V A reading from the Book of Proverbs (31:10-31)

Transcription

1 V A reading from the Book of Proverbs (31:10-31) Who shall find a valiant woman: she is worth far more than jewels. Advantage and not hurt she brings all the days of her life. She does her work with eager spirit; with what her efforts have earned, she plants a vineyard. She holds out her hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She is clothed in strength and dignity, and can laugh at the days to come. When she opens her mouth she does so wisely; on her tongue is kindly instruction. Those who know her sing her praises Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the city gates. THE WORD OF THE LORD.

2 VI A reading from the Book of Lamentations (3:17-26) My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall; Remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence For the saving help of the Lord THE WORD OF THE LORD.

3 VII A reading from the second Book of Maccabees ((12:42-43) He then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin. THE WORD OF THE LORD

4 VIII A reading from the Book of Sirach (44, ) Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time: These also were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; Their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; Through God's covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out; Their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise. THE WORD OF THE LORD..

5 IX A reading from the Book of Proverbs My children, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my principles for these will give you lengthier days, longer years of life, and great happiness. Let kindness and loyalty never leave you; tie them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So shall you enjoy favor and good repute in the sight of God and all people. Happy the person who discovers wisdom, who gains discernment; for gaining her is more rewarding then silver, more profitable then gold. She is beyond the price of pearls, nothing you can covet is her equal. In her right hand is length of days, in her left hand, riches and honor. She is a tree of life for those who hold her fast, those who cling to her live happy lives. THE WORD OF THE LORD..

6 X A reading from the Prophet Isaiah Thus says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased: I have formed you and I have grasped you by the hand. Do not be afraid, for I have called you by your name and you are mine. You are precious in my eyes, you are honored and I love you. You are my witness, my servant whom I have chosen that people may know and believe me and understand that it is I. I am the Lord, there is no savior but me. I have formed you for myself, to sing my praises, and I am your God. THE WORD OF THE LORD..