First ReadingJeremiah 15:10, 16-21
From the Book of Jeremiah
10Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife,and a man of contention to the whole earth!I have not lent, neither have men lent to me;yet every one of them curses me. verses 11–15 are not read16Your words were found,and I ate them.Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart,for I am called by your name, Lord, God of Armies.17I didn’t sit in the assembly of those who make merry and rejoice.I sat alone because of your hand,for you have filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain perpetual,and my wound incurable,which refuses to be healed?Will you indeed be to me as a deceitful brook,like waters that fail?
19Therefore the Lord says,
“If you return, then I will bring you again,that you may stand before me;and if you take out the precious from the vile,you will be as my mouth.They will return to you,but you will not return to them.20I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall.They will fight against you,but they will not prevail against you;for I am with you to save youand to deliver you,” says the Lord.21“I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked,and I will redeem you out of the hand of the terrible.”