First reading

Sirach 3.2-6, 12-14 or of Friday December 30, 2022

A A

Sirach 3.2-6, 12-14

The Lord honours a father above his children, and he confirms a mother’s rights over her sons. Whoever honours their father atones for sins and gains preservation from them; when they pray, they will be heard. Whoever respects their mother is like one who lays up treasure. The person who honours their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they will be heard. Whoever respects their father will have a long life, and whoever honours their mother obeys the Lord.

My child, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties, do not despise him all the days of his life. For kindness to your father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins — a house raised in justice for you.

or

Colossians 3.12-17 (shorter)

(For the longer reading, see the print edition of Living with Christ.)

Brothers and sisters: As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

V 0.6.1