First ReadingIsaiah 56:1-3, 6-8*
From the Book of Isaiah
1The Lord says:
“Maintain justiceand do what is right,for my salvation is nearand my righteousness will soon be revealed.2Blessed is the man who does this,and the son of man who holds it fast;who keeps the Sabbath without profaning itand keeps his hand from doing any evil.”3Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord speak, saying,“The Lord will surely separate me from his people.”Do not let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” verses 4–5 are not read6Also the foreigners who join themselves to the Lordto serve him,and to love the Lord’s name,to be his servants,everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it,and holds fast my covenant,7I will bring these to my holy mountain,and make them joyful in my house of prayer.Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar;for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”8The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says,“I will yet gather others to him,in addition to his own who are gathered.”