November 19th, 2004. Tuesday of the 33rd week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of Revelation, I, John, heard the Lord saying to me,

To the angel of the church in Sardis, write this. The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this. I know your

works, that you have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Be watchful and strengthen

what is left, which is going to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

Remember then how you accepted and heard. Keep it and repent. If you are not watchful,

I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come upon you.

However, you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments.

They will walk with me dressed in white because they are worthy.

The victor will thus be dressed in white, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name

in the presence of my father and of his angels. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit

says to the churches. To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this.

The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God's creation, says this.

I know your works.

I know that you are neither cold nor hot.

I wish you were either cold or hot.

So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,

and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich,

and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed,

and buy ointment to smear on your eyes

so that you may see.

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