Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations. The LORD apportioned to them great glory, his majesty from the beginning. There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and proclaiming prophecies; leaders of the people in their deliberations and in understanding of learning for the people, wise in their words of instruction; those who composed musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing; rich men furnished with resources, living peaceably in their habitations -- all these were honored in their generations, and were the glory of their times. There are some of them who have left a name, so that men declare their praise. And there are some who have no memorial, who have perished as though they had not lived; they have become as though they had not been born, and so have their children after them. But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten. Their posterity will continue for ever, and their glory will not be blotted out. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations.
Alternate First Reading: Isaiah 26:1-4,8-9,12-13,19-21
("Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.... Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust.")
Psalm 34 (The Lord watches over those who trust in Him.)
Epistle: Ephesians 1:1-23
(The heavenly glory in union with Christ that awaits the redeemed.)
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
(From the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." etc.)
