Matthew 5:21-37 for two readers, 6th Sunday of Epiphany, Year A

 

Sixth Sunday of Epiphany, Year A

A reading for two voices

An attempt has been made to make the language inclusive.

 

READER 1:
Hear the teachings of Jesus as recorded by Matthew. We are reading from chapter 5.

READER 2:
‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder.” And, “Whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement. And if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council.

And if you say, “You fool,” you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go! First be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you accompany them to court, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

READER 1:
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a person with lust has already committed adultery with them in their heart.

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off, and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

READER 2:
‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces their spouse, let them give a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces their spouse, except on the ground of unchastity, causes them to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced person commits adultery.

READER 1:
‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Eternal One.” But I say to you, do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is God’s footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great Ruler. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes,” or “No, No”. Anything more than this, comes from the evil one.

READER 2:
Here ends the reading. May God bless our hearing with understanding.

 

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