Old Testament Readings

Old Testament Reading #1A reading from the book of Job (19:23-27)Job answered and said:Oh, would that my words were written down!Would that they were inscribed in a record:That with iron chisel and with leadthey were cut in the rock forever!But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives,and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;Whom I myself shall see:my own eyes, not another's shall behold him,And from my flesh I shall see God;my inmost being is consumed with longing.The Word of the Lord.

Old Testament Reading #2A reading from the Book of Wisdom (3:1-9)The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touchthem. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and theirpassing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us,utter destruction. But they are in peace.For if before us, indeed, they be punished, now is their hope full ofimmortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed because Godtried them and found them worthy of himself.As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings hetook them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, andshall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations andrule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever.Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shallabide 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.

Old Testament Reading #3A reading from the Book of Wisdom (4:7-15)The just ones, though they die early, shall be at rest. For the age that ishonorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured interms of years. Rather, understanding is the crown for us, and anunsullied life, the attainment of old age.The one who pleased God was loved; those who lived among sinnerswere transported, snatched away, lest wickedness pervert their minds ordeceit beguile their souls.Having become perfect in a short while, they reached the fullness of along career; for their souls were pleasing to the Lord, therefore He spedthem out of the midst of wickedness.But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take this intoaccount.The Word of the Lord.

Old Testament Reading #4

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah (25:6-9)On this mountain the Lord of hostswill provide for all peoples.On this mountain he will destroythe veil that veils all peoples,The web that is woven over all nations;he will destroy death forever.The Lord will wipe awaythe tears from all faces;The reproach of his people he will removefrom 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 saved us!"The Word of the Lord.

Old Testament Reading #5

A reading from the book of Lamentations (3:17-26)My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is.I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord.The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall;Remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me.But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope:The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent;They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness.My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him.Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him;It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.The Word of the Lord.

Old Testament Reading #6

A reading from the book of Daniel (12:1-3)                                                                                                      “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people. It shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

The Word of the Lord.