Thursday in the Twenty-Second Week after Pentecost

The Lesson of the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Colossians.
Colossians §260a (4:2-9).
Brethren: Be instant in prayer; watching in it with thanksgiving: praying withal for us also, that God may open unto us a door of speech to speak the mystery of Christ (for which also I am bound;) that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. Walk with wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always in grace seasoned with salt: that you may know how you ought to answer every man. All the things that concern me, Tychicus, our dearest brother, and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will make known to you, whom I have sent to you for this same purpose, that he may know the things that concern you, and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a most beloved and faithful brother, who is one of you. All things that are done here, they shall make known to you.

The Lesson of the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.
Saint Luke §48a (9:49-56).
At that time: There came unto Jesus one of His disciples, who said unto Him: Master, we saw a certain man casting out devils in Thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said to him: Forbid him not; for he that is not against you, is for you. And it came to pass, when the days of His assumption were accomplishing, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem. And He sent messengers before His face; and going, they entered into a city of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. And they received Him not, because His face was of one going to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John had seen this, they said: Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them? And turning, He rebuked them, saying: You know not of what spirit you are. The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save. And they went into another town.