A reading from
the Book of the Prophet Isaiah50:4-9a
The Lord God has given me/ a well-trained tongue,/ That I might know how to speak to the weary/ a word that will rouse them./ Morning after morning/ he opens my ear that I may hear;/ And I have not rebelled,/ have not turned back./ I gave my back to those who beat me,/ my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;/ My face I did not shield/ from buffets and spitting.
The Lord God is my help,/ therefore I am not disgraced;/ I have set my face like flint,/ knowing that I shall not be put to shame./ He is near who upholds my right;/ if anyone wishes to oppose me,/ let us appear together./ Who disputes my right?/ Let him confront me./ See, the Lord God is my help;/ who will prove me wrong?
The word of the Lord.
