First Reading: Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20

¹ On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.
² And when they set out from Reph’idim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.
⁹ And the LORD said to Moses, “Lo, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you for ever.” Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.
¹⁰ And the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments,
¹¹ and be ready by the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
¹⁶ On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.
¹⁷ Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God; and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.
¹⁸ And Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and the smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.
¹⁹ And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.
²⁰ And the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; and the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.