Mark 1:1-8

¹ The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ² As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you: ³ the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’” ⁴ John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. ⁵ All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. ⁶ John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. ⁸ I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”

2 Timothy 4:5-8

⁵ But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. ⁶ For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. ⁷ I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. ⁸ From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.