First Reading

Reading from the Book of Sirach

Sirach 48, 1-15

In those days, Elijah arose, a prophet like fire;
his word burned like a torch.
He brought a famine upon the people,
and by his zeal he reduced their number.
By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens
and also three times brought down fire.

How glorious you were, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!
Whose glory is equal to yours?
You raised a corpse from death
and from Hades, by the word of the Most High.
You brought kings down to destruction,
and famous men from their beds.
You heard rebuke at Sinai
and judgments of vengeance at Horeb.
You anointed kings to inflict punishment,
and prophets to succeed you.

You were taken up by a whirlwind of fire,
in a chariot with horses of fire.
At the appointed time, it is written, you are destined
to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury,
to turn the hearts of parents to their children,
and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

Happy are those who saw you
and were adorned with your love;
for we also shall surely live.

When Elijah was enveloped in the whirlwind,
Elisha was filled with his spirit.
He performed twice as many signs,
and marvels with every utterance of his mouth.
Never in his lifetime did he tremble before any ruler,
nor could anyone intimidate him at all.
Nothing was too hard for him,
and when he was dead, his body prophesied.
In his life he did wonders,
and in death his deeds were marvelous.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 6, 7-15

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: “When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”