Bible Reading: Sirach 18: 1-19

The Eternal is the judge of all things without exception;
the Lord alone is just.
Whom has he made equal to describing his works,
and who can probe his mighty deeds?
Who can measure his majestic power,
or exhaust the tale of his mercies?
One cannot lessen, nor increase,
nor penetrate the wonders of the Lord.

When a man ends he is only beginning,
and when he stops he is still bewildered.
What is man, of what worth is he?
the good, the evil in him, what are these?
The sum of a man's days is great
if it reaches a hundred years:
Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand,
so are these few years among the days of eternity.

That is why the Lord is patient with men
and showers upon them his mercy.
He sees and understands that their death is grievous,
and so he forgives them all the more.
Man may be merciful to his fellow man,
but the Lord's mercy reaches all flesh,
Reproving, admonishing, teaching,
as a shepherd guides his flock;
Merciful to those who accept his guidance,
who are diligent in his precepts.

My son, to your charity add no reproach,
nor spoil any gift by harsh words.
Like dew that abates a burning wind,
so does a word improve a gift.
Sometimes the word means more than the gift;
both are offered by a kindly man.
Only a fool upbraids before giving;
a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes.

Be informed before speaking;
before sickness prepare the cure.
Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself,
and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.