Now hear the word of the Lord.  From the first apostle of John, the first three verses of that apostle.  “See what love the father has bestowed upon us in allowing us to be called children of God.  And that’s not just what we’re called, but who we actually are.  The reason the world does not know us, is that it did not know Christ.  Beloved, we are God’s children.  It doesn’t appear what we shall be in the future, we only know that when we reality breaks through, we will reflect his likeness, for we will see him as he actually is.  And everyone who thus hopes in him, purifies himself as Christ is pure.”  That’s the word of the Lord.  Let us pray.

Take the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts, and make them acceptable in your sight.  For you are our strength and our redeemer …