Sunday before the Exaltation of the Cross
Gal 6: 11-18

A reading - from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Galatians

Brothers and sisters: 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 themselves. They want you to be circumcised only that you may boast about your bodily ob | ser | vance.

May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus 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 man 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 spi - rit. A - men.