Old Testament Lesson

Ecclus. 44:19-45:5 (NRSV)

Sir 44:19 (NRSV) {Abraham} Abraham was the great father of a multitude of nations, and no one has been found like him in glory. 20 He kept the law of the Most High, and entered into a covenant with him; he certified the covenant in his flesh, and when he was tested he proved faithful. 21 Therefore the Lord assured him with an oath that the nations would be blessed through his offspring; that he would make him as numerous as the dust of the earth, and exalt his offspring like the stars, and give them an inheritance from sea to sea and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. 22 {Isaac and Jacob} To Isaac also he gave the same assurance for the sake of his father Abraham. The blessing of all people and the covenant 23 he made to rest on the head of Jacob; he acknowledged him with his blessings, and gave him his inheritance; he divided his portions, and distributed them among twelve tribes. {Moses}From his descendants the Lord brought forth a godly man, who found favor in the sight of all 45:1 and was beloved by God and people, Moses, whose memory is blessed. 2 He made him equal in glory to the holy ones, and made him great, to the terror of his enemies. 3 By his words he performed swift miracles; the Lord glorified him in the presence of kings. He gave him commandments for his people, and revealed to him his glory. 4 For his faithfulness and meekness he consecrated him, choosing him out of all humankind. 5 He allowed him to hear his voice, and led him into the dark cloud, and gave him the commandments face to face, the law of life and knowledge, so that he might teach Jacob the covenant, and Israel his decrees.

The Word of the Lord.