Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who,
before ascending into heaven,
didst promise to send the Holy Ghost
to finish Thy work in the souls
of Thy Apostles and Disciples,
deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me,
that He may perfect in my soul
the work of Thy grace and Thy love.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who,
before ascending into heaven,
didst promise to send the Holy Ghost
to finish Thy work in the souls
of Thy Apostles and Disciples,
deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me,
that He may perfect in my soul
the work of Thy grace and Thy love.
Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom
that I may despise the perishable things of this world
and aspire only after the things that are eternal,
that I may despise the perishable things of this world
and aspire only after the things that are eternal,
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind
with the light of Thy divine truth,
with the light of Thy divine truth,
the Spirit of Counsel
that I may ever choose the surest way
of pleasing God and gaining Heaven,
that I may ever choose the surest way
of pleasing God and gaining Heaven,
the Spirit of Fortitude
that I may bear my cross with Thee,
and that I may overcome with courage
all the obstacles that oppose my salvation,
that I may bear my cross with Thee,
and that I may overcome with courage
all the obstacles that oppose my salvation,
the Spirit of Knowledge
that I may know God and know myself
and grow perfect in the science of the Saints,
that I may know God and know myself
and grow perfect in the science of the Saints,
the Spirit of Piety
that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable,
that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable,
the Spirit of Fear
that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God,
and may dread in any way to displease Him.
Mark me, dear Lord,
with the sign of Thy true disciples
and animate me in all things with Thy Spirit.
Amen.
A Christian Amidah*
A Joyous Affirmation of Faith
Adapted By
Thomas F. Fischer, M.Div., M.S.A.
Number 54
God, our ancestors worshiped You. As Abraham and Sarah, Rebecca and Isaac, Rachel, Leah and Jacob stood in awe before you, we, too, reach for You. You are infinite, awesome, transcendent. You are the source of all that lives. We, their distant descendants, draw strength from the way in which their lives were shaped and strengthened by You. We praise You, God, Guardian of Abraham.
Your power sustains the universe. Your breath brings that which is dead to life. You care for those who live with unending compassion. Your limitless love guarantees us that life will triumph over death, Your will triumphs our will, Your plan supercedes our plan, Your healing overpowers sickness. Your love upholds the exhausted, frees the enslaved, and keeps unending hope alive in Your control in all our lives. You are sacred, even as You are mysterious. Those who seek Your holiness worship you with their entire lives and being. We praise You, God, the Ultimate Sacred Mystery.
Help us find our way back to Your Truth again and again, and to obey You with trusting faith and receive wholeness and healing in Your presence. We praise You, God, for You are always ready to help us start again and again and again anew in Your grace.
Forgive our failures with a parent’s love, overlook our shortcomings with regal generosity, for You are gentle and gracious. How can we but praise You, God of mercy, love, grace, and forgiveness!
Lord, look on our suffering, hide us under your wings in struggles, and save us soon. We praise You, God, our people’s only sure Hope of Redemption.
Send true healing for all our pains. Heal us, O God, the Source of all healing, keep us in health. We praise You, God, from whom all healing comes.
May our ancient sense of justice be renewed, our classic sources of wisdom recovered. May sorrow and sighing vanish from our midst. May Your tenderness and pity, justice and compassion always govern our lives. We praise You, God of kindness and justice.
May malice, and ill wish perish quickly, may strife, enmity and hatred cease. Cause all arrogance to wither away quickly. We praise You, God. Cause Your awesome power to triumph resoundingly over evil.
Let Your love shine once more on Your holy people. Dwell among them with Your presence even as You filled the Temple with Your presence in the day of Solomon. We praise You, God, whose loving presence permeates creation and even our entire being.
When we cry out, hear us with compassion; gently take our prayers and lovingly listen as we reach toward You with love and hope. Do not send us away empty. We praise You, God, who cherishes prayer.
You are our God today as You were our ancestors’ God through all the ages. You are the Firm Foundation of our lives; we are simply Yours in gratitude and love. Our lives are safe in Your hand and so we entrust our souls to Your care. Restore and heighten our sense of wonder and our praise of your miracles and kindness at dawn, dusk, midnight, and noon. We praise You, O Gentle One.
You are compassionate, Your love is eternal. Let all the living confront You with thankfulness, delight and truth. We praise You, God. You are the touchstone of grace and joy.
O God, give peace and serenity to Your chosen people. Give love and mercy, life and goodness, to all. Consider us kindly and graciously, blessing us with tranquility in all times and in every season.
God, we praise You, for Your greatest blessing...is peace.
* Freely adapted by Thomas F. Fischer from Rabbi Andre Ungar’s English rendering of the Siddur Sim Shalom of the Rabbinical Assembly, edited by Rabbi Jules Harlow. Source: Harold Kushner, To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1993, pp. 175-180.
that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God,
and may dread in any way to displease Him.
Mark me, dear Lord,
with the sign of Thy true disciples
and animate me in all things with Thy Spirit.
Amen.
A Christian Amidah*
A Joyous Affirmation of Faith
Adapted By
Thomas F. Fischer, M.Div., M.S.A.
Number 54
God, our ancestors worshiped You. As Abraham and Sarah, Rebecca and Isaac, Rachel, Leah and Jacob stood in awe before you, we, too, reach for You. You are infinite, awesome, transcendent. You are the source of all that lives. We, their distant descendants, draw strength from the way in which their lives were shaped and strengthened by You. We praise You, God, Guardian of Abraham.
Your power sustains the universe. Your breath brings that which is dead to life. You care for those who live with unending compassion. Your limitless love guarantees us that life will triumph over death, Your will triumphs our will, Your plan supercedes our plan, Your healing overpowers sickness. Your love upholds the exhausted, frees the enslaved, and keeps unending hope alive in Your control in all our lives. You are sacred, even as You are mysterious. Those who seek Your holiness worship you with their entire lives and being. We praise You, God, the Ultimate Sacred Mystery.
Help us find our way back to Your Truth again and again, and to obey You with trusting faith and receive wholeness and healing in Your presence. We praise You, God, for You are always ready to help us start again and again and again anew in Your grace.
Forgive our failures with a parent’s love, overlook our shortcomings with regal generosity, for You are gentle and gracious. How can we but praise You, God of mercy, love, grace, and forgiveness!
Lord, look on our suffering, hide us under your wings in struggles, and save us soon. We praise You, God, our people’s only sure Hope of Redemption.
Send true healing for all our pains. Heal us, O God, the Source of all healing, keep us in health. We praise You, God, from whom all healing comes.
May our ancient sense of justice be renewed, our classic sources of wisdom recovered. May sorrow and sighing vanish from our midst. May Your tenderness and pity, justice and compassion always govern our lives. We praise You, God of kindness and justice.
May malice, and ill wish perish quickly, may strife, enmity and hatred cease. Cause all arrogance to wither away quickly. We praise You, God. Cause Your awesome power to triumph resoundingly over evil.
Let Your love shine once more on Your holy people. Dwell among them with Your presence even as You filled the Temple with Your presence in the day of Solomon. We praise You, God, whose loving presence permeates creation and even our entire being.
When we cry out, hear us with compassion; gently take our prayers and lovingly listen as we reach toward You with love and hope. Do not send us away empty. We praise You, God, who cherishes prayer.
You are our God today as You were our ancestors’ God through all the ages. You are the Firm Foundation of our lives; we are simply Yours in gratitude and love. Our lives are safe in Your hand and so we entrust our souls to Your care. Restore and heighten our sense of wonder and our praise of your miracles and kindness at dawn, dusk, midnight, and noon. We praise You, O Gentle One.
You are compassionate, Your love is eternal. Let all the living confront You with thankfulness, delight and truth. We praise You, God. You are the touchstone of grace and joy.
O God, give peace and serenity to Your chosen people. Give love and mercy, life and goodness, to all. Consider us kindly and graciously, blessing us with tranquility in all times and in every season.
God, we praise You, for Your greatest blessing...is peace.
* Freely adapted by Thomas F. Fischer from Rabbi Andre Ungar’s English rendering of the Siddur Sim Shalom of the Rabbinical Assembly, edited by Rabbi Jules Harlow. Source: Harold Kushner, To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1993, pp. 175-180.
Litany of Penance
Antiphon: They that are whole, need not the physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the just, but sinners to penance.
V. Wash me yet more from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
R. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be
made whiter than snow.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God of all goodness, Who willest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live,
Have mercy on us.*
Who pardonest not the Angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell for all eternity,*
Who, when Adam fell, didst call him to confession and repentance for his sin,*
Who didst preserve Noe from the flood, and from the lot of the ungodly, but saving him in the ark,*
Who didst draw Lot from the midst of sinners,*
Who, softened by the prayers of Moses, didst forgive the sins of the backsliding people,*
Who didst pardon the sin of David, after his confession and repentance,*
Who didst spare Achab when he humbled himself in penance,*
Who didst graciously hear the penitent Manasses, and establish him on his throne,*
Who didst grant pardon to the Ninevites when they did penance for their sins in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes,*
Who didst succor the Machabees, when they fasted and lay in ashes,*
Who didst command Thy priests to weep, and pray, and offer sacrifice for the people,*
Who didst come into the world to save sinners,*
Who when Thou wouldst redeem the world, didst send as Thy messenger John Baptist, the preacher of penance,*
Who didst fast forty days and forty nights,*
Who didst prevent, with Thy grace, Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom,*
Who didst bear witness that the publican, humbly striking his breast, was justified,*
Who didst deliver the paralytic from his infirmity, when Thou hadst forgiven him his sins,*
Who, by the example of the prodigal son, didst offer to sinners the hope of pardon,*
Who didst make known to the woman of Samana the fountain of living water,*
Who didst bring salvation to the house of Zacheus, repenting of his sins, and making restitution fourfold,*
Who didst exercise Thy mercy in behalf of the woman taken in adultery,*
Who didst receive publicans and sinners, and didst eat with them,*
Who didst forgive Magdalen her many sins, because she loved much,*
Who, looking tenderly on Peter, who denied Thee, didst bring him to compunction and to tears,*
Who didst promise Paradise to the penitent thief,*
Who lovest all Thy creatures and hatest nothing that Thou hast made,*
Who givest to sinners both place and time for repentance,*
Who didst come to seek and to save that which was lost,*
Who hast pity on all men, and hidest the sins of those who truly repent,*
Who would have mercy, and not sacrifice,*
Who, when we repent, rememberest our sins no more,*
God, most merciful and patient, tender and loving-kind, notwithstanding our sins,*
We sinners: Beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to lead us to a true repentance,
We beseech Thee, hear us.**
That we may judge ourselves, and so escape Thy judgment,**
That we may bring forth in due time worthy fruits of penance,**
That, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we may live soberly, justly and godly,**
That sin may not reign in our mortal body,**
That we may not love the world, nor the things of the world,**
That we may work out our salvation with fear and trembling,**
Son of God,**
V. Wash me yet more from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
R. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be
made whiter than snow.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God of all goodness, Who willest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live,
Have mercy on us.*
Who pardonest not the Angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell for all eternity,*
Who, when Adam fell, didst call him to confession and repentance for his sin,*
Who didst preserve Noe from the flood, and from the lot of the ungodly, but saving him in the ark,*
Who didst draw Lot from the midst of sinners,*
Who, softened by the prayers of Moses, didst forgive the sins of the backsliding people,*
Who didst pardon the sin of David, after his confession and repentance,*
Who didst spare Achab when he humbled himself in penance,*
Who didst graciously hear the penitent Manasses, and establish him on his throne,*
Who didst grant pardon to the Ninevites when they did penance for their sins in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes,*
Who didst succor the Machabees, when they fasted and lay in ashes,*
Who didst command Thy priests to weep, and pray, and offer sacrifice for the people,*
Who didst come into the world to save sinners,*
Who when Thou wouldst redeem the world, didst send as Thy messenger John Baptist, the preacher of penance,*
Who didst fast forty days and forty nights,*
Who didst prevent, with Thy grace, Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom,*
Who didst bear witness that the publican, humbly striking his breast, was justified,*
Who didst deliver the paralytic from his infirmity, when Thou hadst forgiven him his sins,*
Who, by the example of the prodigal son, didst offer to sinners the hope of pardon,*
Who didst make known to the woman of Samana the fountain of living water,*
Who didst bring salvation to the house of Zacheus, repenting of his sins, and making restitution fourfold,*
Who didst exercise Thy mercy in behalf of the woman taken in adultery,*
Who didst receive publicans and sinners, and didst eat with them,*
Who didst forgive Magdalen her many sins, because she loved much,*
Who, looking tenderly on Peter, who denied Thee, didst bring him to compunction and to tears,*
Who didst promise Paradise to the penitent thief,*
Who lovest all Thy creatures and hatest nothing that Thou hast made,*
Who givest to sinners both place and time for repentance,*
Who didst come to seek and to save that which was lost,*
Who hast pity on all men, and hidest the sins of those who truly repent,*
Who would have mercy, and not sacrifice,*
Who, when we repent, rememberest our sins no more,*
God, most merciful and patient, tender and loving-kind, notwithstanding our sins,*
We sinners: Beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to lead us to a true repentance,
We beseech Thee, hear us.**
That we may judge ourselves, and so escape Thy judgment,**
That we may bring forth in due time worthy fruits of penance,**
That, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we may live soberly, justly and godly,**
That sin may not reign in our mortal body,**
That we may not love the world, nor the things of the world,**
That we may work out our salvation with fear and trembling,**
Son of God,**
Prayer is speaking to God. Prayer is talking to the Heavenly Father. It is having
fellowship with Him and expressing our hearts to Him. Prayer is saying to God that we
believe Him, that we trust and love Him. Prayer is expressing love to God through the
words of our faith. Prayer is exercising, too, the spiritual authority God has given us and
speaking to situations to conform to God's Word. Prayer is the most powerful weapon our
faithful and mighty God has given us. So let us pray and believe and receive in the name
of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Pray with the Scripture in your mouth. Pray to God the
Father in the name of Jesus the Son of God. Pray without ceasing. Praying with the
assistance of the Spirit. Pray and God will hear and answer. Pray and you will see the
healings and miracles and signs and wonders you are asking for. Pray and will we be
abundantly supplied by his grace.
Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for me.Thank You,
Jesus, that because You suffered and died in my Place. I can be completely
forgiven of all my sins and have eternal life with you forever. Forgive me for
everything I have done that is not Your will and Your way for my life. Cleanse me
with Your forgiveness so thar I can be free of all guilt, shame, and any sense of
failure. I believe that after You were crucified, You rose from the dead and now
live in the hearts of all who receive You. I believe "there is no other name under
heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). I receive
Your love and Your life - . You to live in me today by the power of Your Holy
Spirit. Help live in a way that is always pleasing in Your sight so that I can all You
created me to be. All glory be to Your name and "let the God of my salvation be
exalted" (Psalm 18:46).
fellowship with Him and expressing our hearts to Him. Prayer is saying to God that we
believe Him, that we trust and love Him. Prayer is expressing love to God through the
words of our faith. Prayer is exercising, too, the spiritual authority God has given us and
speaking to situations to conform to God's Word. Prayer is the most powerful weapon our
faithful and mighty God has given us. So let us pray and believe and receive in the name
of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Pray with the Scripture in your mouth. Pray to God the
Father in the name of Jesus the Son of God. Pray without ceasing. Praying with the
assistance of the Spirit. Pray and God will hear and answer. Pray and you will see the
healings and miracles and signs and wonders you are asking for. Pray and will we be
abundantly supplied by his grace.
Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for me.Thank You,
Jesus, that because You suffered and died in my Place. I can be completely
forgiven of all my sins and have eternal life with you forever. Forgive me for
everything I have done that is not Your will and Your way for my life. Cleanse me
with Your forgiveness so thar I can be free of all guilt, shame, and any sense of
failure. I believe that after You were crucified, You rose from the dead and now
live in the hearts of all who receive You. I believe "there is no other name under
heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). I receive
Your love and Your life - . You to live in me today by the power of Your Holy
Spirit. Help live in a way that is always pleasing in Your sight so that I can all You
created me to be. All glory be to Your name and "let the God of my salvation be
exalted" (Psalm 18:46).
(If you need prayer from a brother then send me your prayer request and I will pray my God in your behalf.
1. Prayers for Joy
Lord Jesus, keep me abiding in you so that your joy may be in me and that my joy may be full. (John
15:11)
Lord, turn my sorrow into joy. (John 16:20)
Lord, cause my heart to rejoice, and my joy let no one take from me. (John 16:22)
Lord, teach me to ask and receive, that my joy may be full. (John 16:24)
LORD, you are my strength and my song; you also have become my salvation. Therefore with joy let me
draw water from the wells of salvation. Your joy is my strength. You are my joy and my strength. Let me
know you in this way. (Isaiah 12:2,3; Nehemiah 8:10)
draw water from the wells of salvation. Your joy is my strength. You are my joy and my strength. Let me
know you in this way. (Isaiah 12:2,3; Nehemiah 8:10)
God, you are my exceeding joy! (Psalm 43:4)
Lord, make me to rejoice in you always! (Philippians 4:4)
Father God, show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy, and at your right hand are
pleasures for evermore. Let me experience everything in your presence and what is found at your right
hand. (Psalm 16:11)
pleasures for evermore. Let me experience everything in your presence and what is found at your right
hand. (Psalm 16:11)
Father God, give me the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness!
This is your gift and your will! (Isaiah 61:3)
This is your gift and your will! (Isaiah 61:3)
LORD, your Word is to me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart! (Jeremiah. 15:16)
Lord Jesus, you want your joy to be fulfilled in me! Show me how you can make it happen! Lead me into
it. (John 17:3)
it. (John 17:3)
LORD, I ask you to fill me with all joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope by the power of
the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Holy Spirit, produce your fruit of love and joy in me. (Galatians 5:22)
Lord, help me to count it all joy when I fall into various trials. (James 1:2)
Lord, when people revile and persecute me and say all kinds of evil against me falsely for Christ's sake,
let me rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is my reward in heaven, for so they treated the prophets
who were before me. (Matthew 5:12)
let me rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is my reward in heaven, for so they treated the prophets
who were before me. (Matthew 5:12)
Lord, give me the joy to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 4)
Lord, I seek you, so let my heart rejoice! (1 Chonicles. 16:10)
Lord, make me love righteousness and hate wickedness; and anoint me with the oil of gladness more
than my companions. (Psalm. 45:7)
than my companions. (Psalm. 45:7)
2. Prayers for the Church
BIBLICAL PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH
I thank you Father in the name of Jesus Christ for the faith in the church. (Romans 1:8)
I thank you my God always for the grace of God which was given to the church by Christ Jesus. I thank
you that they are enriched in everything by You in all utterance and in all knowledge, so that they come
short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ, you will
confirm them to the end, that they may be blameless in the day of Your coming. (1 Cor. 1:4-8)
you that they are enriched in everything by You in all utterance and in all knowledge, so that they come
short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ, you will
confirm them to the end, that they may be blameless in the day of Your coming. (1 Cor. 1:4-8)
I thank you Father for the church. I ask you, Father of glory, to give the church the spirit of wisdom and
revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I ask that the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened;
that they may know what is the hope of Your calling, what
revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I ask that the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened;
that they may know what is the hope of Your calling, what
are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your
power toward us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power which You worked in Christ
when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, far above
all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but
also in that which is to come. (Ephesians . 1:16-21)
power toward us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power which You worked in Christ
when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, far above
all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but
also in that which is to come. (Ephesians . 1:16-21)
I bow my knees to You, Father, that you would grant the church, according to the riches of Your glory, to
be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in their hearts
through faith; that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;
that they may be filled with all the fullness of God. Lord,
be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in their hearts
through faith; that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;
that they may be filled with all the fullness of God. Lord,
you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that
works in us. (Ephesians . 3:14-20)
works in us. (Ephesians . 3:14-20)
I thank you God every time I remember the church, always in every prayer of mine I would like to make
request for them with joy. (Philippians. 1:3,4)
request for them with joy. (Philippians. 1:3,4)
I pray, Lord that their love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that they
may approve the things that are excellent, that they may be sincere and without offense till the day of
Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of
God. (Philippians. 1:9-11)
may approve the things that are excellent, that they may be sincere and without offense till the day of
Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of
God. (Philippians. 1:9-11)
THE PASSION OF THE CHURCH IN SEEKING GOD
LORD, I pray that the one desire of all the church members and the thing we will seek will be to dwell in
the your house all the days of our lives, To behold your beauty, and to inquire in Your temple. Psalm 27.4
the your house all the days of our lives, To behold your beauty, and to inquire in Your temple. Psalm 27.4
THE PROVISION OF GOD FOR THE CHURCH
LORD, let us as a church turn to you and obey Your voice so that YOU will make us abundantly
prosperous in all the work of our hands, in EVERYTHING. For you LORD take delight in prospering us.
Deuteronomy 30.9
prosperous in all the work of our hands, in EVERYTHING. For you LORD take delight in prospering us.
Deuteronomy 30.9
God, I thank you that you shall supply all our needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4.19
Philippians 4.19
LORD, you are our Shepherd. We shall not want. Psalm 23.1
We are Your servants - so You take pleasure in our prosperity. Psalm 35.27
I thank you God that you want us to prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper. Let our souls
prosper in every way. 3 John 1.2
prosper in every way. 3 John 1.2
LORD God, teach us to profit, and leads us by the way we should go. Isaiah 48.17
God, give us power to get wealth, that You may establish Your covenant. Deut 8.18
I pray that the church will keep the words of Your covenant, and do them, that they may prosper in all that
they do. Deuteronomy 29.9
they do. Deuteronomy 29.9
Lord, teach the church to give You their tithes and offerings of every bit of money they've earned to date
and put them in Your hands as seeds of their faith.
and put them in Your hands as seeds of their faith.
POWER OF THE SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH
LORD, pour out your Spirit upon us as a church just as on the day of Pentecost. Teach us to wait on you
so that we may be clothed with power from on high. Make us witnesses of Christ. Acts 1.8 Luke 24.49
so that we may be clothed with power from on high. Make us witnesses of Christ. Acts 1.8 Luke 24.49
LORD, I pray that our speech and our preaching will not be with the persuasive words of human wisdom,
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that our faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in
the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2.4 2.5
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that our faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in
the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2.4 2.5
LORD, I pray that we will do all things in the power of the name of Jesus. Colossians 3.17 Mark 16.17
16.18
16.18
LORD, I pray that full of faith and power, we may do great wonders and signs among the people. Acts
6.8
6.8
LORD, I thank you that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3.20
according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3.20
LORD, I pray that out of our hearts will flow rivers of living water, as we come to Jesus, drink, and believe
Him. John 7.37-7.39
Him. John 7.37-7.39
God, give us the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of yourself. Ephesians 1.17 1.18
LORD, strengthen us with might through Your Spirit in the inner man, according to the riches of Your
glory. Ephesians 3.16
glory. Ephesians 3.16
THE NAME OF JESUS
I pray that whatever we do in word or deed, we do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
the Father through Him. Colossians 3.17
the Father through Him. Colossians 3.17
I pray Lord that whatever we ask in Jesus' name, that Jesus will do, that the Father may be glorified in
the Son. If we ask anything in Jesus' name, he will do it. I ask everything in Jesus' name. John 14.13
14.14
the Son. If we ask anything in Jesus' name, he will do it. I ask everything in Jesus' name. John 14.13
14.14
LORD, let us speak to men and teach in the name of Jesus every day. Acts 4.17 4.18
God, grant us boldness to speak Your word by stretching out Your hand to heal, and grant that signs and
wonders may be done through the name of Your Holy Servant Jesus. Acts 4.29
wonders may be done through the name of Your Holy Servant Jesus. Acts 4.29
I thank you Lord that the demons are subject to us in Christ's name. Luke 10.17
ENDURANCE OF THE CHURCH
Lord, strengthen the church with all might, according to Your glorious power, for all patient endurance
and longsuffering with joy! Colossians 1.11
and longsuffering with joy! Colossians 1.11
Lord, make us strong in You and in the power of Your might. Ephesians 6.10
Lord, let us always carry about in our bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be
manifested in our mortal bodies. 2 Corinthians 4.10 4.11
manifested in our mortal bodies. 2 Corinthians 4.10 4.11
As a servants of God, let us commend ourselves in every way - through great endurance. 2 Corinthians
6.4
6.4
LOVING GOD'S WORD
Lord, I pray that the church and the new Christians will delight themselves in Your statutes; that they will
not forget Your Word. Psalm 119.16
not forget Your Word. Psalm 119.16
I pray that all in the church may receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save their
souls. James 1.21
souls. James 1.21
Lord, teach us to become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves. James 1.22
I pray Lord that Your Words abide in us. John 15.7
Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. Colossians 3.16
Teach us, Lord, to listen to Your words; and bow our ears to what God says. Let us not let Your words
depart from our eyes; let us keep them in the midst of our hearts. They are life to us and health to all our
flesh. Proverbs 4.20-4.22
depart from our eyes; let us keep them in the midst of our hearts. They are life to us and health to all our
flesh. Proverbs 4.20-4.22
Let us rejoice in the way of God's testimonies as much as in all riches. Psalm 119.14
God make us walk in the path of Your commandments, for we delight in it. Psalm 119.35
The law of God's mouth is better to us than thousands of coins of gold and silver. Psalm 119.72
Give us greater love for Your Word, O God. Make it our meditation all the day. Psalm 119.97
LOVE FOR GOD AND FOR OTHERS
Lord, make me an example to the believers in love. 1Timothy 4.14
Lord, I pray that in our church we love one another fervently from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1.22
I pray that we as a church really pursue love. 1 Corinthians 14.1
Lord, I pray that if any in the church have a complaint against another, they will forgive them just as Christ
forgave us. Colossians 3.13
forgave us. Colossians 3.13
Lord, teach us to walk in love. Ephesians 5.2
Lord, let us be longsuffering, patient and kind.
Lord, let no envy be in our hearts.
Lord, let us not be proud, boastful or puffed up.
Lord, let us not behave rudely.
Lord, let us not be selfish. Let us seek what is good for others.
Lord, let us not be easily hurt or offended or irritated.
Lord, let us think good of others and reject evil suspicions. Let there be no record of wrongs in the
church.
church.
Lord, teach us to rejoice in the truth!
Lord, let us bear all things well.
Lord, let us be full of trust in You, and trust one another according to Your will.
Lord, enable us to endure all things.
Lord, let our love never fail. 1 Corinthians 13.4-13.8
Let us love in deed, not just in word. 1 John
Lord, let us love our wives as Christ loved the church, and gave himself for her. Ephesians 5.25
Lord, may we love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, with all our minds, and with all
our strength, and our neighbour as ourselves. Luke 10.27
our strength, and our neighbour as ourselves. Luke 10.27
3. Prayers about Speech
Father, I pray that I let no corrupt word proceed out of my mouth, but only such a word as is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Ephesians . 4:29)
Father, I pray that I speak evil of no man. (Titus 3:2)
Father, I pray that I restrain my lips. Proverbs 10.19
I pray Lord that I be continually filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody in my heart to you Lord, giving thanks always for all things to
God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians . 5:18-20)
spiritual songs, singing and making melody in my heart to you Lord, giving thanks always for all things to
God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians . 5:18-20)
Lord, I pray that not only will I speak with new tongues, but also that I will truly interpret these tongues.
(Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:13)
(Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:13)
Lord, create words of faith on my lips always, since whatever I speak that is not of faith is sin.
(Isaiah57:19; Romans 10:8; 14:23)
(Isaiah57:19; Romans 10:8; 14:23)
Father, I pray that all I speak be spoken in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Jesus, I must speak words of life. Create words of life on my lips. (Proverbs. 18:21; Acts 5:20;
Isaiah57:19)
Isaiah57:19)
I pray that truly I will speak the very words of God. (1 Peter 4:11)
Almighty God, I pray that my speech be always in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. (1
Corinthians 2:4)
Corinthians 2:4)
4. Powerful Prayers
Heavenly Father, according to your promises I pray these prayers in the Name and the authority of the
Lord Jesus Christ:
Dear Holy Spirit, keep me abiding in Jesus. Also, make God's Word to live and abide in Me. Then you
promise that I shall ask what I desire, and it shall be done for me. I want all my prayers to be answered.
(John 15.7)
promise that I shall ask what I desire, and it shall be done for me. I want all my prayers to be answered.
(John 15.7)
"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that
you would keep me from evil, that I may be free from pain." So God granted him what he requested.
1Chronicles 4:10
you would keep me from evil, that I may be free from pain." So God granted him what he requested.
1Chronicles 4:10
Lord, fill me now and always with the Holy Spirit. I open my heart to yield to the Holy Spirit. Ephesians
5.18
5.18
Lord, make me consider myself really dead to sin. Romans 6.11
Father, form Christ in me. I want Christ to dwell in my heart through faith, and live in me always. Gal. 2.20;
Gal. 4:19; Ephesians 3:17
Gal. 4:19; Ephesians 3:17
Thank You Father that through faith I am the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5.21
Thank You Father that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in me, whom I have from God.
Make me always conscious of this fact. 1 Corinthians 6.19
Make me always conscious of this fact. 1 Corinthians 6.19
Thank You Father that I am an ambassador for Christ. Make me a good ambassador for Your Kingdom.
2 Corinthians 5.20
2 Corinthians 5.20
Dear Holy Spirit, show me how to overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of my
testimony, and to not love my life to the death. Revelation 12.11
testimony, and to not love my life to the death. Revelation 12.11
Father, through Jesus cause me to continually offer to You the sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13.15
Dear Holy Spirit, cause me to bless the Lord at all times. I want His praise to be continually in my mouth.
Psalm 34.1
Psalm 34.1
Dear Holy Spirit, teach me to speak gracious words like a wise man. Ecclesiaste 10.12
Dear Father, make me to be swift to hear; slow to speak, and slow to wrath. James 1.19
Dear Lord, help me to let no corrupt word proceed out of my mouth. I want to speak only words that build
up according to the need of the moment. I pray that these words will impart grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4.29
up according to the need of the moment. I pray that these words will impart grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4.29
Lord, make it so that the Word of God doesn't depart from my mouth. Get me to the place where I
meditate in the Word day and night, so that I may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Make
me prosperous according to Your Word and give me good success. Jos 1.8
meditate in the Word day and night, so that I may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Make
me prosperous according to Your Word and give me good success. Jos 1.8
Lord, as you taught us: he who speaks from himself seeks his own glory. I pray that I will not speak from
myself. I pray that I will seek Your glory and that there be no unrighteousness in me. John 7.18
myself. I pray that I will seek Your glory and that there be no unrighteousness in me. John 7.18
Lord, give me grace to say to the works of the devil "Be Removed!" without doubting in my heart. When I
say things let me believe that what I say will happen. I will have what I say. Mark 11.23
say things let me believe that what I say will happen. I will have what I say. Mark 11.23
Lord, cause me to put away all evil speaking. Ephesians 4.31
Thank You Jesus that You bore my sicknesses and carried my pains, and with Your stripes I am healed.
Isaiah 53.4 53.5
Isaiah 53.4 53.5
Lord I pray that whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, I do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10.31
Dear Holy Spirit, help me to offer to God thanksgiving, and pay my vows to the Most High. Help me to
call upon God in the day of trouble; He will deliver me and I will glorify Him. Psalm 50.14 50.15
call upon God in the day of trouble; He will deliver me and I will glorify Him. Psalm 50.14 50.15
It is You God who arm me with strength, and make my way perfect. Psalm 18.32
Dear Lord, help me to arm myself with the mind of Christ to suffer in the flesh for others. 1 Peter 4.1
Lord, anoint me to heal the broken hearted, and to set the captives free.
I thank You Lord Jesus, that you have given me authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over
all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me. Luke 10.19
all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me. Luke 10.19
Lord, help me to discipline my body and bring it into subjection. I don't want to be disqualified for any
thing in Your plan for me. 1 Corinthians 9.27
thing in Your plan for me. 1 Corinthians 9.27
Lord I pray that I go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16.15
I pray Lord that I be able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4.13
5. Prayers to Abide in Christ
Lord Jesus, keep us abiding in You, and You in us. Otherwise we cannot bear fruit. Apart from you we
can do nothing. We thank You that you will abide in us, and keep us looking to you. You will keep us
abiding in you all the time. We thank You that through You we will bear much fruit. (John 15:4,5)
Lord, we pray for all those not abiding in You. We pray that they will repent, and not be thrown away as
worthless branches. We pray that those in the church will never dry up. We pray they will never be cast
into the fire and burned (John 15:6).
worthless branches. We pray that those in the church will never dry up. We pray they will never be cast
into the fire and burned (John 15:6).
Lord, keep us in You and Your living words remaining in our hearts. We thank you for working this, and
we thank you that whatever we desire we will ask, and it shall be done for us (John 15:7).
we thank you that whatever we desire we will ask, and it shall be done for us (John 15:7).
Lord, keep us in your love, which is as great as the love between You and the Father (John 15:9).
Lord, keep us walking in perfect obedience to your commandments, so that we can abide in your love
and be your friends. (John 15:10,14)
and be your friends. (John 15:10,14)
Lord, let your joy remain in us, and let our joy be full (John 15:11).
Lord, make us to love others with the love of the Father and so abide in you (John 15:12).
Lord, live your life in us, so that our way of living is as yours (1 John 2:6).
Lord, love our brothers through us. Make us abide in the light, so that we are never a cause for anyone to
stumble (1 John 2:10).
stumble (1 John 2:10).
Lord, let the Word of salvation which we heard from the beginning abide in us, so that we will abide in
you and in the Father (1 John 2:24).
you and in the Father (1 John 2:24).
Lord, may your Truth remain in us and with us forever (2 John 2).
Lord, thank you that your anointing abides in us. Help us to learn and apply all that the anointing teaches
us (1 John 2:27)
us (1 John 2:27)
Thank you Lord that you came to take away sins, and in You there is no sin. Thank you that as we abide
in you we sin not (1 John 3:5-6).
in you we sin not (1 John 3:5-6).
Let us always abide in you Lord, so that we will have confidence, and not be ashamed before you at your
coming (1 John 2:28).
coming (1 John 2:28).
6. Prayers to Keep on Track
Uphold my steps in your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. (Psalm. 17:5)
Make me to go in the path of your commandments; for in that do I delight. Psalm 119:35
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning; for in you do I trust: cause me to know the way in
which I should walk; for I lift up my soul to you. Psalm 143:8
which I should walk; for I lift up my soul to you. Psalm 143:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.
(Psalm. 51:8)
Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom.
Psalm 51:6
Psalm 51:6
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
Make me to understand the way of your precepts: so shall I talk of your wondrous works. Psalm 119:27
You have made known to me the ways of life; you shall make me full of joy with your countenance. Acts
2:28
2:28
7. Prayers for Spiritual Fullness
Lord, fill us with your Spirit just like you want us to be! (Ephesians . 5:18)
Lord, bless us with hunger and thirst for righteousness, and fill us (Matthew 5:6)
Grant us, O God, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit
in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. (Ephesians . 3:16-17)
in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. (Ephesians . 3:16-17)
I pray that being rooted and grounded in love we may know the love of Christ which passes knowledge,
that we may be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3.18)
that we may be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3.18)
I pray that whenever we thirst we will come to Jesus and drink. Let rivers of living water flow out of our
bellies as we believe in You. (John 7:37-39)
bellies as we believe in You. (John 7:37-39)
I pray that we be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues. (Acts 2:4)
I pray that we be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak the Word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
I pray that we be filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesy. (Luke 1:67; 1 Corinthians 14:1)
Fill us, O God of hope with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope by the power of
the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
I pray that we be full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able to admonish one another. (Romans
15:14)
15:14)
I pray that we see and become radiant, and our hearts swell with joy, because the abundance of the sea
shall be turned to us, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to us. (Isaiah 60:5)
shall be turned to us, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to us. (Isaiah 60:5)
O God, make all grace abound towards us, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good work. (2Cor 9:8)
Readings
for the Feast of
Readings
for the Feast of
SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE
Apostle
October 28
Apostle
October 28
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
These are the holy men
whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love;
to them he gave eternal glory.
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
These are the holy men
whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love;
to them he gave eternal glory.
COLLECT
O God, who by the blessed Apostles
have brought us to acknowledge your name,
graciously grant,
through the intercession of Saints Simon and Jude,
that the Church may constantly grow
by increase of the peoples who believe in you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FIRST READING EEphesians 2:19-22
Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 19:2-3,4-5
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
ALLELUIA
We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you.
GOSPEL Luke 6:12-19
Jesus went up to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we venerate the perpetual glory
of the holy Apostles Simon and Jude, O Lord,
we ask that you receive our prayers
and lead us to worthy celebration of the sacred mysteries.
Through Christ our Lord.
PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES I
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
You are the eternal Shepherd
who never leaves his flock untended.
Through the apostles
you watch over us and protect us always.
You made them shepherds of the flock
to share in the work of your Son,
and from their place in heaven they guide us still.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven
we proclaim your slory
and join in their unending hymn of praise. Holy...
PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES II
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
You founded your Church on the apostles
to stand firm forever
as the sign on earth of your infinite holiness
and as the living Gospel for all to hear.
With steadfast love
we sing your unending praise:
we join with the hosts of heaven
in their triumphant song: Holy...
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Jn 14: 23
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord;
and my Father will love him, and we will come to him,
and make our home with him.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having received this Sacrament, O Lord,
we humbly implore you in the Holy Spirit,
that what we do to honor the glorious passion
of the Apostles Simon and Jude
may keep us ever in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.
SOLEMN BLESSING OF THE APOSTLES
May God, who has granted you
to stand firm on apostolic foundations,
graciously bless you through the glorious merits
of the holy Apostle Matthew.
R. Amen.
And may he who endowed you
with the teaching and example of the Apostles,
make you, under their protection,
witnesses to the truth before all.
R. Amen.
So that through the intercession of the Apostles,
you may inherit the eternal homeland,
for by their teaching you possess firmness of faith.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
STS. SIMON AND JUDE
Morning Prayer
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Come, let us worship the Lord, the King of apostles.
Morning Prayer
Psalter, Sunday Week I
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.
Psalter, Sunday Week I
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Let all on earth their voices raise,
Resounding heaven's praise,
To him who gave apostles grace
To run their glorious race.
Of Gospel truth they bore the light
To brighten earthly night;
May we that heav'nly light impart
To ev'ry mind and heart.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Spirit Three in One,
Who sent these men with holy fire
All mankind to inspire. Amen.
Melody: Saint Peter C.M.; Music: A. R. Reingale, 1799-1877; Text: Exultet Orbis Gaudiis, 10th century; St. 3; Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Translator: Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Midi: Cyberhymnal
Resounding heaven's praise,
To him who gave apostles grace
To run their glorious race.
Of Gospel truth they bore the light
To brighten earthly night;
May we that heav'nly light impart
To ev'ry mind and heart.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Spirit Three in One,
Who sent these men with holy fire
All mankind to inspire. Amen.
Melody: Saint Peter C.M.; Music: A. R. Reingale, 1799-1877; Text: Exultet Orbis Gaudiis, 10th century; St. 3; Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Translator: Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Midi: Cyberhymnal
PSALMODY
Antiphon: My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
Antiphon: My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.
Antiphon: There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Antiphon: Through the Gospel God called us to believe in the truth and to share the glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, alleluia.
Antiphon: Many will praise their wisdom; it shall be remembered forever, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful. Glory..
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful. Glory..
Antiphon:You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you.
READING Ephesians 2:19-20
You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building that rises on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.
RESPONSORY
You have made them rulers over all the earth.
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
They will always remember your name, O Lord,
- over all the earth.
- over all the earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: On the foundation stones of the heavenly Jerusalem, the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are written; the Lamb of God is the light of that holy city.
INTERCESSIONS
Beloved friends, we have inherited heaven along with the apostles. Let us give thanks to the Father for all his gifts:
The company of apostles praises you, O Lord
Praise be to you, Lord, for the banquet of Christ's body and blood given us through the apostles,
- which refreshes us and gives us life
- which refreshes us and gives us life
Praise be to you, Lord, for the feast of your word prepared for us by the apostles,
- giving us light and joy.
- giving us light and joy.
Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles,
- where we are gathered together into your community.
- where we are gathered together into your community.
Praise be to you, Lord, for the cleansing power of baptism and penance that you have entrusted to your apostles,
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.
Our Father…
PRAYER
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
Daytime Prayer
Sts. Simon and Jude
Apostles
______
Terce Sext Nones
TERCE (Mid Morning)
O God, come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
TERCE (Mid Morning)
O God, come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon:
Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalms are taken from the psalms of the day, or from the complementary psalter.
READING
God has entrusted to us the news of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. - 2 Cor. 5:19-20
RESPONSORY
Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.
Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.
PRAYER
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
SEXT (Noon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon
Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalms are taken from the psalms of the day, or from the complementary psalter.
READING
Many signs and wonders were worked among the people at the hands of the apostles and the numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily. - Acts 5:12-14
Many signs and wonders were worked among the people at the hands of the apostles and the numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily. - Acts 5:12-14
RESPONSORY
The apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.
The apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.
PRAYER
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. br>
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. br>
NONES (Mid Afternoon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon
By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalms are taken from the psalms of the day, or from the complementary psalter.
READING
The apostles left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name. They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted. - Acts 5:41-42
The apostles left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name. They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted. - Acts 5:41-42
RESPONSORY
Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.
Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.
PRAYER
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FEAST OF STS. SIMON AND JUDE
Evening Prayer
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FEAST OF STS. SIMON AND JUDE
Evening Prayer
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M.; Music: Graham George, 1941; Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397; Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M.; Music: Graham George, 1941; Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397; Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866
PSALMODY
Antiphon:You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial.
Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory...
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory...
Antiphon: You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial.
Antiphon: I have lived among you as one who ministers to others.
Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: "What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves. Glory...
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: "What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves. Glory...
Antiphon: I have lived among you as one who ministers to others.
Antiphon: I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure, †
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God's favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth. Glory...
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure, †
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God's favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth. Glory...
Antiphon: I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
READING Ephesians 4:11:13
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature.
RESPONSORY
Tell all the nations how glorious God is, alleluia, alleluia.
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is, alleluia, alleluia.
Make known his wonders to every people,
- alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is, alleluia, alleluia.
MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: When all things are made new, and the Son of Man is enthroned in majesty, you will sit in judgment over the twelve tribes of Israel.
INTERCESSIONS
My brothers and sisters, we build on the foundation of the Apostles.
Let us pray to our almighty Father for his holy people and say:
Be mindful of your Church, O Lord.
Father, you wanted your Son to be seen first by the apostles
after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven,
- Let the dead enter your kingdom of joy.
after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven,
- Let the dead enter your kingdom of joy.
Our Father…
PRAYER
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
- Amen.
FEAST OF STS. SIMON AND JUDE
Office of Readings
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Come, let us worship the Lord, the King of apostles.
Office of Readings
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Your hand, O Lord, has guided
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
PSALMODY
Antiphon: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world, alleluia.
Psalm 19A
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
Antiphon: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world, alleluia.
Antiphon: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds, alleluia.
Psalm 64
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Antiphon: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds, alleluia.
Antiphon: God’s holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God’s glory, alleluia.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name. Glory...
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name. Glory...
Antiphon: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory, alleluia.
They proclaimed the Lord's praises, told of his power to save
- And of the wonders he had worked.
FIRST READING
From the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians 4:1-16
The apostles are servants of Christ
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.
I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. Who confers distinction upon you? What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it? You are already satisfied; you have already grown rich; you have become kings without us! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we also might become kings with you. For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike. We are fools on Christ's account, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad and roughly treated, we wander about homeless and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we respond gently. We have become like the world's rubbish, the scum of all, to this very moment.
I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you, be imitators of me.
I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. Who confers distinction upon you? What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it? You are already satisfied; you have already grown rich; you have become kings without us! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we also might become kings with you. For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike. We are fools on Christ's account, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad and roughly treated, we wander about homeless and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we respond gently. We have become like the world's rubbish, the scum of all, to this very moment.
I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you, be imitators of me.
RESPONSORY
I no longer call you servants but my friends,
- for I have shared with you everything
I have heard from my Father.
The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven have been revealed to you;
blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear.
- for I have shared with you everything
I have heard from my Father.
blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear.
- for I have shared with you everything
I have heard from my Father.
SECOND READING
From a commentary on the gospel of John by St Cyril of Alexandria, bishop
(Lib. 12,1: PG 74, 707-710)
(Lib. 12,1: PG 74, 707-710)
As the father sent me, so I am sending you
Our Lord Jesus Christ has appointed certain men to be guides and teachers of the world and stewards of his divine mysteries. Now he bids them to shine out like lamps and to cast out their light not only over the land of the Jews but over every country under the sun and over people scattered in all directions and settled in distant lands. That man has spoken truly who said: "No one takes honour upon himself, except the one who is called by God," for it was our Lord Jesus Christ who called his own disciples before all others to a most glorious apostolate. These holy men became the pillar and mainstay of the truth, and Jesus said that he was sending them just as the Father had sent him.
By these words he is making clear the dignity of the apostolate and the incomparable glory of the power given to them, but he is also, it would seem, giving them a hint about the methods they are to adopt in their apostolic mission. For if Christ thought it necessary to send out his intimate disciples in this fashion, just as the Father had sent him, then surely it was necessary that they whose mission was to be patterned on that of Jesus should see exactly why the Father had sent the Son. And so Christ interpreted the character of his mission to us in a variety of ways. Once he said: "I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance. "And then at another time he said:" I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. For God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Accordingly, in affirming that they are sent by him just as he was sent by the Father, Christ sums up in a few words the approach they themselves should take to their ministry. From what he said they would gather that it was their vocation to call sinners to repentance, to heal those who were sick whether in body or spirit, to seek in all their dealings never to do their own will but the will of him who sent them, and as far as possible to save the world by their teaching.
Surely it is in all these respects that we find his holy disciples striving to excel. To ascertain this is no great labour, a single reading of the Acts of the Apostles or of Saint Paul’s writings is enough.
RESPONSORY
You did not choose me, but I chose you
to go forth and bear fruit
- that will last forever.
My father is glorified when you bring forth food in abundance.
- that will last forever.
- that will last forever.
CANTICLE TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
PRAYER
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
Readings for
The Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude
From the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer
October 28
The Collect
O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
October 28
The Collect
O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Eucharist
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 32:1-4
Moses recited the words of this song:
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak;
let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
May my teaching drop like the rain,
my speech condense like the dew;
like gentle rain on grass,
like showers on new growth.
For I will proclaim the name of the LORD;
ascribe greatness to our God!
The Rock, his work is perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God, without deceit,
just and upright is he.
The Psalm
Psalm 119:89-96
Lamedh
In aeternum, Domine
89
O LORD, your word is everlasting; *
it stands firm in the heavens.
90
Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; *
you established the earth, and it abides.
91
By your decree these continue to this day, *
for all things are your servants.
92
If my delight had not been in your law, *
I should have perished in my affliction.
93
I will never forget your commandments, *
because by them you give me life.
94
I am yours; oh, that you would save me! *
for I study your commandments.
95
Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, *
I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96
I see that all things come to an end, *
but your commandment has no bounds.
The Epistle
Ephesians 2:13-22
Now in Christ Jesus you Gentiles, who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.
The Gospel
John 15:17-27
Jesus said to his disciples, "I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world-- therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, `Servants are not greater than their master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. It was to fulfill the word that is written in their law, `They hated me without a cause.'
"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning."
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 32:1-4
Moses recited the words of this song:
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak;
let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
May my teaching drop like the rain,
my speech condense like the dew;
like gentle rain on grass,
like showers on new growth.
For I will proclaim the name of the LORD;
ascribe greatness to our God!
The Rock, his work is perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God, without deceit,
just and upright is he.
The Psalm
Psalm 119:89-96
Lamedh
In aeternum, Domine
89
O LORD, your word is everlasting; *
it stands firm in the heavens.
90
Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; *
you established the earth, and it abides.
91
By your decree these continue to this day, *
for all things are your servants.
92
If my delight had not been in your law, *
I should have perished in my affliction.
93
I will never forget your commandments, *
because by them you give me life.
94
I am yours; oh, that you would save me! *
for I study your commandments.
95
Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, *
I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96
I see that all things come to an end, *
but your commandment has no bounds.
The Epistle
Ephesians 2:13-22
Now in Christ Jesus you Gentiles, who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.
The Gospel
John 15:17-27
Jesus said to his disciples, "I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world-- therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, `Servants are not greater than their master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. It was to fulfill the word that is written in their law, `They hated me without a cause.'
"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning."
Morning Prayer
Psalm 66
Jubilate Deo
1
Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing the glory of his Name;
sing the glory of his praise.
2
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! *
because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.
3
All the earth bows down before you, *
sings to you, sings out your Name."
4
Come now and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5
He turned the sea into dry land,
so that they went through the water on foot, *
and there we rejoiced in him.
6
In his might he rules for ever;
his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let no rebel rise up against him.
7
Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8
Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9
For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10
You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11
You let enemies ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
12
I will enter your house with burnt-offerings
and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13
I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts
with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14
Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15
I called out to him with my mouth, *
and his praise was on my tongue.
16
If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
17
But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18
Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
nor withheld his love from me.
I will enter your house with burnt-offerings
and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13
I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts
with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14
Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15
I called out to him with my mouth, *
and his praise was on my tongue.
16
If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
17
But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18
Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
nor withheld his love from me.
First Reading
Isaiah 28:9-16
‘Whom will he teach knowledge,
and to whom will he explain the message?
Those who are weaned from milk,
those taken from the breast?
For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little.’
Truly, with stammering lip
and with alien tongue
he will speak to this people,
to whom he has said,
‘This is rest;
give rest to the weary;
and this is repose’;
yet they would not hear.
Therefore the word of the Lord will be to them,
‘Precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little’;
in order that they may go, and fall backwards,
and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers
who rule this people in Jerusalem.
Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death,
and with Sheol we have an agreement;
when the overwhelming scourge passes through
it will not come to us;
for we have made lies our refuge,
and in falsehood we have taken shelter’;
therefore thus says the Lord God,
See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation:
‘One who trusts will not panic.’
Isaiah 28:9-16
‘Whom will he teach knowledge,
and to whom will he explain the message?
Those who are weaned from milk,
those taken from the breast?
For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little.’
Truly, with stammering lip
and with alien tongue
he will speak to this people,
to whom he has said,
‘This is rest;
give rest to the weary;
and this is repose’;
yet they would not hear.
Therefore the word of the Lord will be to them,
‘Precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little’;
in order that they may go, and fall backwards,
and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers
who rule this people in Jerusalem.
Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death,
and with Sheol we have an agreement;
when the overwhelming scourge passes through
it will not come to us;
for we have made lies our refuge,
and in falsehood we have taken shelter’;
therefore thus says the Lord God,
See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation:
‘One who trusts will not panic.’
Second Reading
Ephesians 4:1-16
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said,
‘When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people.’
(When it says, ‘He ascended’, what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:1-16
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said,
‘When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people.’
(When it says, ‘He ascended’, what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
Evening Prayer
Psalm 116
Dilexi, quoniam
1
I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my
supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
2
The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.
3
Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: *
"O LORD, I pray you, save my life."
4
Gracious is the LORD and righteous; *
our God is full of compassion.
5
The LORD watches over the innocent; *
I was brought very low, and he helped me.
6
Turn again to your rest, O my soul. *
for the LORD has treated you well.
7
For you have rescued my life from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.
8
I will walk in the presence of the LORD *
in the land of the living.
9
I believed, even when I said,
"I have been brought very low." *
In my distress I said, "No one can be trusted."
10
How shall I repay the LORD *
for all the good things he has done for me?
11
I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.
12
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people.
13
Precious in the sight of the LORD *
is the death of his servants.
14
O LORD, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.
15
I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.
16
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people,
17
In the courts of the LORD's house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!
Dilexi, quoniam
1
I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my
supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
2
The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.
3
Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: *
"O LORD, I pray you, save my life."
4
Gracious is the LORD and righteous; *
our God is full of compassion.
5
The LORD watches over the innocent; *
I was brought very low, and he helped me.
6
Turn again to your rest, O my soul. *
for the LORD has treated you well.
7
For you have rescued my life from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.
8
I will walk in the presence of the LORD *
in the land of the living.
9
I believed, even when I said,
"I have been brought very low." *
In my distress I said, "No one can be trusted."
10
How shall I repay the LORD *
for all the good things he has done for me?
11
I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.
12
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people.
13
Precious in the sight of the LORD *
is the death of his servants.
14
O LORD, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.
15
I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.
16
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people,
17
In the courts of the LORD's house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!
Psalm 117
Laudate Domine
1
Praise the LORD, all you nations; *
laud him, all you peoples.
2
For his loving-kindness toward us is great, *
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever.
Hallelujah!
First Reading
Isaiah 4:2-6
On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel. Whoever is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, once the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgement and by a spirit of burning. Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over its places of assembly a cloud by day and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night. Indeed, over all the glory there will be a canopy. It will serve as a pavilion, a shade by day from the heat, and a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.
Second Reading
John 14:15-31
‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.
Readings
for the Feast of
SAINT MATTHEW
Apostle and Evangelist
May 3
Apostle and Evangelist
May 3
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Mt 28: 19-20
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,
says the Lord.
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Mt 28: 19-20
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,
says the Lord.
GLORIA
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FIRST READING Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 19:2-3,4-5
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
ALLELUIA
We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you.
GOSPEL Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we celebrate anew the memory of Saint Matthew,
we bring you sacrifices and prayers, O Lord,
humbly imploring you to look kindly on your Church,
whose faith you have nourished by the preaching of the Apostles.
Through Christ our Lord.
PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES I
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
You are the eternal Shepherd
who never leaves his flock untended.
Through the apostles
you watch over us and protect us always.
You made them shepherds of the flock
to share in the work of your Son,
and from their place in heaven they guide us still.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven
we proclaim your slory
and join in their unending hymn of praise. Holy...
PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES II
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
You founded your Church on the apostles
to stand firm forever
as the sign on earth of your infinite holiness
and as the living Gospel for all to hear.
With steadfast love
we sing your unending praise:
we join with the hosts of heaven
in their triumphant song: Holy...
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matthew 9:13
I did not come to call the just, but sinners, says the Lord.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Sharing in that saving joy, O Lord,
with which Saint Matthew welcomed
the Savior as a guest in his home, we pray:
grant that we may always be renewed
by the food we receive from Christ,
who came to call not the just, but sinners to salvation.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
SOLEMN BLESSING OF THE APOSTLES
May God, who has granted you
to stand firm on apostolic foundations,
graciously bless you through the glorious merits
of the holy Apostle Matthew.
R. Amen.
And may he who endowed you
with the teaching and example of the Apostles,
make you, under their protection,
witnesses to the truth before all.
R. Amen.
So that through the intercession of the Apostles,
you may inherit the eternal homeland,
for by their teaching you possess firmness of faith.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE
Morning Prayer
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.
Psalm 95 Psalm 100 Psalm 67 Psalm 24
Morning Prayer
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
HYMN
Let all on earth their voices raise,
Resounding heaven's praise,
To him who gave apostles grace
To run their glorious race.
Of Gospel truth they bore the light
To brighten earthly night;
May we that heav'nly light impart
To ev'ry mind and heart.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Spirit Three in One,
Who sent these men with holy fire
All mankind to inspire. Amen.
Melody: Saint Peter C.M.; A. R. Reingale, 1799-1877 Text: Exultet Orbis Gaudiis, 10th century; Translator: Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Midi: Cyberhymnal
Resounding heaven's praise,
To him who gave apostles grace
To run their glorious race.
Of Gospel truth they bore the light
To brighten earthly night;
May we that heav'nly light impart
To ev'ry mind and heart.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Spirit Three in One,
Who sent these men with holy fire
All mankind to inspire. Amen.
Melody: Saint Peter C.M.; A. R. Reingale, 1799-1877 Text: Exultet Orbis Gaudiis, 10th century; Translator: Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Midi: Cyberhymnal
PSALMODY
Antiphon:My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for GodO God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for GodO God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
Antiphon:My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.
Antiphon:There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.
Canticle - Daniel 3:57-88,56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Antiphon: There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.
Antiphon: You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you.
Psalm 149
The joy of God's holy people
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius)
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful. Glory...
The joy of God's holy people
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius)
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful. Glory...
Antiphon: You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you.
READING Ephesians 2:19-22
You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building that rises on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.
RESPONSORY
You have made them rulers over all the earth.
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
They will always remember your name,O Lord,
- over all the earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: The Lord saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's office and said to him: Follow me. Matthew got up and followed him.
INTERCESSIONS
Beloved friends, we have inherited heaven along with the apostles. Let us give thanks to the Father for all his gifts:
The company of apostles praises you, O Lord
Praise be to you, Lord, for the banquet of Christ's body and blood given us through the apostles,
- which refreshes us and gives us life
- which refreshes us and gives us life
Praise be to you, Lord, for the feast of your word prepared for us by the apostles,
- giving us light and joy.
- giving us light and joy.
Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles,
- where we are gathered together into your community.
- where we are gathered together into your community.
Praise be to you, Lord, for the cleansing power of baptism and penance that you have entrusted to your apostles,
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE
DaytimePrayer
Antiphons are from the Proper below. Psalms are taken from the Psalms of the Day, or from the Complementary Psalter, as below. Hymns are from Daytime Prayer of the day or the Complementary Psalmody.
O God, come to my assistance
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)
TERCE
Antiphon on Psalms: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
READING 2 Cor. 5:19-20
God has entrusted to us the news of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ's name is: be reconciled to God.
Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
SEXT
Antiphon on Psalms: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
READING Acts 5:12a,14
Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders occurred among the people. Nevertheless, more and more believers, men and women in great numbers, were continually added to the Lord.
The Apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
NONES
Antiphon on Psalms: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
READING Acts 5:41-42
The apostles left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name. They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.
Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
Complementary Psalms for Feasts of the Apostles
(Psalm 129 replaces Psalm 126)
Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)
TERCE
Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalm 120
Longing for peace
Be patient in suffering, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)
To the Lord in the hour of my distress
I call and he answers me.
O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,
from the tongue of the deceitful.
What shall he repay you in return,
O treacherous tongue?
The warriors arrows sharpened
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,
dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
they are for fighting. Glory...
Psalm 121
Guardian of his people
Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel's guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever. Glory...
Psalm 122
The holy city, Jerusalem
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22)
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
Let us go to God's house.
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel's law it is,
there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
Peace be to your homes!
For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good. Glory...
Longing for peace
Be patient in suffering, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)
To the Lord in the hour of my distress
I call and he answers me.
O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,
from the tongue of the deceitful.
What shall he repay you in return,
O treacherous tongue?
The warriors arrows sharpened
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,
dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
they are for fighting. Glory...
Psalm 121
Guardian of his people
Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel's guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever. Glory...
Psalm 122
The holy city, Jerusalem
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22)
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
Let us go to God's house.
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel's law it is,
there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
Peace be to your homes!
For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good. Glory...
Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Continue
SEXT
Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalm 123
The Lord is the hope of his people
Two blind men cried out: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us" (Matthew 20:30)
To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul
with the scorn of the rich,
with the proud man's disdain. Glory...
Psalm 124
Our help is in the name of the Lord
The Lord said to Paul: Fear not...I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10)
If the Lord had not been on our side,
this is Israel's song.
If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept
the raging waters.
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Glory...
Psalm 125
The Lord, the guardian of his people
Peace to God's true Israel (Galatians 6:16)
Those who put their trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,
that stands for ever.
Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and for ever.
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest
over the land of the just
for fear that the hands of the just
should turn to evil.
Do good, Lord, to those who are good,
to the upright of heart;
but the crooked and those who do evil,
drive them away!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Psalm 123
The Lord is the hope of his people
Two blind men cried out: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us" (Matthew 20:30)
To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul
with the scorn of the rich,
with the proud man's disdain. Glory...
Psalm 124
Our help is in the name of the Lord
The Lord said to Paul: Fear not...I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10)
If the Lord had not been on our side,
this is Israel's song.
If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept
the raging waters.
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Glory...
Psalm 125
The Lord, the guardian of his people
Peace to God's true Israel (Galatians 6:16)
Those who put their trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,
that stands for ever.
Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and for ever.
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest
over the land of the just
for fear that the hands of the just
should turn to evil.
Do good, Lord, to those who are good,
to the upright of heart;
but the crooked and those who do evil,
drive them away!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Continue
NONES
Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalm 129
God's people reaffirm their trust in time of affliction
The voice of the Church lamenting in suffering is heard in this psalm (St. Augustine)
"They have pressed me hard from my youth,"
this is Israel's song.
"They have pressed me hard from my youth
but could never destroy me.
this is Israel's song.
"They have pressed me hard from my youth
but could never destroy me.
They plowed my back like plowmen,
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed
the yoke of the wicked."
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed
the yoke of the wicked."
Let them be shamed and routed,
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof
that withers before it flowers.
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof
that withers before it flowers.
With that no reaper fills his arms,
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say:
On you the Lord's blessing!
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say:
On you the Lord's blessing!
We bless you in the name of the Lord. Glory...
Psalm 127
Apart from God our labors are worthless
You are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9)
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory...
Psalm 128
Happiness of family life rooted in God
"May the Lord bless you from Zion," that is, from the Church (Arnobius)
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
the wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children
in a happy Jerusalem!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Psalm 127
Apart from God our labors are worthless
You are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9)
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory...
Psalm 128
Happiness of family life rooted in God
"May the Lord bless you from Zion," that is, from the Church (Arnobius)
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
the wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children
in a happy Jerusalem!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE
Evening PrayerPsalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
Evening PrayerPsalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
HYMN
The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M. Music: Graham George, 1941 Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397 Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M. Music: Graham George, 1941 Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397 Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866
PSALMODY
Antiphon: You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial.
Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory...
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory...
Antiphon: You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial.
Antiphon: I have lived among you as one who ministers to others.
Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: "What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.Glory...
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: "What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.Glory...
Antiphon: I have lived among you as one who ministers to others.
Antiphon:I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth. Glory...
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth. Glory...
Antiphon: I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
READING Ephesians 4:13
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature
RESPONSORY
Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
Make known his wonders to every people
- how glorious God is.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners.
Antiphon: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners.
INTERCESSIONS
My brothers and sisters, we build on the foundation of the Apostles. Let us pray to our almighty Father for his holy people and say:
Be mindful of your Church, O Lord.
Father, you wanted your Son to be seen first by the apostles
after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven,
- Let the dead enter your kingdom of joy.
after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven,
- Let the dead enter your kingdom of joy.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
MATTHEW, APOSTLE
Office of Readings
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.
Psalm 95 Psalm 100 Psalm 67 Psalm 24
Office of Readings
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Your hand, O Lord, has guided
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
PSALMODY
Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.
Psalm 64
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: "Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: "Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.
Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name. Glory...
Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
They proclaimed the Lord's praises, told of his power to save.
- And of the wonders he had worked.
FIRST READING
From the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians 4:1-16
I plead with you, as a prisoner for the Lord, to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says:
"He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;
he gave gifts to men."
What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.
Let us, then, be children no longer, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body's growth and builds itself up in love.
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says:
"He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;
he gave gifts to men."
What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.
Let us, then, be children no longer, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body's growth and builds itself up in love.
RESPONSORY 2 Peter 1:21; Proverbs 2:6
No prophecy ever came from man.
- The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The Lord gives wisdom;
knowledge and understadning flow from his mouth.
- The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
knowledge and understadning flow from his mouth.
- The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
SECOND READING
From a homily by St Bede the Venerable, priest
(Hom. 21: CCL 122, 149-151)
(Hom. 21: CCL 122, 149-151)
Jesus saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him
Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office, and he said to him: Follow me. Jesus saw Matthew, not merely in the usual sense, but more significantly with his merciful understanding of men.
He saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, he said to him: Follow me. This following meant imitating the pattern of his life – not just walking after him. St. John tells us: Whoever says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
And he rose and followed him. There is no reason for surprise that the tax collector abandoned earthly wealth as soon as the Lord commanded him. Nor should one be amazed that neglecting his wealth, he joined a band of men whose leader had, on Matthew’s assessment, no riches at all. Our Lord summoned Matthew by speaking to him in words. By an invisible, interior impulse flooding his mind with the light of grace, he instructed him to walk in his footsteps. In this way Matthew could understand that Christ, who was summoning him away from earthly possessions, had incorruptible treasures of heaven in his gift.
As he sat at table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. This conversion of one tax collector gave many men, those from his own profession and other sinners, an example of repentance and pardon. Notice also the happy and true anticipation of his future status as apostle and teacher of the nations. No sooner was he converted than Matthew drew after him a whole crowd of sinners along the same road to salvation. He took up his appointed duties while still taking his first steps in the faith, and from that hour he fulfilled his obligation and thus grew in merit. To see a deeper understanding of the great celebration Matthew held at his house, we must realise that he not only gave a banquet for the Lord at his earthly residence, but far more pleasing was the banquet set in his own heart which he provided through faith and love. Our Saviour attests to this: Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
On hearing Christ’s voice, we open the door to receive him, as it were, when we freely assent to his promptings and when we give ourselves over to doing what must be done. Christ, since he dwells in the hearts of his chosen ones through the grace of his love, enters so that he might eat with us and we with him. He ever refreshes us by the light of his presence insofar as we progress in our devotion to and longing for the things of heaven. He himself is delighted by such a pleasing banquet.
He saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, he said to him: Follow me. This following meant imitating the pattern of his life – not just walking after him. St. John tells us: Whoever says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
And he rose and followed him. There is no reason for surprise that the tax collector abandoned earthly wealth as soon as the Lord commanded him. Nor should one be amazed that neglecting his wealth, he joined a band of men whose leader had, on Matthew’s assessment, no riches at all. Our Lord summoned Matthew by speaking to him in words. By an invisible, interior impulse flooding his mind with the light of grace, he instructed him to walk in his footsteps. In this way Matthew could understand that Christ, who was summoning him away from earthly possessions, had incorruptible treasures of heaven in his gift.
As he sat at table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. This conversion of one tax collector gave many men, those from his own profession and other sinners, an example of repentance and pardon. Notice also the happy and true anticipation of his future status as apostle and teacher of the nations. No sooner was he converted than Matthew drew after him a whole crowd of sinners along the same road to salvation. He took up his appointed duties while still taking his first steps in the faith, and from that hour he fulfilled his obligation and thus grew in merit. To see a deeper understanding of the great celebration Matthew held at his house, we must realise that he not only gave a banquet for the Lord at his earthly residence, but far more pleasing was the banquet set in his own heart which he provided through faith and love. Our Saviour attests to this: Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
On hearing Christ’s voice, we open the door to receive him, as it were, when we freely assent to his promptings and when we give ourselves over to doing what must be done. Christ, since he dwells in the hearts of his chosen ones through the grace of his love, enters so that he might eat with us and we with him. He ever refreshes us by the light of his presence insofar as we progress in our devotion to and longing for the things of heaven. He himself is delighted by such a pleasing banquet.
RESPONSORY
Matthew was a talented scribe
and deeply versed in the law of the Lord.
- He dedicated all his efforts to the study of God's law
so that with the Lord's guidance he might observe his precepts and teach them to others.
The gospel of God’s glory is credited to him
- He dedicated all his efforts to the study of God's law
so that with the Lord's guidance he might observe his precepts and teach them to others.
CANTICLE TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
MATTHEW, APOSTLE
Office of Readings
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.
Psalm 95 Psalm 100 Psalm 67 Psalm 24
Office of Readings
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Your hand, O Lord, has guided
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
PSALMODY
Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.
Psalm 64
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: "Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: "Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.
Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name. Glory...
Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
They proclaimed the Lord's praises, told of his power to save.
- And of the wonders he had worked.
FIRST READING
From the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians 4:1-16
I plead with you, as a prisoner for the Lord, to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says:
"He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;
he gave gifts to men."
What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.
Let us, then, be children no longer, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body's growth and builds itself up in love.
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says:
"He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;
he gave gifts to men."
What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.
Let us, then, be children no longer, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body's growth and builds itself up in love.
RESPONSORY 2 Peter 1:21; Proverbs 2:6
No prophecy ever came from man.
- The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The Lord gives wisdom;
knowledge and understadning flow from his mouth.
- The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
knowledge and understadning flow from his mouth.
- The men who spoke the word of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
SECOND READING
From a homily by St Bede the Venerable, priest
(Hom. 21: CCL 122, 149-151)
(Hom. 21: CCL 122, 149-151)
Jesus saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him
Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office, and he said to him: Follow me. Jesus saw Matthew, not merely in the usual sense, but more significantly with his merciful understanding of men.
He saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, he said to him: Follow me. This following meant imitating the pattern of his life – not just walking after him. St. John tells us: Whoever says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
And he rose and followed him. There is no reason for surprise that the tax collector abandoned earthly wealth as soon as the Lord commanded him. Nor should one be amazed that neglecting his wealth, he joined a band of men whose leader had, on Matthew’s assessment, no riches at all. Our Lord summoned Matthew by speaking to him in words. By an invisible, interior impulse flooding his mind with the light of grace, he instructed him to walk in his footsteps. In this way Matthew could understand that Christ, who was summoning him away from earthly possessions, had incorruptible treasures of heaven in his gift.
As he sat at table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. This conversion of one tax collector gave many men, those from his own profession and other sinners, an example of repentance and pardon. Notice also the happy and true anticipation of his future status as apostle and teacher of the nations. No sooner was he converted than Matthew drew after him a whole crowd of sinners along the same road to salvation. He took up his appointed duties while still taking his first steps in the faith, and from that hour he fulfilled his obligation and thus grew in merit. To see a deeper understanding of the great celebration Matthew held at his house, we must realise that he not only gave a banquet for the Lord at his earthly residence, but far more pleasing was the banquet set in his own heart which he provided through faith and love. Our Saviour attests to this: Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
On hearing Christ’s voice, we open the door to receive him, as it were, when we freely assent to his promptings and when we give ourselves over to doing what must be done. Christ, since he dwells in the hearts of his chosen ones through the grace of his love, enters so that he might eat with us and we with him. He ever refreshes us by the light of his presence insofar as we progress in our devotion to and longing for the things of heaven. He himself is delighted by such a pleasing banquet.
He saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, he said to him: Follow me. This following meant imitating the pattern of his life – not just walking after him. St. John tells us: Whoever says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
And he rose and followed him. There is no reason for surprise that the tax collector abandoned earthly wealth as soon as the Lord commanded him. Nor should one be amazed that neglecting his wealth, he joined a band of men whose leader had, on Matthew’s assessment, no riches at all. Our Lord summoned Matthew by speaking to him in words. By an invisible, interior impulse flooding his mind with the light of grace, he instructed him to walk in his footsteps. In this way Matthew could understand that Christ, who was summoning him away from earthly possessions, had incorruptible treasures of heaven in his gift.
As he sat at table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. This conversion of one tax collector gave many men, those from his own profession and other sinners, an example of repentance and pardon. Notice also the happy and true anticipation of his future status as apostle and teacher of the nations. No sooner was he converted than Matthew drew after him a whole crowd of sinners along the same road to salvation. He took up his appointed duties while still taking his first steps in the faith, and from that hour he fulfilled his obligation and thus grew in merit. To see a deeper understanding of the great celebration Matthew held at his house, we must realise that he not only gave a banquet for the Lord at his earthly residence, but far more pleasing was the banquet set in his own heart which he provided through faith and love. Our Saviour attests to this: Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
On hearing Christ’s voice, we open the door to receive him, as it were, when we freely assent to his promptings and when we give ourselves over to doing what must be done. Christ, since he dwells in the hearts of his chosen ones through the grace of his love, enters so that he might eat with us and we with him. He ever refreshes us by the light of his presence insofar as we progress in our devotion to and longing for the things of heaven. He himself is delighted by such a pleasing banquet.
RESPONSORY
Matthew was a talented scribe
and deeply versed in the law of the Lord.
- He dedicated all his efforts to the study of God's law
so that with the Lord's guidance he might observe his precepts and teach them to others.
The gospel of God’s glory is credited to him
- He dedicated all his efforts to the study of God's law
so that with the Lord's guidance he might observe his precepts and teach them to others.
CANTICLE TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
COLLECT
O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle
Saint Matthew, the tax collector,
grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
Readings
for the Feast of
St. Matthias
Apostle
May 14
Apostle
May 14
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Jn 15: 16
Non vos me elegístis, dicit Dóminus, sed ego elégi vos, ut eátis, et fructum afferátis, et fructus vester máneat.
It was not you who chose me, says the Lord,
but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit,
fruit that will last [alleluia].
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Jn 15: 16
Non vos me elegístis, dicit Dóminus, sed ego elégi vos, ut eátis, et fructum afferátis, et fructus vester máneat.
It was not you who chose me, says the Lord,
but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit,
fruit that will last [alleluia].
GLORIA
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FIRST READING Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters
(there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons
in the one place).
He said, “My brothers and sisters,
the Scripture had to be fulfilled
which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand
through the mouth of David, concerning Judas,
who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.
Judas was numbered among us
and was allotted a share in this ministry.
For it is written in the Book of Psalms:
Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters
(there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons
in the one place).
He said, “My brothers and sisters,
the Scripture had to be fulfilled
which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand
through the mouth of David, concerning Judas,
who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.
Judas was numbered among us
and was allotted a share in this ministry.
For it is written in the Book of Psalms:
Let his encampment become desolate,
and may no one dwell in it.
and:
May another take his office.
and may no one dwell in it.
and:
May another take his office.
Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men
who accompanied us the whole time
the Lord Jesus came and went among us,
beginning from the baptism of John
until the day on which he was taken up from us,
become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,
who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
Then they prayed,
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,
show which one of these two you have chosen
to take the place in this apostolic ministry
from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,
and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.
who accompanied us the whole time
the Lord Jesus came and went among us,
beginning from the baptism of John
until the day on which he was taken up from us,
become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,
who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
Then they prayed,
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,
show which one of these two you have chosen
to take the place in this apostolic ministry
from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,
and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Collocávit eum Dóminus cum princípibus pópuli sum.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high
and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high
and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
R. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA Jn 15:16
Ego vos elégi de mundo, ut eátis, et fructum afferátis: et fructus vester máneat.
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
GOSPEL John 15:9-17
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.
“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, the offerings of your Church,
reverently presented for the Feast of Saint Matthias,
and through them strengthen us by the power of your grace.
Through Christ our Lord.
PREFACE
Preface I of the Apostles
Preface II of the Apostles
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Jn 15:12
Hoc est præcéptum meum ut diligátis ínvicem sicut diléxi vos, dicit Dóminus
This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you, says the Lord [E.T. alleluia].
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Never cease, O Lord, we pray,
to fill your family with divine gifts,
and, through blessed Matthias’ intercession for us,
graciously admit us to a share in the lot of the Saints in light.
Through Christ our Lord.
SOLEMN BLESSING OF THE APOSTLES
May God, who has granted you
to stand firm on apostolic foundations,
graciously bless you through the glorious merits
of the holy Apostle Matthias.
R. Amen.
And may he who endowed you
with the teaching and example of the Apostles,
make you, under their protection,
witnesses to the truth before all.
R. Amen.
So that through the intercession of the Apostles,
you may inherit the eternal homeland,
for by their teaching you possess firmness of faith.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, † and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
ST. MATTTHIAS
Apostle
Morning Prayer
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.
Psalm 95 Psalm 100 Psalm 67 Psalm 24
Morning Prayer
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
HYMN
Let all on earth their voices raise,
Resounding heaven's praise,
To him who gave apostles grace
To run their glorious race.
Of Gospel truth they bore the light
To brighten earthly night;
May we that heav'nly light impart
To ev'ry mind and heart.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Spirit Three in One,
Who sent these men with holy fire
All mankind to inspire. Amen.
Melody: Saint Peter C.M.; A. R. Reingale, 1799-1877 Text: Exultet Orbis Gaudiis, 10th century; Translator: Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Midi: Cyberhymnal
Resounding heaven's praise,
To him who gave apostles grace
To run their glorious race.
Of Gospel truth they bore the light
To brighten earthly night;
May we that heav'nly light impart
To ev'ry mind and heart.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Spirit Three in One,
Who sent these men with holy fire
All mankind to inspire. Amen.
Melody: Saint Peter C.M.; A. R. Reingale, 1799-1877 Text: Exultet Orbis Gaudiis, 10th century; Translator: Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Midi: Cyberhymnal
PSALMODY
Antiphon: My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for GodO God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for GodO God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
Antiphon: My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.
Antiphon: There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.
Canticle - Daniel 3:57-88,56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Antiphon: There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.
Antiphon: You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you.
Psalm 149
The joy of God's holy people
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius)
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful. Glory...
Antiphon: You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you.
READING Ephesians 2:19-22
You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building that rises on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.
RESPONSORY
You have made them rulers over all the earth.
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
They will always remember your name,O Lord,
- over all the earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: We must choose someone who was with us all the time that the Lord Jesus lived among us; he will take his place with us in giving witness to the Lord's resurrection, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Beloved friends, we have inherited heaven along with the apostles. Let us give thanks to the Father for all his gifts:
The company of apostles praises you, O Lord
Praise be to you, Lord, for the banquet of Christ's body and blood given us through the apostles,
- which refreshes us and gives us life
- which refreshes us and gives us life
Praise be to you, Lord, for the feast of your word prepared for us by the apostles,
- giving us light and joy.
- giving us light and joy.
Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles,
- where we are gathered together into your community.
- where we are gathered together into your community.
Praise be to you, Lord, for the cleansing power of baptism and penance that you have entrusted to your apostles,
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
ST. MATTHIAS
Apostle
Daytime Prayer
Antiphons are from the Proper below. Psalms are taken from the Psalms of the Day, or from the Complementary Psalter, as below. Hymns are from Daytime Prayer of the day or the Complementary Psalmody.
O God, come to my assistance
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)
TERCE
Antiphon on Psalms: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
READING 2 Cor. 5:19-20
God has entrusted to us the news of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ's name is: be reconciled to God.
Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
SEXT
Antiphon on Psalms: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
READING Acts 5:12a,14
Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders occurred among the people. Nevertheless, more and more believers, men and women in great numbers, were continually added to the Lord.
The Apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
NONES
Antiphon on Psalms: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
READING Acts 5:41-42
The apostles left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name. They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.
Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
Complementary Psalms for Feasts of the Apostles
(Psalm 129 replaces Psalm 126)
Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)
TERCE
Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalm 120
Longing for peace
Be patient in suffering, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)
To the Lord in the hour of my distress
I call and he answers me.
O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,
from the tongue of the deceitful.
What shall he repay you in return,
O treacherous tongue?
The warriors arrows sharpened
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,
dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
they are for fighting. Glory...
Psalm 121
Guardian of his people
Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel's guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever. Glory...
Psalm 122
The holy city, Jerusalem
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22)
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
Let us go to God's house.
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel's law it is,
there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
Peace be to your homes!
For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good. Glory...
Longing for peace
Be patient in suffering, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)
To the Lord in the hour of my distress
I call and he answers me.
O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,
from the tongue of the deceitful.
What shall he repay you in return,
O treacherous tongue?
The warriors arrows sharpened
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,
dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
they are for fighting. Glory...
Psalm 121
Guardian of his people
Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel's guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever. Glory...
Psalm 122
The holy city, Jerusalem
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22)
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
Let us go to God's house.
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel's law it is,
there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
Peace be to your homes!
For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good. Glory...
Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Continue
SEXT
Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalm 123
The Lord is the hope of his people
Two blind men cried out: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us" (Matthew 20:30)
To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul
with the scorn of the rich,
with the proud man's disdain. Glory...
Psalm 124
Our help is in the name of the Lord
The Lord said to Paul: Fear not...I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10)
If the Lord had not been on our side,
this is Israel's song.
If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept
the raging waters.
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Glory...
Psalm 125
The Lord, the guardian of his people
Peace to God's true Israel (Galatians 6:16)
Those who put their trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,
that stands for ever.
Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and for ever.
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest
over the land of the just
for fear that the hands of the just
should turn to evil.
Do good, Lord, to those who are good,
to the upright of heart;
but the crooked and those who do evil,
drive them away!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Psalm 123
The Lord is the hope of his people
Two blind men cried out: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us" (Matthew 20:30)
To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul
with the scorn of the rich,
with the proud man's disdain. Glory...
Psalm 124
Our help is in the name of the Lord
The Lord said to Paul: Fear not...I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10)
If the Lord had not been on our side,
this is Israel's song.
If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept
the raging waters.
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Glory...
Psalm 125
The Lord, the guardian of his people
Peace to God's true Israel (Galatians 6:16)
Those who put their trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,
that stands for ever.
Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and for ever.
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest
over the land of the just
for fear that the hands of the just
should turn to evil.
Do good, Lord, to those who are good,
to the upright of heart;
but the crooked and those who do evil,
drive them away!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Continue
NONES
Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalm 129
God's people reaffirm their trust in time of affliction
The voice of the Church lamenting in suffering is heard in this psalm (St. Augustine)
"They have pressed me hard from my youth,"
this is Israel's song.
"They have pressed me hard from my youth
but could never destroy me.
this is Israel's song.
"They have pressed me hard from my youth
but could never destroy me.
They plowed my back like plowmen,
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed
the yoke of the wicked."
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed
the yoke of the wicked."
Let them be shamed and routed,
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof
that withers before it flowers.
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof
that withers before it flowers.
With that no reaper fills his arms,
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say:
On you the Lord's blessing!
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say:
On you the Lord's blessing!
We bless you in the name of the Lord. Glory...
Psalm 127
Apart from God our labors are worthless
You are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9)
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory...
Psalm 128
Happiness of family life rooted in God
"May the Lord bless you from Zion," that is, from the Church (Arnobius)
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
the wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children
in a happy Jerusalem!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Psalm 127
Apart from God our labors are worthless
You are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9)
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory...
Psalm 128
Happiness of family life rooted in God
"May the Lord bless you from Zion," that is, from the Church (Arnobius)
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
the wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children
in a happy Jerusalem!
On Israel, peace! Glory...
Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Antiphon on Psalms: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.
READING Acts 5:41-42
The apostles left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name. They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.
Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
ST. MATTTHIAS
Apostle
Evening Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
HYMN
The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M. Music: Graham George, 1941 Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397 Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M. Music: Graham George, 1941 Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397 Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866
PSALMODY
Antiphon: You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial.
Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory...
Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory...
Antiphon: You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial.
Antiphon: I have lived among you as one who ministers to others.
Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: "What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.Glory...
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: "What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.Glory...
Antiphon: I have lived among you as one who ministers to others.
Antiphon: I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth. Glory...
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth. Glory...
Antiphon:I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
READING Ephesians 4:13
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature
RESPONSORY
Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
Make known his wonders to every people
- how glorious God is.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: You have not chosen me but I have chosen you and have appointed you to go forth and bear fruit, and your fruit will remain, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
My brothers and sisters, we build on the foundation of the Apostles. Let us pray to our almighty Father for his holy people and say:
Be mindful of your Church, O Lord.
Father, you wanted your Son to be seen first by the apostles
after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven,
- Let the dead enter your kingdom of joy.
after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven,
- Let the dead enter your kingdom of joy.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
ST. MATTTHIAS
Apostle
Office of Readings
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.
Psalm 95 Psalm 100 Psalm 67 Psalm 24
Office of Readings
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
HYMN
Your hand, O Lord, has guided
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal
PSALMODY
Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...
Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.
Psalm 64
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: "Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: "Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...
Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.
Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name. Glory...
Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
They proclaimed the Lord's praises, told of his power to save.
- And of the wonders he had worked.
FIRST READING
From the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians 4:1-16
Men should regard us as servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God. The first requirement of an administrator is that he prove trustworthy. It matters little to me whether you or any human court pass judgment on me. I do not even pass judgment on myself. Mind you, I have nothing on my conscience. But that does not mean that I am declaring myself innocent. The Lord is the one to judge me, so stop passing judgment before the time of his return. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the intentions of hearts. At that time, everyone will receive his praise from God.
Brothers, I have applied all this to myself and Apollos by way of example for your benefit. May you learn from us not to go beyond what is set down, so that none of you will grow self-important by reason of his association with one person rather than another. Who confers any distinction on you? Name something you have that you have not received. If, then, you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own? At the moment you are completely satisfied. You have grown rich! You have launched upon your reign with no help from us. Would that you had really begun to reign, that we might be reigning with you!
As I see it, God has put us apostles at the end of the line, like men doomed to die in the arena. We have become a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account. Ah, but in Christ you are wise! We are the weak ones, you the strong! They honor you, while they sneer at us! Up to this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless. We work hard at manual labor. When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation. We have become the world’s refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs.
I am writing you in this way not to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children. Granted you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you have only one father. It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preaching of the gospel. I beg you, then, be imitators of me.
Brothers, I have applied all this to myself and Apollos by way of example for your benefit. May you learn from us not to go beyond what is set down, so that none of you will grow self-important by reason of his association with one person rather than another. Who confers any distinction on you? Name something you have that you have not received. If, then, you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own? At the moment you are completely satisfied. You have grown rich! You have launched upon your reign with no help from us. Would that you had really begun to reign, that we might be reigning with you!
As I see it, God has put us apostles at the end of the line, like men doomed to die in the arena. We have become a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account. Ah, but in Christ you are wise! We are the weak ones, you the strong! They honor you, while they sneer at us! Up to this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless. We work hard at manual labor. When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation. We have become the world’s refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs.
I am writing you in this way not to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children. Granted you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you have only one father. It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preaching of the gospel. I beg you, then, be imitators of me.
RESPONSORY John 15:15; Matthew 13:11, 16
I no longer call you servants, but my friends,
– for I have shared with you everything
I have heard from my Father.
The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven have been revealed to you;
blessed are your eyes because they see
and your ears because they hear.
– For I have shared with you everything
I have heard from my Father.
SECOND READING
From a homily on the Acts of the Apostles by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop
(Hom 3, 1.2.3: PG 60, 33-36, 38)
(Hom 3, 1.2.3: PG 60, 33-36, 38)
Make known to us, Lord, the one you choose
In those days, Peter, stood up in the midst of the disciples and said… As the fiery spirit to whom the flock was entrusted by Christ and as the leader in the band of the apostles, Peter always took the initiative in speaking: My brothers, we must choose from among our number. He left the decision to the whole body, at once augmenting the honor of those elected and avoiding any suspicion of partiality. For such great occasions can easily lead to trouble.
Did not Peter then have the right to make the choice himself? Certainly he had the right, but he did not want to give the appearance of showing special favor to anyone. Besides he was not yet endowed with the Spirit. And they nominated two, we read, Joseph, who was called Barsabbas and surnamed Justus, and Matthias. He himself did not nominate them; all present did. But it was he who brought the issue forward, pointing out that it was not his own idea but had been suggested to him by a scriptural prophecy. So he was speaking not as a teacher but as an interpreter.
So, he goes on, we must choose from those men who lived in our company. Notice how insistent he is that they should be eyewitnesses. Even though the Spirit would come to ratify the choice, Peter regards this prior qualification as most important.
Those who lived in our company, to continue the passage, all through the time when the Lord Jesus came and went among us. He refers to those who had dwelt with Jesus, not just those who had been his disciples. For of course from the very beginning many had followed him. Notice how it is written that Peter himself was one of the two who had listened to John, and followed Jesus.
All through the time when the Lord Jesus came and went among us, to continue further, beginning with the baptism of John – rightly so, because no one knew what had happened before that time, although they were to know of it later through the Spirit.
Up to the day, Peter added, on which he was taken up from us – one of these must be made a witness along with us of his resurrection. He did not say “a witness of the rest of his actions” but only a witness of the resurrection. That witness would be more believable who could declare that he who ate and drank and was crucified also rose from the dead. He needed to be a witness not of the times before or after that event, and not of the signs and wonders, but only of the resurrection itself. For the rest happened by general admission, openly; but the resurrection took place secretly, and was known to these men only.
And they all prayed together, saying: You, Lord, know the hearts of men; make your choice known to us. You, not we. Appropriately they said that he knew the hearts of men, because the choice was to be made by him, not by others.
They spoke with such confidence, because someone had to be appointed. They did not say “choose” but make known to us the chosen one; the one you choose, they said, fully aware that everything was preordained by God. They then drew lots. For they did not think themselves worthy to make the choice of their own accord, and therefore they wanted some sign for their instruction.
Did not Peter then have the right to make the choice himself? Certainly he had the right, but he did not want to give the appearance of showing special favor to anyone. Besides he was not yet endowed with the Spirit. And they nominated two, we read, Joseph, who was called Barsabbas and surnamed Justus, and Matthias. He himself did not nominate them; all present did. But it was he who brought the issue forward, pointing out that it was not his own idea but had been suggested to him by a scriptural prophecy. So he was speaking not as a teacher but as an interpreter.
So, he goes on, we must choose from those men who lived in our company. Notice how insistent he is that they should be eyewitnesses. Even though the Spirit would come to ratify the choice, Peter regards this prior qualification as most important.
Those who lived in our company, to continue the passage, all through the time when the Lord Jesus came and went among us. He refers to those who had dwelt with Jesus, not just those who had been his disciples. For of course from the very beginning many had followed him. Notice how it is written that Peter himself was one of the two who had listened to John, and followed Jesus.
All through the time when the Lord Jesus came and went among us, to continue further, beginning with the baptism of John – rightly so, because no one knew what had happened before that time, although they were to know of it later through the Spirit.
Up to the day, Peter added, on which he was taken up from us – one of these must be made a witness along with us of his resurrection. He did not say “a witness of the rest of his actions” but only a witness of the resurrection. That witness would be more believable who could declare that he who ate and drank and was crucified also rose from the dead. He needed to be a witness not of the times before or after that event, and not of the signs and wonders, but only of the resurrection itself. For the rest happened by general admission, openly; but the resurrection took place secretly, and was known to these men only.
And they all prayed together, saying: You, Lord, know the hearts of men; make your choice known to us. You, not we. Appropriately they said that he knew the hearts of men, because the choice was to be made by him, not by others.
They spoke with such confidence, because someone had to be appointed. They did not say “choose” but make known to us the chosen one; the one you choose, they said, fully aware that everything was preordained by God. They then drew lots. For they did not think themselves worthy to make the choice of their own accord, and therefore they wanted some sign for their instruction.
RESPONSORY Acts 1:24-25
Lord, you know the hearts of all.
- Show us the one whom you have chosen
to assume this ministry and apostleship, alleluia.
They cast lots and the choice fell upon Matthias,
and he was added to the eleven apostles.
- Show us the one whom you have chosen
to assume this ministry and apostleship, alleluia.
and he was added to the eleven apostles.
- Show us the one whom you have chosen
to assume this ministry and apostleship, alleluia.
CANTICLE TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
ST. MATTTHIAS
Apostle
Morning Prayer
Invitatory
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us
Gk. Hagios Theos, hagios ischyros, hagios athanatos,
Eleison imas
Latin. Sanctus Deus, sanctus fortis, sanctus et immortalis
Miserere nobis.
Antiphon: Christ, the cornerstone, has built his church upon apostles and prophets; Come let us adore him.
I give you a new commandment: † Love one another;
as I have love you, so you are to love one another
There is no † greater love than this:
to lay down your life for your friends.
Whoever acknowledges † me before men
I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
Happy are those † who have suffered persecution for a right cause:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
You will be hated † for your allegiance to me,
but whoever holds out to the end will be saved.
as I have love you, so you are to love one another
There is no † greater love than this:
to lay down your life for your friends.
Whoever acknowledges † me before men
I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
Happy are those † who have suffered persecution for a right cause:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
You will be hated † for your allegiance to me,
but whoever holds out to the end will be saved.
Antiphon: Christ, the cornerstone, has built his church upon apostles and prophets; Come let us adore him.
HYMN
Except in Eastertide:
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion's help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
Foursquare is that heavenly city,
three on each side are its gates;
twelve in all and every portal
one apostle designates
in new Israel a founder
of a tribe Christ recreates.
Bright with pearl glows every portal,
open to all hearts in prayer;
and by virtue of Christ's passion
faithful souls may enter there,
who for Jesus' name in this world
suffered agony and care.
Laud and honor to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One
consubstantial, coeternal,
while unending ages run. Amen.
Except in Eastertide:
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion's help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
Foursquare is that heavenly city,
three on each side are its gates;
twelve in all and every portal
one apostle designates
in new Israel a founder
of a tribe Christ recreates.
Bright with pearl glows every portal,
open to all hearts in prayer;
and by virtue of Christ's passion
faithful souls may enter there,
who for Jesus' name in this world
suffered agony and care.
Laud and honor to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One
consubstantial, coeternal,
while unending ages run. Amen.
In Eastertide:
In this our paschal joy we raise
our hymn of gratitude and praise
that Jesus, from the tomb set free
reveals his glorious victory.
On Easter morn the angel gave
the women tidings at the grave:
Soon now your Master you will see;
he goes before to Galilee.
This summons, when to them conveyed,
th'eleven faithfully obeyed,
that they might once again behold
their Lord and Master as of old.
To you, O Christ, our risen Lord,
due praise your people now accord
and to the Father tribute bring,
as by the Spirit here we sing. Amen.
our hymn of gratitude and praise
that Jesus, from the tomb set free
reveals his glorious victory.
On Easter morn the angel gave
the women tidings at the grave:
Soon now your Master you will see;
he goes before to Galilee.
This summons, when to them conveyed,
th'eleven faithfully obeyed,
that they might once again behold
their Lord and Master as of old.
To you, O Christ, our risen Lord,
due praise your people now accord
and to the Father tribute bring,
as by the Spirit here we sing. Amen.
You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building that rises on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. - Ephesians 2:19-22
PSALMODY
Antiphon: I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.
Psalm 80 < Qui regis Israel
1
Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2
In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
stir up your strength and come to help us.
3
Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
4
O LORD God of hosts, *
how long will you be angered
despite the prayers of your people?
5
You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6
You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *
and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
7
Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
8
You have brought a vine out of Egypt; *
you cast out the nations and planted it.
9
You prepared the ground for it; *
it took root and filled the land.
10
The mountains were covered by its shadow *
and the towering cedar trees by its boughs.
11
You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea *
and its branches to the River.
12
Why have you broken down its wall, *
so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes?
13
The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it, *
and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it.
14
Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;
behold and tend this vine; *
preserve what your right hand has planted.
15
They burn it with fire like rubbish; *
at the rebuke of your countenance let them perish.
16
Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *
and son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
17
And so will we never turn away from you; *
give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
18
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Antiphon: I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.
FIRST READING 1 Samuel 16:1-13
The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.’ Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Take a heifer with you, and say, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.” Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.’ Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, ‘Do you come peaceably?’ He said, ‘Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.’ And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these.’ Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’ He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.
CANTICLE TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
SECOND READING 1 John 2:18-25
Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he has promised us, eternal life.
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
O Holy Apostle Matthias, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Truly, into all the world thy sound hath gone forth as a brightly-beaming sun; and it enlighteneth by grace the Church of all nations on the earth, O wonderworking Matthias, Apostle of Christ.
Truly, into all the world thy sound hath gone forth as a brightly-beaming sun; and it enlighteneth by grace the Church of all nations on the earth, O wonderworking Matthias, Apostle of Christ.
BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: We must choose someone who was with us all the time that the Lord Jesus lived among us; he will take his place with us in giving witness to the Lord's resurrection, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Through the intercession of St Matthias, let us pray:
Pour out your Spirit, O Lord, and make your Church holy as you are holy.
Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles,
- where we are gathered together into your community.
- where we are gathered together into your community.
You chose Matthias, the faithful, to take the place of Judas, the betrayer:
- make us faithful, Lord.
- make us faithful, Lord.
You sent your Apostles out to preach your word to the ends of the earth:
- teach us to live the Gospel in our everyday world.
- teach us to live the Gospel in our everyday world.
You called your Apostles to follow you through death to glory:
- inspire us to love the cross.
- inspire us to love the cross.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Almighty God,
who in the place of Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve:
Grant that your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers, and may he not forsake us nor cast us off. Amen.
ST. MATTTHIAS
Apostle
Evening Prayer
Apostle
Evening Prayer
Invitatory
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us
Gk. Hagios Theos, hagios ischyros, hagios athanatos,
Eleison imas
Latin. Sanctus Deus, sanctus fortis, sanctus et immortalis
Miserere nobis.
Antiphon: Christ, the cornerstone, has built his church upon apostles and prophets; Come let us adore him.
I give you a new commandment: † Love one another;
as I have love you, so you are to love one another
There is no † greater love than this:
to lay down your life for your friends.
Whoever acknowledges † me before men
I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
Happy are those † who have suffered persecution for a right cause:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
You will be hated † for your allegiance to me,
but whoever holds out to the end will be saved.
as I have love you, so you are to love one another
There is no † greater love than this:
to lay down your life for your friends.
Whoever acknowledges † me before men
I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
Happy are those † who have suffered persecution for a right cause:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
You will be hated † for your allegiance to me,
but whoever holds out to the end will be saved.
Antiphon: Christ, the cornerstone, has built his church upon apostles and prophets; Come let us adore him.
HYMN
Except in Eastertide:
The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M. Music: Graham George, 1941 Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397 Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866
In Eastertide:
Th'apostles gathered Easter night
behind the doors they locked in fright;
yet in their midst the Lord appeared
by "Peace" to banish all they feared.
He showed his wounded hands and side,
which to him truly testified;
and food consumed, to demonstrate
his real and risen human state.
Th'apostles then, with hearts set free
from terror and perplexity,
learned how the Scriptures were fulfilled
when Christ's redeeming blood was spilled.
To you, O Christ, our risen Lord,
due praise your people now accord;
and to the Father tribute bring,
as by the Spirit here we sing. Amen.
behind the doors they locked in fright;
yet in their midst the Lord appeared
by "Peace" to banish all they feared.
He showed his wounded hands and side,
which to him truly testified;
and food consumed, to demonstrate
his real and risen human state.
Th'apostles then, with hearts set free
from terror and perplexity,
learned how the Scriptures were fulfilled
when Christ's redeeming blood was spilled.
To you, O Christ, our risen Lord,
due praise your people now accord;
and to the Father tribute bring,
as by the Spirit here we sing. Amen.
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature. - Ephesians 4:13
PSALMODY
Antiphon: There is no greater love than this: / to lay down your life for your friends.
Psalm 33
Exultate, justi
1
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; *
it is good for the just to sing praises.
2
Praise the LORD with the harp; *
play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
3
Sing for him a new song; *
sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4
For the word of the LORD is right, *
and all his works are sure.
5
He loves righteousness and justice; *
the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.
6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, *
by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.
7
He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin *
and stores up the depths of the sea.
8
Let all the earth fear the LORD; *
let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
9
For he spoke, and it came to pass; *
he commanded, and it stood fast.
10
The LORD brings the will of the nations to naught; *
he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
11
But the LORD'S will stands fast for ever, *
and the designs of his heart from age to age.
12
Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD! *
happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
13
The LORD looks down from heaven, *
and beholds all the people in the world.
14
From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze *
on all who dwell on the earth.
15
He fashions all the hearts of them *
and understands all their works.
16
There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army; *
a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
17
The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; *
for all its strength it cannot save.
18
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him, *
on those who wait upon his love,
19
To pluck their lives from death, *
and to feed them in time of famine.
20
Our soul waits for the LORD; *
he is our help and our shield.
21
Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, *
for in his holy Name we put our trust.
22
Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.
Antiphon:There is no greater love than this: / to lay down your life for your friends.
FIRST READING 1 Samuel 12:1-5
Samuel said to all Israel, ‘I have listened to you in all that you have said to me, and have set a king over you. See, it is the king who leads you now; I am old and grey, but my sons are with you. I have led you from my youth until this day. Here I am; testify against me before the Lord and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.’ They said, ‘You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from the hand of anyone.’ He said to them, ‘The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.’ And they said, ‘He is witness.’
SECOND READING Acts 20:17-35
From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, he said to them:
‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus. And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
‘And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ’
RESPONSORY
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
O Holy Apostle Matthias,
intercede to our merciful God,
that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
O Holy Apostle Matthias,
intercede to our merciful God,
that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Truly, into all the world thy sound hath gone forth as a brightly-beaming sun;
and it enlighteneth by grace the Church of all nations on the earth,
O wonderworking Matthias, Apostle of Christ.
Truly, into all the world thy sound hath gone forth as a brightly-beaming sun;
and it enlighteneth by grace the Church of all nations on the earth,
O wonderworking Matthias, Apostle of Christ.
MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: Happy are the peacemakers, † happy are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
INTERCESSIONS
Through the intercession of St Matthias, let us pray:
Be mindful of your Church, O Lord.
You chose Matthias, the faithful, to take the place of Judas, the betrayer:
- make us faithful, Lord.
- make us faithful, Lord.
Father, you wanted your Son to be seen first by the apostles after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
You chose to entrust to us the promise of salvation through the work of your Apostles:
may your promise be fulfilled in the resurrection of the dead.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Almighty God,
who in the place of Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve:
Grant that your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers, and may he not forsake us nor cast us off. Amen.
SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL,
ARCHANGELS
September 29
ARCHANGELS
September 29
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Psalm 103:20
Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power,
fulfilling his word, and heeding his voice.
Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power,
fulfilling his word, and heeding his voice.
GLORIA
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FIRST READING Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
or Revelation 12:7-12ab
War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them.”
War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
"Great is the glory of the LORD"
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
"Great is the glory of the LORD"
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
ALLELUIA
Bless the Lord, all you angels
you ministers, who do his will.
GOSPEL John 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We offer you a sacrifice of praise, O Lord,
humbly entreating,
that, as these gifts are borne by the ministry of Angels
into the presence of your majesty,
so you may receive them favorably
and make them profitable for our salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.
PREFACE God glorified through the Angels
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right and just.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
and to praise you without end
in your Archangels and Angels.
For the honor we pay the angelic creatures
in whom you delight
redounds to your own surpassing glory,
and by their great dignity and splendor
you show how infinitely great you are,
to be exalted above all things,
through Christ our Lord.
Through him the multitude of Angels extols your majesty,
and we are united with them in exultant adoration,
as with one voice of praise we acclaim:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts ...
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 138 (137): 1
I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart;
in the presence of the Angels I will praise you.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having been nourished with heavenly Bread,
we beseech you humbly, O Lord,
that, drawing from it new strength,
under the faithful protection of your Angels,
we may advance boldly along the way of salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.
MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS
Office of Readings
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Come, let us worship the Lord in the company of his angels.
Psalm 95 Psalm 24 Psalm 67 Psalm 100
Office of Readings
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. (Alleluia.)
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. (Alleluia.)
HYMN
They come, God's messengers of love,
they come from realms of peace above,
from homes of never-fading light,
from blissful mansions ever bright.
They come to watch around us here,
to soothe our sorrow, calm our fear:
ye heavenly guides, speed not away,
God willeth you with us to stay.
But chiefly at its journey's end
'tis yours the spirit to befriend,
and whisper to the faithful heart,
"O Christian soul, in peace depart."
To us the zeal of angels give,
with love to serve thee while we live;
to us an angel-guard supply,
when on the bed of death we lie.
To God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Spirit, Three in One,
from all above and all below
let joyful praise unceasing flow.
Words: Robert Campbell, 1850; Music: Church Triumphant, Woolmer's, Daniel; Meter: LM
they come from realms of peace above,
from homes of never-fading light,
from blissful mansions ever bright.
They come to watch around us here,
to soothe our sorrow, calm our fear:
ye heavenly guides, speed not away,
God willeth you with us to stay.
But chiefly at its journey's end
'tis yours the spirit to befriend,
and whisper to the faithful heart,
"O Christian soul, in peace depart."
To us the zeal of angels give,
with love to serve thee while we live;
to us an angel-guard supply,
when on the bed of death we lie.
To God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Spirit, Three in One,
from all above and all below
let joyful praise unceasing flow.
Words: Robert Campbell, 1850; Music: Church Triumphant, Woolmer's, Daniel; Meter: LM
PSALMODY
Antiphon 1: The sea grew turbulent and the earth trembled when Michael the archangel came down from heaven.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name.
Antiphon 1: The sea grew turbulent and the earth trembled when Michael the archangel came down from heaven.
Antiphon 2: The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and said: Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.
Psalm 103
I
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings.
It is he who forgives all your guilt,
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave,
who crowns you with love and compassion,
who fills your life with good things,
renewing your youth like an eagle's.
The Lord does deeds of justice,
gives judgment for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses
and his deeds to Israel's sons.
The Lord is compassion and love,
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
His wrath will come to an end;
he will not be angry for ever.
He does not treat us according to our sins
nor repay us according to our faults.
For as the heavens are high above the earth
so strong is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west
so far does he remove our sins.
As a father has compassion on his sons
the Lord has pity on those who fear him.
I
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings.
It is he who forgives all your guilt,
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave,
who crowns you with love and compassion,
who fills your life with good things,
renewing your youth like an eagle's.
The Lord does deeds of justice,
gives judgment for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses
and his deeds to Israel's sons.
The Lord is compassion and love,
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
His wrath will come to an end;
he will not be angry for ever.
He does not treat us according to our sins
nor repay us according to our faults.
For as the heavens are high above the earth
so strong is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west
so far does he remove our sins.
As a father has compassion on his sons
the Lord has pity on those who fear him.
Antiphon 2: The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and said: Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.
Antiphon 3: I am the Angel Raphael, I stand in the presence of the Lord; as for you, bless the Lord, and proclaim his wonderful deeds.
III
For he knows of what we are made,
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flowers like the flower of the field;
the wind blows and he is gone
and his place never sees him again.
But the love of the Lord is everlasting
upon those who hold him in fear;
his justice reaches out to children's children
when they keep his covenant in truth,
when they keep his will in their mind.
The Lord has set his sway in heaven
and his kingdom is ruling over all.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels,
mighty in power, fulfilling his word,
who heed the voice of his word.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts,
his servants who do his will.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his works,
in every place where he rules.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord!
For he knows of what we are made,
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flowers like the flower of the field;
the wind blows and he is gone
and his place never sees him again.
But the love of the Lord is everlasting
upon those who hold him in fear;
his justice reaches out to children's children
when they keep his covenant in truth,
when they keep his will in their mind.
The Lord has set his sway in heaven
and his kingdom is ruling over all.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels,
mighty in power, fulfilling his word,
who heed the voice of his word.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts,
his servants who do his will.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his works,
in every place where he rules.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord!
Bless the Lord, all his angels.
- Mighty in power and obedient to his word.
FIRST READING
From the book of Revelaton 12:1-17a
Michael's battle with the dragon
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth. Then a second sign appeared in the sky, a huge red dragon which had seven heads and ten horns, and each of the seven heads crowned with a coronet. Its tail dragged a third of the stars from the sky and dropped them to the earth, and the dragon stopped in front of the woman as she was having the child, so that he could eat it as soon as it was born from its mother. The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne, while the woman escaped into the desert, where God had made a place of safety ready, for her to be looked after in the twelve hundred and sixty days.
And now war broke out in heaven, when Michael with his angels attacked the dragon. The dragon fought back with his angels, but they were defeated and driven out of heaven. The great dragon, the primeval serpent, known as the devil or Satan, who had deceived all the world, was hurled down to the earth and his angels were hurled down with him. Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ, now that the persecutor, who accused our brothers day and night before our God, has been brought down. They have triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the witness of their martyrdom, because even in the face of death they would not cling to life. Let the heavens rejoice and all who live there; but for you, earth and sea, trouble is coming – because the devil has gone down to you in a rage, knowing that his days are numbered.’
As soon as the devil found himself thrown down to the earth, he sprang in pursuit of the woman, the mother of the male child, but she was given a huge pair of eagle’s wings to fly away from the serpent into the desert, to the place where she was to be looked after for a year and twice a year and half a year So the serpent vomited water from his mouth, like a river, after the woman, to sweep her away in the current, but the earth came to her rescue; it opened its mouth and swallowed the river thrown up by the dragon’s jaws. Then the dragon was enraged with the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children, that is, all who obey God’s commandments and bear witness for Jesus.
And now war broke out in heaven, when Michael with his angels attacked the dragon. The dragon fought back with his angels, but they were defeated and driven out of heaven. The great dragon, the primeval serpent, known as the devil or Satan, who had deceived all the world, was hurled down to the earth and his angels were hurled down with him. Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ, now that the persecutor, who accused our brothers day and night before our God, has been brought down. They have triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the witness of their martyrdom, because even in the face of death they would not cling to life. Let the heavens rejoice and all who live there; but for you, earth and sea, trouble is coming – because the devil has gone down to you in a rage, knowing that his days are numbered.’
As soon as the devil found himself thrown down to the earth, he sprang in pursuit of the woman, the mother of the male child, but she was given a huge pair of eagle’s wings to fly away from the serpent into the desert, to the place where she was to be looked after for a year and twice a year and half a year So the serpent vomited water from his mouth, like a river, after the woman, to sweep her away in the current, but the earth came to her rescue; it opened its mouth and swallowed the river thrown up by the dragon’s jaws. Then the dragon was enraged with the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children, that is, all who obey God’s commandments and bear witness for Jesus.
RESPONSORY See Revelation 12:7, 10, 19:1
There was silence in heaven when the dragon fought with Michael the archangel.
- Then I heard a loud voice crying out:
Salvation, glory and power belong to the almighty God.
Now salvation and power have come;
the reign of our God and the authority of Christ are at hand.
- Then I heard a loud voice crying out:
Salvation, glory and power belong to the almighty God.
the reign of our God and the authority of Christ are at hand.
- Then I heard a loud voice crying out:
Salvation, glory and power belong to the almighty God.
SECOND READING
From a homily on the Gospels by Saint Gregory the Great, pope
(Hom. 34,8-9: PL 76, 1250-1251)
The word "angel" denotes a function rather than a nature
You should be aware that the word “angel” denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels. And so it was that not merely an angel but the archangel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary. It was only fitting that the highest angel should come to announce the greatest of all messages.
Some angels are given proper names to denote the service they are empowered to perform. In that holy city, where perfect knowledge flows from the vision of almighty God, those who have no names may easily be known. But personal names are assigned to some, not because they could not be known without them, but rather to denote their ministry when they came among us. Thus, Michael means “Who is like God”; Gabriel is “The Strength of God”; and Raphael is “God’s Remedy.”
Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name may make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power. So also our ancient foe desired in his pride to be like God, saying: "I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of heaven; I will be like the Most High." He will be allowed to remain in power until the end of the world when he will be destroyed in the final punishment. Then, he will fight with the archangel Michael, as we are told by John: "A battle was fought with Michael the archangel."
So too Gabriel, who is called God’s strength, was sent to Mary. He came to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. Thus God’s strength announced the coming of the Lord of the heavenly powers, mighty in battle. Raphael means, as I have said, God’s remedy, for when he touched Tobit’s eyes in order to cure him, he banished the darkness of his blindness. Thus, since he is to heal, he is rightly called God’s remedy.
RESPONSORY See Revelation 8:3,4; Daniel 7:10
An angel stood by the altar, holding a golden censer;
a large quantity of incense was given to him,
- And clouds of incense rose from the hand of the angel in the presence of the Lord.
Thousands upon thousands waited on him,
and myriads upon myriads stood before him.
- And clouds of incense rose from the hand of the angel in the presence of the Lord.
CANTICLE TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS
Morning Prayer
Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.
Antiphon: Come, let us worship the Lord in the company of his angels.
Psalm 95 Psalm 24 Psalm 67 Psalm 100
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. (Alleluia.)
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. (Alleluia.)
HYMN
Praise the Lord! ye heavens adore him;
praise him angels in the height;
sun and moon, rejoice before him;
praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord! for he hath spoken;
worlds his mighty voice obeyed;
laws which never shall be broken
for their guidance he hath made.
praise him angels in the height;
sun and moon, rejoice before him;
praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord! for he hath spoken;
worlds his mighty voice obeyed;
laws which never shall be broken
for their guidance he hath made.
Praise the Lord! for he is glorious;
never shall his promise fail;
God hath made his saints victorious;
sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation!
Hosts on high, his power proclaim;
heaven and earth, and all creation,
laud and magnify his Name.
Words: Foundling Hospital Collection, 1801 Music: Austria, Daniel's Tune, Praise, Rex Gloriae Meter: 87 87 D
never shall his promise fail;
God hath made his saints victorious;
sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation!
Hosts on high, his power proclaim;
heaven and earth, and all creation,
laud and magnify his Name.
Words: Foundling Hospital Collection, 1801 Music: Austria, Daniel's Tune, Praise, Rex Gloriae Meter: 87 87 D
PSALMODY
Antiphon: Let us join the angels +in praising the Lord, / as the cherubim and seraphim sing: Holy, holy, holy.
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for God
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for God
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...
Antiphon:Let us join the angels in praising the Lord, as the cherubim and seraphim sing: Holy, holy, holy.
Antiphon: Angels of the Lord, sing praise to the Lord forever.
Canticle - Daniel 3:57-88,56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Antiphon: Angels of the Lord, + sing praise to the Lord forever
Antiphon: All the angels of heaven praise you, O Lord, and with one voice they say: To you we owe our hymn of praise O God.
Psalm 149
The joy of God's holy people
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius)
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful. Glory...
Antiphon: All the angels of heaven praise you, O Lord, and with one voice they say: To you we owe our hymn of praise O God.
READING Genesis 28:12-13a
Jacob had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God's messengers were going up and down on it. And there was the Lord standing beside him and saying: "I, the Lord, am the God of your forefather Abraham and the God of Isaac."
RESPONSORY
An angel stood by the altar.
- An angel stood by the altar.
And held a golden censer
- by the altar.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- An angel stood by the altar.
BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: Truly I say to you: You will see the heavens open, + and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
INTERCESSIONS
With one voice the choirs of angels sing their unceasing praise of the Lord. Let us join in their worship as we proclaim:
Angels of the lord, bless the Lord.
You commanded your angels to guard us in all your ways,
- keep us from sin as you lead us in your path this day.
- keep us from sin as you lead us in your path this day.
Father, the angels stand forever before your face,
- nourish in us a never-failing hope of coming at last into your presence.
- nourish in us a never-failing hope of coming at last into your presence.
Your children will be like the angels in heaven,
- grant us chastity in both mind and body.
- grant us chastity in both mind and body.
Send Michael, the prince of the heavenly hosts, to the aid of your people,
- may he defend them against Satan and his angels on the day of battle.
- may he defend them against Satan and his angels on the day of battle.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
Daytime Prayer
St. Michael and All Angels
September 29
______
Terce Sext Nones
TERCE
(Mid Morning)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
(Mid Morning)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon: Suddenly Michael, a prince of angels, came to my aid.
Psalms are taken from the psalms of the day, or from the complementary psalter.
Reading
At that time there shall arise
Michael, the great prince,
guardian of your people;
It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress
since nations began until that time.
At that time your people shall escape,
everyone who is found written in the book.- Daniel 12:1
Responsory
The Lord will send forth his angels.
- With trumpet blasts and loud cries, they will summon the elect from the ends of the earth.
The Lord will send forth his angels.
- With trumpet blasts and loud cries, they will summon the elect from the ends of the earth.
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
SEXT
(Noon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
(Noon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon: Suddenly Gabriel, whom I saw in a vision, flew down and touched me, and gave me knowledge.
Psalms are taken from the psalms of the day, or from the complementary psalter.
Reading
Gabriel instructed me in these words: "Daniel, I have now come to give you understanding. When you began your petition, an answer was given which I have come to announce, because you are beloved. Therefore, mark the answer and understand the vision." - Daniel 9:22-23
Gabriel instructed me in these words: "Daniel, I have now come to give you understanding. When you began your petition, an answer was given which I have come to announce, because you are beloved. Therefore, mark the answer and understand the vision." - Daniel 9:22-23
Responsory
Bless the Lord all his hosts.
- Sing praise, all his servants who do his will.
Bless the Lord all his hosts.
- Sing praise, all his servants who do his will.
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
NONES
(Mid Afternoon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon: The Lord sent the angel Raphael to heal Tobit and Sarah.
Psalms are taken from the psalms of the day, or from the complementary psalter.
Reading
I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord. When I came to you it was not out of any favor on my part, but because it was God's will. So continue to thank him every day; praise him with song. So now get up from the ground and praise God. Behold, I am about to ascend to him who sent me; write down all these things that have happened to you. - Tobit 12:15,18,20
Responsory
God gave his angels charge over you
- To protect you in all your ways.
God gave his angels charge over you
- To protect you in all your ways.
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS
Evening Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. (Alleluia.)
Evening Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. (Alleluia.)
HYMN
Christ, the fair glory of the holy angels,
thou who hast made us, thou who o'er us rulest,
grant of thy mercy unto us thy servants
steps up to heaven.
thou who hast made us, thou who o'er us rulest,
grant of thy mercy unto us thy servants
steps up to heaven.
Send thine archangel Michael to our succor;
peacemaker blessטd, may he banish from us
striving and hatred, so that for the peaceful
all things may prosper.
peacemaker blessטd, may he banish from us
striving and hatred, so that for the peaceful
all things may prosper.
Send thine archangel Gabriel, the mighty;
herald of heaven, may he, from us mortals,
spurn the old serpent, watching o'er the temples
where thou art worshiped.
herald of heaven, may he, from us mortals,
spurn the old serpent, watching o'er the temples
where thou art worshiped.
Send thine archangel Raphael, the restorer
of the misguided ways of men who wander,
who at thy bidding strengthens soul and body
with thine anointing.
of the misguided ways of men who wander,
who at thy bidding strengthens soul and body
with thine anointing.
May the blest mother of our God and Savior,
may the assembly of the saints in glory,
may the celestial companies of angels
ever assist us.
may the assembly of the saints in glory,
may the celestial companies of angels
ever assist us.
Father Almighty, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God ever blessטd, be thou our preserver;
thine is the glory which the angels worship,
veiling their faces.
Words: Latin, ninth century; trans. Athelstan Riley, 1906 Music: Caelites plaudant (Rouen), Christe sanctorum, Caelitum Joseph, Iste Confessor Meter: 11 11 11 5
God ever blessטd, be thou our preserver;
thine is the glory which the angels worship,
veiling their faces.
Words: Latin, ninth century; trans. Athelstan Riley, 1906 Music: Caelites plaudant (Rouen), Christe sanctorum, Caelitum Joseph, Iste Confessor Meter: 11 11 11 5
PSALMODY
Antiphon 1: Your majesty is praised above the heavens, O King of the angels.
Psalm 8
How great is your name, O Lord our God,
through all the earth!
Your majesty is praised above the heavens;
on the lips of children and of babes
you have found praise to foil your enemy,
to silence the foe and the rebel.
When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,
the moon and the stars which you arranged,
what is man that you should keep him in mind,
mortal man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him little less than a god;
with glory and honor you crowned him,
gave him power over the works of your hands,
put all things under his feet.
All of them, sheep and cattle,
yes, even the savage beasts,
birds of the air, and fish
that make their way through the waters.
How great is your name, O Lord our God
through all the earth!
How great is your name, O Lord our God,
through all the earth!
Your majesty is praised above the heavens;
on the lips of children and of babes
you have found praise to foil your enemy,
to silence the foe and the rebel.
When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,
the moon and the stars which you arranged,
what is man that you should keep him in mind,
mortal man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him little less than a god;
with glory and honor you crowned him,
gave him power over the works of your hands,
put all things under his feet.
All of them, sheep and cattle,
yes, even the savage beasts,
birds of the air, and fish
that make their way through the waters.
How great is your name, O Lord our God
through all the earth!
Antiphon 1: Your majesty is praised above the heavens, O King of the angels.
Antiphon 2: In the company of angels, I will sing Psalms to you, O God.
Psalm 138
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart,
you have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels I will bless you.
I will adore before your holy temple.
I thank you for your faithfulness and love
which excel all we ever knew of you.
On the day I called, you answered;
you increased the strength of my soul.
All earth's kings shall thank you
when they hear the words of your mouth.
They shall sing of the Lord's ways:
How great is the glory of the Lord!
The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly
and the haughty he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of affliction
you give me life and frustrate my foes.
You stretch out your hand and save me,
your hand will do all things for me.
Your love, O Lord, is eternal,
discard not the work of your hands.
you have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels I will bless you.
I will adore before your holy temple.
I thank you for your faithfulness and love
which excel all we ever knew of you.
On the day I called, you answered;
you increased the strength of my soul.
All earth's kings shall thank you
when they hear the words of your mouth.
They shall sing of the Lord's ways:
How great is the glory of the Lord!
The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly
and the haughty he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of affliction
you give me life and frustrate my foes.
You stretch out your hand and save me,
your hand will do all things for me.
Your love, O Lord, is eternal,
discard not the work of your hands.
Antiphon2 : In the company of angels, I will sing Psalms to you, O God.
Antiphon 3: I saw the Lamb, which appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, and I heard the sound of angelic choirs around the throne.
Canticle – Colossians 1:12-20
Let us give thanks to the Father
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints
in light.
He rescued us
from the power of darkness
and brought us
into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption,
the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born of all creatures.
In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,
things visible and invisible.
All were created through him;
all were created for him.
He is before all else that is.
In him everything continues in being.
It is he who is head of the body, the church;
he who is the beginning,
the first-born of the dead,
so that primacy may be his in everything.
It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him
and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,
both on earth and in the heavens,
making peace through the blood of his cross.
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints
in light.
He rescued us
from the power of darkness
and brought us
into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption,
the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born of all creatures.
In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,
things visible and invisible.
All were created through him;
all were created for him.
He is before all else that is.
In him everything continues in being.
It is he who is head of the body, the church;
he who is the beginning,
the first-born of the dead,
so that primacy may be his in everything.
It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him
and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,
both on earth and in the heavens,
making peace through the blood of his cross.
Antiphon: I saw the Lamb, which appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, and I heard the sound of angelic choirs around the throne.
READING Revelation 1:4b-5
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth, who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
RESPONSORY
Clouds of incense rose in the presence of the Lord.
- Clouds of incense rose in the presence of the Lord.
From the hand of the angel incense rose
- in the presence of the Lord.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- Clouds of incense rose in the presence of the Lord.
MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary and said: You will conceive and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
INTERCESSIONS
The angels carry out God's will. Let us pray that we too may listen carefully for his voice and hear his call as we say:
We beg you, hear us.
That our prayers may rise like a pleasant fragrance before you,
- through the hands of your angels.
- through the hands of your angels.
That our prayers may be brought to your altar on high,
- through the hands of your angels.
- through the hands of your angels.
That we may proclaim glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth,
- with the multitude of the heavenly hosts.
- with the multitude of the heavenly hosts.
That the angels may receive us at the end of our days,
- and lead us home to paradise.
- and lead us home to paradise.
That the holy standard-bearer, Michael, may bring into the light of your presence,
- the souls of those who have died.
- the souls of those who have died.
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
Evening Prayer I
St. Michael and All Angels
September 29
______
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us (3x)
Have mercy on us (3x)
Opening: Jacob dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood beside him and said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac.' - Genesis 28:12-13
Hymn
Tune: Neander (Unser Herrscher)
Thee, O Christ, the Father's splendor,
life and virtue of the heart,
in the presence of the angels
sing we now with tuneful art,
mostly in alternate chorus
bearing our responsive part.
life and virtue of the heart,
in the presence of the angels
sing we now with tuneful art,
mostly in alternate chorus
bearing our responsive part.
Thus we praise with veneration
all the armies of the sky;
chiefly him, the warrior Primate,
of celestial chivalry,
Michael, who in princely virtue
cast Abaddon from on high.
all the armies of the sky;
chiefly him, the warrior Primate,
of celestial chivalry,
Michael, who in princely virtue
cast Abaddon from on high.
By whose watchful care repelling--
King of everlasting grace--
every ghostly adversary,
all things evil, all things base,
grant us of thine only goodness
in thy paradise a place.
King of everlasting grace--
every ghostly adversary,
all things evil, all things base,
grant us of thine only goodness
in thy paradise a place.
Laud and honor to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run.
Words: attributed to Rabanus Maurus, ninth century; trans. John Mason Neale
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run.
Words: attributed to Rabanus Maurus, ninth century; trans. John Mason Neale
The Psalter
Psalm 104
Benedic, anima mea
Ant. 1: Angels of the Lord, + sing praise to the Lord forever
Benedic, anima mea
Ant. 1: Angels of the Lord, + sing praise to the Lord forever
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul. *
O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!
2 You are clothed with majesty and honour, *
wrapped in light as in a garment.
3 You spread out the heavens like a curtain *
and lay the beams of your dwelling place in the waters above.
4 You make the clouds your chariot *
and ride on the wings of the wind.
5 You make the winds your messengers *
and flames of fire your servants.
6 You laid the foundations of the earth, *
that it never should move at any time.
7 You covered it with the deep like a garment; *
the waters stood high above the hills.
8 At your rebuke they fled; *
at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.
9 They rose up to the hills and flowed down to the valleys beneath, *
to the place which you had appointed for them.
10 You have set them their bounds that they should not pass, *
nor turn again to cover the earth.
11 You send the springs into the brooks, *
which run among the hills.
12 They give drink to every beast of the field, *
and the wild asses quench their thirst.
13 Beside them the birds of the air make their nests *
and sing among the branches.
O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!
2 You are clothed with majesty and honour, *
wrapped in light as in a garment.
3 You spread out the heavens like a curtain *
and lay the beams of your dwelling place in the waters above.
4 You make the clouds your chariot *
and ride on the wings of the wind.
5 You make the winds your messengers *
and flames of fire your servants.
6 You laid the foundations of the earth, *
that it never should move at any time.
7 You covered it with the deep like a garment; *
the waters stood high above the hills.
8 At your rebuke they fled; *
at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.
9 They rose up to the hills and flowed down to the valleys beneath, *
to the place which you had appointed for them.
10 You have set them their bounds that they should not pass, *
nor turn again to cover the earth.
11 You send the springs into the brooks, *
which run among the hills.
12 They give drink to every beast of the field, *
and the wild asses quench their thirst.
13 Beside them the birds of the air make their nests *
and sing among the branches.
Ant. 1: Angels of the Lord, + sing praise to the Lord forever
Ant. 2: Michael shall appear, +Michael the great captain, who stands guard over the faithful.
Ant. 2: Michael shall appear, +Michael the great captain, who stands guard over the faithful.
14 You water the hills from your dwelling on high; *
the earth is filled with the fruit of your works.
15 You make grass to grow for the cattle *
and plants to meet our needs,
16 Bringing forth food from the earth *
and wine to gladden our hearts,
17 Oil to give us a cheerful countenance *
and bread to strengthen our hearts.
18 The trees of the Lord are full of sap, *
the cedars of Lebanon which he planted,
19 In which the birds build their nests, *
while the fir trees are a dwelling for the stork.
20 The mountains are a refuge for the wild goats *
and the stony cliffs for the conies.
21 You appointed the moon to mark the seasons, *
and the sun knows the time for its setting.
22 You make darkness that it may be night, *
in which all the beasts of the forest creep forth.
23 The lions roar for their prey *
and seek their food from God.
24 The sun rises and they are gone *
to lay themselves down in their dens.
25 People go forth to their work *
and to their labour until the evening.
the earth is filled with the fruit of your works.
15 You make grass to grow for the cattle *
and plants to meet our needs,
16 Bringing forth food from the earth *
and wine to gladden our hearts,
17 Oil to give us a cheerful countenance *
and bread to strengthen our hearts.
18 The trees of the Lord are full of sap, *
the cedars of Lebanon which he planted,
19 In which the birds build their nests, *
while the fir trees are a dwelling for the stork.
20 The mountains are a refuge for the wild goats *
and the stony cliffs for the conies.
21 You appointed the moon to mark the seasons, *
and the sun knows the time for its setting.
22 You make darkness that it may be night, *
in which all the beasts of the forest creep forth.
23 The lions roar for their prey *
and seek their food from God.
24 The sun rises and they are gone *
to lay themselves down in their dens.
25 People go forth to their work *
and to their labour until the evening.
Ant. 2: Michael shall appear, +Michael the great captain, / who stands guard over the faithful.
Ant. 3: An angel stood at the altar, + holding a golden censer; / he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints.
Ant. 3: An angel stood at the altar, + holding a golden censer; / he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints.
26 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
27 There is the sea, spread far and wide, *
and there move creatures beyond number, both small and great.
28 There go the ships, and there is that Leviathan *
which you have made to play in the deep.
29 All of these look to you *
to give them their food in due season.
30 When you give it them, they gather it; *
you open your hand and they are filled with good.
31 When you hide your face they are troubled; *
when you take away their breath,
they die and return again to the dust.
32 When you send forth your spirit, they are created, *
and you renew the face of the earth.
33 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; *
may the Lord rejoice in his works;
34 He looks on the earth and it trembles; *
he touches the mountains and they smoke.
35 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; *
I will make music to my God while I have my being.
36 So shall my song please him *
while I rejoice in the Lord.
37 Let sinners be consumed out of the earth
and the wicked be no more. *
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Alleluia.
Ant. 3: An angel stood at the altar, + holding a golden censer; / he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints.
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
27 There is the sea, spread far and wide, *
and there move creatures beyond number, both small and great.
28 There go the ships, and there is that Leviathan *
which you have made to play in the deep.
29 All of these look to you *
to give them their food in due season.
30 When you give it them, they gather it; *
you open your hand and they are filled with good.
31 When you hide your face they are troubled; *
when you take away their breath,
they die and return again to the dust.
32 When you send forth your spirit, they are created, *
and you renew the face of the earth.
33 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; *
may the Lord rejoice in his works;
34 He looks on the earth and it trembles; *
he touches the mountains and they smoke.
35 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; *
I will make music to my God while I have my being.
36 So shall my song please him *
while I rejoice in the Lord.
37 Let sinners be consumed out of the earth
and the wicked be no more. *
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Alleluia.
Ant. 3: An angel stood at the altar, + holding a golden censer; / he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
First Reading
2 Kings 6:8-17
Once when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he took counsel with his officers. He said, "At such and such a place shall be my camp." But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, "Take care not to pass this place, because the Arameans are going down there." The king of Israel sent word to the place of which the man of God spoke. More than once or twice he warned such a place so that it was on the alert. The mind of the king of Aram was greatly perturbed because of this; he called his officers and said to them, "Now tell me who among us sides with the king of Israel?" Then one of his officers said, "No one, my lord king. It is Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber."
He said, "Go and find where he is; I will send and seize him." He was told, "He is in Dothan." So he sent horses and chariots there and a great army; they came by night, and surrounded the city. When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, "Alas, master! What shall we do?" He replied, "Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them." Then Elisha prayed: "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:8-17
Once when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he took counsel with his officers. He said, "At such and such a place shall be my camp." But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, "Take care not to pass this place, because the Arameans are going down there." The king of Israel sent word to the place of which the man of God spoke. More than once or twice he warned such a place so that it was on the alert. The mind of the king of Aram was greatly perturbed because of this; he called his officers and said to them, "Now tell me who among us sides with the king of Israel?" Then one of his officers said, "No one, my lord king. It is Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber."
He said, "Go and find where he is; I will send and seize him." He was told, "He is in Dothan." So he sent horses and chariots there and a great army; they came by night, and surrounded the city. When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, "Alas, master! What shall we do?" He replied, "Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them." Then Elisha prayed: "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Canticle
Benedictus es, Domine
Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.
Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Second Reading
Revelation 5:1-14
Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'
Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.' Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, 'To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!' And the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'
Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.' Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, 'To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!' And the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Second Canticle
Magnificat
Antiphon: O prince most glorious, +Michael the archangel, keep us in remembrance; here and everywhere, always entreat the Lord for us, alleluia.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon: O prince most glorious, +Michael the archangel, keep us in remembrance; here and everywhere, always entreat the Lord for us, alleluia.
Responsory
The smoke of incense went up before God from the angel's hand.
The smoke of incense went up before God from the angel's hand.
With the prayers of the saints
From the angel's hand.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
The smoke of incense went up before God from the angel's hand.
The smoke of incense went up before God from the angel's hand.
The smoke of incense went up before God from the angel's hand.
With the prayers of the saints
From the angel's hand.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
The smoke of incense went up before God from the angel's hand.
Collect
Everlasting God, who have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Everlasting God, who have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Intercessions
The angels carry out God's will. Let us pray that we too may listen carefully for his voice and hear his call as we say:
(R.)We beg you, hear us.
(R.)We beg you, hear us.
That our prayers may rise like a pleasant fragrance before you,
- through the hands of your angels.(R.)
- through the hands of your angels.(R.)
That our prayers may be brought to your altar on high,
- through the hands of your angels.(R.)
- through the hands of your angels.(R.)
That we may proclaim glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth,
- with the multitude of the heavenly hosts.(R.)
- with the multitude of the heavenly hosts.(R.)
That the angels may receive us at the end of our days,
- and lead us home to paradise.(R.)
- and lead us home to paradise.(R.)
That the holy standard-bearer, Michael, may bring into the light of your presence,
- the souls of those who have died.(R.)
- the souls of those who have died.(R.)
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
אין תגובות:
הוסף רשומת תגובה