NEW TESTAMENT READING Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7

A reading from the book of Revelation

I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the

former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also

saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of the

heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's

dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and

they will be his people and God himself will always be with them

as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there

shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old

order has passed away."

The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things

new. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water.

The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he

will be my son."

The Word of the Lord