Sunday between 23 and 29 October    

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

First Reading - Jeremiah 14.7-8a,9b,21,22b

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah. Help us, O Lord, for you are the hope of Israel, our saviour in time of trouble. We know that we have rebelled against you. Our trespasses are many, and our offences cry out to you. But you, O Lord, are amongst us, and we are called by your name. Do not reject us, or dishonour your glorious throne, but for the sake of your name, remember the covenant you made with us. We set our hope on you alone, O Lord our God. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 17-18

A reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have kept the faith. And now I am being poured out like an offering, and the time for my departure is near. What lies ahead is to receive the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will present to me on that day, alongside all who have received the Lord’s forgiveness, and look with joy for the day of the Lord’s appearing. Having called me to proclaim the good news to all nations, the Lord has stood by me, rescued me, and strengthened me; and the Lord will surely continue to protect me from every assault, and bring me safely to the heavenly kingdom. To the Lord be glory for ever! This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - Luke 18.9-14

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Amongst those who came to hear Jesus were some who had great confidence in their own righteousness, and regarded others with contempt. Jesus told them this parable. ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee; the other was a collector of the Roman taxes. The Pharisee stood confidently, and said: “O God, I thank you that I am not like all the other people - thieves, liars, and adulterers - or even that tax collector! I fast twice a week! I give a tenth of all my income to the temple!” But the tax collector stayed back, at a distance, and would not even look up to heaven, but, with his hand on his heart, said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I tell you, it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who returned home righteous in the sight of God. For those who place themselves above others will be brought down. But those who choose to be humble will be lifted up.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord.