Suggested 1st Reading (Old Testament Readings)
The following suggested Readings are the most requested options. Click Here for additional options.

Wisdom 3:1-9 (short form, 3:1-6, 9)

• Omit the words in bolded brackets [ ] for the short form of this reading.

​A reading from the Book of Wisdom

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 his elect.
The word of the Lord.

Wisdom 4:7-15

A reading from the Book of Wisdom

The just man, though he die early,
     shall be at rest.
For the age that is honorable comes not
     with the passing of time,
     nor can it be measured in terms of years.
Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men,
     and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
He who pleased God was loved;
     he who lived among sinners was transported–
Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind
     or deceit beguile his soul;
For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right
     and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind.
Having become perfect in a short while,
     he reached the fullness of a long career;
     for his soul was pleasing to the LORD,
     therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness.
But the people saw and did not understand,
     nor did they take this into account.
The word of the Lord.

Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
​
A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah,

On this mountain the LORD of hosts
     will provide for all peoples.
On this mountain he will destroy
     the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations;
     he will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
     the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
     from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.
     On that day it will be said:
"Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
     This is the LORD for whom we looked;
     let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"
The word of the Lord.
​
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