Reading I
Sir 3:3-7, 14-17a
or Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3
For God hath made the father honourable to the children: and seeking the judgment of the mothers, hath confirmed it upon the children.
He that loveth God, shall obtain pardon for his sins by prayer, and shall refrain himself from them, and shall be heard in the prayer of days.
And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up a treasure.
He that honoureth his father shall have joy in his own children, and in the day of his prayer he shall be heard.
He that honoureth his father shall enjoy a long life: and he that obeyeth the father, shall be a comfort to his mother.
Son, support the old age of thy father, and grieve him not in his life;
And if his understanding fail, have patience with him, and despise him not when thou art in thy strength: for the relieving of the father shall not be forgotten.
For good shall be repaid to thee for the sin of thy mother.
And in justice thou shalt be built up, and in the day of affliction thou shalt be remembered: and thy sins shall melt away as the ice in the fair warm weather.
