Thursday in the Twenty-First Week after Pentecost

The Lesson of the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Colossians.
Colossians §252 (1:24-29).
Brethren: I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for His body, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which is given me towards you, that I may fulfill the word of God: the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is manifested to His saints, to whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory. Whom we preach, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Wherein also I labour, striving according to His working which He worketh in me in power.

The Lesson of the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.
Saint Luke §41 (9:7-11).
At that time: Herod, the tetrarch, heard of all things that were done by Jesus; and he was in a doubt, because it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead: but by other some, that Elias had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said: John I have beheaded; but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he sought to see Him. And the apostles, when they were returned, told Him all they had done. And taking them, He went aside into a desert place, apart, which belongeth to Bethsaida. Which when the people knew, they followed Him; and he received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed them who had need of healing.