A reading from
the Book of Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
God sets a father in honor over his children;/ a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons./ Whoever honors his father atones for sins,/ and preserves himself from them./ When he prays, he is heard;/ he stores up riches who reveres his mother./ Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,/ and, when he prays, is heard./ Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;/ he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.
My son, take care of your father when he is old;/ grieve him not as long as he lives./ Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;/ revile him not all the days of his life;/ kindness to a father will not be forgotten,/ firmly planted against the debt of your sins/ – a house raised in justice to you.
The word of the Lord.
