nor reap; which
have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. How much better
are ye than the birds! (25)And which of you by taking thought can add
a cubit to his stature[12:25]? (26)If therefore ye can not do even
that which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

(27)Consider the lilies, how they grow; they toil not, nor spin; and I
say to you, that even Solomon, in all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these. (28)And if God so clothes the grass, which to-day is in
the field, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, how much more you, ye
of little faith? (29)And ye, seek not what ye shall eat, or what ye
shall drink, and be not of a doubtful mind. (30)For all these things
do the nations of the world seek after; and your Father knows that ye
have need of these. (31)But seek his kingdom, and these things shall
be added to you.

(32)Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to
give you the kingdom. (33)Sell what ye have, and give alms; provide
yourselves purses that wax not old, a treasure unfailing in the
heavens, where a thief approaches not, nor moth corrupts. (34)For
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

(35)Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; (36)and ye
like men waiting for their lord, when he shall return from the
wedding; that, when he comes and knocks, they may open to him
immediately. (37)Happy those servants, whom their lord when he comes
shall find watching! Verily I say to you, that he will gird himself,
and make them recline at table, and will come forth and serve them.
(38)And if he shall come in the second watch, or in the third watch,
and find it so, happy are those servants. (39)And this know, that if
the master of the house had known at what hour the thief is coming, he
would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken
through. (40)Be ye also ready; for at an hour when ye think not, the
Son of man comes.

(41)And Peter said to him: Lord, speakest thou this parable to us, or
also to all? (42)And the Lord said: Who then is the faithful, the wise
steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give the
portion of food in due season? (43)Happy that servant, whom his lord
when he comes shall find so doing! (44)Of a truth I say to you, that
he will make him ruler over all his goods.

(45)But if that servant say in his heart: My lord delays his coming;
and shall begin to beat the men-servants and maidservants, an