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First reading: Ecclesiasticus 3:17-24
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In the days of your affliction your kindness will be remembered of you,
like frost in sunshine, your sins will melt away.
The man who deserts his father is no better than a blasphemer,
and whoever angers his mother is accursed of the Lord.
My son, be gentle in carrying out your business,
and you will be better loved than a lavish giver.
The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly,
and then you will find favour with the Lord.
Many are the arrogant and renowned,
but the humble are those to whom he reveals his secrets;
for great though the power of the Lord is,
he accepts the homage of the humble.
Do not try to understand things that are too difficult for you,
or try to discover what is beyond your powers.
Think always on what God has taught you:
you have no need to worry over mysteries.
What is hidden, you have no need to see;
do not waste time inquiring into useless matters.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 14(15):2-5
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The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain?
He who walks without fault;
he who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart;
he who does not slander with his tongue.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
He who does no wrong to his brother,
who casts no slur on his neighbour,
who holds the godless in disdain,
but honours those who fear the Lord.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
He who keeps his pledge, come what may;
who takes no interest on a loan
and accepts no bribes against the innocent.
Such a man will stand firm for ever.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia!
You have only one Father, and he is in heaven;
you have only one Teacher, the Christ.
Alleluia!