Sunday, October 4

1Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

2Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.'

3Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb.

4So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.

5And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in.

6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there,

7and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.

8Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.

9For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.

10Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

6But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

9As it is written: 'He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.'

10Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

11while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

31And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

32'But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

34And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.

35But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

36Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.