A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians - I Corinthians 12:31-13:8a

Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And
I am going to show you a way that is
better than any of them.

If I have all the eloquence of men or
of angels, but speak without love, I am
simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing.

If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding
all the mysteries there are, and knowing
everything and if I have faith in all its
fullness, to move mountains, but without love,
than I am nothing at all.

If I give away all that I possess, piece
by piece, and if I even let them take my
body to burn it, but am without love, it
will do me no good whatsoever.

Love is always patient and kind; it is
never jealous; love is never boastful or
conceited; it is never rude or self-ish; it
does not take offense, and is not resentful.

Love takes no pleasure in other people's
sins but delights in the truth; it is
always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope
and to endure whatever comes.

Love does not come to an end.

The word of the Lord.