A reading from
the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah20:10-13
I hear the whisperings of many:/ “Terror on every side!/ Denounce! let us denounce him!”/ All those who were my friends/ are on the watch for any misstep of mine./ “Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail,/ and take our vengeance on him.”/ But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion:/ my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph./ In their failure they will be put to utter shame,/ to lasting, unforgettable confusion./ O Lord of hosts, you who test the just,/ who probe mind and heart,/ Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,/ for to you I have entrusted my cause./ Sing to the Lord,/ praise the Lord,/ For he has rescued the life of the poor/ from the power of the wicked!
The word of the Lord.
