September 1st, 2004, 22nd Sunday in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of Deuteronomy.

Moses said to the people,

Now Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe,

that you may live and may enter in and take possession

of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. In your observance of the

commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command

you, nor subtract from it.

Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence

to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say,

This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.

For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God,

is to us whenever we call upon Him?

Or what great nation has statutes and decrees

that are as just as this whole law

which I am setting before you today?

The Word of the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice,

Who thinks the truth in his heart,

And slanders not with his tongue,

...