The least

First Reading First OptionSecond Option (Vulgate) Sirach 26:1-3, 15-18, 24 1Happy is the husband of a good wife; the number of his days will be doubled. 2A loyal wife rejoices her husband, and he will complete his years in peace. 3A good wife is a great blessing; she will be granted among the blessings of the man who fears the Lord. 15A modest wife adds charm to charm, and no balance can weigh the value of a chaste soul. 16Like the sun rising in the heights of the Lord, so is the beauty of a good wife in her well-ordered home. 17Like the shining lamp on the holy lampstand, so is a beautiful face on a stately figure. 18Like pillars of gold on a base of silver, so are beautiful feet with a steadfast heart. Responsorial Psalm Psalms 31:4-5, 8-9, 20, 24-25 3Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name's sake lead me and guide me, 4take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for thou art my refuge. 7I will rejoice and be glad for thy steadfast love, because thou hast seen my affliction, thou hast taken heed of my adversities, 8and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; thou hast set my feet in a broad place. 19O how abundant is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for those who fear thee, and wrought for those who take refuge in thee, in the sight of the sons of men! 23Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but abundantly requites him who acts haughtily. 24Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Gospel Matthew 25:31-40 31"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. 34Then the King will say to those at his right hand, `Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? 38And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' 40And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'