A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans.

I don’t understand what I do—for I don’t do the things I want to do, but rather the things I hate. And if I do the very thing I don’t want to do, I am agreeing that the Law is good. Consequently, what is happening in me is not really me, but sin living in me.

I know that no good dwells in me, that is, in my human nature; the desire to do right is there, but not the power. What happens is that I don’t do the good I intend to do, but the evil that I do not intend. But if I do what is against my will, it is not I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

The Word of God recorded in the letter of Paul to the Romans.