First ReadingRomans 9:1-5
From the Letter of Paul to the Romans
1I tell the truth in Christ.I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit2that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.3For I could wishthat I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake,my relatives according to the flesh4who are Israelites;whose is the adoption,the glory, the covenants,the giving of the law,the service, and the promises;5of whom are the fathers,and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh,who is over all, God,blessed forever. Amen.