Matthew 13:31–36a

Wednesday 6 weeks.

On the eve of the Nativity of Christ, at vespers,

performed separately from the Liturgy (on Saturday and Sunday).

The Gospel of Matthew, conceived 54

In those days, Jesus sent the people away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, and said, Explain to us the parable of the tares in the field. And he answered and said unto them, He that soweth good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the Kingdom, and the tares are the sons of the evil one; the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Therefore as they gather tares and burn with fire, so shall it be at the end of this world: the Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all the temptations and those who work iniquity, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth; then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!

Matthew 13:36–43

Thursday of the 6th week.

The Gospel of Matthew, conceived 55

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which, having been found, a man has hidden, and for joy in it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field." And the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for good pearls, who, having found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught fish of all kinds, which, when it was full, they dragged them ashore and, having sat down, gathered the good into vessels, and threw the bad things away. Thus shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous, and cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus asked them, Have you understood all these things? They said to Him, "Yes, Lord! And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been taught the kingdom of heaven is like a master who brings out of his treasury new and old." And when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from there. And when he came into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue.

Matthew 13:44–54a

Friday of the 6th week.

October 3, Dionysius the Areopagite.

The Gospel of Matthew, conceived 56