Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Psalm 99

⁴¹ On the next day the entire Israelite community complained to Moses and Aaron, “You killed the Lord’s people.” ⁴² When the community assembled against Moses and Aaron, they turned toward the meeting tent. At that moment the cloud covered it, and the Lord’s glory appeared. ⁴³ Moses and Aaron came to the front of the meeting tent, ⁴⁴ and the Lord spoke to Moses: ⁴⁵ Get away from this community, so that I may consume them in an instant.

They fell on their faces, ⁴⁶ and Moses said to Aaron, “Take the censer, put fire from the altar on it, place incense on it, go quickly to the community, and seek reconciliation for them. Indeed, the Lord’s anger has gone out. The plague has begun.” ⁴⁷ Aaron took it as Moses said and ran into the middle of the assembly, for the plague had already begun among the people. He burned incense and sought reconciliation for the people. ⁴⁸ He stood between the dead and the living, and the plague stopped. ⁴⁹ Those who died from the plague were fourteen thousand seven hundred, in addition to those who died because of Korah. ⁵⁰ Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance of the meeting tent once the plague stopped.

⁷ The end of everything has come. Therefore, be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray. ⁸ Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins. ⁹ Open your homes to each other without complaining. ¹⁰ And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. ¹¹ Whoever speaks should do so as those who speak God’s word. Whoever serves should do so from the strength that God furnishes. Do this so that in everything God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him be honor and power forever and always. Amen.