First ReadingHebrews 9:15, 24-28*
From the Letter to the Hebrews
15For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant,since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressionsthat were under the first covenant,that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. verses 16–23 are not read24For Christ hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands,which are representations of the true,but into heaven itself,now to appear in the presence of God for us;25nor yet that he should offer himself often,as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own,26or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world.But now once at the end of the ages,he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.27Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once,and after this, judgment,28so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many,will appear a second time,not to deal with sin,but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.