A reading from the Second Book of Maccabees     12: 43-45

Judas, the leader of the Jews,
took up a collection, man by man,
to the amount of two thousand drachmas of silver,
and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for a sin offering.
In doing this he acted very well and honourably,
taking account of the resurrection.
For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again,
it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. 
But if he was looking to the splendid reward
that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness,
it was a holy and pious  thought.
Therefore he made atonement for the dead,
that they might be delivered from their sin.

This is the word of the Lord

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