NEW TESTAMENT (Second Reading)

A Reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Timothy

Beloved:

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, 

     a descendant of David: such is my gospel,

     for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains,

     like a criminal. 

But the word of God is not chained.

Therefore, I bear with everything 

     for the sake of those who are chosen, 

     so that they too may obtain the salvation 

     that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.

This saying is trustworthy: 

     if we have died with him

     we shall also live with him;

     if we persevere

     we shall also reign with him.

But if we deny him

     he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful

     he remains faithful,

     for he cannot deny himself. 

The Word of the Lord