and from Jesus Christ – the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood

and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades!

The one who conquers will be dressed like them in white clothing, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will declare his name before my Father and before his angels.

Because you have kept my admonition to endure steadfastly, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing,” but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked,

But the angel said to me, “Why are you astounded? I will interpret for you the mystery of the woman and of the beast with the seven heads and ten horns that carries her.

As much as she exalted herself and lived in sensual luxury, to this extent give her torment and grief because she said to herself, ‘I rule as queen and am no widow; I will never experience grief!’

saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my one dear Son; in him I take great delight.”

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.

When Jesus heard this he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found such faith in anyone in Israel!

They cried out, “Son of God, leave us alone! Have you come here to torment us before the time?”

Then the demons begged him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

Go and learn what this saying means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”

“I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges.

To the one who had said this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?”

And pointing toward his disciples he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!