Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
12 The wicked man plots against the righteous
and grinds his teeth at the sight of them.
13 But the Lord laughs at them,
knowing that their day[a] is approaching.
14 The wicked draw their swords
and string their bows
to bring down the poor[b] and the needy
and to slaughter those who are upright.
15 Their swords will enter their own hearts,[c]
and their bows will be shattered.
16 Preferable is the little that the righteous possess
than the great wealth of the wicked.
17 For the power of the wicked will be overcome,
but the Lord protects the righteous.
18 The Lord looks after the lives of the upright,[d]
and their heritage will last forever.
19 They will not be confounded in times of evil,
and in days of famine they eat their fill.
20 But the wicked will perish,
all those who are enemies of the Lord.
Like the beauty of the meadows[e] they will wither away;
like smoke they will disappear.
21 The wicked man borrows but neglects to repay,
whereas the righteous man is generous in giving.
22 For those blessed by the Lord will possess the land,
but those who are cursed will perish.
14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it to him in the care of Uriah. 15 In the letter he wrote: “Assign Uriah up front where the fighting is fierce, and then draw back from him so that he may be struck down and die.”
16 As Joab was besieging the city, he stationed Uriah where he knew the enemy had deployed its most valiant warriors. 17 When the men of the city came forth and fought against Joab, some of the soldiers of David fell. Uriah the Hittite was also slain.
18 Then Joab sent David a full account of the battle, 19 and he instructed the messenger: “When you have finished telling the king all the details about the fighting, 20 his anger may be aroused and he may say to you: ‘Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Were you not aware that they would shoot from the wall? 21 Do you recall who killed Abimelech, the son of Jerubbaal? Was it not a woman who dropped down a millstone on him from the wall, resulting in his death at Thebez? Why did you go so close to the wall?’ Then say to him: ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.’ ”
Acknowledgment of the Community’s Gift[a]
10 Contentment in Any Circumstances. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you have renewed your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I do not say this because I have been in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.
12 I know how to live with little, and I know how to live with plenty. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
14 Philippian Generosity. Even so, it was kind of you to share my difficulties. 15 You Philippians are aware that in the early days of the gospel[b] when I set out from Macedonia, not a single Church other than yours shared with me in giving and receiving. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me something for my needs on more than one occasion.
17 Do not think that it is the gift that I value most. What I desire is for the interest to mount up in your account. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough. I am satisfied now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God.[c] 19 And my God will fully supply all your needs out of the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 Doxology. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Copyright © 2019 by Catholic Book Publishing Corp. All rights reserved.