First Reading: Sirach 17:1-15
The Lord created man from the earth and returns man to it again. He gave them days by number and a set time, and gave them authority over the things upon the earth. He endowed them with strength like his own, and made them in his own image. He put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and birds. He gave them counsel, a tongue, eyes, ears, and a mind for thinking.
He filled them with knowledge and understanding, and showed them good and evil. He set his eye upon their hearts to show them the majesty of his works. They will praise his holy name, to proclaim the grandeur of his works.
He bestowed knowledge upon them, and allotted to them the law of life. He established with them an eternal covenant, and revealed to them his decrees. Their eyes saw his glorious majesty, and their ears heard the glory of his voice. And he said to them, “Beware of all unrighteousness.” He gave commandment to each of them concerning his neighbor.
Their ways are always before him; they will not be hid from his eyes.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18
Response: The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Man’s days are like those of grass; like a flower of the field he blooms; the wind sweeps over him and he is gone, and his place knows him no more.
But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him, and his justice toward children’s children among those who keep his covenant.
Gospel: Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
