First ReadingSirach 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17
From the Book of Sirach
1Have mercy upon us, O Lord the God of all, and look at us with favor; verses 2–3 are not read4As you showed your holiness in us before them,so be magnified in them before us.5Let them know you, as we also have known you,that there is no God but only you, O God. verses 6–9 are not read10Crush the heads of the rulers of the enemieswho say, “There is no one but ourselves.”11Gather all the tribes of Jacob together,and take them for your inheritance, as from the beginning.12O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by your name,and upon Israel, whom you likened to a firstborn.13Have compassion upon the city of your sanctuary,Jerusalem, the place of your rest.14Fill Zion. Exalt your oraclesand fill your people with your glory.15Give testimony to those who were your creatures in the beginning,and fulfill the prophecies that have been spoken in your name.16Reward those who wait for you,and men will put their trust in your prophets.17Listen, O Lord, to the prayer of your servants,according to the blessing of Aaron concerning your people;and all those who are on the earth will knowthat you are the Lord, the eternal God.