A reading from the book of Genesis.

Yahweh appeared to Abraham by the Oak of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his and Sarah’s tent, while the day was growing hot.  Looking up, Abraham saw three travelers standing nearby.  When he saw them, Abraham ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, said: “If I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant.  Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree.  Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.”  “Very well,” they replied, “do as you have said.”

Abraham hastened into the tent, that he, Sarah and their servant might quickly prepare a repast for the travelers.  When the food had been prepared, he set it before them, and waited on them under the
tree while they ate.

”Where is Sarah?” they asked. ”There in the tent,” he replied. One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and you and Sarah will then have a child.”

The Word of God recorded in the book of Genesis.

R: Those who act justly will live in the presence of God.

Those whose way of life is blameless,

who always do what is right,

Who speak the truth from their heart,

whose tongue is not used for slander.

R: Those who act justly will live in the presence of God.

Who do no wrong to friends

cast no discredit on neighbors,

Who look with contempt on the reprobate

but honor those who fear You.

R: Those who act justly will live in the presence of God.

Who do not ask interest on loans

and cannot be bribed to exploit the innocent.

If they do all this,

nothing can ever shake them.

R: Those who act justly will live in the presence of God.