August 19th: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Proverbs 9:1–6
Ephesians 5:15–20

THE FIRST READING IS FROM THE NINTH CHAPTER OF PROVERBS

Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who invites people to partake of her banquet. Just as ordinary food is necessary for physical life, Wisdom’s food—insight and understanding—is necessary for fullness of life with God. Partaking of Wisdom’s banquet is the way to life.

Wisdom has built her house,
she has hewn her seven pillars.
2She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,
she has also set her table.
3She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls
from the highest places in the town,
4"You that are simple, turn in here!"
To those without sense she says,
5"Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight."

HERE ENDS THE READING

PSALM 34:9-14 Read in unison

9Fear the LORD, you saints of the LORD,
for those who fear the LORD lack nothing.
10The lions are in want and suffer hunger,
but those who seek the LORD lack nothing that is good.
11Come, children, and listen to me;
I will teach you reverence for the LORD.
12Who among you takes pleasure in life
and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?
13Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from lying words.
14Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

THE SECOND READING IS FROM THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF EPHESIANS

True wisdom integrates our new reality in Christ with our Christian fellowship and daily conduct. Because we are filled with the Spirit, Christians regularly rejoice together, give thanks to God for one another, and care for one another. In this way we revere our Lord Jesus Christ.

15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

HERE ENDS THE READING