Given by: Jesus ben Sira (the sage), teaching the duties of mourning. Given to: 'my son' — the reader.

In Israel the burial of the dead was a sacred obligation and lamentation a recognised rite; ben Sira honours true grief while, further on, counselling that mourning be kept within measure.

My son, shed tears over the dead, and begin to lament as if thou hadst suffered some great harm, and according to judgment cover his body, and neglect not his burial.

Weep for the dead, mourn sincerely, and give the body honourable burial — do not neglect it.

Sirach 38:16

Your Spirit

Loves God

Loves Neighbor

Your Body

Moral Behaviour