THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT.

A reading from the Book of Genesis: chapter 9, beginning at the 8th verse.

8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 ‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.’ 12 God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.’ 17 God said to Noah, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.’

Hear the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 25:1-10

1 In you, O Lord my God, have I put my hope: in you have I trusted, let me not be ashamed, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

2 Let none who wait for you be put to shame:

but let those that break faith

be confounded and gain nothing.

3 Show me your ways, O Lord: and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me in the ways of your truth, and teach me: for you are the God of my salvation.

5 In you have I hoped all the day long: because of your goodness, O Lord.

6 Call to mind your compassion and your loving-kindness: for they are from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions:

but according to your mercy think on me.

8 Good and upright is the Lord:

therefore will he direct sinners in the way. 9 The meek he will guide in the path of justice: and teach the humble his ways.

10 All the paths of the Lord are faithful and true:

for those who keep his covenant and his commandments.