God upholds us in struggle and brings us joy and mercy.
A reading from the Book of Sirach.
My child, when you come to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
undisturbed in time of adversity.
Cling to him, forsake him not;
thus will your future be great.
Accept whatever befalls you,
in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold is tested,
and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and he will help you;
make straight your ways and hope in him.
You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy,
turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the Lord, trust him,
and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the Lord, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
Study the generations long past and understand;
has anyone hoped in the Lord and been disappointed?
has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken?
has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the Lord;
he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble,
and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth.
The Word of the Lord.