First ReadingEphesians 2:12-22
From the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians
12that you were at that time separate from Christ,alienated from the commonwealth of Israel,and strangers from the covenants of the promise,having no hope and without God in the world.13But now in Christ Jesus youwho once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.14For he is our peace,who made both one,and broke down the middle wall of separation,15having abolished in his flesh the hostility,the law of commandments contained in ordinances,that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace,16and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross,having killed the hostility through it.17He came and preached peace to youwho were far off and to those who were near.18For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.19So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners,but you are fellow citizens with the saintsand of the household of God,20being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;21in whom the whole building,fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;22in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.