Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Alternate first reading and Psalm

10Jerusalem, your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to what the LORD is saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you. 11He says, “Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats. 12Who asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do all this tramping about in my Temple? 13It's useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins. 14I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing.

15“When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood. 16Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil 17and learn to do right. See that justice is done — help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.”

18The LORD says, “Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.

Isaiah 1:10-18GNBOpen in Bible reader

Confession and Forgiveness

1Happy are those whose sins are forgiven,

whose wrongs are pardoned.

2Happy is the one whom the LORD does not accuse of doing wrong

and who is free from all deceit.

3When I did not confess my sins,

I was worn out from crying all day long.

4Day and night you punished me, LORD;

my strength was completely drained,

as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.

5Then I confessed my sins to you;

I did not conceal my wrongdoings.

I decided to confess them to you,

and you forgave all my sins.

6So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need;

when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in,

it will not reach them.

7You are my hiding place;

you will save me from trouble.

I sing aloud of your salvation,

because you protect me.

Psalms 32:1-7GNBOpen in Bible reader
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