The Baptism of the Lord, Year C: 2nd Reading

Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
   and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
   and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
   as we await the blessed hope,
   the appearance of the glory of our great God
   and savior Jesus Christ,
   who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
   and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
   eager to do what is good.

   When the kindness and generous love
      of God our savior appeared,
   not because of any righteous deeds we had done
      but because of his mercy,
   he saved us through the bath of rebirth
      and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
   whom he richly poured out on us
      through Jesus Christ our savior,
   so that we might be justified by his grace
      and become heirs in hope of eternal life.