Today is the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents.

[No Vested Interest]

3. The first reading, from Sirach 3, is always especially moving for me-

"God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.
Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.
When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even is his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of hour sins
- a house raised in justice to you.

These words are especially meaningful to me, reminding me of my son's care for his father when he was brought low by illness.