First Reading

Reading from the first book of Kings 

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12

At that time, as the day of his death drew near, David gave these instructions to his son Solomon: «I am going the way of all mortals. Be strong and be a man. Keep the commandments of the Lord your God; walk in his ways and observe his statutes, commands, decrees, and instructions, just as they are written in the law of Moses. If you do this, you will prosper in all your endeavors, and the Lord will fulfill the promise he made to me: ‘If your sons are faithful to me, the Lord, and walk sincerely before me with all their heart and soul, you shall never lack a successor on the throne of Israel.’ «

When King David died, he was buried in the City of David. He had reigned over Israel for forty years: seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. His son Solomon succeeded him on the throne, and his kingdom was firmly established.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Mark 

Mark 6:7-13

At that time, Jesus summoned the Twelve and sent them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick; no bread, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.

He said to them, «Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.»

So they went off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.