April 25, 2006. Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist.

A reading from the first letter of St. Peter.

Beloved,

Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another.

For God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God

that he may exalt you in due time.

Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant.

Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.

The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus,

will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you

after you have suffered a little.

To him be dominion forever.

Amen.

I write you this briefly through Silvanus,

whom I consider a faithful brother,

exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.

Remain firm in it.

The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting,

as does Mark my son.

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