A reading from the book of Sirach.

My child, be gentle in carrying out your business
and you will be better loved than a lavish giver.

The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly,
and then you will find favor with God.

Do not try to understand things that are 100 difficult for you,
or try to discover what is beyond your powers.

The heart of a sensible person will reflect on parables,
an attentive ear is the sage’s dream.

Water quenches a blazing fire,
almsgiving atones for sins.

The Word of God recorded in the book of Sirach.

R: God, in Your goodness, You have made a home for the poor.

Let the righteous be joyful

let them exult before God;

Let them be jubilant with joy;

sing to God, sing praises to God’s Name.

R: God, in Your goodness, You have made a home for the poor.

Father of the fatherless; mother of the orphan

and protector of the weak is God.

God gives the desolate a home to dwell in

and leads the prisoners to prosperity.

R: God, in Your goodness, You have made a home for the poor.

Rain in abundance, O God, You shed abroad,

You restored Your heritage as it languished.

Your flock found a dwelling in it;

in Your goodness, O God, You provided for the needy.

R: God, in Your goodness, You have made a home for the poor.