Reading:
My child, if you come to serve the Lord,
Prepare yourself to be tried.
Set you heart right and be firm,
And do not be hasty when things go
against you;
Hold fast to Him, and do not forsake Him,
So that you may be honored when you life ends.
Accept whatever happens to you,
And be patient in humiliating misfortune.
For Gold is tested with fire,
and men who are approved must be tested in
the furnace of humiliation
Have faith in Him, and He will help you;
Make your ways straight, and put your hope
in Him. (Sirach 2: 1-6)