October 20, 2026

12were at that time without Christ, alienated from the community of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, 15abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, 16and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, 20built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. 21Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

9III - I will listen for what God, the LORD, has to say; surely he will speak of peace To his people and to his faithful. May they not turn to foolishness! 10Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him; glory will dwell in our land. 11Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss. 12Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven. 13Yes, the LORD will grant his bounty; our land will yield its produce. 14Justice will march before him, and make a way for his footsteps.

36Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

35“Gird your loins and light your lamps 36and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 38And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.