First Reading

Reading from the second book of Samuel

2 Samuel 7, 18-19. 24-29

When David learned from Nathan of the divine promises, he went and stood before the Lord and said:

“Who am I, Lord, and what is my house, that you have shown me such favor until now? And as if this were not enough for you, you now extend your promises even to my descendants. Indeed, Lord, this is not how men act.

You have chosen the people of Israel to be your people forever. And you, Lord, have wanted to be their God. Now, Lord, keep the promise you have made to your servant and his house, and fulfill your words. Thus your name will be glorified forever, and all will say: ‘The Lord of hosts is the God of Israel’.

The house of your servant David will remain forever in your presence, for you, Lord of hosts, God of Israel, are the one who has made this revelation to your servant. I will build a house for you; therefore your servant has dared to direct this prayer to you.

Yes, Lord, you are God, and your word is true. You have made a promise to your servant David; deign now, therefore, to bless the house of your servant, so that it may remain forever before you, because you, Lord God, have said it, and with your blessing, the house of your servant will be blessed forever’’.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Mark

Mark 4, 21-25

At that time, Jesus said to the crowds: “Does one light a lamp to put it under a bushel basket or under a bed? Is it not to place it on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear”.

He continued speaking to them and said: “Pay attention to what you are hearing. The measure you use to treat others will be used to treat you, and even more. To the one who has, more will be given; but from the one who has little, even that little will be taken away”.