This word of the Lord came to me: Go, cry out this message for Jerusalem to hear!

Brothers and sisters: The love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died.

The Bride says:/ On my bed at night I sought him/ whom my heart loves—/ I sought him but I did not find him./ I will rise then and go about the city;/ in the streets and crossings I will seek/ Him whom my heart loves./ I sought him but I did not find him./ The watchmen came upon me,/ as they made their rounds of the city:/ Have you seen him whom my heart loves?/ I had hardly left them/ when I found him whom my heart loves.

Shepherd your people with your staff,/ the flock of your inheritance,/ That dwells apart in a woodland,/ in the midst of Carmel./ Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,/ as in the days of old;/ As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt,/ show us wonderful signs.

Hear what the Lord says:/ Arise, present your plea before the mountains,/ and let the hills hear your voice!/ Hear, O mountains, the plea of the Lord,/ pay attention, O foundations of the earth!/ For the Lord has a plea against his people,/ and he enters into trial with Israel.

Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

There is no god besides you who have the care of all,/ that you need show you have not unjustly condemned./ For your might is the source of justice;/ your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all./ For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved;/ and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity./ But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency,/ and with much lenience you govern us;/ for power, whenever you will, attends you./ And you taught your people, by these deeds,/ that those who are just must be kind;/ and you gave your children good ground for hope/ that you would permit repentance for their sins.

Woe to those who plan iniquity,/ and work out evil on their couches;/ In the morning light they accomplish it/ when it lies within their power./ They covet fields, and seize them;/ houses, and they take them;/ They cheat an owner of his house,/ a man of his inheritance./ Therefore thus says the Lord:/ Behold, I am planning against this race an evil/ from which you shall not withdraw your necks;/ Nor shall you walk with head high,/ for it will be a time of evil.

“O Lord, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in your presence, doing what was pleasing to you!” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

The way of the just is smooth;/ the path of the just you make level./ Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord,/ we look to you;/ Your name and your title/ are the desire of our souls./ My soul yearns for you in the night,/ yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;/ When your judgment dawns upon the earth,/ the world’s inhabitants learn justice./ O Lord, you mete out peace to us,/ for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.