First ReadingSirach 2:1-11
From the Book of Sirach
1My son, if you come to serve the Lord,prepare your soul for temptation.2Set your heart aright, constantly endure,and don’t make haste in time of calamity.3Cling to him, and don’t depart,that you may be increased at your latter end.4Accept whatever is brought upon you,and be patient when you suffer humiliation.5For gold is tried in the fire,and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.6Put your trust in him, and he will help you.Make your ways straight, and set your hope on him.7All you who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy.Don’t turn aside, lest you fall.8All you who fear the Lord, put your trust in him,and your reward will not fail.9All you who fear the Lord, hope for good things,and for eternal gladness and mercy.10Look at the generations of old, and see:Who ever put his trust in the Lord, and was ashamed?Or who remained in his fear, and was forsaken?Or who called upon him, and he neglected him?11For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.He forgives sins and saves in time of affliction.