Morning Prayer

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). 37 He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

A Reading from the Wisdom of Ben Sira.

3 The rich person toils to amass a fortune,    and when he rests he fills himself with his dainties. 4 The poor person toils to make a meagre living, and if ever he rests he becomes needy. 5 One who loves gold will not be justified;    one who pursues money will be led astray by it. 6 Many have come to ruin because of gold,    and their destruction has met them face to face. 7 It is a stumbling-block to those who are avid for it,    and every fool will be taken captive by it. 8 Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless,    and who does not go after gold. 9 Who is he, that we may praise him?    For he has done wonders among his people. 10 Who has been tested by it and been found perfect?    Let it be for him a ground for boasting. Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress,    and to do evil and did not do it? 11 His prosperity will be established, and the assembly will proclaim his acts of charity.