Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles—1 Peter 1:3-9; John 15:17-21

<p><strong>READING</strong></p><p><strong>1 Peter 1:3–9 (NKJV)</strong></p><p><strong>3</strong> Blessed <em>be</em> the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, <strong>4</strong> to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, <strong>5</strong> who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.</p><p><strong>6</strong> In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, <strong>7</strong> that the genuineness of your faith, <em>being</em> much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, <strong>8</strong> whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see <em>Him,</em> yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, <strong>9</strong> receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of <em>your</em> souls.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>READING</strong></p><p><strong>John 15:17–21 (NKJV)</strong></p><p><strong>17</strong> These things I command you, that you love one another.</p><p><strong>18</strong> “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before <em>it hated</em> you. <strong>19</strong> If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. <strong>20</strong> Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. <strong>21</strong> But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.</p>