A reading from the book of wisdom.

The wicked said among themselves, thinking not a right.

Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us. He sets himself against our doings,

reproaches us for transgressions of the law, and charges us with violations of our training.

He professes to have knowledge of God and stiles himself a child of the Lord.

To us, he is the censor of our thoughts.

Merely to see him is a hardship for us.

Because his life is not like that of others, and different are his ways.

He judges us debased. He holds aloof from our paths and from things impure. He calls bless the destiny of the just and boast that God is his father. Let us see whether his words be true. Let us find out what will

happen to him. For if this just one be the son of God, he will defend him and he will

deliver him from the hand of his foes. With free vilement and torture, let us put him to the test that we may have

proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for according to his

own words, God will take care of him. These were their thoughts, but they erred, for their wickedness

blinded them, and they knew not the hidden counsels of God. Neither did they count as a recompense of

holiness, nor discern the innocent souls reward.

The word of the Lord.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

The Lord confronts the evil-doers to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.

When the just cry out, the Lord hears them and from all their distress he rescues them.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.

Those who are crushed in spirit he saves.

...