September 15, 2004. 24th Sunday in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

The Lord God opens my ear that I may hear, and I have not rebelled, have not turned back.

I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard. My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord God is my help,

therefore I am not disgraced.

I have set my face like Flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

He is near who upholds my right.

If anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together.

Who disputes my right?

Let that man confront me.

See, the Lord God is my help.

Who will prove me wrong?

The word of the Lord in the land of the living. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

I love, O Lord, because he has heard my voice in supplication because he has inclined his ear to me the day I call

I will walk before the Lord in the land of our living

The courts of death encompassed me

The snares of the netherworld seized upon me.

I fell into distress and sorrow, and I called upon the name of the Lord, O Lord, save my life.

I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Gracious is the Lord and just, yes, our God is merciful the Lord keeps the little ones I was brought low and he saved me I will walk before the Lord in the land of our living.

For he has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

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