First ReadingLamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19
From the Book of Lamentations
2The Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacobwithout pity.He has thrown down in his wrath the strongholds of the daughter of Judah.He has brought them down to the ground.He has profaned the kingdom and its princes. verses 3–9 are not read10The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on the ground.They keep silence.They have cast up dust on their heads.They have clothed themselves with sackcloth.The virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.11My eyes fail with tears.My heart is troubled.My bile is poured on the earth,because of the destruction of the daughter of my people,because the young children and the infants swoon in the streets of the city.12They ask their mothers,“Where is grain and wine?”when they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city,when their soul is poured out into their mothers’ bosom.13What shall I testify to you?What shall I liken to you, daughter of Jerusalem?What shall I compare to you,that I may comfort you, virgin daughter of Zion?For your breach is as big as the sea.Who can heal you?14Your prophets have seen false and foolish visions for you.They have not uncovered your iniquity,to reverse your captivity,but have seen for you false revelations and causes of banishment. verses 15–17 are not read18Their heart cried to the Lord.O wall of the daughter of Zion,let tears run down like a river day and night.Give yourself no relief.Don’t let your eyes rest.19Arise, cry out in the night,at the beginning of the watches!Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord.Lift up your hands toward him for the life of your young children,who faint for hunger at the head of every street.