A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans.

Now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by our faith, we are at peace with God through our Savior Jesus Christ.  Because of our faith, Christ has brought us to the grace in which we now stand; and we confidently and joyfully look forward to the day on which we will become all that God has intended for us.  But not only that – we even rejoice in our afflictions!  We know that affliction makes for strength, and strength for tested virtue, and tested virtue for hope.  And such a hope does not receive disappointment, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

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