Today's Readings 
Matthew 26 : 59 - 75
| 59 | Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, |
| 60 | but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward |
| 61 | and said, "This fellow said, "I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days."' |
| 62 | And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" |
| 63 | But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" |
| 64 | Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." |
| 65 | Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! |
| 66 | What do you think?" They answered and said, "He is deserving of death." |
| 67 | Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, |
| 68 | saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?" |
| 69 | Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." |
| 70 | But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." |
| 71 | And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth." |
| 72 | But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!" |
| 73 | And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you." |
| 74 | Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. |
| 75 | And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly. |