1st Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday of All Saints
Hebrews 11:33 - 12:2a

A reading - from the Letter to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters: By faith [the Saints] conquered kingdoms, did what was just, obtained the promises; They broke the jaws of lions, put out raging fires, escaped the devou | ring | sword;

Though week they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back fore | ign | invaders.

Women received back their dead through resurrection. Others were tortured and would not receive deliverance, in order to obtain a better re | sur | rection.

Still others endured mockery, scourging, even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawed in two, put the death at | swords | point;

They went about garbed in the skins of sheep or goats, needy, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy | of | them.

They wandered about in deserts and on mountains, they dwelt in caves and in holes of | the | earth.

Yet, despite the fact that all of these were approved because of their faith, they did not obtain what had | been | promised.

God had made a better plan, a plan which includes us. Without us they were not to be | made | perfect.

Therefore, since we for our part are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every incumbents of sin which clings to us and persevere in running the race, which | lies | ahead;

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who - inspires - and - perfects - our - Faith.