February 5, 2006, Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr.

A reading from the first book of Kings.

When the time of David's death drew near, he gave these instructions to his son, Solomon.

I am going the way of all flesh. Take courage and be a man. Keep the

mandate of the Lord your God following his ways and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and

decrees, as they are written in the law of Moses,

that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn,

and the Lord may fulfill the promise he made on my behalf when he said,

if your sons so conduct themselves that they remained faithful to me with their whole heart

and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel.

David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David.

The length of David's reign over Israel was 40 years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and 33 years in

Jerusalem. Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David,

with his sovereignty firmly established.

The Word of the Lord.

The response orio Psalm.

The response is, Lord, you are exalted over all.

Blessed may you be, O Lord, God of Israel our Father, from eternity to eternity.

Lord, you are exalted over all.

Yours, O Lord, a grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory.

Lord, you are exalted over all.

Lord, you are exalted over all.

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