First Reading2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
From the Second Book of Maccabees
1It came to pass that seven brothersand their mother were at the king’s command takenand shamefully handled with scourges and cords,to compel them to taste of the abominable swine’s flesh.2One of them made himself the spokesman and said,“What would you ask and learn from us?For we are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.” verses 3–8 are not read9When he was at the last gasp,he said, “You, miscreant,release us out of this present life,but the King of the world will raise uswho have died for his laws up to an everlasting renewal of life.”
10After him, the third was made a victim of their mocking.When he was required,he quickly put out his tongue,and stretched out his hands courageously,11and nobly said, “I got these from heaven.For his laws’ sake I treat these with contempt.From him, I hope to receive these back again.”12As a result, the king himself and thosewho were with him were astonished at the young man’s soul,for he regarded the pains as nothing.
13When he too was dead,they shamefully handledand tortured the fourth in the same way.14Being near to death he said this:“It is good to die at the hands of menand look for the hope which is given by God,that we will be raised up again by him.For as for you, you will have no resurrection to life.”