TUESDAY 25 MAY 2021, 8th Week in Ordinary Time FIRST READING "Clinging to the commandments is offering a sacrifice of peace" A Reading from the book of Ben Sira the Wise (35, 1-15)

TUESDAY 25 MAY 2021, 8th Week in Ordinary Time 

FIRST READING 

"Clinging to the commandments 

is offering a sacrifice of peace" 

A Reading from the book of Ben Sira the Wise (35, 1-15) 

Keeping the Law is making multiple offerings; clinging to the commandments is a sacrifice of peace. It is to bring an offering of the flower of flour to be grateful; giving alms is offering a sacrifice of praise. The goodwill of the Lord is obtained by turning away from evil; one offers a sacrifice of atonement by turning away from injustice. Do not come before the Lord empty-handed. Do all of this for it is his command. The offering of a righteous man is like the fat of the sacrifices on the altar, its pleasant smell arises before the Most High. The sacrifice of a righteous man is approved by God who will remember it. Give glory to the Lord without looking on: do not take away any of the firstfruits of your harvest. Every time you donate shows a cheerful face; devote with good heart to God the tenth of what you earn. Give to the Most High according to what he gives you, and, without being watching, according to your resources. For the Lord is the one who pays back; it will give you back seven times more than you gave. Do not try to influence him with gifts, he will not accept them; do not put your trust in an unjust sacrifice. For the Lord is a judge who shows himself impartial towards people.

- Word of the Lord. 

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