SS. Apostolorum Petri et PauliThe Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

℣ O Lord, ✠ open my lips.

℟ And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

℣ O God, ✠ come to my assistance.

℟ 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.

Alleluia.

Ant. The Lord, King of Apostles, * come, let us adore.

Ant. The Lord, King of Apostles, * come, let us adore.

Come, let us exult in the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior. Let us anticipate his presence with confession, and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms.

Ant. The Lord, King of Apostles, * come, let us adore.

For the Lord is a great God and a great King over all gods. For the Lord will not drive away his people. For in his hand are all the limits of the earth, and he beholds the heights of the mountains.

Ant. come, let us adore.

For the sea is his, and he made it, and his hands established the dry land. (kneel) Come, let us adore and fall prostrate before God, and let us weep before the Lord who made us. For he is the Lord our God, and we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Ant. The Lord, King of Apostles, * come, let us adore.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts: as in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness, where your fathers tempted me; they tested and saw my works.

Ant. come, let us adore.

For forty years, I was near to that generation, and I said: These have always strayed in heart. But they have not known my ways. To them I swore in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest.

Ant. The Lord, King of Apostles, * come, let us adore.

℣ 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.

Ant. come, let us adore.

Ant. The Lord, King of Apostles, * come, let us adore.

Th' 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.

For they the Church's princes are,

Triumphant leaders in the war,

The heavenly King's own warrior band,

True lights to lighten every land.

Theirs was the steadfast faith of saints,

The hope that never yields nor faints,

The love of Christ in perfect glow,

That lay the prince of this world low.

In them the Father's glory shone,

In them the Spirit's will was done,

The Son himself exults in them;

Joy fills the new Jerusalem.

Praise to the Father, with the Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One;

As ever was in ages past,

And so shall be while ages last.

Amen.

Nocturn I

Ant. Into all the earth * their sound has gone forth, and to the ends of the world their words.

Psalm 18 [1]

18:2 The heavens describe the glory of God, * and the firmament announces the work of his hands.

18:3 Day proclaims the word to day, * and night to night imparts knowledge.

18:4 There are no speeches or conversations, * where their voices are not being heard.

18:5 Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, * and their words to the ends of the world.

18:6a He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, * and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom.

18:6b He has exulted like a giant running along the way; * (7a) his departure is from the summit of heaven.

18:7b And his course reaches all the way to its summit. * Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat.

18:8 The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. * The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones.

18:9 The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. * The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes.

18:10 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. * The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves:

18:11 desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

18:12 For, indeed, your servant keeps them, * and in keeping them, there are many rewards.

18:13 Who can understand transgression? † From my hidden faults, cleanse me, O Lord, * (14a) and from those of others, spare your servant.

18:14b If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, * and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression.

18:15a And the eloquence of my mouth will be so as to please, * along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever,

18:15b O Lord, my helper * and my redeemer.

℣ 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.

Ant. Into all the earth their sound has gone forth, and to the ends of the world their words.

Ant. The just cried out, * and the Lord heard them.

Psalm 33 [2]

33:2 I will bless the Lord at all times. * His praise will be ever in my mouth.

33:3 In the Lord, my soul will be praised. * May the meek listen and rejoice.

33:4 Magnify the Lord with me, * and let us extol his name in itself.

33:5 I sought the Lord, and he heeded me, * and he carried me away from all my tribulations.

33:6 Approach him and be enlightened, * and your faces will not be confounded.

33:7 This poor one cried out, and the Lord heeded him, * and he saved him from all his tribulations.

33:8 The Angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear him, * and he will rescue them.

33:9 Taste and see that the Lord is sweet. * Blessed is the man who hopes in him.

33:10 Fear the Lord, all you his saints. * For there is no destitution for those who fear him.

33:11 The rich have been needy and hungry, * but those who seek the Lord will not be deprived of any good thing.

33:12 Come forward, sons. Listen to me. * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

33:13 Which is the man who wills life, * who chooses to see good days?

33:14 Prohibit your tongue from evil * and your lips from speaking deceit.

33:15 Turn away from evil, and do good. * Inquire about peace, and pursue it.

33:16 The eyes of the Lord are on the just, * and his ears are with their prayers.

33:17 But the countenance of the Lord is upon those who do evil, * to perish the remembrance of them from the earth.

33:18 The just cried out, and the Lord heard them, * and he freed them from all their tribulations.

33:19 The Lord is near to those who are troubled in heart, * and he will save the humble in spirit.

33:20 Many are the afflictions of the just, * but from them all the Lord will free them.

33:21 The Lord preserves all of their bones, * not one of them shall be broken.

33:22 The death of a sinner is very harmful, * and those who hate the just will fare badly.

33:23 The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants, * and none of those who hope in him will fare badly.

℣ 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.

Ant. The just cried out, and the Lord heard them.

Ant. You shall make them * princes over all the earth: they shall be mindful of your name, O Lord.

Psalm 44 [3]

44:2a My heart has uttered a good word. * I speak of my works to the king.

44:2b My tongue is like the pen of a scribe * who writes quickly.

44:3 You are a brilliant form before the sons of men. † Grace has been poured freely into your lips. * Because of this, God has blessed you in eternity.

44:4 Fasten your sword to your thigh, * O most powerful one.

44:5a With your splendor and your excellence * extended, proceed prosperously, and reign

44:5b for the sake of truth and meekness and justice, * and so will your right hand lead you wondrously.

44:6 Your arrows are sharp; the people will fall under you, * with the hearts of the enemies of the king.

44:7 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. * The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of true aim.

44:8 You have loved justice and hated iniquity. * Because of this, God, your God, has anointed you, before your co-heirs, with the oil of gladness.

44:9 Myrrh and balsam and cinnamon perfume your garments, from the houses of ivory. * From these, they have delighted you: (10a) the daughters of kings in your honor.

44:10b The queen assisted at your right hand, in clothing of gold, * encircled with diversity.

44:11 Listen, daughter, and see, and incline your ear. * And forget your people and your father’s house.

44:12 And the king will desire your beauty. * For he is the Lord your God, and they will adore him.

44:13 And the daughters of Tyre * will entreat your countenance with gifts: all the rich men of the people.

44:14 All the glory of the daughter of its king is inside, * in golden fringes, (15a) clothed all around with diversities.

44:15b After her, virgins will be led to the king. * Her neighbors will be brought to you.

44:16 They will be brought with gladness and exultation. * They will be led into the temple of the king.

44:17 For your fathers, sons have been born to you. * You will establish them as leaders over all the earth.

44:18a They will remember your name always, * for generation after generation.

44:18b Because of this, people will confess to you in eternity, * even forever and 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.

Ant. You shall make them princes over all the earth: they shall be mindful of your name, O Lord.

℣ Their sound has gone forth into all the earth.

℟ And their words to the ends of the world.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. Hear the prayers of your servants, Lord Jesus Christ, and have mercy on us: You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the eternal Father bless us with his everlasting blessing.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 1

From the Acts of the Apostles

Act 3:1-5

1 Now Peter and John went up to the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.

2 And a certain man, who was lame from his mother’s womb, was being carried in. They would lay him every day at the gate of the temple, which is called the Beautiful, so that he might request alms from those entering into the temple.

3 And this man, when he had seen Peter and John beginning to enter the temple, was begging, so that he might receive alms.

4 Then Peter and John, gazing at him, said, “Look at us.”

5 And he looked intently at them, hoping that he might receive something from them.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Simon Peter, before I called you from the boat, I knew you and appointed you as prince over my people:

* And I gave you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

℣ Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven.

℟ And I gave you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the Only Begotten Son of God be pleased to bless and assist us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Act 3:6-10

6 But Peter said: “Silver and gold is not mine. But what I have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk.”

7 And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up. And immediately his legs and feet were strengthened.

8 And leaping up, he stood and walked around. And he entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

10 And they recognized him, that he was the same one who was sitting for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. And they were filled with awe and amazement at what had happened to him.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Simon Peter, if you love me, feed my sheep. Lord, you know that I love you,

* And I lay down my soul for you.

℣ Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.

℟ And I lay down my soul for you.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the grace of the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Act 3:11-16

11 Then, as he held on to Peter and John, all the people ran to them at the portico, which is called Solomon’s, in astonishment.

12 But Peter, seeing this, responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this? Or why do you stare at us, as if it were by our own strength or power that we caused this man to walk?

13 The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus, whom you, indeed, handed over and denied before the face of Pilate, when he was giving judgment to release him.

14 Then you denied the Holy and Just One, and petitioned for a murderous man to be given to you.

15 Truly, it was the Author of Life whom you put to death, whom God raised from the dead, to whom we are witnesses.

16 And by faith in his name, this man, whom you have seen and known, has confirmed his name. And faith through him has given this man complete health in the sight of you all.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it:

* And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

℣ Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven; and whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.

℟ And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Nocturn II

Ant. The princes of the peoples * are gathered together with the God of Abraham.

Psalm 46 [4]

46:2 All nations, clap your hands. * Shout joyfully to God with a voice of exultation.

46:3 For the Lord is exalted and terrible: * a great King over all the earth.

46:4 He has subjected the peoples to us * and subdued the nations under our feet.

46:5 He has chosen us for his inheritance: * the splendor of Jacob, whom he has loved.

46:6 God ascends with jubilation, * and the Lord with the voice of the trumpet.

46:7 Sing psalms to our God, sing psalms. * Sing psalms to our King, sing psalms.

46:8 For God is the King of all the earth. * Sing psalms wisely.

46:9 God will reign over the peoples. * God sits upon his holy throne.

46:10 The leaders of the peoples have been gathered together by the God of Abraham. * For the strong gods of the earth have been exceedingly exalted.

℣ 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.

Ant. The princes of the peoples are gathered together with the God of Abraham.

Ant. You have given an inheritance * to those who fear your name, O Lord.

Psalm 60 [5]

60:2 O God, pay attention to my supplication. * Be attentive to my prayer.

60:3 I cried out to you from the ends of the earth. * When my heart was in anguish, you exalted me on a rock.

60:4 You have led me, for you have been my hope, * a tower of strength before the face of the enemy.

60:5 I will dwell in your tabernacle forever. * I will be protected under the cover of your wings.

60:6 For you, my God, have listened to my prayer. * You have granted an inheritance to those who fear your name.

60:7 You will add days to the days of the king, * to his years, even to the time of generation after generation.

60:8 He remains in eternity, in the sight of God. * Who will long for his mercy and truth?

60:9 So I will compose a psalm to your name, forever and ever, * so that I may repay my vows from day to day.

℣ 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.

Ant. You have given an inheritance to those who fear your name, O Lord.

Ant. They have declared * the works of God, and have understood his deeds.

Psalm 63 [6]

63:2 Hear, O God, my prayer of supplication. * Rescue my soul from the fear of the enemy.

63:3 You have protected me from the assembly of the malignant, * from a multitude of workers of iniquity.

63:4 For they have sharpened their tongues like a sword; * they have formed their bow into a bitter thing, so that they may shoot arrows from hiding at the immaculate.

63:6 They will suddenly shoot arrows at him, and they will not be afraid. * They are resolute in their wicked talk.

63:6 They have discussed hidden snares. * They have said, “Who will see them?”

63:7 They have been searching carefully for iniquities. * Their exhaustive search has failed.

63:7 Man will approach with a deep heart, * and God will be exalted.

63:8 The arrows of the little ones have become their wounds, * and their tongues have been weakened against them.

63:9 All those who saw them have been troubled; * and every man was afraid.

63:10 And they announced the works of God, * and they understood his acts.

63:11 The just will rejoice in the Lord, and they will hope in him. * And all the upright of heart will be praised.

℣ 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.

Ant. They have declared the works of God, and have understood his deeds.

℣ You shall make them princes over all the earth.

℟ They shall be mindful of your name, O Lord.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May his loving kindness and mercy assist us, he who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God the almighty Father be gracious and merciful to us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 4

Sermon of Saint Leo, Pope

Sermon 1 on the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul

Of all the holy solemnities, most beloved, the whole world is a partaker, and the devotion of a single faith requires that whatever is recalled as having been done for the salvation of all should be celebrated everywhere with common rejoicings. Yet this day's festivity, beyond that reverence which it has merited throughout the whole world, is to be venerated with a special and proper exultation of our City; so that where the glorious departure of the foremost Apostles was glorified, there on the day of their martyrdom the preeminence of joy should reside. For these are the men through whom the Gospel of Christ, O Rome, shone forth upon you; and you, who were a teacher of error, have been made a disciple of truth.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ O Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you upon the waters.

* And stretching out his hand, he took hold of him, and Jesus said: O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

℣ But when he saw the strong wind coming, he was afraid; and, as he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

℟ And stretching out his hand, he took hold of him, and Jesus said: O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 5

These are your fathers and true pastors, who planted you for the heavenly kingdoms far better and far more happily than those through whose efforts the first foundations of your walls were laid — of whom he who gave you your name defiled you with a brother's murder. These are they who raised you to this glory, that as a holy nation, a chosen people, a priestly and royal city, you were made the head of the world through the sacred See of blessed Peter, and might rule more widely through divine religion than through earthly dominion. For although, enriched by many victories, you extended the right of your empire over land and sea, yet what military labor subjected to you is less than what Christian peace has brought into submission.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Rise up, Peter, and clothe yourself, receive strength for the saving of the nations:

* For the chains have fallen from your hands.

℣ An Angel of the Lord stood near, and a light shined forth in the cell; and tapping Peter on the side, he awakened him, saying: Rise up, quickly.

℟ For the chains have fallen from your hands.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God kindle the fire of his love in our hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 6

For the divine arrangement was supremely fitting to the work: that many kingdoms should be united under one empire, and that the general preaching should find peoples quickly accessible, whom the government of a single city kept in order. But this city, ignorant of the author of its own advancement, though it had dominion over almost all nations, was in servitude to the errors of all nations; and it seemed to itself to have assumed great piety, because it had rejected no false religion. Hence, to the degree that it was more tenaciously bound by the devil, so much the more wonderfully was it set free by Christ.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ You are the shepherd of the sheep, the prince of the Apostles: to you God has entrusted all the kingdoms of the world:

* And therefore to you are given the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

℣ Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven; and whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.

℟ And therefore to you are given the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ And therefore to you are given the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Nocturn III

Ant. The horns of the just * shall be exalted, alleluia.

Psalm 74 [7]

74:2 We will confess to you, O God. * We will confess, and we will call upon your name.

74:3 We will describe your wonders. * While I have time, I will judge justices.

74:4 The earth has been dissolved, with all who dwell in it. * I have confirmed its pillars.

74:5 I said to the iniquitous: “Do not act unjustly,” * and to the offenders: “Do not exalt the horn.”

74:6 Do not exalt your horn on high. * Do not speak iniquity against God.

74:7 For it is neither from the east, nor from the west, nor before the desert mountains. * For God is judge.

74:8 This one he humbles and that one he exalts. * For, in the hand of the Lord, there is a cup of undiluted wine, full of consternation.

74:9 And he has tipped it from here to there. So, truly, its dregs have not been emptied. * All the sinners of the earth will drink.

74:10 But I will announce it in every age. * I will sing to the God of Jacob.

74:11 And I will break all the horns of sinners. * And the horns of the just will be exalted.

℣ 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.

Ant. The horns of the just shall be exalted, alleluia.

Ant. Light has risen * for the just, alleluia; and gladness for the upright of heart, alleluia.

Psalm 96 [8]

96:1 The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. * Let the many islands rejoice.

96:2 Clouds and mist are all around him. * Justice and judgment are corrections from his throne.

96:3 A fire will precede him, * and it will enflame his enemies all around.

96:4 His lightnings have enlightened the whole world. * The earth saw, and it was shaken.

96:5 The mountains flowed like wax before the face of the Lord, * before the face of the Lord of all the earth.

96:6 The heavens announced his justice, * and all peoples saw his glory.

96:7 May all those who adore graven images be confounded, * along with those who glory in their false images.

96:7 All you his Angels: Adore him. * Zion heard, and was glad.

96:8 And the daughters of Judah exulted * because of your judgments, O Lord.

96:9 For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. * You are greatly exalted above all gods.

96:10 You who love the Lord: hate evil. * The Lord watches over the souls of his holy ones. He will free them from the hand of the sinner.

96:11 The light has risen for the just, * and joy for the upright of heart.

96:12 Rejoice in the Lord, you just ones, * and confess to the memory of his sanctuary.

℣ 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.

Ant. Light has risen for the just, alleluia; and gladness for the upright of heart, alleluia.

Ant. They kept * his testimonies and his commandments, alleluia.

Psalm 98 [9]

98:1 The Lord has reigned: let the peoples be angry. * He sits upon the cherubim: let the earth be moved.

98:2 The Lord is great in Zion, * and he is high above all peoples.

98:3 May they confess to your great name, for it is terrible and holy. * And the honor of the king loves judgment.

98:4 You have prepared guidance. * You have accomplished judgment and justice in Jacob.

98:5 Exalt the Lord our God, and adore the footstool of his feet, * for it is holy.

98:6 Moses and Aaron are among his priests, * and Samuel is among those who call upon his name.

98:6 They called upon the Lord, and he heeded them. * He spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud.

98:7 They kept his testimonies * and the precept that he gave them.

98:8 You heeded them, O Lord our God. * You were a forgiving God to them, though taking vengeance on all their inventions.

98:9 Exalt the Lord our God, and adore on his holy mountain. * For the Lord our God is holy.

℣ 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.

Ant. They kept his testimonies and his commandments, alleluia.

℣ How greatly honored are your friends, O God.

℟ How greatly is their dominion strengthened.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May the almighty and merciful Lord absolve us from the bonds of our sins.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the evangelical reading be our salvation and protection.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 7

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 16:13-19

At that time: Jesus went into parts of Caesarea Philippi. And he questioned his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And so forth.

From a Homily of Saint Jerome, Priest

Commentary on Matthew, book 3, chapter 16

He asks beautifully: Who do men say the Son of Man is? — for those who speak of the Son of Man are men; but those who understand his divinity are called not men, but gods. And they said: Some say John the Baptist, and others Elijah. I am surprised that certain interpreters seek to inquire into the reasons for each one's error and weave a very lengthy disputation about why some took our Lord Jesus Christ for John, others for Elijah, others for Jeremiah or one of the prophets; when they could have erred about Elijah and Jeremiah in the same way that Herod erred about John, saying: John, whom I beheaded, has himself risen from the dead, and miracles are worked through him.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail:

* and you, when once you have turned back, confirm your brothers.

℣ Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father, who is in heaven.

℟ and you, when once you have turned back, confirm your brothers.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May they whose feast we celebrate intercede for us to the Lord.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 8

But who do you say that I am? Prudent reader, note that, from what follows and from the texture of the discourse, the Apostles are called not men but gods. For when he had said: Who do men say the Son of Man is? he added: But who do you say that I am? While they, being men, hold human opinions, you, who are gods, who do you consider me to be? Peter professes on behalf of all the Apostles: You are Christ, the Son of the living God. He calls him the living God, to distinguish him from those gods who are thought to be gods but are dead.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Jesus said to his disciples, 'Who do men say that the Son of Man is?' Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'

* And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

℣ Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father, who is in heaven.

℟ And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the King of Angels lead us to the company of the citizens on high.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 9

And Jesus, answering, said to him: Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona. In return for the Apostle's testimony about himself, he renders a testimony. Peter had said: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God; true confession received its reward: Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona. Why? Because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but the Father has revealed it. What flesh and blood could not reveal, has been revealed by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, from his confession he receives a title, because he has revelation from the Holy Spirit, whose son he should also be called. For indeed Bar-Jona in our language means Son of the dove.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

Te Deum

O God, we praise you; * O Lord, we acclaim you.

Eternal Father, * all the earth reveres you.

To you all the Angels, * the heavens and all the Powers of heaven:

To you the Cherubim and Seraphim * cry out in endless praise:

(A bow is made) Holy, Holy, Holy * Lord God of hosts;

Heaven and earth are filled * with the majesty of your glory.

The glorious choir of Apostles * sings to you,

the noble company of Prophets * praises you,

the white-robed army of Martyrs * glorifies you.

Holy Church throughout the earth * proclaims you,

the Father * of boundless majesty;

your true and only Son, * worthy of adoration;

and the Holy Spirit, * the Paraclete.

You, O Christ, * are the King of glory.

You are * the Father's everlasting Son.

(A bow is made) When you resolved to save the human race, * you did not spurn the Virgin's womb.

You overcame the sting of death * and opened the Kingdom of Heaven to those who put their faith in you.

You are seated at the right hand of God * in the glory of the Father.

We believe you are the Judge * who is to come.

(The following verse is said kneeling) And so we beg you, help your servants, * redeemed by your most precious blood.

Number them * among your Saints in eternal glory.

Save your people, Lord, * and bless your inheritance.

Shepherd them * and raise them to eternal life.

Day by day * we bless you,

(A bow is made, according to custom) and we praise your name * for endless ages evermore.

Be gracious, Lord, on this day, * and keep us from all sin.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, * have mercy.

May your mercy be upon us, Lord, * as we place our trust in you.

In you, O Lord, I rest my hope: * let me never be put to shame.

The rest is omitted unless Lauds is said separately.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

Let us pray.

O God, who consecrated this day by the martyrdom of your Apostles Peter and Paul: grant to your Church to follow their precepts in all things, through whom she received the beginning of religion.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son: who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

℣ Let us bless the Lord.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℣ May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

℟ Amen.