We have passed out of death and into life,
and of this we can be sure
because we love our brothers.
If you refuse to love, you must remain dead;
to hate your brother is to be a murderer,
and murderers, as you know, do not have eternal life in them.
This has taught us love –
that he gave up his life for us;
and we, too, ought to give up our lives for our brothers.
If a man who was rich enough in this world’s goods
saw that one of his brothers was in need,
but closed his heart to him,
how could the love of God be living in him?
My children,
our love is not to be just words or mere talk,
but something real and active.

Happy the man who fears the Lord.

Happy the man who fears the Lord,
  who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth;
  the children of the upright are blessed.

Happy the man who fears the Lord.

Riches and wealth are in his house;
  his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
  he is generous, merciful and just.

Happy the man who fears the Lord.

The good man takes pity and lends,
  he conducts his affairs with honour.
The just man will never waver:
  he will be remembered for ever.

Happy the man who fears the Lord.

He has no fear of evil news;
  with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
  he will see the downfall of his foes.

Happy the man who fears the Lord.

Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
  his justice stands firm for ever.
  His head will be raised in glory.

Happy the man who fears the Lord.

Alleluia, alleluia!
I give you a new commandment:
love one another just as I have loved you,
says the Lord.
Alleluia!