Old Testament Lesson

Ecclus. 45:6-16 (NRSV)

Sir 45:6 (NRSV) {Aaron} He exalted Aaron, a holy man like Moses who was his brother, of the tribe of Levi. 7 He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him the priesthood of the people. He blessed him with stateliness, and put a glorious robe on him. 8 He clothed him in perfect splendor, and strengthened him with the symbols of authority, the linen undergarments, the long robe, and the ephod. 9 And he encircled him with pomegranates, with many golden bells all around, to send forth a sound as he walked, to make their ringing heard in the temple as a reminder to his people; 10 with the sacred vestment, of gold and violet and purple, the work of an embroiderer; with the oracle of judgment, Urim and Thummim; 11 with twisted crimson, the work of an artisan; with precious stones engraved like seals, in a setting of gold, the work of a jeweler, to commemorate in engraved letters each of the tribes of Israel; 12 with a gold crown upon his turban, inscribed like a seal with "Holiness," a distinction to be prized, the work of an expert, a delight to the eyes, richly adorned. 13 Before him such beautiful things did not exist. No outsider ever put them on, but only his sons and his descendants in perpetuity. 14 His sacrifices shall be wholly burned twice every day continually. 15 Moses ordained him, and anointed him with holy oil; it was an everlasting covenant for him and for his descendants as long as the heavens endure, to minister to the Lord and serve as priest and bless his people in his name. 16 He chose him out of all the living to offer sacrifice to the Lord, incense and a pleasing odor as a memorial portion, to make atonement for the people.

The Word of the Lord.