“Turn not aside after ill-gotten gain, neither say: This life is all I need―for when the hour of vengeance cometh, the hour when thou shalt have all things taken from thee, this life will be nothing to thee. When thou art lusty, follow not the desire of thine heart, neither say: How can I do it? or who will bring me to account for it, when it is done? For there is a God of vengeance who will be avenged on thee. Say not: I have sinned, but what harm hath befallen me? The Most High repayeth, slowly, but surely.

“Though thou have made an atonement for sin, be not fearless concerning it, nor go on to sin again. Say not: the mercy of the Lord, is great, he will take my many sins into merciful consideration ―for mercy is in him a dweller with anger, and to the sinner it is his anger.

Tarry not to turn thee to the Lord, yea, defer not thy repentance from day to day. For his wrath will come upon thee suddenly, and in the moment of his vengeance he will destroy thee. Long not for ill-gotten gain―for when the hour of vengeance cometh, the hour when thou shalt have all things taken from thee, they will avail thee nothing. Be not blown about with every wind, nor essay every path. For thus, even by his double tongue, is every sinner made manifest.

“Stand firm in the Lord’s way, and in faithfulness to thine understanding and knowledge, and let the word of peace and righteousness go with thee. Be courteous in listening, that thou mayest understand, and with wisdom give a truthful answer. If thou have wit, answer thy neighbour; but if not, let thine hand be upon thy mouth, and be not detected in a foolish speech, and put to the blush. The utterance of him that hath understanding bringeth him honour and credit; but the undoing of a fool is his own tongue. Be not thou called a tale-bearer, and be not caught in thy speech, and put to the blush.”

— Lessons 1 – 3 from the Divine office of the Fifth Week of August. Ecclesiasticus 5: 1 – 16 . Thank You to Maria Angela Grow Devotional.

The Memorare, printed below, invites us to ask the Blessed Mother for her assistance and her graces, especially when we feel most troubled in our daily lives.

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Miserere Mei Deus, Have Mercy on Me O God (Psalm 50(51))