The 1st Reading for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Ezekiel 17:22-24)

Send us Fan MailThis is what the Lord God says:I will take a sprigfrom the lofty top of the cedar and plant it.I will pluck a tender sprigfrom its topmost shoots,and I will plant iton a high towering mountain.I will plant it on Israel’s high mountainso that it may bear branches, produce fruit,and become a majestic cedar.Birds of every kind will nest under it,taking shelter in the shade of its branches.Then all the trees of the field will knowthat I am the Lord.I bring down the tall tree,and make the low tree tall.I cause the green tree to witherand make the withered tree thrive.I, the Lord, have spokenand I will do it.O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.