TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Service is of the Sunday, with commemoration of the martyrs Claudius, Nicostratus, Symphorian, Castorius, and Simplicius, and of the Four Crowned Martytrs, Severius, Severian, Carpophorus, and Victorin. Theme: suffering from evil and healing from God.

TERCE

antiphon: default, which is provided in the order of Terce in the above-linked free document. 

chapter: default. 

short responsory. default. 

versicle:  default. 

Collect as at Mass, below. 

SEXT

antiphon: default. 

chapter: default. 

short responsory: default. 

versicle: default

Collect as at Mass, below. 

PROCESSION

responsory:  default

The summer antiphon, versicle, and collect of the cross are done, as usual. The Litany of St. Martin is done.

antiphon for re-entry: default, with usual versicle and collect of St. Mary. 

MASS

Officium: O Lord almighty, all things are placed in Thy will, and there is none that can resist Thy will. For Thou hast created all things, heaven and earth, and all things that are under the cope of heaven. Thou art the Lord of all things. 
     V. Blessed are the blameless in the way : who walk in the law of the Lord.
O Lord almighty, all things are placed in Thy will, and there is none that can resist Thy will. For Thou hast created all things, heaven and earth, and all things that are under the cope of heaven. Thou art the Lord of all things.
     [V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord : teach me Thy statutes. 
O Lord almighty, all things are placed in Thy will, and there is none that can resist Thy will. For Thou hast created all things, heaven and earth, and all things that are under the cope of heaven. Thou art the Lord of all things.]
     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen. 
     O Lord almighty, all things are placed in Thy will, and there is none that can resist Thy will. For Thou hast created all things, heaven and earth, and all things that are under the cope of heaven. Thou art the Lord of all things.

Kyrie-Litany. Gloria. 

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY: O Lord, do Thou, being moved to mercy, grant Thy faithful forgiveness and peace, we beseech Thee: that they may be cleansed from all offenses, and may obey Thee with fearless souls. Through... 

Let us pray. 

Collect 2: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who have known the glorious martyrs Claudius, Nicostratus, Symphorian, Castorian, and Simplicius to be mighty in their witness, may experience their whole-heartedness in interceding for us.  (no doxology, but immediately:)

Collect 3: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the intercession of the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the heavenly powers, and of the blessed patriarchs, prophets, apostles, evangelists, martyrs, and confessors, and virgins, and of all Thine elect, may everywhere fill us with joy, that as we call their righteousness to mind we may experience their watchful prayer. Through... 

Epistle: Ephesians 6:10-17 (p. 348 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary). 

AReading from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians. Brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of His power. Put ye on the armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the deceits of the Devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace: in all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit : which is the word of God.     Eph 6:10-17

Graduale: Lord, Thou hast been our refuge in generation and generation.  
V. Before the mountains came to be and the earth was formed, and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting. 
Lord, Thou hast been our refuge in generation and generation.  

Alleluia: cantor: Alleluia. all: Alleluia. cantor: V. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I was praise the Lord in my life. I will chant to my God as long as I have my being. all: Alleluia. 

Sequence: Blessed be the Holy Trinity,
Alike and co-equal in glory, 
God the Father, the Son born of Him, with the Holy Spirit,
Abiding over all that doth exist. 

In these three Persons there is ever a single will, 
Threefold in hypostasis, never disagreeing, 
For God's nature existeth not divided into three gods, but singly,
Which in Orthodox manner the Faith given by Christ proclaimeth. 

This Faith driveth sins away,
It gaineth us the fatherland of peace.
In which the regiments of heaven cry out with joy,
As they make sweet harmony.

They follow the steps of Him enthroned on high,
In their robes they are radiant and white, 
They are clad in the vesture which they claim
After the dangers of this world have passed.

We too, whom the heavenly grace of God illumineth,
Let us render to Him our due,
That the heavenly host may abide with us,
To whom we are united in our death.

And that once the last trial is ended,
We may straightway enjoy the palace which is on high, 
Where shineth the clear Light fired by incessant flame,
Which is God, our vision and everlasting salvation.

The Light which mightily illumineth the minds of angels, 
That their eyes may be fixed on Christ alone,
For this is that burning desire the souls and bodies of the saints hope for, 
When the Judge shall give them eternal reward for their good deeds. 

Gospel: John 6:46-53 (p. 349 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary)

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.
The continuation of the holy gospel according to John. R. Glory to Thee, O Lord.
     At that time there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capharnaum. He, having heard that Jesus was come from Judea into Galilee, went to Him, and prayed Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him: Unless ye see signs and wonders, ye believe not. The ruler saith to Him: Lord, come down before that my son die. Jesus saith to him: Go thy way; thy son liveth. The man believed the word which Jesus said to him, and went his way. And as he was going down, his servants met him, and they brought word, saying that his son lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein he grew better. And they said to him: Yesterday, at the seventh hour, the fever left him. The father therefore knew that it was at the same hour that Jesus said to him: Thy son liveth; and himself believed : and all his house.     Jn 6:46-53

Offerenda:  There was a man in the land whose name was Job, simple and upright and fearing God. And Satan besought that he might tempt him, and power was given him by the Lord, over his substance and over his flesh. And he destroyed all his possessions, and his children, and he wounded his flesh with a very grievous ulcer. 
      V. O that my sins, whereby I have deserved wrath, O that my sins, whereby I have deserved wrath, whereby I have deserved wrath, were weighed in a balance. And the calamity! the calamity! and the calamity which I suffer; this would appear heavier. 
     And he wounded his flesh with a very grievous ulcer. 
     V. For what is, for what is, for what is my strength, that I may hold out? Or what is mine end, that I should keep patience? Or what is mine end, that I should keep patience?
     And he wounded his flesh with a very grievous ulcer.:
     V. My strength is not the strength of stones. Nor is my flesh of brass, nor is my flesh of brass.
     And he wounded his flesh with a very grievous ulcer.
     V. Because, because, because mine eye shall not return, that it may see good things, that it may see good things, that it may see good things, that it may see good things, that it may see good things, that it may see good things, that it may see good things.
     And he wounded his flesh with a very grievous ulcer. 

note: the above repetitions are not errors but are in the old Roman rite texts. 

Secret of the day: May these Mysteries furnish us with healing from heaven, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and may They purge out the sinful habits of our hearts. Through... 

Let us pray.
Secret 2: May Thy generous blessing, O Lord, come down and make our gifts acceptable to Thee at the intercession of Thy saints, and may it actuate for us the holy mystery of Thy redemption.  (no doxology, but:)

Secret 3: Be pleased, O Lord, with the proffered gifts, and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with that of all Thy saints, defend us from all danger. Through... 

Preface:  ... everlasting God. Humbly entreating Thy majesty, that the unleavened bread of the old man having been cast out, we may be filled with the food and drink of that Lamb Who hath restored our likeness [to God] and promised His grace to us once more--Jesus Christ our Lord. By Him angels praise Thy majesty... etc. 

Communio:  My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. When wilt Thou execute judgment for me on them that persecute me? Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me, O my Lord and my God. 
     V. Blessed are the blameless in the way : who walk in the law of the Lord. 
     My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. When wilt Thou execute judgment for me on them that persecute me? Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me, O my Lord and my God. 
     [V. For the word of the Lord is true : and all His works are in faithfulness.
     My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. When wilt Thou execute judgment for me on them that persecute me? Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me, O my Lord and my God. 
     V. The Lord loveth mercy and judgment : the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
     My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. When wilt Thou execute judgment for me on them that persecute me? Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me, O my Lord and my God.]
     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.
     My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. When wilt Thou execute judgment for me on them that persecute me? Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me, O my Lord and my God. 

Postcommunion of the day: So that we may become worthy of the sacred gifts, O Lord, make us to obey Thy commandments, we beseech Thee. Through... 

Let us pray.
Postcommunion 2: Having been filled with the holy mysteries and the joys of heaven, we humbly entreat Thee, O Lord, that we may be protected by the aid of those in whose victory we boast.  (no doxology)

Postcommunion 3: We have received, O Lord, the heavenly holy mysteries, practicing the remembrance of the blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary and of all Thy saints: grant, we beseech Thee, that assisted by their prayers we may in joys eternal arrive at the fruition of what we now accomplish in time. Through... 

Bowed Heads: Wipe away our immoral deeds, O Lord, through which our enemies gain the upper hand, and preserve us everywhere we go, through Thy compassion. Through... 

End of the propers for Nov. 21, 2021. 

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Service is of St. Maclovius, the wonder-worker, bishop of Aleth in Brittany, with commemoration of the Sunday and of All Saints. Some English books indicate that this is within the octave of St. Martin of Tours, so his collect could also be done. Today is the first day of the Roman rite Nativity fast of pre-Schism England and most of Western Europe. Advent - the liturgical season - starts Dec. 12, 2021.

TERCE

antiphon: There was not found the like to him, for he kept the law of the Most High.

chapter: The Lord gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. R. Thanks be to God. 

short responsory. The Lord loved him and adorned him.
The Lord loved him and adorned him.
V. He clothed him with a robe of glory.
And adorned him. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Lord loved him. 
And adorned him.  

versicle:  The Lord conducted the just through the right ways.
R. And showed him the kingdom of God.

Collect as at Mass, below. 

SEXT

antiphon: A faithful servant and prudent, whom the Lord hath set over his household. 

chapter: The Lord acknowledged him in His blessings, and preserved for him His mercy, and he found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 

short responsory: The Lord conducted the just through the right ways. 
The Lord conducted the just through the right ways.
V. And showed him the kingdom of God.
Through the right ways. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Lord conducted the just.
Through the right ways. 

versicle: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm tree.
R. And like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be multiplied. 

Collect as at Mass, below. 

PROCESSION

responsory:  default for Sunday

The summer antiphon, versicle, and collect of the cross are done, as usual. The Litany of St. Martin is done.

antiphon for re-entry: default, with usual versicle and collect of St. Mary. 

MASS

Officium: The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and he made him a ruler, that the dignity of the priesthood might be his forever.
     V. Of Thy mercies, O Lord : will I sing forever. 
The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and he made him a ruler, that the dignity of the priesthood might be his forever.
     [V. The heavens shall declare Thy wondrous works, O Lord : even Thy truth in the church of the saints.
     The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and he made him a ruler, that the dignity of the priesthood might be his forever.
     V. Justice and judgment are the pedestal of Thy throne : mercy and truth shall go before Thy face.
     The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and he made him a ruler, that the dignity of the priesthood might be his forever.]
     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen. 
     The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and he made him a ruler, that the dignity of the priesthood might be his forever.

Kyrie-Litany. Gloria. 

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY:  O almighty, everlasting God, hearken to the prayers of Thy people, Thou that hast adorned with the grace of virtue Thy blessed confessor and bishop Maclovius, and didst receive him this day into the glory of heaven. Through... 

Let us pray. 

Collect 2: We beseech Thee, O Lord: guard Thy family with unceasing loving-kindness, that they may be free from all opposing powers thanks to Thy protection, and revere Thy name with their good deeds.  (no doxology, but immediately:)

Collect 3: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the intercession of the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the heavenly powers, and of the blessed patriarchs, prophets, apostles, evangelists, martyrs, and confessors, and virgins, and of all Thine elect, may everywhere fill us with joy, that as we call their righteousness to mind we may experience their watchful prayer. Through... 

Lesson: Ecclesiasticus 44:16, 17, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, and 45:3, 6, 8, 19, 20 (p. 403 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary).

A reading from the book of Wisdom. Behold, a great priest who in his days pleased God, and was found just. And in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the like to him, who might keep the law of the Most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him to increase for his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings; He preserved for him His mercy, and he found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him the great priesthood, and made him blessed in glory: to execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in his name. Yea, to offer Him worthy incense : for an odour of sweetness.

Graduale: I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him. For My hand shall be unto him an ally, and Mine arm shall strengthen him. 
     V. No advantage shall his enemy have over him, nor shall the son of iniquity avail to hurt him. 
     I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him. For My hand shall be unto him an ally, and Mine arm shall strengthen him. 

Alleluia: cantor: Alleluia. all: Alleluia. cantor: V. The righteous man shall blossom as the lily, and he shall flourish forever before the Lord. all: Alleluia. 

Sequence: The beloved day is here, and full of mighty joy,
Whereon the Holy Church rejoiceth together in gratitude to God. 
Today the heavenly multitudes are jofyul, and they sing: 
"Glory in the highest," with sweet voices, with unanimity. 

This day the holy hosts of heaven 
Together praise our King and God, born of the Holy Virgin Mary.
Rejoice, glorious hierarch of Christ, Maclovius,
O most beautiful flower! 

With devout faith thou didst follow Christ's footsteps,
And hast attained the kingdom of the eternal King.
For thou rejoicest in the supernal mansions,
Dwelling upon the throne of life.

Thee we request and desire as one man
That thy holy prayers may aid our fragile life.
O blessed, O holy Maclovius,
Help this congregation!

O blessed, O holy Maclovius,
Intercede in our behalf,
That together we may be found worthy
To inhabit holy, quickening temples in the heavens.

Beholding in joys the happiness which is complete.
To God be praise, honor, and chaste jubilation,
Who reigneth through all the ages of ages;
Let all things say: Amen!

Gospel: Luke 19:12-28 (p. 390 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary)

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.
The continuation of the holy gospel according to Luke. R. Glory to Thee, O Lord.
     At that time Jesus spake to His disciples this parable: A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And calling his ten servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them: Trade till I come. But his citizens hated him; and they sent an embassage after him, saying: We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass that he returned, having received the kingdom. And he commanded his servants to be called, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. And the first came, saying: Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said to him: Well done, thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt have power over ten cities. And the second came, saying: Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said to him: Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying: Lord, behold here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin. For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up what thou didst not lay down, and thou reapest that which thou didst not sow. He saith to him: Out of thine own mouth I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up what I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow. And why then didst thou not give my money into the bank, that at my coming, I might have exacted it with usury? And he said to them that stood by: Take the pound away from him, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. And they said to him: Lord, he hath ten pounds. But I say to you, that to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound. And from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken from him. But as for those mine enemies, who would not have me reign over them, bring them hither, and kill them before me. And having said these things, He went before : going up to Jerusalem.

Offerenda:  My truth and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name shall his horn be lifted high.
     V. I have bestowed help on one that is mighty; I have raised up one chosen out of My people. 
     My truth and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name shall his horn be lifted high.
     V. My mercy will I not disperse away from him, and his throne shall be before Me.
     My truth and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name shall his horn be lifted high.

Secret of the day: Mercifully look down upon our oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, which we have brought to Thee for consecration in honor of Thy blessed confessor and bishop Maclovius, beseeching that by his righteous and intercessory prayers we may be found worthy, because of Thy mercy, of obtaining forgiveness for all the sins we carelessly committed. Through... 

Let us pray.
Secret 2: O Lord, graciously receive the sacrifices by means of which Thou hast decided to show Thy relenting mercy, and by Thy mighty compassion to restore us to salvation.  (no doxology, but:)

Secret 3: Be pleased, O Lord, with the proffered gifts, and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with that of all Thy saints, defend us from all danger. Through... 

Preface:  ... everlasting God. And especially on this day, which Thou hast consecrated by the holy passing of Thy blessed confessor and bishop Maclovius. We therefore beseech Thy mercy that Thou wouldst grant us to follow that doctrine which he both taught in his words and fulfilled in his deeds, that we may understand how we are aided before Thy tender mercy by his example and his righteous prayers. Through Christ our Lord; by Him angels praise Thy majesty... etc. 

Communio:  Blessed is that servant whom, when his Lord cometh, He shall find watching. Amen I say to you, He shall place him over all His goods. 
     V. A faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath appointed over His family : to give them their measure of wheat in due season. 
     Blessed is that servant whom, when his Lord cometh, He shall find watching. Amen I say to you, He shall place him over all His goods. 
     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.
     Blessed is that servant whom, when his Lord cometh, He shall find watching. Amen I say to you, He shall place him over all His goods.  

Postcommunion of the day: O Lord, mercifully exalt those whom Thou hast filled with Thy heavenly Gifts, by the protecting prayers of Thy holy confessor and bishop Maclovius: that being freed from all our sins, we may pursue the instruments of Thy salvation with all our heart. Through... 

Let us pray.
Postcommunion 2: Having come to the nourishment of immortal life, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouth we may grasp with our soul.  (no doxology)

Postcommunion 3: We have received, O Lord, the heavenly holy mysteries, practicing the remembrance of the blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary and of all Thy saints: grant, we beseech Thee, that assisted by their prayers we may in joys eternal arrive at the fruition of what we now accomplish in time. Through... 

Bowed Heads: the default prayer.  

-------------------------------------------------------------

FREEBIE: MATINS LESSONS FOR THIS DAY

Lesson 1: The glorious confessor of Christ, Maclovius, noble-born of Britannic lineage, became nobler still by his holy conduct. When his parents, now of advanced age, had ceased hoping for a child, and already were despairing of gaining a definite heir for their possessions, they conceived him nonetheless, by the mercy of God. Pious indeed was the parentage of the all-famed brethren, to wit, our holy father Sampson, and of St. Maclovius, who were born to sisters. Indeed, by a line of consanguinity relation, a third to these two lofty souls sprang up. But Thou, O Lord...

Lesson 2: When from his childhood up he had been delivered for the discipline of learning his letters to Brendan, a man very famous at that time for holiness and knowledge, he surpassed his superiors by his hard work, and those inferior to him by his humility. For he so adapted his yet-tender years to the age of all men, that he seemed to the children to be a child, to the youth an adult, to the elders a man already old. For embracing the purity of an innocent life, he did not keep a superior place, nor one equal among the disciples, but only that of serving others. But Thou...

Lesson 3: And lest he should ever become haughty due to an abundance of things or, as can happen, through the levity of his young age, he gave himself to every striving in abstinence. Consenting to no desire of his body at all, he persevered greatly in vigils, was assiduous in prayers, and was unmatched in fasting. Thou couldst scarcely find him inside the church unless at prayer, scarcely outside it unless reading, unless the trouble of some imposed need impeded it. But Thou...

Middle lessons are of St. Martin, with this V./ The Lord led the righteous man, with three responsories according to the order of the Nocturns of the History of St. Martin.

Lesson 4: From Sts. Sulpitius and Gregory of Tours, on the Miracles of Holy Martin. And blessed Severin, bishop of the city of Cologne, a man of upright life and praiseworthy in all respects, when on the Lord's day he with his clergy was making the rounds of the holy places after Matins, as was his custom, at the same hour that the blessed man [Martin] passed away, he heard a choir singing on high. And having called his archdeacon, he asked if their voices, to which he was attentively listening, met with his ears. He answered, No, not at all. Then the former said, Listen carefully. And the archdeacon began to stretch his neck up, and raise his ears, and with the sustaining help of his staff to stand up on the tips of his toes. But I consider him not to have been of equal righteousness, because he was not found worthy to hear these things. Then, they both of them prostrated on the ground, and the blessed bishop besought the Lord that the mercy of God might permit the man to hear this. And standing up again, the old man asked him, What hearest thou? He said, I hear the voices of chanters as if from heaven, but what it is word for word, I have no idea. The former told him, I will tell thee what it is. My teacher bishop Martin hath departed from this world, and now angels, singing, have carried him on high. And a little afterward, as there was a pause after I had heard this, the devil and his wicked angels tempted him, for the purpose of detaining him. But finding nothing of his in him, he withdrew in shame. But Thou...

Lesson 5: What, then, will happen to us sinners, if the lot of the wicked wished to do harm to such a great priest? In any case, the priest speaking these things and noting the time of them, the archdeacon swiftly made off for Tours, that he might diligently seek out these things. Arriving, he learned that it was clearly at that day and hour that the blessed man had passed away, when holy Severin heard the choir of chanters. And at that same time, the blessed Ambrose, the blossoms of whose words give fragrance throughout the whole Church even today, held chief place as bishop of the city of Milan. This was his custom as he celebrated the festivities on the Lord's day, that the reader, approaching him with the book, could not dare to read until the holy man had commanded him to do so with a nod. It came to pass that on that Lord's day, the prophetical lesson having been already read, and he who was going to do the reading from blessed Paul was standing before the altar, the very blessed hierarch Ambrose fell asleep on the holy altar. Many people saw it, though not a single person dared to stir him. After nearly two or three hours had passed, they stirred him, saying, The time is already passed for Vladyka to command the reader to read the reading, and the people waiting are now extremely wearied. But Thou...

Lesson 6: And answering them, blessed Ambrose said, Be not troubled. For it was quite worthwhile to me to have fallen asleep, since the Lord was pleased to reveal to me a very great miracle. Let it be known that my brother, the priest Martin, hath departed from the body, and the service of his funeral was offered to me.* And when the service had been completed according to custom, there was one short prayer only which I was not able to finish. Then they, together astonished and marvelling, noted this carefully, inquiring after the day and time, and they discovered it was the same day and the same time when the blessed confessor [Ambrose] said he had served his funeral. O blessed the man, at whose passing there singeth a great number of saints, a choir of angels maketh merry, the host of all the heavenly virtues runneth out in greeting. The devil is put to shame for his presumption, the Church is strengthened with power, the priests are glorified with revelation, for Michael with the angels took him up, Mary welcomed him with the choirs of virgins, paradise holdeth him rejoicing with the saints. But why do we in praising him tamper with that which we do not manage to fulfil? He himself is his own praise, since praise never departed from his mouth at any time. But as for us, if only we could succeed in describing the simple history! But Thou...

The three last lessons are from the proper of St. Maclovius:

Lesson 7: In the meantime, when the bishop of that province died, and the fame of Maclovius was heard, the people flocked from every place, they captured Maclovius, and though he did not want it, though he absolutely refused, though he said he was unworthy and incapable of this labor, they made him bishop of Guingamp anyway, the city where his father had been duke. As we said, he took the burden unwillingly. And he said that such honor was mistreatment, and that the loftiness of the see was a violent act done to him. That is why, having taken a few who were knowledgeable of his secret plans, he secretly boarded a ship, and, committing himself to the winds and the sea, he navigated as it might please God's will. Then, as soon as the blessed Maclovius had set out upon the deep, an escort of angels met up with him, and showed to him where to steer, and which harbor to dock at, and by whom it behooved him to be taken in. For they showed him to make his way to the borders of Gallic Brittany, and weigh in at an island whereon was Aaron, a man of angelic life, and to make his abode with him for a space of time. But Thou...

Lesson 8: When these things had been fulfilled in their entirety, as indicated, Aaron rejoiced to have such a guest, and Maclovius to have such friendly companionship. The fame of it flew throughout the city, a concourse of people came to see the new fellow, to hear novel words. But when his words of preaching were getting lengthy, behold, a certain dead man was carried through the street before the entrance of the church. Seeing him, the man of God made haste to the spot where the body was lying, and having bent his knees and stretched out his body, with everyone attending and awaiting the outcome of things, he prayed. When his prayer was finished, they rose together, both the saint from the ground, and the dead man from death. Therefore, having baptized the citizens and confirmed them in the faith, Maclovius, who was willing to convert this city, [though] he had [originally] been made a bishop unwillingly, broadcast the seeds of his teaching throughout the peoples of lesser Britain (Brittany). But let no-one rise up against the angelic man, that is because he had been made bishop of two cities. And concerning the change in sees, which would appear to have been done contrary to authority, let no-one reproach him. For he who did not grow greedy did not change his own see. He did not ascend from a lesser position to a greater, but descended from the most opulent see to one penniless. Meanwhile, Britain mourned for exile of him whom Sanctonia rejoiced to have as guest. In fact, some of those who had railed against him, who had expelled him, became crippled, others lepers, others blind; everywhere they appeared blameworthy and were disgraced for their condemnation of him. But Thou...

Lesson 9: And the earth itself was deprived of all fertility and the buds of all harvests were rejected. At length the people, oppressed by hunger and deaths, cried out that they were perishing for good cause, since they had not wished to retain their most holy patron. Thus, compelled by great necessity, they chose for themselves certain men who seemed to them to be of sounder mind than others, and they prepared them to journey in search of a physician for their great misery. The fame of his virtues indicating the way easily to them, they came to the Saint, and prostrate before him they declared the complaint of their misfortune. They confessed their faults, they poured forth tears, and they asked for him to have mercy on them with groans and sighs. So the man full of compassion, bending to their prayers, readied his aged limbs for the labor of the road, and hastened to release the parish from the yoke of condemnation as quickly as possible. When that came to pass, fruitfulness was restored to the earth, health to the people, and the wholeness of all prosperity was re-established. In that place, when it pleased the economia of the Most High, that he should be recompensed for such and so great toils, three days before he was to put off his human body, he was taken with a fever. In the interval he, lying in ashes and sackcloth as he was accustomed to do, suffered no part of his body to be propped up, nor let himself be turned on his side, but he reached for heaven with his hands, for heaven with his mouth, for heaven with both eyes. And in such a manner did its angelic citizens welcome this soldier into the palace of heaven, on the seventeenth of the kalends of December, as their comrade-at-arms. But Thou...

* St. Ambrose was author of many of the funeral prayers which appear in the Sarum Rituale.

End of the propers for Nov. 28, 2021.

OBLATION OF ST. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, IN THE TEMPLE

Service is of the feast of Our Lady, with optional commemorations (from kindred English uses) of St. Columban, the Celtic abbot, and of St. Maurus, the martyr of Istria. Also some books give this day as the vigil of St. Cecilia. However, no more than one collect is required. This feast falls within the old Roman Nativity fast, so there is abstinence from meat, dairy, and eggs, but no fasting from food. 

TERCE

antiphon: Consecrated in the precincts of the temple of God, the Virgin rejoiceth, for she is visited by citizens of heaven.

chapter: As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches. R. Thanks be to God. 

short responsory. The virgins that follow after her shall be brought unto the King.
The virgins that follow after her shall be brought unto the King.
V. Those near her shall be brought unto Thee.
They shall be brought unto the King. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The virgins that follow after her. 
Shall be brought unto the King.  

versicle:  At midnight there was a cry made.
R. Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye forth to meet Him.

Collect as at Mass, below. 

SEXT

antiphon: Her every deed was directed unto God; the whole span of her life, she increased her righteous works. 

chapter: Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits; for my spirit is sweet above honey, and mine inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. R. Thanks be to God.  

short responsory: At midnight there was a cry made. 
At midnight there was a cry made.
V. Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye forth to meet Him.
There was a cry made. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. At midnight.
There was a cry made. 

versicle: The prudent virgins took oil in their vessels.
R. With the lamps. 

Collect as at Mass, below. 

PROCESSION

responsory, tone 1:  She who would bring forth the highest King, the Sun of righteousness, Mary, Star of the sea, hastened this day into the temple. 
     V. Rejoice, ye faithful people, to behold the light of God. 
     Mary, Star of the sea, hastened this day into the temple. 
     V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
     [She] hastened this day into the temple. 

then, without a pause:

responsory, tone 3:  At the behest of the Lord, Who multiplieth unto us His glory, as the thorn doth yield the rose, so Judea begot Mary.
     V. That her virtue might cover our evil ways, her gracefulness our sins. 
     As the thorn doth yield the rose, so Judea begot Mary.
     V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
     As the thorn doth yield the rose, so Judea begot Mary. 

Announcements are made. Then the summer antiphon, versicle, and collect of the cross are all omitted. The Litany of St. Martin is done, then:

antiphon, tone 1:  Thy Presentation, O Mother of God and Virgin, hath announced joy to all the world, for from thee there dawned the Sun of righteousness, even Christ our God. Annulling the curse, He bestowed the blessing, and trampling down death, He granted us life everlasting. 

V. Holy Mother of God, ever-Virgin Mary.
R. Intercede for us with the Lord our God. 
Let us pray. Collect of the day, below. 

MASS

Officium, tone 1: Let us all sing a song flowing as the honey, with the throats of our hearts resounding:
     Let us all be joyful in the Lord, celebrating a feast day in honor of the Virgin Mary.
     She alone continued a virgin unwedded, and after giving birth remained a virgin unwedded,
     For whose Presentation the angels rejoice,
     Proclaiming her the blessed one, they bless the Lord of the totality of every created thing,
     And together they praise the Son of God.
     
     V. My heart hath poured forth a good word : I speak of my works to the King. 

With solemn radiant splendor the daylight shineth brightly, dawning from David's line, for the Virgin Mary hath shone forth. Therefore, with cries of mighty gladness, let us proclaim in choirs:

     Let us all be joyful in the Lord, celebrating a feast day,
     A feast radiant and far-shining, fittingly celebrated by all peoples,
     In honor of the Virgin Mary,
     With our heart, our souls, our spirit, and with our every prayers:
     For whose Presentation the angels rejoice, and together praise the Son of God.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.

The choirs of angels exult, for already now the sacred Virgin is distinguished as Mistress of heaven; let us all exult, saying:
     Let us all be joyful in the Lord, celebrating a feast day to the honor of the Virgin Mary,
     Who offered her body in hospitality unto the King of heaven, 
     For whose Presentation the angels rejoice,
     In the fastness of the heavens they sing forever, with harmonious voice,
     And together praise the Son of God. 

     V. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised : in the city of our God, upon His holy mountain. 

If we wish to ascend into the golden realms, and be following after Christ,
     Let us all be joyful in the Lord, celebrating a feast day.
     Let us express our songs with joy, and with antiphonal sound,
     To the honor of the Virgin Mary.
     Meting out our sweet-flowing canticles with hymns, befittingly,
     For whose Presentation the angels rejoice,
     They address the Lord in acclamations, and, in their diverse hosts,
     Together they praise the Son of God. 

Kyrie-Litany. Gloria, with the following additions:  

... O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. O Spirit and tender-loving Helper of those who are orphaned. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, the firstborn of Mary the Virgin Mother. That takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. That takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer to the glory of Mary. That sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy, sanctifying Mary. Thou only art the Lord, governing Mary. Thou only art most high, crowning Mary, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY:  O God, Who didst ordain the blessed Virgin Mary to be presented to Thee in the temple and given wisdom by the Holy Spirit: grant us to be so learned in the teachings of Thy Holy Spirit that we may offer Thee as a worthy gift our own pious hearts. Through... in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, etc. 

Lesson: Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31 (p. 439 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary).

A reading from the book of Wisdom. As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For my Spirit is sweet above honey, and mine inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me shall yet hunger, and they that drink me shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me shall not be confounded, and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me : shall have life everlasting..

Graduale, tone 1: Blessed art thou, and worthy of all veneration, O Virgin Mary, who without any touch of shame wast found to be the mother of the Saviour. 
     V. O Virgin Mother of God, He Whom the whole world cannot contain shut Himself up in thy womb, and was made man. 
     Blessed art thou, and worthy of all veneration, O Virgin Mary, who without any touch of shame wast found to be the mother of the Saviour.  

Alleluia, tone 8: cantor: Alleluia. all: Alleluia. cantor: V. Joyful is the Virgin, who is not yet brought forth from her mother's womb and yet is filled with grace, and being placed in the temple of God is illumined with the highest knowledge. all: Alleluia. 

Sequence: By the most lofty wisdom of our God,
Foreseeing and rightly disposing all things,
Joachim and Anna, the barren ones, are united
In a single bond of marriage.

And with all the sincerity of their hearts, they bound themselves together
In a vow unto our trustworthy Lord,
That if He were pleased to give them now a child,
They would dedicate it to Him in the temple continually.

A radiant-shining angel appeared, who told them
That their prayers had been heard;
That by the grace of the most high King,
There would be given them a daughter, in all things full of grace.

Consecrated in the womb, wondrously conceived,
Yet more wondrously doth she bring forth,
Remaining virgin, the Son of the highest Father,
Who taketh away the sins of the world without exception.

She is born a blessèd Virgin,
Presented in the Temple at the age of three,
Standing straight, she ascendeth swiftly its fifteen steps,
And both her parents follow her, in comely garments.

A new glory brightly shined
When the excelling Virgin was presented in the Temple;
Taught by God, visited from heaven,
She rejoiceth with the angels.

When the chief priest bade many maidens to be wedded,
In that they'd come of age, the Virgin at first declined.
For with oath her parents had vowed to give her,
And with oath the Virgin sware to remain so.

God, inquired of, gave answer that the Virgin be betrothed,
To a man a blossoming flower would declare.
Joseph being thus manifest, took the maiden to her parents' dwelling,
Taking great care as for the nuptials.

Then Gabriel is appointed to go unto the Virgin,
Bearing tidings of the manner in which she shall conceive.
The learned maiden standeth silent;
She pondereth on his words so unaccustomed.

So when he announced to her the way,
Then the Virgin believed, and by the Holy Spirit
She straightway conceived the Word,
And that which cannot be contained, is enclosed in the Virgin.

Behold a peerless Virgin! With what great praise thou art exalted,
With what great glory thou resplendently dost shine!
Therefore, let thee so look down upon us, that in our homeland
We may rejoice in the Fruit which is thy glorying. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16 (p. 440 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary)

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.
The continuation of the holy gospel according to Matthew. R. Glory to Thee, O Lord.
     The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Urias. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abia. And Abia begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliachim. And Eliachim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus : Who is called Christ.

Offerenda, tone 1:  Thou art joyful indeed, O sacred Virgin Mary, and most worthy of every praise, for from thee there dawned the Sun of righteousness, even Christ our God, alleluia.
     V. Blessed thou art, O holy Virgin Mary, who hast borne the Lord, the Creator of the world. Thou didst beget Him that made thee, and thou remainest a virgin for ever. 
     Thou art joyful indeed, O sacred Virgin Mary, and most worthy of every praise, for from thee there dawned the Sun of righteousness, even Christ our God, alleluia.

Secret of the day:  Sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we beseech Thee, by the intercession of the blessed, Ever-Virgin Mary: for it was Thy will for her to be offered in Thy temple by the hands of her parents, as a gift most pleasing unto Thee. Through... 

Preface:  It is truly meet and just, right and good for our salvation, for us to thank Thee for the advancement of all Thy saints, O Holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God. And most especially to praise, bless, and proclaim Thine almighty power for the righteousness of Mary the Ever-Virgin, she who is full of grace, and blessed, and the Mother of our God. Through Christ our Lord, By Whom angels praise Thy majesty, etc. 

The Sanctus may be sung with this addition in the last "Osanna in the highest": 

Osanna!
O Radiance of the Father, bring us who rejoice in the glory of Thy mother
To joys without limit after these which quickly pass. 
O bush of Moses, fleece of Gideon, and rod of Aaron fruitful with almonds,
Solomon's throne and bearer of the Light,
Star of the sea, a brilliant glistening, she cometh forth as from the Sun,
This is a woman like the moon, known as full of beauty.
She ascendeth a pillar of smoke, she is pigment of the Painter,
Whose conduct in all things made her nearer the Creator than all else,
From the desert she ascendeth, free of any sinful ways,
Flowing with delights, zealous for the Beloved, 
In the highest. 

Communio, tone 1:  Blessed be the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bare for us the Son of the eternal Father. 
     V. My heart hath poured forth a good word : I speak of my works to the King. 
     Blessed be the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bare for us the Son of the eternal Father.
     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.
     Blessed be the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bare for us the Son of the eternal Father. 

Postcommunion of the day:  May the Holy Mysteries we have received save us, O Lord, through the supplication of the blessed and Ever-Virgin Mary: for she, in the godliness of her most pious heart, continually sacrificed a sacrifice accepted unto Thee. Through...

Bowed Heads: the default prayer.  

note: The special additions to the Gloria in Excelsis were standard for the Roman rite all over Western Europe, up until the Counter-Reformation at Rome in the late 16th century.   

-------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------

LAST SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT

in Nativity fast. Service is of St. Cecilia, virgin, martyr, patroness of church music, with commemoration of the Sunday and of the Holy Trinity. The liturgical season of Advent, with its privileged Sundays, starts Dec. 12, 2021.

TERCE

antiphon: Valerian, I want to tell you a secret: I have an angel of God, who loveth me, and guardeth my body with great zeal.

chapter: O Lord my God, Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth: and I have prayed for death to pass away. R. Thanks be to God. 

short responsory. Grace is poured out on thy lips.
Grace is poured out on thy lips.
V. Therefore hath God blessed thee forever.
On thy lips. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Grace is poured out. 
On thy lips.  

versicle:  In thy splendor and thy beauty.
R. Bend thy bow, and prosper, and reign.

Collect as at Mass, below. 

SEXT

antiphon: Valerian found Cecilia in her chamber, praying with an angel. 

chapter: I will praise Thy name continually, and I will praise it with thanksgiving: and my prayer was heard. R. Thanks be to God.  

short responsory: In thy splendor and thy beauty. 
In thy splendor and thy beauty.
V. Bend thy bow, and prosper, and reign.
And thy beauty. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. In thy splendor.
And thy beauty. 

versicle: God shall help her with His countenance.
R. God is in the midst of her; and she shall not be moved. 

Collect as at Mass, below. 

PROCESSION

responsory:  When the sunrise was complete, Cecilia said, "Go forth, then, soldiers of Christ! Cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. 
     V. Cecilia, bidding the brothers farewell, and giving them encouragement, said: 
     Go forth, then, soldiers of Christ! Cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light.
     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
     Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 

The summer antiphon, versicle, and collect of the cross are omitted. After the Litany of St. Martin:

antiphon for re-entry: default of St. Mary, with her usual versicle and collect. 

MASS

Officium: Desiring to declare Thy name, O Christ, to all peoples, and kings, and princes, with choice words of salvation
     I spake of Thy testimony before kings, and I was not ashamed. 
For I was steadied by the help of Thy divine speech, for Thy spoken word was gentle ever since the time I came to Thee:
     And I meditated on Thy commandments, 
Fulfilling them, Lord, I have striven to obey Thee, that I may inherit the friendship of Thy people in high heaven,
     Which I have greatly loved. 

V. Blessed are the blameless in the way : who walk in the law of the Lord. 

I spake of Thy testimony before kings, and I was not ashamed. And I meditated on Thy commandments, which I have greatly loved.

     [V. Blessed are they that search into His testimonies; * with their whole heart they seek after Him.

I spake of Thy testimony before kings, and I was not ashamed. And I meditated on Thy commandments, which I have greatly loved.

     V. For they who do wickedness * have not walked in His ways.

I spake of Thy testimony before kings, and I was not ashamed. And I meditated on Thy commandments, which I have greatly loved.

     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen. 

I spake of Thy testimony before kings, and I was not ashamed. And I meditated on Thy commandments, which I have greatly loved.

Kyrie-Litany. Gloria. 

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY:  O God Who fillest us with joy by the yearly solemn feast of Thy blessed virgin and martyr Cecilia: grant that we may follow the example of her pious way of life, since we are honoring her in this service. Through... 

Let us pray. 

Collect 2: Stir up the wills of Thy faithful, O Lord, we pray Thee, that pursuing the fruit of godly labors more readily, they may partake of greater healings from Thy tender mercy.  (no doxology, but immediately:)

Collect 3: O almighty, everlasting God, Who hast granted Thy servants, in confessing the true Faith, to know the glory of the everlasting Trinity, and in the might of Thy majesty to worship the Unity, we pray that by steadfastness in this faith we may be ever protected from all adversities. Through... 

Lesson: Ecclesiasticus 51:13-17 (p. 410 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary).

A reading from the book of Wisdom. O Lord my God, Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth, and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that He would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. I will praise Thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. And Thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. Therefore I will give thanks, and speak praise unto Thy name : O Lord my God.

Graduale: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear, and the King shall greatly desire thy beauty. 

     V. In thy splendor and thy beauty, bend Thy bow, and prosper, and reign. 
     Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear, and the King shall greatly desire thy beauty. . 

Alleluia: cantor: Alleluia. all: Alleluia. cantor: V. Come, my chosen one, and I shall set thee on My throne, for the King shall greatly desire thy beauty. all: Alleluia. 

Sequence: Let us rejoice upon this festal day,
Remembering the wondrous works of God, 
Who worketh His greatest miracles 
In His holy men and holy women. 

Amid other miracles of His power 
He is greatest in glory in His virgins,
For by His grace the pomp of the world
Seemed as nothing to His virgins.  

And the striving of the virgins
Standeth firm against commands of kings.
Mindless fury worketh its savagery,
But evil is downcast for it is conquered!

Against their tender flesh it rageth,
And seeketh torments yet stronger,
But the flesh of purity standeth firm
When new tortures are increased. 

For the sake of the eternal glory
Which they await from God,
They rejoice that their mortal coil is afflicted,
For it is gone in the twinkling of an eye. 

The joys of this world failing
In a momentary tumult,
Like petals falling to the earth,
Amid the ranks of virgins, Cecilia did shine.

Today we keep her solemn feast
Who is lustrous among other women,
As the morning star amid the lesser stars, 
O joyful virgin, bravely enduring all things! 

Pray tenderly to God for us, 
Since for His glory thou didst not refuse to die,
That we at length may greatly joy 
In endless peace, in heaven's high court. 

And, O most glorious virgin, let us
Together and along with thee
In the glory of the Lord
Praise Him for all eternity. 

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52 (p. 412 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary)

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.
The continuation of the holy gospel according to Matthew. R. Glory to Thee, O Lord.
     At that time Jesus spake this parable to His disciples: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field, which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes, which when it was filled they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is an householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure : new things and old.

Offerenda:  The virgins in her train shall be brought unto the King. Her companions shall be brought unto Thee.
     V. My heart hath poured forth a good word : I speak of my works to the King.. 
     The virgins in her train shall be brought unto the King. Her companions shall be brought unto Thee.
     V. With joy and gladness shall they be brought in; they shall be brought into the King's temple..
     The virgins in her train shall be brought unto the King. Her companions shall be brought unto Thee.

Secret of the day: We beseech that these sacrifices of mercy's pleading and of praise may render us ever worthy of Thy gracious pardon, O Lord, Thy blessed martyr Cecilia interceding. Through... 

Let us pray.
Secret 2: Mercifully look upon the sacrifice which is to be celebrated unto Thee, O Lord, and may it cleanse us from the sinful ways of our condition and make us acceptable to Thy name.  (no doxology, but:)

Secret 3: Sanctify through the invocation of Thy holy name the sacrifice of this oblation, we pray Thee, Lord God, Holy Trinity, and by it perfect us ourselves as an eternal gift to Thee, Who livest and reignest, God through all the ages of ages. Amen. 

Preface:  ... everlasting God. Thou that dost perfect strength in weakness, and conquerest the enemy of the human race not by means of men only, but by women. For by Thy gift the blessed Cecilia was strengthened in the vocation of virginity and in confessing the Faith, that she not swerve from her intent through the lust of youth, nor be enticed by carnal flatteries, nor deterred by the frailty of her sex, nor overcome by the inhuman cruelty of torments. Rather, preserving the integrity of her body and soul, she was found worthy to attain eternal happiness, having the palm of virginity and that of martyrdom. Through Christ our Lord; by Him angels praise Thy majesty... etc. 

Communio:  Let the proud be put to shame, for unjustly have they transgressed against me, but as for me, I have pondered on Thy commandments, and upon Thy statutes, that I be not put to shame. 
     V. Blessed are the blameless in the way : who walk in the law of the Lord.. 
     Let the proud be put to shame, for unjustly have they transgressed against me, but as for me, I have pondered on Thy commandments, and upon Thy statutes, that I be not put to shame. 
     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.
     Let the proud be put to shame, for unjustly have they transgressed against me, but as for me, I have pondered on Thy commandments, and upon Thy statutes, that I be not put to shame.  

Postcommunion of the day: Thou hast satisfied Thy family, O Lord, with the sacred Gifts; ever keep and cherish us, we pray Thee, by the intercession of her whose feast we keep. Through... 

Let us pray.
Postcommunion 2: Our souls being filled with Thy divine gift, almighty God, may they be occupied, we pray Thee, by this hope: of being enkindled with Thy Spirit, and of being as radiant as shining lamps in the presence of Him Who is coming, Thy Son Christ our Lord.  (no doxology)

Postcommunion 3: May reception of this holy Mystery, O Lord our God, and the confession of the everlasting Holy Trinity, and His undivided Unity, conduce to our salvation in body and in soul. Who livest and reignest, God through all the ages of ages. Amen. 

Bowed Heads: the default prayer.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

in Nativity fast. Service is of the Sunday. There is no notice of the vigil of St. Andrew except that it is kept as a Mass at a side altar or as a Missa Sicca. The only commemoration of Sts. Saturninus and Sisinnius the martyrs is at the Little Vespers and Little Matins of St. Mary. Today the liturgical season called Advent begins, and at Matins we begin reading the book of Isaias the prophet. 

TERCE

antiphon: Rejoice, O daughter of Sion; be exceeding joyful, O daughter of Jerusalem.

chapter: It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. R. Thanks be to God. 

short responsory. Come to deliver us, O Lord God of hosts.
Come to deliver us, O Lord God of hosts.
V. And show us Thy face, and we shall be saved.
O Lord God of hosts. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Come to deliver us. 
O Lord God of hosts.  

versicle:  The heathen shall fear Thy name, O Lord.
R. And all the kings of the earth Thy glory.

Collect as at Mass, below. 

SEXT

antiphon: Behold, the Lord shall come, and all His saints with Him, and there shall be in that day a great light, alleluia. 

chapter: The night is past, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. R. Thanks be to God.  

short responsory: Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy. 
Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
V. And grant us Thy salvation.
[And] Thy mercy. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Show us, O Lord,
Thy mercy. 

versicle: Remember us, O Lord, according the favor that Thou bearest unto Thy people.
R. O visit us with Thy salvation. 

Collect as at Mass, below. 

PROCESSION

responsory, tone 8:  The angel Gabriel was sent from God into the city of Nazareth unto the Virgin Mary, espoused to Joseph, and he said to her: "The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word." Alleluia. 

The summer antiphon, versicle, and collect of the cross are discontinued until next summer. After the Litany of St. Martin:

antiphon for re-entry, tone 2: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; ye mountains, shout praise with jubilation, O ye mountains: for our Lord will come, and He will have mercy on His poor ones.
     V. In His days shall righteousness flourish, and an abundance of peace.
     And He will have mercy on His poor ones. 

V. The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
R. Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight His paths. 
Let us pray, and the collect of day, from below. 

MASS

Officium: How trustworthy is Thy protection! Let it be with Thy servants and aid them. 
     Unto Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. My God, I put my trust in Thee, O let me never be confounded, neither let mine enemies laugh me to scorn. For all they that wait on Thee shall not be ashamed.

V. Tell me Thy ways, O Lord : and teach me Thy paths.

Of old David, filled with the breath of the benevolent Spirit, uttered clear resouding hymns to Christ, in these very words:
      Unto Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. My God, I put my trust in Thee, O let me never be confounded,
     but let me shine brightly in Thy power, in the glory of Thy victory.
     Neither let mine enemies laugh me to scorn,
     those who despise themselves by submitting their necks to prideful ways.
     For all they that wait on Thee shall not be ashamed.

V. Lead me forth in Thy truth, and teach me : for Thou art God my Saviour.

V. Remember Thy loving-kindnesses, O Lord : and Thy mercies, which are from everlasting.

Unto Thee, O Lord, etc.

V.  O remember not the sins of my youth : and of mine ignorance.

Unto Thee, O Lord, etc.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.

Unto Thee, O Lord, etc.

Kyrie-Litany. The Gloria is not sung until the feast of the Nativity. 

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY:  Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that we may be found worthy to be rescued from the besetting dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest with God, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. Amen. 

There are no additional collects unless the priest wish it. 

Lesson: Romans 13:11-14 (p. 2 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary).

A reading from the epistle of blessed Paul the apostle to the Romans. Brethren, know that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is passed and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy, but put ye on : the Lord Jesus Christ.

Graduale, tone 2:  For all they that wait on Thee shall not be ashamed, O Lord.
     V. Tell me Thy ways, O Lord : and teach me Thy paths. 
For all they...

Alleluia, tone 8:   Alleluia, alleluia. V. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy, and grant us Thy salvation.  Repeat: Alleluia.

Sequence
Salvation eternal,
Life of the world unfailing,
Light everlasting,
And, truly, our redemption!

Grieving that ages of mankind were perishing
Through the tempter’s whisperings,
Thou, not leaving the heavenly heights,
Camest in Thy mercy into this lowest world.

Swiftly taking human nature,
Thou didst save all earthly beings,
Which had fallen and been lost,
Using Thy swift-acting grace.

Bringing joy to the world, O Christ,
Purify our souls and bodies,
That Thou remain in us as dwellings
Shining clear and bright.

By Thy first coming, make us righteous;
By Thy second, set us free;
That when Thy mighty light hath dawned,
And Thou shalt judge all things,

Then we, clad in robes of incorruption,
May follow, swift, without delay,
The footsteps of Thy feet,
Whithersoever they appear.

Gospel

Deacon: The Lord be with you.  R.  And with thy spirit.  Deacon: The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. R.  Glory to Thee, O Lord.

At that time, when Jesus drew nigh to Jerusalem, and was come to Bethphage, unto Mount Olivet, He sent two disciples, saying to them: Go ye into the village that is over against you, and immediately ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if any man shall say anything to you, say ye that the Lord hath need of them, and forthwith he will let them go. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘Tell ye the daughter of Sion: Behold, thy King cometh to thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of her that is used to the yoke.’ And the disciples, going, did as Jesus commanded them. And they brought the ass and the colt, and laid their garments upon them, and made Him sit thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way, and others cut boughs from the trees and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before and that followed cried, saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.’

Offerenda, tone 2:  O hope of mercy, intercession, might, and my defense, O my Jesus!

     Unto Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. My God, I put my trust in Thee, O let me never be confounded, neither let mine enemies laugh me to scorn. For all they that wait on Thee shall not be ashamed.

Thou Who art the way, the guide, the guidance, Thou knowledge of the highest truth!

     V. Lead me forth in Thy truth, and teach me : for Thou art God my Saviour, and upon Thee have I waited all the day long.

Unto Thee, O Lord, etc.

Thou Who hast compassion on those who are grieving, O our meek Loving-kindness! Forthwith, now,

     V. Look upon me and have mercy on me, O Lord. O keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be confounded, for I have put my trust in Thee.

Unto Thee, O Lord, etc.

Secret of the day: May these sacred gifts, O Lord, cause us who are cleansed by their mighty power to approach in greater purity Him Who created them. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. R. Amen.

Preface:  ... everlasting God. Whose property and unique quality it is, that Thou art good, and never altered by any change therefrom. Be gracious to our supplications and show Thy Church Thy mercy for which she prayeth, revealing to Thy people both the mystery of the incarnation of Thine only-begotten Son, and the marvelous sacrament of His coming, that it may be known among all nations that the ancient promise made by the prophets’ prophecies hath now been fulfilled, and that those rendered beautiful by confession of the truth, may share in the dignity of adopted sonship. By Him angels praise Thy majesty... 

Communio, tone 1:  Let all those born of earth be joyful for the mighty Gift! 
     The Lord shall show loving-kindness, and our land shall give her increase.

     V. Thou hast forgiven the offenses of Thy people; * Thou hast cov­ered all their sins.
          The Lord shall show loving-kindness, and our land shall give her increase.

     Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.
          The Lord shall show loving-kindness, and our land shall give her increase.

Postcommunion of the day: .Pour Thy grace into our souls, we pray Thee, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of Christ Thy Son by the tidings of an angel may, through His passion and cross, be brought to the glory of the resurrection. Through... 

Bowed Heads: Let us pray. Bow your heads before God. R. Thanks be to God.
     May Thy grace, O Lord, ever precede us and follow us, that through the advent of Thine only-begotten Son we may await with the highest hopes of our heart a haven in this present life, and may also reach the harbor of the life to come. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. Amen. 

------------------------------------------------

Officium (introit) for Dominica (Sunday) Prima (First) Adventus (of Advent): 

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

in Nativity fast. Service is given of the Sunday, in which case St. Nicholas is deferred to Monday. However, for churches without daily services, less will be omitted if the saint is simply commemorated on the Sunday. It is also an established custom in some places to celebrate St. Nicholas on the Sunday, with commemoration of the Sunday. 

TERCE

antiphon: The city of our strength is Sion; our Saviour is set in her, upon her walls and before her walls, open wide the gates, for God is with us, alleluia. 

chapter: What things soever were written, were written for our leaning, that through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures, we might have hope. R. Thanks be to God. 

short responsory. Come to deliver us, O Lord God of hosts.
Come to deliver us, O Lord God of hosts.
V. And show us Thy face, and we shall be saved.
O Lord God of hosts. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Come to deliver us. 
O Lord God of hosts.  

versicle:  The heathen shall fear Thy name, O Lord.
R. And all the kings of the earth Thy glory.

Collect as at Mass, below. 

SEXT

antiphon: Behold, the Lord shall appear, and will not disappoint; if He delay, wait for Him, for He shall come and shall not tarry. 

chapter: Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of one mind one towards another, according to Jesus Christ, that with one mind, and with one mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. R. Thanks be to God.  

short responsory: Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy. 
Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
V. And grant us Thy salvation.
[And] Thy mercy. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Show us, O Lord,
Thy mercy. 

versicle: Remember us, O Lord, according the favor that Thou bearest unto Thy people.
R. O visit us with Thy salvation. 

Collect as at Mass, below. 

PROCESSION

responsory, tone 8:  The angel Gabriel was sent from God into the city of Nazareth unto the Virgin Mary, espoused to Joseph, and he said to her: "The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word." Alleluia. 

After the Litany of St. Martin:

antiphon for re-entry, tone 4: Christ our King will draw nigh to us, Whom John foretold was the King that was to come.
     V. Behold the Lamb of God; behold Him that taketh away the sins of the world..
     Whom John foretold was the King that was to come. 

V. The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
R. Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight His paths. 
Let us pray, and the collect of day, from below. 

MASS

Officium: People of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to redeem the nations. And the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard in the gladness of your heart. 

V. Hear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel : Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.

People of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to redeem the nations. And the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard in the gladness of your heart. 

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.

V. Show Thyself, Thou that sittest upon the cherubim : before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasses.

People of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to redeem the nations. And the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard in the gladness of your heart. 

Kyrie-Litany. No Gloria. 

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY:  Stir up our hearts to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son, O Lord, that by His coming we may be worthy to serve Thee with souls washed clean. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. Amen. 

Collect of St. Nicholas:  O God, Who didst decorate Thy blessed bishop Nicholas with numberless miracles: grant us, we beseech Thee, that by his righteousness and prayers we may be delivered from the flames of Gehenna. 

Collect 3: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the intercession of the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the heavenly powers, and of the blessed patriarchs, prophets, apostles, evangelists, martyrs, and confessors, and virgins, and of all Thine elect, may everywhere fill us with joy, that as we call their righteousness to mind we may experience their watchful prayer. Through... 

Epistle: Romans 15:4-13 (p. 9 in the complete epistle-gospel Lectionary).

A reading from the epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Brethren, what things soever were written, were written for our learning, that through patience and the comfort of the scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of one mind one towards another, according to Jesus Christ: that with one mind, and with one mouth, ye may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath received you unto the honour of God. For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of the circum-cision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers, but that the Gentiles are to glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this cause will I confess Thee among the Gentiles, O Lord, and unto Thy name will I chant.”2 And again he saith: “Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people.”3 And again: “O praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; praise Him, all ye peoples.”4 And again Isaias saith: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in Him the Gen-tiles shall hope.”5 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, and in the power : of the Holy Ghost.   Rom 15:4-13.

Graduale, tone 5:  Out of Sion is the magnificence of His comeliness. Our God shall come visibly.
     V. Gather together unto Him His holy ones, who have established His covenant upon sacrifices. 
Out of Sion...

Alleluia, tone 8:   Alleluia, alleluia. V. The powers of heaven shall be moved, and then they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with great power and majesty.  Repeat: Alleluia.

Sequence
Let this pious assembly
Sing praise unto Him Who reigneth
Throughout the eternal ages yet to come,
By the sound thereof paying His due to our Divine Creator.

To Whom the angelic hosts shout in jubilation,
Exhilarated by His countenance,
Whom all those on the earth await,
To be queried at His command.

He Who is exacting in His judgments, merciful in His might,
By Thy mercy save us, O Christ, since for us Thou didst suffer torments.
Lift us to the shining stars of heaven,
Thou Who dost cleanse all ages from defilement.

Let Thy true salvation stream down upon us,
Putting dangers unto flight.
So that all things may be pure,
Do Thou grant us peaceful times.

That being saved here by Thy mercy,
We may draw near, as ones rejoicing,
At Thy realms on high hereafter,
Where Thou reignest through unending ages..

Gospel

Deacon: The Lord be with you.  R.  And with thy spirit.  Deacon: The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke. R.  Glory to Thee, O Lord.

At that time Jesus said to His disciples: There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea and of the waves; men withering away for fear, and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved, and then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with great power and majesty. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And He spake to them a similitude: See the fig tree, and all the trees. When they now shoot forth their fruit, ye know that summer is nigh. So ye also, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Amen I say to you, this generation shall not pass away, till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words : shall not pass away.   Lk 21:25-33

Offerenda, tone 3:  O God, Thou wilt turn and quicken us, and Thy people shall be glad in Thee. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy, and Thy salvation do Thou give unto us.

V. Thou hast been gracious, O Lord, unto Thy land; Thou hast turned back the captivity of Jacob; Thou hast forgiven the iniquities of Thy people.

O God, Thou wilt turn and quicken us, and Thy people shall be glad in Thee. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy, and Thy salvation do Thou give unto us.

V. Mercy and truth are met together; truth is sprung up out of the earth & righteousness hath looked down from heaven. 

O God, Thou wilt turn and quicken us, and Thy people shall be glad in Thee. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy, and Thy salvation do Thou give unto us.

Secret of the day: Be Thou moved to mercy, O Lord, we beseech Thee, by the prayers and sacrifices of our lowliness, and whereas opinions of our merits gain us nothing, uphold us with Thy watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. R. Amen.

Secret of St. Nicholas: O Lord, sanctify these gifts which are brought in reverence of Thy holy bishop Nicholas, we beseech Thee: that by means of them our life may be navigated in all places, from prosperities to adversities. 

Secret 3: Be pleased, O Lord, with the proffered gifts, and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with that of all Thy saints, defend us from all danger. Through... 

Communio, tone 2:  Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and behold the joy that cometh to thee from thy God..

V. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem : praise thy God, O Sion.

Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and behold the joy that cometh to thee from thy God.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and behold the joy that cometh to thee from thy God. 

Postcommunion of the day: .Well-filled with the Food of spiritual nourishing, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that by our partaking of this mystery Thou wouldest teach us to despise things earthly, and to love things heavenly. Through.... 

Postcommunion of St. Nicholas: May the sacrificial Elements we have received for the sake of the feast of Thy holy bishop Nicholas, strengthen us with unending protection, O Lord, we beseech Thee. 

Postcommunion 3:  We have received, O Lord, the heavenly holy mysteries, practicing the remembrance of the blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary and of all Thy saints: grant, we beseech Thee, that assisted by their prayers we may in joys eternal arrive at the fruition of what we now accomplish in time. Through... 

     Mightily gird up the loins of our mind with Thy Divine strength, O Lord our God, we beseech Thee, that when our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son cometh, we may be found worthy for the banquet of eternal life, and may deserve to receive from Him some portion in the prayers of the majestic heavenly Powers. : Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. Amen.

 ------------------------------------------------

This post was delayed because of severe Covid-19. 

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

in Nativity fast. Service is given of the Sunday, with commemoration of St. Lucy and of St. Judoc, royal priest-hermit of Ponthieu. It is true the rubrics instruct St. Lucy's day to be deferred to Monday so it can be celebrated as fully and festively as possible. However, if there be no Mass for her on Monday, better to commemorate her on Sunday. 

TERCE

antiphon: Jerusalem, rejoice with exceeding great joy, for thy Saviour is coming to thee, alleluia. 

chapter: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required of dispensers, that a man be found faithful. R. Thanks be to God. 

short responsory. Come to deliver us, O Lord God of hosts.
Come to deliver us, O Lord God of hosts.
V. And show us Thy face, and we shall be saved.
O Lord God of hosts. 
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Come to deliver us. 
O Lord God of hosts.  

versicle:  The heathen shall fear Thy name, O Lord.
R. And all the kings of the earth Thy glory.

Collect as at Mass, below. 

SEXT

antiphon: I will give salvation on Sion, and my glory upon Jerusalem, alleluia. 

chapter: But as for me, it is a small thing for me to be judged by you or by man's day; for I judge not mine own self. R. Thanks be to God.  

short responsory: Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
V. And grant us Thy salvation.
[And] Thy mercy.
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Show us, O Lord,
Thy mercy.

versicle: Remember us, O Lord, according the favor that Thou bearest unto Thy people.
R. O visit us with Thy salvation. 

Collect as at Mass, below. 

PROCESSION

responsory, tone 8:  The angel Gabriel was sent from God into the city of Nazareth unto the Virgin Mary, espoused to Joseph, and he said to her: "The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word." Alleluia. 

After the Litany of St. Martin:

antiphon for re-entry, tone 8: Behold, the Root of Jesse hath risen up for the salvation of the peoples; Him the Gentiles shall entreat, and glorious shall be His name.
     V. And justice shall be the girdle of His loins, and faith the cincture of His reins.
     And glorious shall be His name. 

V. The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
R. Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight His paths. 
Let us pray, and the collect of day, from below. 

MASS

Officium: O rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known unto all men; the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, let your petitions be made known unto God. 

V. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding : keep your hearts and minds.

O rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known unto all men; the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, let your petitions be made known unto God. 

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages, amen.

V. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame : if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline, think on these things.

O rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known unto all men; the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, let your petitions be made known unto God. 

Kyrie-Litany. No Gloria. 

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY:  Incline Thine ear to our prayers, O Master, we beseech Thee: and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who liveth and reigneth with Thy Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. Amen. [2 optional collects:]

Collect of St. Lucy:  Hearken to us, O God our Saviour, that as we rejoice in the festival of the blessed Lucy, Thy virgin and martyr, so also we may become learned in the way of piety, by having the sentiment of reverence.  

Collect of St. Judoc: O God, Who grantest us to rejoice in the commemoration within time of Thy saints: grant, we beseech Thee, that by the intercession of blessed Judoc we may be numbered in the same portion of the saved wherein he stood gloriously by Thy grace. Through... 

Graduale, tone 7:  O Lord, Thou that sittest on the cherubim: stir up Thy might and come.
     V. Hear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. 
O Lord, Thou that sittest on the cherubim: stir up Thy might and come.

Alleluia, tone 4:   Alleluia, alleluia. V. Stir up Thy might and come to save us.  Repeat: Alleluia.

Sequence
O Thou Who alone rulest all things
By the strong scepter of Thy right hand,
Stirring up Thy mighty power,
Reveal it to Thy people!

Grant them salvation-bringing gifts,
Thou the prophetic predictions did foretell.
From the radiant, royal country of the heavens,
Come, O Lord, to ours.

Gospel

Deacon: The Lord be with you.  R.  And with thy spirit.  Deacon: The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. R.  Glory to Thee, O Lord.

At time, when John had heard in prison the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples he said to Him: Art thou He that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus, making answer, said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he that shall not be scandalized in Me. And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What went you out into the desert to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, they that are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? A prophet? Yea, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: “Behold I send Mine angel before Thy face : who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.”   Mt. 11:2-10

Offerenda, tone 4:  Thou hast blessed, O Lord, Thy land: Thou hast turned back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the offenses of Thy people.

V. Thou hast covered all their sins, Thou hast curtailed all Thy displeasure. 

Thou hast blessed, O Lord, Thy land: Thou hast turned back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the offenses of Thy people.

V. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy, and grant us Thy salvation. 

Thou hast blessed, O Lord, Thy land: Thou hast turned back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the offenses of Thy people.

Secret of the day: Let the offering of our devotion be sacrificed to Thee ceaselessly, O Lord, we pray Thee: may it enact what we were taught respecting this holy Mystery, and and accomplish Thy salvation in us wondrously. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. R. Amen.

Secret of St. Lucy: May the oblation of the people who are made holy be accepted by Thee, O Lord, on account of the honor of Thy saints, for they know well that they have received help from affliction through the righteous prayers they make for us.  

Secret of St. Judoc: O God, Who madest Thine excellent priest Judoc to shine surpassingly bright amid the luminaries of heaven: grant that by the temporal festivities of so great a father we may attain to the radiant company of those who dwell on high. Through... 

Communio, tone 7:  Say unto the faint-hearted: Take courage and fear not! Behold, our God will come, and He will save us. 

V. Thou hast blessed, O Lord, Thy land : Thou hast turned back the captivity of Jacob.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Say unto the faint-hearted: Take courage and fear not! Behold, our God will come, and He will save us.  

Postcommunion of the day: .We implore Thy mercy, O Lord, that this divine relief may prepare us for the approaching feasts, for from our sins we are washed. Through.... 

Postcommunion of St. Lucy: Thou hast filled Thy family, O Lord, with the most holy Gifts: we beseech that Thou cherish and keep us for ever by the intercession of her whose festivities we celebrate. 

Postcommunion of St. Judoc:  Well-filled with the delights of heaven, we entreat Thee, O Lord: that by the helping prayer of our glorious father Judoc, we may be united to the banquet of Paradise. Through... 

     We beseech Thee, O Lord our God, make us vigilant and watchful to await the coming of Christ Thy Son our Lord: that when He cometh a-knocking, He may find us not asleep in sins, but keeping watch and rejoicing in praises of Him. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages. Amen.

 ------------------------------------------------

The editor is largely recovered now from a debilitating case of Covid-19. 

Sunday in Lent: abstain from all forms of meat, dairy, eggs, and cheese. Abstinence from fish was practiced in Old England by the laity and clergy up to the 16th century, as a personal devotion. 

TERCE

antiphon: Not by bread alone doth man live, but by God's every word.  

chapter: We exhort you, lest you receive the grace of God in vain. For He saith, In an accepted time have I heard thee, and in the day of salvation I have helped thee.
R. Thanks be to God. 

long responsory. I am a partaker with all them that fear Thee, | And with them that keep Thy commandments. 
V. Look upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love Thy name.
And with them that keep Thy commandments.  
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  
I am a partaker...  

versicle:  I will say to the Lord:
R. Thou art my helper.

Collect of the day, below under "Holy Mass." 

SEXT

antiphon: Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, and set Him upon the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down. 

chapter: Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Giving offense to no man, that our ministry be not blamed. 
R. Thanks be to God.  

long responsory: From every evil path have I restrained my feet, | That I might keep Thy commandments, O Lord.
V. From Thy judgments have I not declined, for Thou hast established a law for me.
That I might keep Thy commandments, O Lord.
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. 
From every evil path...

versicle: He shall deliver thee.
R. From the snare of the hunter. 

Collect of the day, below. 

PROCESSION

antiphon, tone 1:  When we shall come before the presence of the Lord, on the day of judgment, there will there be thousands of thousands, and tens of hundreds of thousands, of the angels, of cherubim and seraphim. There will the choirs of the saints stand round about, of patriarchs, of the prophets, of the apostles, and the martyrs, and all the assemblies of the saints. There the hidden secrets of our hearts shall be manifested. But Thou, O God, most merciful Father, take away from us that judgment of condemnation wherewith the works of them that do wrong shall be punished without end. And grant unto us that we may inherit the kingdom of eternity with Thy chosen.

Commination:  Today there is read, in parishes as in cathedrals, the Commination or Great Anathema. See the approved Sarum Rituale, p. 150.

responsory at the re-entry into the sanctuary, tone 7:  Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. | And the tempter coming said to Him, 'If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.' 

V. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry. 

And the tempter... to the end. 

V. With a shield will His truth encompass thee.
R. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night. 

Let us pray.  Collect of the day, below.

                                                HOLY MASS

Officium, tone 8:  He shall cry unto me, and I will hearken unto him. And I will rescue him, and will glorify him; with length of days will I satisfy him. 

V. He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High : shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. 

He shall cry unto me... 

Glory to the Father... As it was... 

He shall cry...

Kyrieleyson with verses. The Gloria is omitted throughout Lent.

There is no kneeling at Mass on Lenten (or other) Sundays.

Collect of the Day.  O God, Who purifiest Thy Church by the annual observation of Lent, grant unto Thy family that what they endeavor to obtain of Thee by fasting they may follow up by good works. Through...  

Epistle

A reading from the epistle of blessed Paul the apostle to the Corinthians. Brethren: We exhort you that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For He saith: “In an accepted time have I heard thee, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed: but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge, in long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report. As deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastised, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as needy, yet enriching many; as having nothing : and possessing all things.   [2 Cor 6:1-10]

Graduale, tone 2

He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 

V. On their hands shall they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

He shall give...

Tract, tone 2

He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. 

V. He shall say unto the Lord, Thou art my helper and my refuge : He is my God, and I will hope in Him. 

V. For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters : and from every troubling word.

V. With His shoulders will He overshadow thee : and under His wings shalt thou have hope. 

V. With a shield will His truth encompass thee : thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night. 

V. Nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the thing that walketh in darkness : nor for the mishap and demon of noonday. 

V. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at Thy right hand : but unto thee shall it not come nigh. 

V. For He shall give His angels charge over thee : to keep thee in all thy ways. 

V. On their hands shall they bear thee up : lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

V. Upon the asp and basilisk shalt thou tread : and thou shalt trample upon the lion and dragon. 

V. For he hath set his hope on Me, and I will deliver him : I will shelter him because he hath known My name. 

V. He shall cry unto Me, and I will hearken unto him; I am with him in affliction. 

V. And I will rescue him and glorify him; with length of days will I satisfy him; and I will show him My salvation. 

Gospel

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

V. The continuation of the holy gospel according to Matthew. 

R. Glory to Thee, O Lord. 

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry. And the tempter, coming, said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Who answered and said: It is written, “Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, and set Him upon the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down, for it is written: “That He shall give His Angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him: It is written again, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Again the Devil took Him up into a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and said to Him: All these will I give thee, if falling down Thou wilt adore me. Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan, for it is written, “The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and Him only shalt thou serve.”4 Then the Devil left Him, and behold, Angels came : and ministered to Him.    Mt 4:1-11  

[Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.]

Offerenda, tone 8:  With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope; with a shield will His truth encompass thee. 

V. He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day. 

With His... 

V. For He shall give His angels charge over thee to keep thee, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

With His... 

V. Upon the asp and basilisk shalt thou tread, and thou shalt trample upon the lion and dragon. For he hath set his hope on Me, and I will deliver him.

With His... 

Secret:  We offer our sacrifice of the beginning of Lent in a festive manner, beseeching Thee, O Lord, that as we abstain from carnal feastings, we may also forbear from harmful pastimes. Through...

Preface:  ... everlasting God, through Christ our Lord. Who throughout forty days and nights consecrated this fast, not being hungry. For afterwards was He hungry, not so much for the food of mankind as for their salvation. Neither did He lust for the feastings of worldly foods, but He longed rather for the sanctity of their souls. For His food is the redemption of the peoples; His food is the whole estate of good will. For He hath taught us to busy ourselves not only with that food which is spread out at earthly banquets, but also with that food we partake of by reading the divine Scriptures. By Him angels praise...

Communio, tone 3:  With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope; with a shield will His truth encompass thee. 

V. He shall say unto the Lord, 'Thou art my helper and my refuge : He is my God, and I will hope in Him.' 

V. With His... 

Glory to the Father... As it was... 

With His...

Communion of the people:  "This is My body" replaces the usual "Come ye people." 

Postcommunion:  May the holy drink-offering of Thy Sacrament, O Lord, create us anew; and once we are cleansed of the old man, may it bring us into communion with its saving mystery. Through...

Bowed Heads:  Be with us and help our supplications, O Lord, and guard us who put our trust in Thy mercy from every opposing power. Through...

Sunday in Lent: abstain from all forms of meat, dairy, eggs, and cheese. Abstinence from fish was practiced in Old England by laity and clergy as a personal devotion.

TERCE

antiphon: I was not sent but to the sheep which are lost of the house of Israel, saith the Lord.  

chapter: We pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us, how you ought to walk, and to please God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more. 
     R. Thanks be to God. 

long responsory. I am a partaker with all them that fear Thee, | And with them that keep Thy commandments. 
     V. Look upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love Thy name.
     And with them that keep Thy commandments.  
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  
     I am a partaker...  

versicle:  I will say to the Lord:
R. Thou art my helper.

Collect of the day, below under "Holy Mass." 

SEXT

antiphon: O woman, great is thy faith; be it done to thee as thou hast desired. 

chapter: This is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should abstain from  fornication; that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor. 
     R. Thanks be to God.  

long responsory.  From every evil path have I restrained my feet, | That I might keep Thy commandments, O Lord.  
     V. From Thy judgments have I not declined, for Thou hast established a law for me.
That I might keep Thy commandments, O Lord.  
     V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  
From every evil path...  

versicle:  He shall deliver thee.
R. From the snare of the hunter.

Collect of the day, below. 

PROCESSION

antiphon, tone 1:  When we shall come before the presence of the Lord, on the day of judgment, there will there be thousands of thousands, and tens of hundreds of thousands, of the angels, of cherubim and seraphim. There will the choirs of the saints stand round about, of patriarchs, of the prophets, of the apostles, and the martyrs, and all the assemblies of the saints. There the hidden secrets of our hearts shall be manifested. But Thou, O God, most merciful Father, take away from us that judgment of condemnation wherewith the works of them that do wrong shall be punished without end. And grant unto us that we may inherit the kingdom of eternity with Thy chosen.

Commination:  Today there is read, in parishes as in cathedrals, the Commination or Great Anathema. See the approved Sarum Rituale, p. 150.

responsory at the re-entry into the sanctuary, tone 7:  Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. | And the tempter coming said to Him, 'If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.' 
     V. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry. 
And the tempter... to the end. 

V. With a shield will His truth encompass thee.
R. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night. 

Let us pray.  Collect of the day, below. 

HOLY MASS

Officium, tone 8:  He shall cry unto me, and I will hearken unto him. And I will rescue him, and will glorify him; with length of days will I satisfy him. 
     V. He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High : shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. 
     He shall cry unto me... 
Glory to the Father... As it was... 
     He shall cry...

Kyrieleyson with verses. The Gloria is omitted throughout Lent.

There is no kneeling at Mass on Lenten (or other) Sundays.

Collect of the Day.  O God, Who purifiest Thy Church by the annual observation of Lent, grant unto Thy family that what they endeavor to obtain of Thee by fasting they may follow up by good works. Through...  

Epistle.  A reading from the epistle of blessed Paul the apostle to the Corinthians. Brethren: We exhort you that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For He saith: “In an accepted time have I heard thee, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed: but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge, in long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report. As deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastised, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as needy, yet enriching many; as having nothing : and possessing all things.   [2 Cor 6:1-10]

Graduale, tone 2:  He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 
     V. On their hands shall they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
He shall give...

Tract, tone 2:  He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. 
     V. He shall say unto the Lord, Thou art my helper and my refuge : He is my God, and I will hope in Him. 
     V. For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters : and from every troubling word.
     V. With His shoulders will He overshadow thee : and under His wings shalt thou have hope. 
     V. With a shield will His truth encompass thee : thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night. 
     V. Nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the thing that walketh in darkness : nor for the mishap and demon of noonday. 
     V. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at Thy right hand : but unto thee shall it not come nigh. 
     V. For He shall give His angels charge over thee : to keep thee in all thy ways. 
     V. On their hands shall they bear thee up : lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
     V. Upon the asp and basilisk shalt thou tread : and thou shalt trample upon the lion and dragon. 
     V. For he hath set his hope on Me, and I will deliver him : I will shelter him because he hath known My name. 
     V. He shall cry unto Me, and I will hearken unto him; I am with him in affliction. 
     V. And I will rescue him and glorify him; with length of days will I satisfy him; and I will show him My salvation. 

Gospel
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. The continuation of the holy gospel according to Matthew. 
R. Glory to Thee, O Lord. 
     At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry. And the tempter, coming, said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Who answered and said: It is written, “Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, and set Him upon the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him: If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down, for it is written: “That He shall give His Angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him: It is written again, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Again the Devil took Him up into a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and said to Him: All these will I give thee, if falling down Thou wilt adore me. Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan, for it is written, “The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Then the Devil left Him, and behold, Angels came : and ministered to Him.  Mt 4:1-11  

[Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.]

Offerenda, tone 8:  With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope; with a shield will His truth encompass thee. 
     V. He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day. 
     With His... 
     V. For He shall give His angels charge over thee to keep thee, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
     With His... 
     V. Upon the asp and basilisk shalt thou tread, and thou shalt trample upon the lion and dragon. For he hath set his hope on Me, and I will deliver him.
     With His... 

Secret:  We offer our sacrifice of the beginning of Lent in a festive manner, beseeching Thee, O Lord, that as we abstain from carnal feastings, we may also forbear from harmful pastimes. Through...

Preface:  ... everlasting God, through Christ our Lord. Who throughout forty days and nights consecrated this fast, not being hungry. For afterwards was He hungry, not so much for the food of mankind as for their salvation. Neither did He lust for the feastings of worldly foods, but He longed rather for the sanctity of their souls. For His food is the redemption of the peoples; His food is the whole estate of good will. For He hath taught us to busy ourselves not only with that food which is spread out at earthly banquets, but also with that food we partake of by reading the divine Scriptures. By Him angels praise...

Communio, tone 3:  With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope; with a shield will His truth encompass thee. 
     V. He shall say unto the Lord, 'Thou art my helper and my refuge : He is my God, and I will hope in Him.' 
     V. With His... 
Glory to the Father... As it was... 
     With His...

Communion of the people:  "This is My body" replaces the usual "Come ye people." 

Postcommunion:  May the holy drink-offering of Thy Sacrament, O Lord, create us anew; and once we are cleansed of the old man, may it bring us into communion with its saving mystery. Through...

Bowed Heads:  Be with us and help our supplications, O Lord, and guard us who put our trust in Thy mercy from every opposing power. Through...

Sunday in Lent: abstain from all forms of meat, dairy, eggs, and cheese. Abstinence from fish was practiced in Old England by laity and clergy as a personal devotion.

TERCE

antiphon:  When a strong man, armed, keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth.  

chapter:  Be ye therefore followers of God, as most dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath delivered Himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness.
     R. Thanks be to God. 

long responsory. It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, O Lord. The law of Thy mouth is better to me than gold and silver. 
     V. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding and I will learn Thy commandments.
     The law of Thy mouth is better to me than gold and silver.  
V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  
     It is good for me that thou hast humbled me...  

versicle:  He shall say to the Lord:
R. Thou art my helper.

Collect of the day, below under "Holy Mass." 

SEXT

antiphon: He who gathereth not with Me, scattereth; and he that is not with Me, is against Me. 

chapter:  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints.
     R. Thanks be to God.  

long responsory.  I am Thy servant; give me understanding, O Lord, 
     V. That I may learn Thy commandments.
Give me understanding, O Lord.  
     V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  
I am Thy servant...  

versicle:  He shall deliver thee.
R. From the snare of the hunter.

Collect of the day, below. 

PROCESSION

antiphon, tone 1:  In the day when the Lord cometh for the judgment, to judge the world in His majesty, there shall stand round about Him all the assemblies of the heavenly virtues, the choirs of the saints, of the patriarchs and the prophets, the glory of the apostles, the number of martyrs, of confessors, and of the virgins. There all the peoples shall be present, struck with great fear before such great majesty, and before the Lord. O that day, a day of wrath, a day of tribulation, a day of misery and requital, a day of trumpet and of clamor, a day of cloud and thick darkness! O that day, exceeding bitter shall it be for the ungodly. O how happy they shall be, who are found worthy to hear the voice of the Lord: "O come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom which hath been prepared for you from the beginning of the world."

responsory at the re-entry into the sanctuary, tone 1:  Joseph, speaking to his brethren, said: | 'Peace be with you; fear not; for the Lord sent me before you, for your salvation.'
     V. He lifted up his voice with weeping, which the Egyptians and all the house of Pharao heard, and he said unto his brethren:
     Peace be with you...

V. With a shield will His truth encompass thee.
R. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night. 

Let us pray.  Collect of the day, below. 

HOLY MASS

Officium, tone 7:  Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He it is that will draw my feet out of the snare. Look upon me and have mercy on me, for I am one only begotten and poor.
     V. Unto Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul : O my God, in Thee have I trusted; let me never be put to shame.
     Mine eyes...
     Glory to the Father... As it was...
Mine eyes...    

Kyrieleison with verses. The Gloria is omitted throughout Lent. There is no kneeling at Mass on Lenten (or other) Sundays.

Collect of the Day.  We beseech Thee, O almighty God: look with favor upon the hearty desires of the humble, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty for our safekeeping. Through...  

Epistle.  A reading from the epistle of blessed Paul the apostle to the Ephesians. Brethren: Be ye followers of God, as most dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath delivered Himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints: or obscenity, or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose; but rather giving of thanks. For know ye this and understand, that no fornicator, or unclean, or covetous person (which is a serving of idols), hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For ye were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light. For the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and justice, and truth.  [Eph 5:1-9]

Graduale, tone 3:  Arise, O Lord, let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before Thee.
V. When mine enemy be turned back, they shall grow weak and shall perish before Thy face.
     Arise, O Lord...  

Tract, tone 8:  Unto Thee have I lifted up mine eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven.
     V.  Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hands of their masters.
     V.  As the eyes of the handmaid look unto the hands of her mistress.
     V.  So do our eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take pity on us.
     V.  Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. 

Gospel
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. The continuation of the holy gospel according to Matthew. 
R. Glory to Thee, O Lord. 
     At that time Jesus was casting out a devil, and the same was dumb: and when He had cast out the devil, the dumb spake: and the multitudes were in admiration at it: But some of them said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. And others tempting, asked of Him a sign from heaven. But He seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Because ye say, that through Beelzebub I cast out devils. Now if I cast out devils by Beelzebub; by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I by the finger of God cast out devils; doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man, armed, keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth. But if a stronger than he come upon him, and overcome him; he will take away all his armor wherein he trusted, and will distribute his spoils. He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without water, seeking rest; and not finding, he saith: I will return into my house whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there. And the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck. But he said: Yea, rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.  [Lk 11:14-28]

[Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.]

Offerenda, tone 4:  The statutes of the Lord are upright, gladdening the heart, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb; yea, for Thy servant keepeth them.
     V.  The commandment of the Lord is far-shining, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever and ever; the judgments of the Lord are true. 
     The statutes of the Lord...
     V.  And the sayings of my mouth shall be unto Thy good pleasure, and the meditation of my heart shall be before Thee forever.
     The statutes of the Lord...

Secret:  Receive the gifts of Thy devout servants and handmaidens, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and purify in Thy tender mercy us who serve Thy divine Mysteries, for by Them Thou dost make righteous even those that are ignorant. Through...

Preface:  ... everlasting God. That together with our body's abstinence, our mind also may turn away from lawless thoughts. And that which we refuse in fleshly feastings of a worldly appeal, may we cut off in the evil designs of our human will: that by means of mature fasting we may make ourselves worthy to partake piously and savingly of the Holy Things which are for the holy. The more grateful we are that They were appointed unto us, the more readily we shall make bold for Them to be with us and aid us unceasingly, through Christ our Lord. By Him angels praise Thy majesty...

Communio, tone 6:  The sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtledove a nest for herself, where she may lay her young: even Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house; unto ages of ages shall they praise Thee.
     V.  How beloved are Thy dwellings, O Lord of hosts : my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.
     The sparrow...
     Glory to the Father... As it was...
The sparrow...

Communion of the people:  "This is My body" replaces "Come ye people."

Postcommunion:  O Lord, mercifully absolve from all dangers and wrong behaviors us whom Thou grantest to be communicants of so profound a Mystery. Through...

Bowed Heads:  O Lord, may Thy granting of mercy from heaven increase the people who are obedient to Thee, we beseech Thee, and may it make them to keep Thy commandments at all  times. Through...