First ReadingWisdom 2:23—3:9
From the Book of Wisdom
23Because God created man for incorruption,and made him an image of his own everlastingness;24but death entered into the world by the envy of the devil,and those who belong to him experience it.1But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,and no torment will touch them.2In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died.Their departure was considered a disaster,3and their travel away from us ruin,but they are in peace.4For even if in the sight of men they are punished,their hope is full of immortality.5Having borne a little chastening, they will receive great good;because God tested them, and found them worthy of himself.6He tested them like gold in the furnace,and he accepted them as a whole burnt offering.7In the time of their visitation they will shine.They will run back and forth like sparks among stubble.8They will judge nations and have dominion over peoples.The Lord will reign over them forever.9Those who trust him will understand truth.The faithful will live with him in love,because grace and mercy are with his chosen ones.