First ReadingBaruch 4:5-12, 27-29
From the Book of Baruch
5Be of good cheer, my people, the memorial of Israel.6You were not sold to the nations for destruction,but because you moved God to wrath,you were delivered to your adversaries.7For you provoked himwho made you by sacrificing to demons and not to God.8You forgot the everlasting God who brought you up.You also grieved Jerusalem, who nursed you.9For she saw the wrath that came upon you from God,and said, “Listen,you who dwell near Zion;for God has brought upon me great mourning.10For I have seen the captivity of my sons and daughters,which the Everlasting has brought upon them.11For with joy I nourished them,but sent them away with weeping and mourning.12Let no man rejoice over me, a widow and forsaken by many.For the sins of my children,I am left desolate,because they turned away from the law of God
verses 13–26 are not read27Take courage, my children, and cry to God;for you will be remembered by himwho has brought this upon you.28For as it was your decision to go astray from God,return and seek him ten times more.29For he who brought these calamities upon you will bring you everlasting joy again with your salvation.