From the prophet Isaiah Ch 1
THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah Ch 1, 10, 16-20
“Hear the word of the Lord, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your air: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.
Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; but if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken!” (Is 1, 10, 16-20)