February 6th, 2006. Memorial of St. Paul, Miki, and Companions Martyrs. A reading from the book of

Syrac. Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings, so was David in Israel. He made sport of lions as though

they were kids, and of bears like lambs of the flock.

As a youth he slew the giant and wiped out the people's disgrace

when his hand let fly the slingstone that crushed the pride of Goliath.

Since he called upon the Most High God,

who gave strength to his right arm to defeat the skilled

warrior and raise up the might of his people, therefore the women sang his praises and ascribed to him

tens of thousands and praised him when they blessed the Lord.

When he assumed the royal crown, he battled and subdued the enemy on every side.

He destroyed the hostile Philistines and shattered their power till our own day. With his every

deed, he offered thanks to God most high in words of praise. With his whole being, he loved his maker,

and daily had his praises sung. He set singers before the altar, and by their voices he made sweet

melodies. He added beauty to the feasts and solemnized the seasons of each year,

so that when the holy name was praised, before daybreak the sanctuary would resound.

The Lord forgave him his sins and exalted his strength forever.

He conferred on him the rights of royalty and established his throne in Israel.

The word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm.

The response is,

Blessed be God my salvation.

God's way is unerring.

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