September 28, 2003, Thursday of the 25th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Hagi.

On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius,

the word of the Lord came through the prophet Hagi,

to the governor of Judah, Zereababal, of Shialteal, and to the high priest Joshua,

son of Jehoshadec.

Thus says the Lord of hosts,

this people says, the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.

Then this word of the Lord came through Hagi, the prophet.

Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses while this house lies in ruins?

Now thus says the Lord of hosts, consider your ways.

You have sown much but have brought in little.

You have eaten, but have not been satisfied.

You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated.

Have clothed yourself, but not been warmed.

And whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it.

Thus, says the Lord of Host, consider your ways.

Go up into the hill country, bring timber and build the house

that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm. The response is,

The Lord takes delight in his people.

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