Daily Reading for Saturday, December 16th, 2023

Reading 1, Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

¹ Then the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch.

² It was he who brought famine on them and decimated them in his zeal.

³ By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, three times also he brought down fire.

⁴ How glorious you were in your miracles, Elijah! Has anyone reason to boast as you have? -

⁹ taken up in the whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses;

¹⁰ designated in the prophecies of doom to allay God's wrath before the fury breaks, to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

¹¹ Blessed, those who will see you, and those who have fallen asleep in love; for we too shall certainly have life.

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

² over Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh; rouse your valour and come to our help.

³ God, bring us back, let your face shine on us and we shall be safe.

¹⁵ protect what your own hand has planted.

¹⁶ They have thrown it on the fire like dung, the frown of your rebuke will destroy them.

¹⁸ Never again will we turn away from you, give us life and we will call upon your name.

¹⁹ God Sabaoth, bring us back, let your face shine on us and we shall be safe.