Saint Rita of Cascia

1The Lord created mankind out of earth,

and turned them back to it again.

2He gave them days by number, and a set time,

and gave them authority over the things that are on it.

3He endowed them with strength proper to them,

and made them according to his own image.

4He put the fear of man upon all flesh,

and gave him dominion over beasts and birds.

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6He gave them counsel, tongue, eyes,

ears, and heart to have understanding.

7He filled them with the knowledge of wisdom,

and showed them good and evil.

8He set his eye upon their hearts,

to show them the majesty of his works.

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10And they will praise his holy name,

that they may declare the majesty of his works.

11He added to them knowledge,

and gave them a law of life for a heritage.

12He made an everlasting covenant with them,

and showed them his decrees.

13Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory.

Their ears heard the glory of his voice.

14He said to them, “Beware of all unrighteousness.”

So he gave them commandment, each man concerning his neighbor.

15Their ways are ever before him.

They will not be hidden from his eyes.

13Like a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.

14For he knows how we are made.

He remembers that we are dust.

15As for man, his days are like grass.

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16For the wind passes over it, and it is gone.

Its place remembers it no more.

17But the LORD’s loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him,

his righteousness to children’s children,

18to those who keep his covenant,

to those who remember to obey his precepts.

13They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 14But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. 15Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” 16He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.