First Reading
Wisdom 3:1-9
- 1
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will touch them.
- 2
In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died. Their departure was considered a disaster,
- 3
and their travel away from us ruin, but they are in peace.
- 4
For even if in the sight of men they are punished, their hope is full of immortality.
- 5
Having borne a little chastening, they will receive great good; because God tested them, and found them worthy of himself.
- 6
He tested them like gold in the furnace, and he accepted them as a whole burnt offering.
- 7
In the time of their visitation they will shine. They will run back and forth like sparks amongst stubble.
- 8
They will judge nations and have dominion over peoples. The Lord will reign over them forever.
- 9
Those who trust him will understand truth. The faithful will live with him in love, because grace and mercy are with his chosen ones.
World English Bible, British Edition · public domain