Wisdom 3:1-9 or 3:1-6. 9
A reading from the book of Wisdom
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in
the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going
forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried
them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial
offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about
as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be
their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him
in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.
The Word of the Lord
OR
[short form]
A reading from the book of Wisdom
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in
the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going
forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried
them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial
offerings he took them to himself. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall
abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.
The Word of the Lord
Old Testament Reading #2