S. Matthæi Apostoli et EvangelistæS. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

℣ 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.

The eternal gifts of Christ,

The glory of the Apostles,

Their palms and the hymns they are owed,

Let us sing with joyful hearts.

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, * (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 words 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 together.

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. * Seek 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 destroy 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 sinners is most evil, * and those who hate the just will be guilty.

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

℣ 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 more beautiful in form than 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, * into 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 stood 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

The Beginning of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel

Ezech 1:1-4

1 And it happened that, in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth of the month, when I was in the midst of the captives beside the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw the visions of God.

2 On the fifth of the month, the same is the fifth year of the transmigration of king Joachin,

3 The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel, a priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans, next to the river Chebar. And the hand of the Lord was over him there.

4 And I saw, and behold, a whirlwind came from the north, and a great cloud, and a fire enfolding itself, and brightness around it; and from its midst there was something like the appearance of amber, that is, from the midst of the fire.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves, says the Lord:

* Be therefore wise as serpents, and simple as doves.

℣ While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be children of light.

℟ Be therefore wise as serpents, and simple as doves.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Ezech 1:5-9

5 And in its midst, there was the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: the likeness of a man was in them.

6 Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings.

7 Their feet were straight feet, and the sole of their foot was like the sole of the foot of a calf, and they sparkled with the appearance of glowing brass.

8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on the four sides; and they had faces and wings on the four sides.

9 And their wings were joined to one another. They did not turn as they went. Instead, each one advanced before his face.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart:

* For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

℣ And you will find rest for your souls.

℟ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Ezech 1:10-12

10 But as for the likeness of their face, there was the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right of each of the four, then the face of an ox on the left of each of the four, and the face of an eagle above each of the four.

11 Their faces and their wings were extended above: two wings of each one were joined together, and two covered their bodies.

12 And each one of them advanced before his face. Wherever the impetus of the spirit was to go, there they went. And they did not turn as they advanced.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ When you stand before kings and governors, do not think about how or what you are to speak:

* For it shall be given to you in that hour what you are to speak.

℣ For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father, who speaks in you.

℟ For it shall be given to you in that hour what you are to speak.

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

℟ For it shall be given to you in that hour what you are to speak.

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 his inheritance for us: * the splendor of Jacob, which 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 with 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 sing 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 to a deep heart, * and God will be exalted.

63:8 Their blows have become the arrows of little children, * 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

Matthew, who is also Levi, Apostle and Evangelist, was sitting at the tax collector's booth in Capernaum when, called by Christ, he at once followed him; and he also received him and the rest of the disciples at a banquet. After the Resurrection of Christ, before departing for the province that had fallen to him for preaching, he was the first, in Judea, to write the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Hebrew for the sake of those who had believed from the circumcision. Soon departing for Ethiopia, he preached the Gospel and confirmed his preaching with many miracles.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ I saw men joined together, wearing shining garments, and the Angel of the Lord spoke to me, saying:

* These are holy men made friends of God.

℣ I saw a mighty Angel of God, flying through the midst of heaven, crying out with a great voice and saying.

℟ These are holy men made friends of God.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 5

Therefore by that miracle above all — by which he raised the king's daughter from the dead — he converted the king her father and his wife together with the entire province to the Christian faith. After the king's death, Hirtacus, his successor, wishing to have Iphigenia, the royal daughter, given to him in marriage, ordered Matthew — through whose ministry she had vowed her virginity to God and persevered in her holy purpose — to be slain at the altar while he was celebrating the sacred mysteries. He thus, on the eleventh day before the Kalends of October, crowned his apostolic ministry with the glory of martyrdom. His body was translated to Salerno, and afterward, under Pope Gregory VII, enshrined in a church dedicated in his name, where it is venerated with great concourse and devotion of the people.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Blessed are you when men shall curse you, and shall persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, lying, for my sake:

* Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

℣ When men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.

℟ Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 6

From the Commentary of Pope Saint Gregory on the Prophet Ezekiel

Homily 3, Book 1

The four holy living creatures, which are foreseen by the spirit of prophecy as future realities, are described with subtle narration, when it is said: Four faces to each one, and four wings to each one. What is expressed by the face, but knowledge; and what by the wings, but flight? For by the face each one is recognized; by the wings, the bodies of birds are lifted into the heights. The face, therefore, pertains to faith, the wing to contemplation. For by faith we are known to almighty God, as he himself says of his sheep: I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and my sheep know me. Who says again: I know those whom I have chosen. By contemplation, however, by which we are lifted above ourselves, we are raised as it were into the air.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ These are the triumphers and friends of God, who, despising the commands of princes, merited eternal rewards:

* Now they are crowned, and receive the palm.

℣ These are they who have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

℟ Now they are crowned, and receive the palm.

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

℟ Now they are crowned, and receive the palm.

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. * When I receive the appointed 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 from 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 a mixture.

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 the establishment of 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 remembrance of his holiness.

℣ 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 9:9-13

At that time: Jesus saw a man sitting at the tax office, named Matthew, and he said to him: Follow me. And so forth.

A Homily of Saint Jerome the Priest

Commentary on Matthew, book 1, chapter 9

The other Evangelists, out of reverence and honor for Matthew, were unwilling to call him by his common name, and instead said Levi; for he had a double name. But Matthew himself — in accordance with what Solomon says: A just man is his own accuser at the beginning of his speech; and in another place: Declare your sins, that you may be justified — calls himself Matthew and a tax collector, to show readers that no one ought to despair of salvation, if he has turned to better things, since he himself was suddenly changed from a tax collector into an Apostle.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ These are they who, living in the flesh, planted the Church with their blood:

* They drank the chalice of the Lord, and were made friends of God.

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

℟ They drank the chalice of the Lord, and were made friends of God.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 8

Porphyry and the Emperor Julian here charge either the ignorance of a lying historian or the foolishness of those who immediately followed the Savior, as if they followed without reason any man who called them; yet so many mighty works and so many signs had preceded, which without doubt the Apostles had seen before they believed. Certainly the very radiance and majesty of the Divinity hidden within him, which shone forth even in his human countenance, could from the very first draw to himself those who looked upon him. For if this power is said to belong to the loadstone and to amber, that they attach rings, straws, and bits of straw to themselves, how much more could the Lord of all creatures draw to himself those whom he called?

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ These are holy men, whom the Lord chose in unfeigned charity, and gave them everlasting glory:

* By whose teaching the Church shines as the moon by the sun.

℣ The Saints through faith conquered kingdoms: they wrought justice.

℟ By whose teaching the Church shines as the moon by the sun.

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

℟ By whose teaching the Church shines as the moon by the sun.

℣ 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 it came to pass, as he reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners coming reclined at table with Jesus. They saw the tax collector, converted from sins to better things, to have found a place of repentance; and for that reason they too did not despair of salvation. Nor indeed do they come to Jesus while persisting in their former vices, as the Pharisees and scribes murmur, but doing penance, as the subsequent words of the Lord signify, saying: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. But the Lord went to the banquets of sinners in order to have an occasion for teaching, and to offer his hosts spiritual food.

℣ 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.

May we be assisted, O Lord, by the prayers of your blessed Apostle and Evangelist Matthew: that what our own capability cannot obtain may be granted to us through his intercession.

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.