ST. PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 15:58; 16:1-3

Brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that contributions need not be made when I come.

And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

LUKE 7:1-10

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum.

Now a centurion had a slave who was dear to him, who was sick and at the point of death.

When he heard of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave.

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue.”

And Jesus went with them.

When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you.

But say the word, and let my servant be healed.

For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go, ‘ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come, ‘ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this, ‘ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well.