Thursday in the Seventeenth Week after Pentecost

The Lesson of the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
Ephesians §225 (4:14-19).
Brethren: Let us no more be children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the wickedness of men, by cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive. But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in Him who is the head, even Christ: From Whom the whole body, being compacted and fitly joined together, by what every joint supplieth, according to the operation in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in charity. This then I say and testify in the Lord: That henceforward you walk not as also the Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts. Who despairing, have given themselves up to lasciviousness, unto the working of all uncleanness, unto covetousness.

The Lesson of the Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark.
Saint Mark §52 (11:27-33).
At that time: Jesus cometh to Jerusalem. And when He was walking in the temple, there come to Him the chief priests and the scribes and the ancients, and they say to Him: By what authority dost Thou these things? And who hath given Thee this authority that Thou shouldst do these things? And Jesus answering, said to them: I will also ask you one word, and answer you Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? Answer Me. But they thought with themselves, saying: If we say, From heaven; He will say, Why then did you not believe him? If we say, From men, we fear the people. For all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed. And they answering, say to Jesus: We know not. And Jesus answering, saith to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.