Daily Readings - 09/09/2026

^7:25 About remaining celibate, I have no directions from the Lord but give my own opinion as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, has stayed faithful.

^7:26 Well then, I believe that in these present times of stress this is right: that it is good for a man to stay as he is.

^7:27 If you are tied to a wife, do not look for freedom; if you are free of a wife, then do not look for one.

^7:28 But if you marry, it is no sin, and it is not a sin for a young girl to get married. They will have their troubles, though, in their married life, and I should like to spare you that.

^7:29 Brothers, this is what I mean: our time is growing short. Those who have wives should live as though they had none,

^7:30 and those who mourn should live as though they had nothing to mourn for; those who are enjoying life should live as though there were nothing to laugh about; those whose life is buying things should live as though they had nothing of their own;

^7:31 and those who have to deal with the world should not become engrossed in it. I say this because the world as we know it is passing away.

^45:1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme: I address my poem to the king; my tongue as ready as the pen of a busy scribe.

^45:2 Of all men you are the most handsome, your lips are moist with grace, for God has blessed you for ever.

^45:3 Hero, strap your sword at your side, in majesty and splendour;

^45:4 on, ride on, in the cause of truth, religion and virtue! Stretch the bowstring tight, lending terror to your right hand.

^45:5 Your arrows are sharp; nations lie at your mercy, the king’s enemies are losing heart.

^45:6 Your throne, God, shall last for ever and ever, your royal sceptre is a sceptre of integrity:

^45:7 virtue you love as much as you hate wickedness. This is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness, above all your rivals;

^45:8 myrrh and aloes waft from your robes. From palaces of ivory harps entertain you;

^45:9 daughters of kings are among your maids of honour; on your right stands the queen, in gold from Ophir.

^45:10 Listen, daughter, pay careful attention: forget your nation and your ancestral home,

^45:11 then the king will fall in love with your beauty. He is your master now, bow down to him.

^45:12 The daughter of Tyre will solicit your favour with gifts, the wealthiest nations,

^45:13 with jewels set in gold. Dressed

^45:14 in brocades, the king’s daughter is led in to the king, with bridesmaids in her train. Her ladies-in-waiting follow

^45:15 and enter the king’s palace to general rejoicing.

^45:16 Your ancestors will be replaced by sons whom you will make lords of the whole world.

^45:17 I shall immortalise your name, nations will sing your praises for ever and ever.

^6:20 Then fixing his eyes on his disciples he said: ‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.

^6:21 Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied. Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh.

^6:22 Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man.

^6:23 Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets.

^6:24 ‘But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now.

^6:25 Alas for you who have your fill now: you shall go hungry. Alas for you who laugh now: you shall mourn and weep.

^6:26 Alas for you when the world speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.’