Mass Readings For February 23, 2017

Revelation 2:8-11
Psalms 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17
John 15:18-21

Revelation 2:8-11
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: `The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “`I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who conquers shall not be hurt by the second death.’

Psalms 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17
2 Incline thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! 3 Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me, 5 Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 7 I will rejoice and be glad for thy steadfast love, because thou hast seen my affliction, thou hast taken heed of my adversities, 15 My times are in thy hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors! 16 Let thy face shine on thy servant; save me in thy steadfast love!

John 15:18-21
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know him who sent me.