FIRST READING: Wisdom 2: 23 -- 3: 9
23
For God created man incorruptible, and to the image of his own
likeness he made him.
24
But by the envy of the devil, death came into the world:
25
And they follow him that are of his side.
1
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of
death shall not touch them.
2
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure
was taken for misery:
3
And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in
peace.
4
And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is
full of immortality.
5
Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because
God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself.
6
As gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a
holocaust he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect
had to them.
7
The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the
reeds.
8
They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall
reign for ever.
9
They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are
faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his
elect.
2
I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my
mouth.
3
In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice.
16
The eyes of the Lord are upon the just: and his ears unto their
prayers.
17
But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things:
to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
18
The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of
all their troubles.
19
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will
save the humble of spirit.
7
But which of you having a servant ploughing, or feeding cattle, will
say to him, when he is come from the field: Immediately go, sit down
to meat:
8
And will not rather say to him: Make ready my supper, and gird
thyself, and serve me, whilst I eat and drink, and afterwards thou
shalt eat and drink?
9
Doth he thank that servant, for doing the things which he commanded
him?
10
I think not. So you also, when you shall have done all these things
that are commanded you, say: We are unprofitable servants; we have
done that which we ought to do.
