First Reading2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11b-12*
From the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Fatherand the Lord Jesus Christ:2Grace to you and peace from God our Fatherand the Lord Jesus Christ.
3We are bound to always give thanks to God for you,brothers, even as it is appropriate,because your faith grows exceedingly,and the love of eachand every one of you toward one another abounds,4so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your perseveranceand faith in all your persecutionsand in the afflictions which you endure.5This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God,to the end that you may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom,for which you also suffer.
verses 6–10 are not read11To this end we also pray always for youthat our God may count you worthy of your calling,and fulfill every desire of goodnessand work of faith with power,12that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,and you in him, according to the grace of our Godand the Lord Jesus Christ.