A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy.

At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release.

And this is the manner of the release.

Every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor.

He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord's release has been

proclaimed.

Of a foreigner you may exact it.

But whatever of yours is with your

brother, your hand shall release. But there will be no poor among you, for the Lord will bless you

in the land that the Lord your God is given you for an inheritance to possess. If only you will

strictly obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command

you today, for the Lord your God will bless you to do all this commandment that I command you today,

for the Lord your God will bless you, as He promised you, and you shall lend to many nations,

but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.

If among you one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land

that the Lord your God is giving you,

you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open

your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. Take care lest there be

an unworthy thought in your heart, and you say, the seventh year, the year of release is near,

and your eye look grudgingly on your

poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cried to the Lord against you, and you be guilty

of sin. You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him,

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