Thursday in the Twenty-Fifth Week after Pentecost

The Lesson of the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians.
II Thessalonians §276 (2:12-3:5).
Brethren: We ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of God, for that God hath chosen you firstfruits unto salvation, in sanctification of the spirit, and faith of the truth. Whereunto also He hath called you by our gospel, unto the purchasing of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God and our Father, Who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope in grace, exhort your hearts, and confirm you in every good work and word. For the rest, brethren, pray for us, that the word of God may run, and may be glorified, even as among you; and that we may be delivered from importunate and evil men; for all men have not faith. But God is faithful, Who will strengthen and keep you from evil. And we have confidence concerning you in the Lord, that the things which we command, you both do, and will do. And the Lord direct your hearts, in the charity of God, and the patience of Christ.

The Lesson of the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.
Saint Luke §70 (13:1-9).
At that time: Coming unto Jesus, some told Him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And He answering, said to them: Think you that these Galileans were sinners above all the men of Galilee, because they suffered such things? No, I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen upon whom the tower fell in Siloe, and slew them: think you, that they also were debtors above all the men that dwelt in Jerusalem? No, I say to you; but except you do penance, you shall all likewise perish. He spoke also this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none. And he said to the dresser of the vineyard: Behold, for these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down therefore: why cumbereth it the ground? But he answering, said to him: Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig about it, and dung it. And if happily it bear fruit: but if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.