A reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy.

Do not be ashamed to testify about God, or be ashamed of me, a prisoner for God’s sake.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of the Most High, who has saved us and

called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of divine purpose and divine grace.  This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it

has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

The Word of God recorded in the second letter of Paul to Timothy.