A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Hear me, O islands, listen, O distant peoples.

The Lord called me from birth.

From my mother's womb, he gave me my name.

He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm.

He made me a polished arrow. In his quiver, he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me, Israel,

through whom I show my glory.

Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing uselessly spent my strength,

yet my reward is with the Lord. My recompense is with my God.

For now the Lord has spoken, who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him.

And I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength.

It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel. I will make you a light to the nations that my salvation

may reach to the ends of the earth. The word of the Lord.

Thanks to be to God.

I will sing of your salvation.

I will sing of your salvation.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.

Let me never be put to shame.

In your justice, rescue me and deliver me.

Incline your ear to me and save me.

I will save your salvation.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety,

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