Galatians 5:1-15 (NRSV)

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision countsfor anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Suchpersuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord thatyou will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am stillpreaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves! For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love becomeslaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ŒYou shall love your neighbor as yourself.¹ If, however, you biteand devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.