The lesson for the third Sunday of Lent comes from the Apostle Paul's fifth chapter to his letter to the Ephesians,

therefore be imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be

no filthiness, nor foolish talk, nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead, let there

be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure,

or who is covetous, that is, an idolaturer has no inheritance in the kingdom of God and Christ,

let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God

comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partakers with them,

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.

A continuation of the Holy Gospel, according to St. Luke, now he was casting out a demon that was

mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled,

but some of them said, he casts out demons by Balezab, the prince of demons, while others to test him

kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them,

every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste and a divided household falls, and if Satan also is divided

against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Balesabal,

and if I cast out demons by Balesable, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will

be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons,

then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace,

his goods are safe, but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes

away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. Whoever is not with me is against me,

and whoever does not gather

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