First Reading

Reading from the letter to the Hebrews

Hb 4,1-16

Therefore, let us be on guard while the promise of entering his rest remains, so that none of you may seem to have failed. For, in fact, we have received the good news just as they did. But the word they heard did not benefit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened. For we who believed enter into [that] rest, just as he has said: “As I swore in my anger, ‘They shall not enter into my rest.’”

Yet his works were accomplished at the foundation of the world. For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this manner, “And God rested from all his works on the seventh day”; and again, in the previously mentioned place, “They shall not enter into my rest.” Therefore, since it remains for some to enter into it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience, he once more set a day, “today,” after a long time, when he spoke through David as already quoted: “Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts!’”

Now, if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. And whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works as God does from his. Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Gospel

Gospel According to Saint Matthew

Mt 27, 62-66

The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said to him, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.