http://www.easterbrooks.com/cgi-bin/Cathcal.cgi?20041203

First Reading: First Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

First Reading: First Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

16

If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!

17

If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship.

18

What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19

¹ Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible.

22

To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.

23

All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.

Table of Contents 1 Corinthians 9

Footnotes

¹ [19-23] In a rhetorically balanced series of statements Paul expands and generalizes the picture of his behavior and explores the paradox of apostolic freedom. It is not essentially freedom from restraint but freedom for service--a possibility of constructive activity.

Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

15

He said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.

16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.

17

These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages.

18

They will pick up serpents (with their hands), and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

19

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.

20

But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.) ¹

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Footnotes

¹ [20] THE SHORTER ENDING - [And they reported all the instructions briefly to Peter's companions. Afterwards Jesus himself, through them, sent forth from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen.]