Sirach 50:22-23. "[B]less The God of all, who in every way does great things; who exalts our days from birth, and deals with us according to his mercy. May he give us gladness of heart and grant that peace may be in our days in Israel, as in the days of old."

What a beautiful, hopeful, uplifting reading for a Sunday morning! God loves each of us so much. He exalts each day of our lives from our day from birth! He knows our misdeeds, yet he deals with us according to his mercy, which is fathomless! So yes, God wants to give us gladness of heart and peace as in the days of old. If we are not there right now, be patient and be faithful. He has promised it and He will do it. Blessed be the Lord!