A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

For just as from the heavens

the rain and snow come down

and do not return there

till they have watered the earth,

making it fertile and fruitful,

giving seed to the sower

and bread for food,

so will my word be

that goes forth from my mouth:

it will not return to me empty,

but will carry out my will,

achieving the end for which I sent it.

The Word of God recorded in the book of the prophet Isaiah.