Deacon:  Wisdom! Arise! Hear the Holy Gospel!

Priest:   Peace to you all. 

People:  And to your spirit.

Deacon:  A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew  (6:14-21)

People:  Glory to You Lord. Glory to You.

Priest:   Listen!

Deacon: At that time Jesus said,

'If you forgive others their failings, then your heavenly Father will forgive yours. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.

'When you fast, do not put of a gloomy face like the hypocrites do. They go about looking unsightly so others know they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward.

'But when you fast, put scented oil on your head and wash you face, so that no-one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in private. And your Father, who sees everything that is done in private, will reward you.

'Do not store up wealth for yourselves on earth. Moth and worm can destroy, and thieves can break in and steal. But store up wealth for yourselves in heaven. There neither moth nor woodworm can destroy, nor can thieves break in and steal.  

'Wherever your wealth is, there is your heart too.

People:  Glory to You Lord, Glory to You