A READING FROM THE LETTER OF SAINT PAUL TO THE ROMANS
(GOD HAS IMPRISONED ALL MEN IN THEIR OWN DISOBEDIENCE ONLY TO SHOW MERCY TO ALL MANKIND.)
God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.
Just as you changed from being disobedient to God,
and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience,
so those who are disobedient now
– and only because of the mercy shown to you –
will also enjoy mercy eventually.
God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience
only to show mercy to all mankind.
How rich are the depths of God
– how deep his wisdom and knowledge –
and how impossible to penetrate his motives
or understand his methods!
Who could ever know the mind of the Lord?
Who could ever be his counsellor?
Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything?
All that exists comes from him;
all is by him and for him.
To him be glory for ever!
Amen.
The word of the Lord.
R.) Thanks be to God.
