August 12th: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

1 Kings 19:4–8
Ephesians 4:25—5:2

THE FIRST READING IS FROM THE NINETEENTH CHAPTER OF FIRST KINGS

First Kings chapter 18 describes the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The contest proves that the Lord is God; and afterwards Elijah orders the killing of the Baal prophets. Angered by the deaths of her prophets, Queen Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah. This reading finds Elijah fleeing, fatigued, and in utter despair.

4But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors." 5Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, "Get up and eat." 6He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. 7The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, "Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you." 8He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.
HERE ENDS THE READING

PSALM 34:1-8 Read in unison

1I will bless the LORD at all times; the praise of God shall ever be in my mouth.

2I will glory in the LORD; let the lowly hear and rejoice.

3Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; let us exalt God's name together.

4I sought the LORD, who answered me and delivered me from all my terrors.

5Look upon the LORD and be radiant, and let not your faces be ashamed.

6I called in my affliction, and the LORD heard me and saved me from all my troubles.

7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear the LORD and delivers them.

8Taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are they who take refuge in God!

THE SECOND READING IS FROM THE FOURTH AND FIFTH CHAPTERS OF EPHESIANS

Christians are called to be imitators of God. This does not mean Christians are perfect. Rather, the Spirit is at work in our lives so that our actions and attitudes genuinely reflect the love and forgiveness we have received through Christ and his death.

25So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not make room for the devil. 28Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

HERE ENDS THE READING