OLD TESTAMENT (Second Reading)

A Reading from the Book of Wisdom

The righteous one, though he die early, shall be at rest.

For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing 

     of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years.

Rather, understanding passes for gray hair,

     and an unsullied life is the attainment of old age.

The one who pleased God was loved,

     living among sinners, was transported —

     snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind

     or deceit beguile his soul;

     for the witchery of paltry things 

     obscures what is right

     and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind. Having become perfect in a short while,

     he reached the fullness of a long career;

     for his soul was pleasing to the LORD,

     therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness.

But the people saw and did not understand,

     nor did they take that consideration into account.

The Word of the Lord