October 31, 2026

18What difference does it make, as long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I rejoice. Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, 19for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. 22If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. 23I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, [for] that is far better. 24Yet that I remain [in] the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. 25And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again. III. Instructions for the Community - Steadfastness in Faith.

2I - As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. 3My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God? 5Those times I recall as I pour out my soul, When I would cross over to the shrine of the Mighty One, to the house of God, Amid loud cries of thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.

29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

1On a sabbath he went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 7He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. 8“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, 9and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 10Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”