22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Gal 6: 11-18

A reading - from the Letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Galatians

See, I write to you in my own large handwriting! Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised are making a play for human approval - with an eye to escaping persecution for the cross | of | Christ.

The very ones who accept circumcision do not follow the law | them|selves.

They want you to be circumcised only that they may boast about your bodily observance. May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Je|sus | Christ!

Through it, the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. It means nothing whether one is circumcised | or | not.

All that matters is that one is created a new. Peace and mercy on all who follow this rule of life, and on the Israel of god. Henceforth, let no men trouble me for I bear the brand marks of Jesus in | my | body.

Brethren, May the favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your - spirit. - Amen.