shall offer your burnt offerings to the Lord, your God, there. 7 You are also to offer up peace offerings and eat them there, rejoicing in the presence of the Lord, your God. 8 You will write all of the words of the law upon these stones in a very clear manner.
9 Then Moses and the priests, the Levites, said to all of Israel: Take heed, O Israel, and listen, for today you have become the people of the Lord, your God. 10 Obey the command of the Lord, your God, and observe the commandments and the statutes that I give you today.
13 Salt of the Earth and Light of the World.[a]“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what can be done to make it salty once again? It is no longer good for anything, and thus it is cast out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built upon a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor would someone light a lamp and then put it under a basket; rather, it is placed upon a lampstand so that it may afford light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, your light must shine so that it can be seen by others; this will enable them to observe your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven.
The New Law[b]
17 The Fulfillment of the Law.“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill them. 18 Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single letter,[c] not even a tiny portion of a letter, will disappear from the Law until all things have been accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever observes these commandments and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 I tell you, if your righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
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