Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

1 Then, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being procurator of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

2 under the high priests Annas and Caiaphas: the word of the Lord came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.

3 And he went into the entire region of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,

4 just as it has been written in the book of the sermons of the prophet Isaiah: “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths.

5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low. And what is crooked shall be made straight. And the rough paths shall be made into level ways.

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

7 Therefore, he said to the crowd that went out in order to be baptized by him: “You progeny of vipers! Who told you to flee from the approaching wrath?

8 So then, produce fruits worthy of repentance. And do not begin to say, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God has the power to raise up sons to Abraham from these stones.

9 For even now the axe has been placed at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.”

10 And the crowed was questioning him, saying, “What then should we do?”

11 But in response, he said to them: “Whoever has two coats, let him give to those who do not have. And whoever has food, let him act similarly.”

12 Now the tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”

13 But he said to them, “You should do nothing more than what has been appointed to you.”

14 Then the soldiers also questioned him, saying, “And what should we do?” And he said to them: “You should strike no one, and you should not make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

15 Now all were thinking about John in their hearts, and the people were supposing that perhaps he might be the Christ.

16 John responded by saying to everyone: “Indeed, I baptize you with water. But there will arrive one stronger than me, the laces of whose shoes I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit, and with fire.

17 His winnowing fan is in his hand. And he will purify his threshing floor. And he will gather the wheat into the barn. But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

18 Indeed, he also proclaimed many other things, exhorting the people.

19 But Herod the tetrarch, when he was corrected by him concerning Herodias, his brother’s wife, and concerning all the evils that Herod had done,

20 added this also, above all else: that he confined John to prison.

21 Now it happened that, when all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized; and as he was praying, heaven was opened.

22 And the Holy Spirit, in a corporal appearance like a dove, descended upon him. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son. In you, I am well pleased.”

23 And Jesus himself was beginning to be about thirty years old, being (as it was supposed) the son of Joseph, who was of Heli, who was of Matthat,

24 who was of Levi, who was of Melchi, who was of Jannai, who was of Joseph,

25 who was of Mattathias, who was of Amos, who was of Nahum, who was of Esli, who was of Naggai,

26 who was of Maath, who was of Mattathias, who was of Semein, who was of Josech, who was of Joda,

27 who was of Joanan, who was of Rhesa, who was of Zerubbabel, who was of Shealtiel, who was of Neri,

28 who was of Melchi, who was of Addi, who was of Cosam, who was of Elmadam, who was of Er,

29 who was of Joshua, who was of Eliezer, who was of Jorim, who was of Matthat, who was of Levi,

30 who was of Simeon, who was of Judah, who was of Joseph, who was of Jonam, who was of Eliakim,

31 who was of Melea, who was of Menna, who was of Mattatha, who was of Nathan, who was of David,

32 who was of Jesse, who was of Obed, who was of Boaz, who was of Salmon, who was of Nahshon,

33 who was of Amminadab, who was of Aram, who was of Hezron, who was of Perez, who was of Judah,

34 who was of Jacob, who was of Isaac, who was of Abraham, who was of Terah, who was of Nahor,

35 who was of Serug, who was of Reu, who was of Peleg, who was of Eber, who was of Shelah,

36 who was of Cainan, who was of Arphaxad, who was of Shem, who was Of Noah, who was of Lamech,

37 who was of Methuselah, who was of Enoch, who was of Jared, who was of Mahalalel, who was of Cainan,

38 who was of Enos, who was of Seth, who was of Adam, who was of God.

1 And Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan. And he was urged by the Spirit into the wilderness

2 for forty days, and he was tested by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days. And when they were completed, he was hungry.

3 Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, speak to this stone, so that it may be made into bread.”

4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ “

5 And the devil led him onto a high mountain, and he showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,

6 and he said to him: “To you, I will give all this power, and its glory. For they have been handed over to me, and I give them to whomever I wish.

7 Therefore, if you will worship before me, all will be yours.”

8 And in response, Jesus said to him: “It is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him alone.’ “

9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and he set him on the parapet of the temple, and he said to him: “If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here.

10 For it is written that he has given his Angels charge over you, so that they may guard you,

11 and so that they may take you into their hands, lest perhaps you may hurt your foot against a stone.”

12 And in response, Jesus said to him, “It is said: ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ “

13 And when all the temptation was completed, the devil withdrew from him, until a time.

14 And Jesus returned, in the power of the Spirit, into Galilee. And his fame spread throughout the entire region.

15 And he taught in their synagogues, and he was magnified by everyone.

16 And he went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. And he entered into the synagogue, according to his custom, on the Sabbath day. And he rose up to read.

17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. And as he unrolled the book, he found the place where it was written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because of this, he has anointed me. He has sent me to evangelize the poor, to heal the contrite of heart,

19 to preach forgiveness to captives and sight to the blind, to release the broken into forgiveness, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of retribution.”

20 And when he had rolled up the book, he returned it to the minister, and he sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him.

21 Then he began to say to them, “On this day, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

22 And everyone gave testimony to him. And they wondered at the words of grace that proceeded from his mouth. And they said, “Is this not the son of Joseph?”

23 And he said to them: “Certainly, you will recite to me this saying, ‘Physician, heal yourself.’ The many great things that we have heard were done in Capernaum, do here also in your own country.”

24 Then he said: “Amen I say to you, that no prophet is accepted in his own country.

25 In truth, I say to you, there were many widows in the days of Elijah in Israel, when the heavens were closed for three years and six months, when a great famine had occurred throughout the entire land.

26 And to none of these was Elijah sent, except to Zarephath of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.

27 And there were many lepers in Israel under the prophet Elisha. And none of these was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian.”

28 And all those in the synagogue, upon hearing these things, were filled with anger.

29 And they rose up and drove him beyond the city. And they brought him all the way to the edge of the mount, upon which their city had been built, so that they might thrown him down violently.

30 But passing through their midst, he went away.

31 And he descended to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And there he taught them on the Sabbaths.

32 And they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was spoken with authority.

33 And in the synagogue, there was a man who had an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,

34 saying: “Let us alone. What are we to you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God.”

35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and depart from him.” And when the demon had thrown him into their midst, he departed from him, and he no longer harmed him.

36 And fear fell over them all. And they discussed this among themselves, saying: “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they depart.”

37 And his fame spread to every place in the region.

38 Then Jesus, rising up from the synagogue, entered into the house of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in the grip of a severe fever. And they petitioned him on her behalf.

39 And standing over her, he commanded the fever, and it left her. And promptly rising up, she ministered to them.

40 Then, when the sun had set, all those who had anyone afflicted with various diseases brought them to him. Then, laying his hands on each one of them, he cured them.

41 Now demons departed from many of them, crying out and saying, “You are the son of God.” And rebuking them, he would not permit them to speak. For they knew him to be the Christ.

42 Then, when it was daytime, going out, he went to a deserted place. And the crowds sought him, and they went all the way to him. And they detained him, so that he would not depart from them.

43 And he said to them, “I must also preach the kingdom of God to other cities, because it was for this reason that I was sent.”

44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

1 Now it happened that, when the crowds pressed toward him, so that they might hear the word of God, he was standing beside the lake of Genesaret.

2 And he saw two boats standing beside the lake. But the fishermen had climbed down, and they were washing their nets.

3 And so, climbing into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, he asked him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting down, he taught the crowds from the boat.

4 Then, when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Lead us into deep water, and release your nets for a catch.”

5 And in response, Simon said to him: “Teacher, working throughout the night, we caught nothing. But on your word, I will release the net.”

6 And when they had done this, they enclosed such a copious multitude of fish that their net was rupturing.

7 And they signaled to their associates, who were in the other boat, so that they would come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were nearly submerged.

8 But when Simon Peter had seen this, he fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

9 For astonishment had enveloped him, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish that they had taken.

10 Now the same was true of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were associates of Simon. And Jesus said to Simon: “Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be catching men.”

11 And having led their boats to land, leaving behind everything, they followed him.

12 And it happened that, while he was in a certain city, behold, there was a man full of leprosy who, upon seeing Jesus and falling to his face, petitioned him, saying: “Lord, if you are willing, you are able to cleanse me.”

13 And extending his hand, he touched him, saying: “I am willing. Be cleansed.” And at once, the leprosy departed from him.

14 And he instructed him that he should tell no one, “But go, show yourself to the priest, and make the offering for your cleansing, just as Moses has commanded, as a testimony for them.”

15 Yet word of him traveled around all the more. And great crowds came together, so that they might listen and be cured by him from their infirmities.

16 And he withdrew into the desert and prayed.

17 And it happened, on a certain day, that he again sat down, teaching. And there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting nearby, who had come from every town of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present, to heal them.

18 And behold, some men were carrying in the bed of a man who was paralyzed. And they sought a way to bring him in, and to place him before him.

19 And not finding a way by which they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they climbed up to the roof, and they let him down through the roof tiles with his bed, into their midst, in front of Jesus.

20 And when he saw his faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

21 And the scribes and Pharisees began to think, saying: “Who is this, who is speaking blasphemies? Who is able to forgive sins, except God alone?”

22 But when Jesus realized their thoughts, responding, he said to them: “What are you thinking in your hearts?

23 Which is easier to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk?’

24 But so that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralytic, “I say to you to: Rise up, take up your bed, and go into your house.”

25 And at once, rising up in their sight, he took up the bed on which he was lying, and he went away to his own house, magnifying God.

26 And astonishment took hold of everyone, and they were magnifying God. And they were filled with fear, saying: “For we have seen miracles today.”

27 And after these things, he went out, and he saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the customs office. And he said to him, “Follow me.”

28 And leaving behind everything, rising up, he followed him.

29 And Levi made a great feast for him in his own house. And there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others, who were sitting at table with them.

30 But the Pharisees and scribes were murmuring, saying to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

31 And responding, Jesus said to them: “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who have maladies.

32 I have not come to call the just, but sinners to repentance.”

33 But they said to him, “Why do the disciples of John fast frequently, and make supplications, and those of the Pharisees act similarly, while yours eat and drink?”

34 And he said to them: “How can you cause the sons of the groom to fast, while the groom is still with them?

35 But the days will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast, in those days.”

36 Then he also made a comparison for them: “For no one sews a patch from a new garment onto an old garment. Otherwise, he both disrupts the new one, and the patch from the new one does not join together with the old one.

37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine ruptures the wineskins, and it will be poured out, and the wineskins will be lost.

38 Instead, the new wine is put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.

39 And no one who is drinking the old, soon wishes for the new. For he says, ‘The old is better.’ “

1 Now it happened that, on the second first Sabbath, as he passed through the grain field, his disciples were separating the ears of grain and eating them, by rubbing them in their hands.

2 Then certain Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbaths?”

3 And responding to them, Jesus said: “Have you not read this, what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him?

4 How he entered into the house of God, and took the bread of the Presence, and ate it, and gave it to those who were with him, though it is not lawful for anyone to eat it, except the priests alone?”

5 And he said to them, “For the Son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath.”

6 And it happened that, on another Sabbath, he entered into the synagogue, and he taught. And there was a man there, and his right hand was withered.

7 And the scribes and Pharisees observed whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might thereby find an accusation against him.

8 Yet truly, he knew their thoughts, and so he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Rise up and stand in the middle.” And rising up, he stood still.

9 Then Jesus said to them: “I ask you if it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good, or to do evil? To give health to a life, or to destroy it?”

10 And looking around at everyone, he said to the man, “Extend your hand.” And he extended it. And his hand was restored.

11 Then they were filled with madness, and they discussed with one another, what, in particular, they might do about Jesus.

12 And it happened that, in those days, he went out to a mountain to pray. And he was in the prayer of God throughout the night.

13 And when daylight had arrived, he called his disciples. And he chose twelve out of them (whom he also named Apostles):

14 Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15 Matthew and Thomas, James of Alphaeus, and Simon who is called the Zealot,

16 and Jude of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor.

17 And descending with them, he stood in a level place with a multitude of his disciples, and a copious multitude of people from all of Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast, and Tyre and Sidon,

18 who had come so that they might listen to him and be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured.

19 And the entire crowd was trying to touch him, because power went out from him and healed all.

20 And lifting up his eyes to his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who are weeping now, for you shall laugh.

22 Blessed shall you be when men will have hated you, and when they will have separated you and reproached you, and thrown out your name as if evil, because of the Son of man.

23 Be glad in that day and exult. For behold, your reward is great in heaven. For these same things their fathers did to the prophets.

24 Yet truly, woe to you who are wealthy, for you have your consolation.

25 Woe to you who are satisfied, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

26 Woe to you when men will have blessed you. For these same things their fathers did to the false prophets.

27 But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.

28 Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who slander you.

29 And to him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your tunic.

30 But distribute to all who ask of you. And do not ask again of him who takes away what is yours.

31 And exactly as you would want people to treat you, treat them also the same.

32 And if you love those who love you, what credit is due to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

33 And if you will do good to those who do good to you, what credit is due to you? Indeed, even sinners behave this way.

34 And if you will loan to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is due to you? For even sinners lend to sinners, in order to receive the same in return.

35 So truly, love your enemies. Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. And then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and to the wicked.

36 Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful.

37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38 Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down and shaken together and overflowing, they will place upon your lap. Certainly, the same measure that you use to measure out, will be used to measure back to you again.”

39 Now he told them another comparison: “How can the blind lead the blind? Would they not both fall into a pit?

40 The disciple is not above his teacher. But each one will be perfected, if he is like his teacher.

41 And why do you see the straw that is in your brother’s eye, while the log that is in your own eye, you do not consider?

42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ while you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? Hypocrite, first remove the log from your own eye, and then will you see clearly, so that you may lead out the straw from your brother’s eye.

43 For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor does an evil tree produce good fruit.

44 For each and every tree is known by its fruit. For they do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather the grape from the bramble bush.

45 A good man, from the good storehouse of his heart, offers what is good. And an evil man, from the evil storehouse, offers what is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

46 But why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?

47 Anyone who comes to me, and listens to my words, and does them: I will reveal to you what he is like.

48 He is like a man building a house, who has dug deep and has laid the foundation upon the rock. Then, when the floodwaters came, the river was rushing against that house, and it was not able to move it. For it was founded upon the rock.

49 But whoever hears and does not do: he is like a man building his house upon the soil, without a foundation. The river rushed against it, and it soon fell down, and the ruin of that house was great.”

1 And when he had completed all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.

2 Now the servant of a certain centurion was dying, due to an illness. And he was very dear to him.

3 And when he had heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, petitioning him, so that he would come and heal his servant.

4 And when they had come to Jesus, they petitioned him anxiously, saying to him: “He is worthy that you should provide this to him.

5 For he loves our nation, and he has built a synagogue for us.”

6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying: “Lord, do not trouble yourself. For I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.

7 Because of this, I also did not consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9 And upon hearing this, Jesus was amazed. And turning to the multitude following him, he said, “Amen I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”

10 And those who had been sent, upon returning to the house, found that the servant, who had been sick, was now healthy.

11 And it happened afterwards that he went to a city, which is called Nain. And his disciples, and an abundant crowd, went with him.

12 Then, when he had drawn near to the gate of the city, behold, a deceased person was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her.

13 And when the Lord had seen her, being moved by mercy over her, he said to her, “Do not weep.”

14 And he drew near and touched the coffin. Then those who carried it stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”

15 And the dead youth sat up and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.

16 Then fear fell over all of them. And they magnified God, saying: “For a great prophet has risen up among us,” and, “For God has visited his people.”

17 And this word about him went out to all of Judea and to the entire surrounding region.

18 And the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things.

19 And John called two of his disciples, and he sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are you he who is to come, or should we wait for another?”

20 But when the men had come to him, they said: “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying: ‘Are you he who is to come, or should we wait for another?’ “

21 Now in that same hour, he cured many of their diseases and wounds and evil spirits; and to many of the blind, he gave sight.

22 And responding, he said to them: “Go and report to John what you have heard and seen: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor are evangelized.

23 And blessed is anyone who has not taken offense at me.”

24 And when the messengers of John had withdrawn, he began to speak about John to the crowds. “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

25 Then what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those who are in costly apparel and finery are in the houses of kings.

26 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Certainly, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

27 This is he of whom it is written: “Behold, I send my Angel before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.”

28 For I say to you, among those born of women, no one is greater than the prophet John the Baptist. But he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

29 And upon hearing this, all the people and the tax collectors justified God, by being baptized with the baptism of John.

30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law despised the counsel of God concerning themselves, by not being baptized by him.

31 Then the Lord said: “Therefore, to what shall I compare the men of this generation? And to what are they similar?

32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace, talking with one another, and saying: ‘We sang to you, and you did not dance. We lamented, and you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist came, neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’

34 The Son of man came, eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a voracious man and a drinker of wine, a friend of tax collectors and of sinners.’

35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

36 Then certain Pharisees petitioned him, so that they might eat with him. And he went into the house of the Pharisee, and he reclined at table.

37 And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner, found out that he was reclining at table in the house of the Pharisee, so she brought an alabaster container of ointment.

38 And standing behind him, beside his feet, she began to wash his feet with tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and she kissed his feet, and she anointed them with ointment.

39 Then the Pharisee, who had invited him, upon seeing this, spoke within himself, saying, “This man, if he were a prophet, would certainly know who and what kind of woman is this, who is touching him: that she is a sinner.”

40 And in response, Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Speak, Teacher.”

41 “A certain creditor had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

42 And since they did not have the ability to repay him, he forgave them both. So then, which of them loves him more?”

43 In response, Simon said, “I suppose that it is he to whom he forgave the most.” And he said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

44 And turning to the woman, he said to Simon: “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house. You gave me no water for my feet. But she has washed my feet with tears, and has wiped them with her hair.

45 You gave no kiss to me. But she, from the time that she entered, has not ceased to kiss my feet.

46 You did not anoint my head with oil. But she has anointed my feet with ointment.

47 Because of this, I tell you: many sins are forgiven her, because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven less, loves less.”

48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven you.”

49 And those who sat at table with him began to say within themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”

50 Then he said to the woman: “Your faith has brought you salvation. Go in peace.”

1 And it happened afterwards that he was making a journey through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him,

2 along with certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, who is called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had departed,

3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many other women, who were ministering to him from their resources.

4 Then, when a very numerous crowd was gathering together and hurrying from the cities to him, he spoke using a comparison:

5 “The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell beside the way; and it was trampled and the birds of the air devoured it.

6 And some fell upon rock; and having sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns, rising up with it, suffocated it.

8 And some fell upon good soil; and having sprung up, it produced fruit one hundredfold.” As he said these things, he cried out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.”

9 Then his disciples questioned him as to what this parable might mean.

10 And he said to them: “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to the rest, it is in parables, so that: seeing, they may not perceive, and hearing, they may not understand.

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

12 And those beside the way are those who hear it, but then the devil comes and takes the word from their heart, lest by believing it they may be saved.

13 Now those upon rock are those who, when they hear it, accept the word with joy, but these have no roots. So they believe for a time, but in a time of testing, they fall away.

14 And those which fell among thorns are those who have heard it, but as they go along, they are suffocated by the concerns and riches and pleasures of this life, and so they do not yield fruit.

15 But those which were on good soil are those who, upon hearing the word with a good and noble heart, retain it, and they bring forth fruit in patience.

16 Now no one, lighting a candle, covers it with a container, or sets it under a bed. Instead, he places it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.

17 For there is nothing secret, which will not be made clear, nor is there anything hidden, which will not be known and be brought into plain sight.

18 Therefore, take care how you listen. For whoever has, it will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

19 Then his mother and brothers came to him; but they were not able to go to him because of the crowd.

20 And it was reported to him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 And in response, he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that he climbed into a little boat with his disciples. And he said to them, “Let us make a crossing over the lake.” And they embarked.

23 And as they were sailing, he slept. And a windstorm descended over the lake. And they were taking on water and were in danger.

24 Then, drawing near, they awakened him, saying, “Teacher, we are perishing.” But as he rose up, he rebuked the wind and the raging water, and they ceased. And a tranquility occurred.

25 Then he said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they, being afraid, were amazed, saying to one another, “Who do you think this is, so that he commands both wind and sea, and they obey him?”

26 And they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.

27 And when he had gone out to the land, a certain man met him, who had now had a demon for a long time. And he did not wear clothes, nor did he stay in a house, but among the sepulchers.

28 And when he saw Jesus, he fell down before him. And crying out in a loud voice, he said: “What is there between me and you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you not to torture me.”

29 For he was ordering the unclean spirit to depart from the man. For on many occasions, it would seize him, and he was bound with chains and held by fetters. But breaking the chains, he was driven by the demon into deserted places.

30 Then Jesus questioned him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered into him.

31 And they petitioned him not to order them to go into the abyss.

32 And in that place, there was a herd of many swine, pasturing on the mountain. And they petitioned him to permit them to enter into them. And he permitted them.

33 Therefore, the demons departed from the man, and they entered into the swine. And the herd rushed violently down a precipice into the lake, and they were drowned.

34 And when those who were pasturing them had seen this, they fled and reported it in the city and the villages.

35 Then they went out to see what was happening, and they came to Jesus. And they found the man, from whom the demons had departed, sitting at his feet, clothed as well as in a sane mind, and they were afraid.

36 Then those who had seen this also reported to them how he had been healed from the legion.

37 And the entire multitude from the region of the Gerasenes pleaded with him to depart from them. For they were seized by a great fear. Then, climbing into the boat, he went back again.

38 And the man from whom the demons had departed pleaded with him, so that he might be with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying,

39 “Return to your house and explain to them what great things God has done for you.” And he traveled through the entire city, preaching about the great things that Jesus had done for him.

40 Now it happened that, when Jesus had returned, the crowd received him. For they were all waiting for him.

41 And behold, a man came, whose name was Jairus, and he was a leader of the synagogue. And he fell down at the feet of Jesus, asking him to enter into his house.

42 For he had an only daughter, nearly twelve years old, and she was dying. And it happened that, as he was going there, he was hemmed in by the crowd.

43 And there was a certain woman, with a flow of blood for twelve years, who had paid out all her substance on physicians, and she was unable to be cured by any of them.

44 She approached him from behind, and she touched the hem of his garment. And at once the flow of her blood stopped.

45 And Jesus said, “Who is it that touched me?” But as everyone was denying it, Peter, and those who were with him, said: “Teacher, the crowd hems you in and presses upon you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ “

46 And Jesus said: “Someone has touched me. For I know that power has gone out from me.”

47 Then the woman, upon seeing that she was not hidden, came forward, trembling, and she fell down before his feet. And she declared before all the people the reason that she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.

48 But he said to her: “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

49 While he was still speaking, someone came to the ruler of the synagogue, saying to him: “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble him.”

50 Then Jesus, upon hearing this word, replied to the father of the girl: “Do not be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved.”

51 And when he had arrived at the house, he would not permit anyone to enter with him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the girl.

52 Now all were weeping and mourning for her. But he said: “Do not weep. The girl is not dead, but only sleeping.”

53 And they derided him, knowing that she had died.

54 But he, taking her by the hand, cried out, saying, “Little girl, arise.”

55 And her spirit returned, and she immediately rose up. And he ordered them to give her something to eat.

56 And her parents were stupefied. And he instructed them not to tell anyone what had happened.

1 Then calling together the twelve Apostles, he gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the infirm.

3 And he said to them: “You should take nothing for the journey, neither staff, nor traveling bag, nor bread, nor money; and you should not have two tunics.

4 And into whatever house you shall enter, lodge there, and do not move away from there.

5 And whoever will not have received you, upon departing from that city, shake off even the dust on your feet, as a testimony against them.”

6 And going forth, they traveled around, through the towns, evangelizing and curing everywhere.

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all the things that were being done by him, but he doubted, because it was said

8 by some, “For John has risen from the dead,” yet truly, by others, “For Elijah has appeared,” and by still others, “For one of the prophets from of old has risen again.”

9 And Herod said: “I beheaded John. So then, who is this, about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

10 And when the Apostles returned, they explained to him all the things that they had done. And taking them with him, he withdrew to a deserted place apart, which belongs to Bethsaida.

11 But when the crowd had realized this, they followed him. And he received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. And those who were in need of cures, he healed.

12 Then the day began to decline. And drawing near, the twelve said to him: “Dismiss the crowds, so that, by going into the surrounding towns and villages, they may separate and find food. For we are here in a deserted place.”

13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “There is with us no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we are to go and buy food for this entire multitude.”

14 Now there were about five thousand men. So he said to his disciples, “Have them recline to eat in groups of fifty.”

15 And they did so. And they caused them all to recline to eat.

16 Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, he gazed up to heaven, and he blessed and broke and distributed them to his disciples, in order to set them before the crowd.

17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And twelve baskets of fragments were taken up, which were left over from them.

18 And it happened that, when he was praying alone, his disciples also were with him, and he questioned them, saying: “Who do the multitudes say that I am?”

19 But they answered by saying: “John the Baptist. But some say Elijah. Yet truly, others say that one of the prophets from before has risen again.”

20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” In response, Simon Peter said, “The Christ of God.”

21 But speaking sharply to them, he instructed them not to tell this to anyone,

22 saying, “For the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the leaders of the priests and the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day rise again.”

23 Then he said to everyone: “If anyone is willing to come after me: let him deny himself, and take up his cross every day, and follow me.

24 For whoever will have saved his life, will lose it. Yet whoever will have lost his life for my sake, will save it.

25 For how does it benefit a man, if he were to gain the whole world, yet lose himself, or cause himself harm?

26 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words: of him the Son of man will be ashamed, when he will have arrived in his majesty and that of his Father and of the holy Angels.

27 And yet, I tell you a truth: There are some standing here who shall not taste death, until they see the kingdom of God.”

28 And it happened that, about eight days after these words, he took Peter and James and John, and he ascended onto a mountain, so that he might pray.

29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his vestment became white and shining.

30 And behold, two men were talking with him. And these were Moses and Elijah, appearing in majesty.

31 And they spoke of his departure, which he would accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 Yet truly, Peter and those who were with him were weighed down by sleep. And becoming alert, they saw his majesty and the two men who were standing with him.

33 And it happened that, as these were departing from him, Peter said to Jesus: “Teacher, it is good for us to be here. And so, let us make three tabernacles: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what he was saying.

34 Then, as he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them. And as these were entering into the cloud, they were afraid.

35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying: “This is my beloved son. Listen to him.”

36 And while the voice was being uttered, Jesus was found to be alone. And they were silent and told no one, in those days, any of these things, which they had seen.

37 But it happened on the following day that, as they were descending from the mountain, a great crowd met him.

38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, saying, “Teacher, I beg you, look kindly on my son, for he is my only son.

39 And behold, a spirit takes hold of him, and he suddenly cries out, and it throws him down and convulses him, so that he foams. And though it tears him apart, it leaves him only with difficulty.

40 And I asked your disciples to cast him out, and they were unable.”

41 And in response, Jesus said: “O unfaithful and perverse generation! How long will I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.”

42 And as he was approaching him, the demon threw him down and convulsed him.

43 And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and he healed the boy, and he restored him to his father.

44 And all were astonished at the greatness of God. And as everyone was wondering over all that he was doing, he said to his disciples: “You must set these words in your hearts. For it shall be that the Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men.”

45 But they did not understood this word, and it was concealed from them, so that they did not perceive it. And they were afraid to question him about this word.

46 Now an idea entered into them, as to which of them was greater.

47 But Jesus, perceiving the thoughts of their hearts, took a child and stood him beside him.

48 And he said to them: “Whoever will receive this child in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me. For whoever is the lesser among you all, the same is greater.”

49 And responding, John said: “Teacher, we saw a certain one casting out demons in your name. And we prohibited him, for he does not follow with us.”

50 And Jesus said to him: “Do not prohibit him. For whoever is not against you, is for you.”

51 Now it happened that, while the days of his dissipation were being completed, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.

52 And he sent messengers before his face. And going on, they entered into a city of the Samaritans, to prepare for him.

53 And they would not receive him, because his face was going toward Jerusalem.

54 And when his disciples, James and John, had seen this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call for fire to descend from heaven and consume them?”

55 And turning, he rebuked them, saying: “Do you not know of whose spirit you are?

56 The Son of man came, not to destroy lives, but to save them.” And they went into another town.

57 And it happened that, as they were walking along the way, someone said to him, “I will follow you, wherever you will go.”

58 Jesus said to him: “Foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have nests. But the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.”

59 Then he said to another, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”

60 And Jesus said to him: “Let the dead bury their dead. But you go and announce the kingdom of God.”

61 And another said: “I will follow you, Lord. But permit me first to explain this to those of my house.”

62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow, and then looks back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

1 Then, after these things, the Lord also designated another seventy-two. And he sent them in pairs before his face, into every city and place where he was to arrive.

2 And he said to them: “Certainly the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest.

3 Go forth. Behold, I send you out like lambs among wolves.

4 Do not choose to carry a purse, nor provisions, nor shoes; and you shall greet no one along the way.

5 Into whatever house you will have entered, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’

6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.

7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house.

8 And into whatever city you have entered and they have received you, eat what they set before you.

9 And cure the sick who are in that place, and proclaim to them, ‘The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.’

10 But into whatever city you have entered and they have not received you, going out into its main streets, say:

11 ‘Even the dust which clings to us from your city, we wipe away against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has drawn near.’

12 I say to you, that in that day, Sodom will be forgiven more than that city will be.

13 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that have been wrought in you, had been wrought in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in haircloth and ashes.

14 Yet truly, Tyre and Sidon will be forgiven more in the judgment than you will be.

15 And as for you, Capernaum, who would be exalted even up to Heaven: you shall be submerged into Hell.

16 Whoever hears you, hears me. And whoever despises you, despises me. And whoever despises me, despises him who sent me.”

17 Then the seventy-two returned with gladness, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us, in your name.”

18 And he said to them: “I was watching as Satan fell like lightning from heaven.

19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the powers of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

20 Yet truly, do not choose to rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

21 In the same hour, he exulted in the Holy Spirit, and he said: “I confess to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the prudent, and have revealed them to little ones. It is so, Father, because this way was pleasing before you.

22 All things have been delivered to me by my Father. And no one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and those to whom the Son has chosen to reveal him.”

23 And turning to his disciples, he said: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.

24 For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, and they did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and they did not hear them.”

25 And behold, a certain expert in the law rose up, testing him and saying, “Teacher, what must I do to possess eternal life?”

26 But he said to him: “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”

27 In response, he said: “You shall love the Lord your God from your whole heart, and from your whole soul, and from all your strength, and from all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

28 And he said to him: “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.”

29 But since he wanted to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 Then Jesus, taking this up, said: “A certain man descended from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he happened upon robbers, who now also plundered him. And inflicting him with wounds, they went away, leaving him behind, half-alive.

31 And it happened that a certain priest was descending along the same way. And seeing him, he passed by.

32 And similarly a Levite, when he was near the place, also saw him, and he passed by.

33 But a certain Samaritan, being on a journey, came near him. And seeing him, he was moved by mercy.

34 And approaching him, he bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. And setting him on his pack animal, he brought him to an inn, and he took care of him.

35 And the next day, he took out two denarii, and he gave them to the proprietor, and he said: ‘Take care of him. And whatever extra you will have spent, I will repay to you at my return.’

36 Which of these three, does it seem to you, was a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?”

37 Then he said, “The one who acted with mercy toward him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go, and act similarly.”

38 Now it happened that, while they were traveling, he entered into a certain town. And a certain woman, named Martha, received him into her home.

39 And she had a sister, named Mary, who, while sitting beside the Lord’s feet, was listening to his word.

40 Now Martha was continually busying herself with serving. And she stood still and said: “Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, speak to her, so that she may help me.”

41 And the Lord responded by saying to her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled over many things.

42 And yet only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the best portion, and it shall not be taken away from her.”

1 And it happened that, while he was in a certain place praying, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

2 And he said to them: “When you are praying, say: Father, may your name be kept holy. May your kingdom come.

3 Give us this day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins, since we also forgive all who are indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

5 And he said to them: “Which of you will have a friend and will go to him in the middle of the night, and will say to him: ‘Friend, lend me three loaves,

6 because a friend of mine has arrived from a journey to me, and I do not have anything to set before him.’

7 And from within, he would answer by saying: ‘Do not disturb me. The door is closed now, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give it to you.’

8 Yet if he will persevere in knocking, I tell you that, even though he would not get up and give it to him because he is a friend, yet due to his continued insistence, he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

9 And so I say to you: Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you.

10 For everyone who asks, receives. And whoever seeks, finds. And whoever knocks, it shall be opened to him.

11 So then, who among you, if he asks his father for bread, he would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he would give him a serpent, instead of a fish?

12 Or if he will ask for an egg, he would offer to him a scorpion?

13 Therefore, if you, being evil, know how to give good things to your sons, how much more will your Father give, from heaven, a spirit of goodness to those who ask him?”

14 And he was casting out a demon, and the man was mute. But when he had cast out the demon, the mute man spoke, and so the crowds were amazed.

15 But some of them said, “It is by Beelzebub, the leader of demons, that he casts out demons.”

16 And others, testing him, required a sign from heaven of him.

17 But when he perceived their thoughts, he said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself will become desolate, and house will fall upon house.

18 So then, if Satan is also divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebub that I cast out demons.

19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your own sons cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges.

20 Moreover, if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then certainly the kingdom of God has overtaken you.

21 When a strong armed man guards his entrance, the things that he possesses are at peace.

22 But if a stronger one, overwhelming him, has defeated him, he will take away all his weapons, in which he trusted, and he will distribute his spoils.

23 Whoever is not with me, is against me. And whoever does not gather with me, scatters.

24 When an unclean spirit has departed from a man, he walks through waterless places, seeking rest. And not finding any, he says: ‘I will return to my house, from which I departed.’

25 And when he has arrived, he finds it swept clean and decorated.

26 Then he goes, and he takes in seven other spirits with him, more wicked than himself, and they enter and live there. And so, the end of that man is made worse the beginning.”

27 And it happened that, when he was saying these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you.”

28 Then he said, “Yes, but moreover: blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

29 Then, as the crowds were quickly gathering, he began to say: “This generation is a wicked generation: it seeks a sign. But no sign will be given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

30 For just as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of man be to this generation.

31 The queen of the South will rise up, at the judgment, with the men of this generation, and she will condemn them. For she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, more than Solomon is here.

32 The men of Nineveh will rise up, at the judgment, with this generation, and they will condemn it. For at the preaching of Jonah, they repented. And behold, more than Jonah is here.

33 No one lights a candle and places it in hiding, nor under a bushel basket, but upon a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.

34 Your eye is the light of your body. If your eye is wholesome, your entire body will be filled with light. But if it is wicked, then even your body will be darkened.

35 Therefore, take care, lest the light that is within you become darkness.

36 So then, if your entire body becomes filled with light, not having any part in darkness, then it will be entirely light, and, like a shining lamp, it will illuminate you.”

37 And as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee asked him to eat with him. And going inside, he sat down to eat.

38 But the Pharisee began to say, thinking within himself: “Why might it be that he has not washed before eating?”

39 And the Lord said to him: “You Pharisees today clean what is outside the cup and the plate, but what is inside of you is full of plunder and iniquity.

40 Fools! Did not he who made what is outside, indeed also make what is inside?

41 Yet truly, give what is above as alms, and behold, all things are clean for you.

42 But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you ignore judgment and the charity of God. But these things you ought to have done, without omitting the others.

43 Woe to you, Pharisees! For you love the first seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the marketplace.

44 Woe to you! For you are like graves that are not noticeable, so that men walk over them without realizing it.”

45 Then one of the experts in the law, in response, said to him, “Teacher, in saying these things, you bring an insult against us as well.”

46 So he said: “And woe to you experts in the law! For you weigh men down with burdens which they are not able to bear, but you yourselves do not touch the weight with even one of your fingers.

47 Woe to you, who build the tombs of the prophets, while it is your fathers who killed them!

48 Clearly, you are testifying that you consent to the actions of your fathers, because even though they killed them, you build their sepulchers.

49 Because of this also, the wisdom of God said: I will send to them Prophets and Apostles, and some of these they will kill or persecute,

50 so that the blood of all the Prophets, which has been shed since the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation:

51 from the blood of Abel, even to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. So I say to you: it will be required of this generation!

52 Woe to you, experts in the law! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves do not enter, and those who were entering, you would have prohibited.”

53 Then, while he was saying these things to them, the Pharisees and the experts in the law began to insist strongly that he restrain his mouth about many things.

54 And waiting to ambush him, they sought something from his mouth that they might seize upon, in order to accuse him.

1 Then, as great crowds were standing so close that they were stepping on one another, he began to say to his disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 For there is nothing covered, which will not be revealed, nor anything hidden, which will not be known.

3 For the things that you have spoken in darkness will be declared in the light. And what you have said in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

4 So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do.

5 But I will reveal to you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after he will have killed, has the power to cast into Hell. So I say to you: Fear him.

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? And yet not one of these is forgotten in the sight of God.

7 But even the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.

8 But I say to you: Everyone who will have confessed me before men, the Son of man will also confess him before the Angels of God.

9 But everyone who will have denied me before men, he will be denied before the Angels of God.

10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven of him. But of him who will have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

11 And when they will lead you to the synagogues, and to magistrates and authorities, do not choose to be worried about how or what you will answer, or about what you might say.

12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you, in the same hour, what you must say.”

13 And someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”

14 But he said to him, “Man, who has appointed me as judge or arbitrator over you?”

15 So he said to them: “Be cautious and wary of all avarice. For a person’s life is not found in the abundance of the things that he possesses.”

16 Then he spoke to them using a comparison, saying: “The fertile land of a certain wealthy man produced crops.

17 And he thought within himself, saying: ‘What should I do? For I have nowhere to gather together my crops.’

18 And he said: ‘This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build larger ones. And into these, I will gather all the things that have been grown for me, as well as my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many goods, stored up for many years. Relax, eat, drink, and be cheerful.’

20 But God said to him: ‘Foolish one, this very night they require your soul of you. To whom, then, will those things belong, which you have prepared?’

21 So it is with him who stores up for himself, and is not wealthy with God.”

22 And he said to his disciples: “And so I say to you: Do not choose to be anxious about your life, as to what you may eat, nor about your body, as to what you will wear.

23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

24 Consider the ravens. For they neither sow nor reap; there is no storehouse or barn for them. And yet God pastures them. How much more are you, compared to them?

25 But which of you, by thinking, is able to add one cubit to his stature?

26 Therefore, if you are not capable, in what is so little, why be anxious about the rest?

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. They neither work nor weave. But I say to you, not even Solomon, in all his glory, was clothed like one of these.

28 Therefore, if God so clothes the grass, which is in the field today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more you, O little in faith?

29 And so, do not choose to inquire as to what you will eat, or what you will drink. And do not choose to be lifted up on high.

30 For all these things are sought by the Gentiles of the world. And your Father knows that you have need of these things.

31 Yet truly, seek first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added to you.

32 Do not be afraid, little flock; for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell what you possess, and give alms. Make for yourselves purses that will not wear out, a treasure that will not fall short, in heaven, where no thief approaches, and no moth corrupts.

34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

35 Let your waists be girded, and let lamps be burning in your hands.

36 And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding; so that, when he arrives and knocks, they may open to him promptly.

37 Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he returns, will find being vigilant. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, while he, continuing on, will minister to them.

38 And if he will return in the second watch, or if in the third watch, and if he will find them to be so: then blessed are those servants.

39 But know this: that if the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly stand watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into.

40 You also must be prepared. For the Son of man will return at an hour that you will not realize.”

41 Then Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or also to everyone?”

42 So the Lord said: “Who do you think is the faithful and prudent steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his family, in order to give them their measure of wheat in due time?

43 Blessed is that servant if, when his Lord will return, he will find him acting in this manner.

44 Truly I say to you, that he will appoint him over all that he possesses.

45 But if that servant will have said in his heart, ‘My Lord has made a delay in his return,’ and if he has begun to strike the men and women servants, and to eat and drink, and to be inebriated,

46 then the Lord of that servant will return on a day which he hoped not, and at an hour which he knew not. And he will separate him, and he will place his portion with that of the unfaithful.

47 And that servant, who knew the will of his Lord, and who did not prepare and did not act according to his will, will be beaten many times over.

48 Yet he who did not know, and who acted in a way that deserves a beating, will be beaten fewer times. So then, of all to whom much has been given, much will be required. And of those to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be asked.

49 I have come to cast a fire upon the earth. And what should I desire, except that it may be kindled?

50 And I have a baptism, with which I am to be baptized. And how I am constrained, even until it may be accomplished!

51 Do you think that I have come to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division.

52 For from this time on, there will be five in one house: divided as three against two, and as two against three.

53 A father will be divided against a son, and a son against his father; a mother against a daughter and a daughter against a mother; a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

54 And he also said to the crowds: “When you see a cloud rising from the setting of the sun, immediately you say, ‘A rain cloud is coming.’ And so it does.

55 And when a south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It will be hot.’ And so it is.

56 You hypocrites! You discern the face of the heavens, and of the earth, yet how is it that you do not discern this time?

57 And why do you not, even among yourselves, judge what is just?

58 So, when you are going with your adversary to the ruler, while you are on the way, make an effort to be freed from him, lest perhaps he may lead you to the judge, and the judge may deliver you to the officer, and the officer may cast you into prison.

59 I tell you, you will not depart from there, until you have paid the very last coin.”