Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

For The Time of My Departure Is Near. I Have Finished My Course

⁶ For I am already being poured-out^[a], and the time of my departure^[b] has stood-near^[c]. ⁷ I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. ⁸ Henceforth, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will render to me on that day— and not only to me, but also to all the ones having loved His appearance.

¹⁶ At my first defense no one was present^[a] with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them. ¹⁷ But the Lord stood-by me and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fulfilled and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of a lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and save^[b] me into His heavenly kingdom— to Whom be the glory forever and ever, amen.

Two Men In Prayer: One Exalts Himself, The Other Begs For Mercy

⁹ And He also spoke this parable to some putting-confidence upon themselves that they were righteous, and treating the rest with contempt— ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee, having stood^[a], was praying these things to^[b] himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not just-like the rest of the people— swindlers, unrighteous ones, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week. I give-a-tenth-of all that I get’. ¹³ But the tax collector, standing at-a-distance, was not willing even to lift-up his eyes to heaven, but was striking his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful^[c] to me, the sinner!’ ¹⁴ I say to you, this one went-down^[d] to his house having been declared-righteous, rather-than that one. Because everyone exalting himself will be humbled, but the one humbling himself will be exalted”.