NEW TESTAMENT (Second Reading)

A Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans

Brothers and Sisters:

If, by the transgression of one person, 

     death came to reign through that one, 

     how much more will those who receive 

     the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification 

     come to reign in life 

     through the one person Jesus Christ. 

In conclusion, just as through one transgression

     condemnation came upon all, 

     so through one righteous act 

     acquittal and life came to all.  

For just as through the disobedience of one person 

     the many were made sinners, 

     so through the obedience of one 

     the many will be made righteous.  

The law entered in 

     so that transgression might increase but, 

     where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more,

     so that, as sin reigned in death, 

     grace also might reign through justification for

     eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.   

The Word of the Lord