In Nativitate S. Ioannis Baptistæ

June 24, 2026 · Matins

Incipit

℣ Dómine, lábia + mea apéries.

℣ O Lord, + open my lips.

℟ Et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam.

℟ And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

℣ Deus ✠ in adiutórium meum inténde.

℣ O God, ✠ come to my assistance.

℟ Dómine, ad adiuvándum me festína.

℟ Lord, make haste to help me.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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.

Allelúia.

Alleluia.

Invitatorium

Ant. Regem Præcursóris Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Ant. The King of the Forerunner, the Lord, * Come, let us adore.

Psalmus 94

Psalm 94

94:1 Veníte, exsultémus Dómino: * iubilémus Deo salutári nostro:
94:2 Præoccupémus fáciem eius in confessióne: * et in psalmis iubilémus ei.
repeat full invitatory antiphon
94:3 Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus: * et Rex magnus super omnes deos.
94:4 Quia in manu eius sunt omnes fines terræ: * et altitúdines móntium ipsíus sunt.
repeat full invitatory antiphon
94:5 Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud: * et siccam manus eius formavérunt.
repeat full invitatory antiphon
94:7 Et nos pópulus páscuæ eius, et oves manus eius. * Hódie si vocem eius audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra:
94:8 Sicut in irritatióne secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto: * ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt me, et vidérunt ópera mea.
repeat full invitatory antiphon
94:9 Quadragínta annis offénsus fui generatióni illi, * et dixi: Semper hi errant corde.
94:10 Et isti non cognovérunt vias meas, ut iurávi in ira mea: * Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.
repeat full invitatory antiphon

94:1 Come, let us exult in the Lord: * let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior:
94:2 Let us anticipate his presence with confession: * and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms.
Repeat the full invitatory antiphon.
94:3 For the Lord is a great God: * and a great King over all gods.
94:4 For in his hand are all the limits of the earth: * and the heights of the mountains are his.
Repeat the full invitatory antiphon.
94:5 For the sea is his, and he made it: * and his hands formed the dry land.
Repeat the full invitatory antiphon.
94:7 And we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts:
94:8 As in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness: * where your fathers tempted me; they tested me, though they had seen my works.
Repeat the full invitatory antiphon.
94:9 For forty years, I was offended by that generation, * and I said: These have always strayed in heart.
94:10 And these have not known my ways, so I swore in my wrath: * They shall not enter into my rest.
Repeat the full invitatory antiphon.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Regem Præcursóris Dóminum, Veníte, adorémus.

Ant. The King of the Forerunner, the Lord, Come, let us adore.

Hymnus

Antra desérti téneris sub annis,
Cívium turmas fúgiens, petísti,
Ne levi posses maculáre vitam
Crímine linguæ.

Prǽbuit durum tégumen camélus
Artubus sacris, stróphium bidéntes;
Cui latex haustum, sociáta pastum
Mella locústis.

Céteri tantum cecinére Vatum
Corde præságo iubar affutúrum;
Tu quidem mundi scelus auferéntem
Indice prodis.

Non fuit vasti spátium per orbis
Sánctior quisquam génitus Ioánne,
Qui nefas sæcli méruit lavántem
Tíngere lymphis.

Sit decus Patri, genitǽque Proli,
Et tibi, compar utriúsque virtus,
Spíritus semper, Deus unus omni
Témporis ævo.
Amen.

Thou, in thy childhood, to the desert caverns
Fleddest for refuge from the cities' turmoil,
Where the world's slander might not dim thy lustre,
Lonely abiding.

Camel's hair raiment clothed thy saintly members;
Leathern the girdle which thy loins encircled;
Locusts and honey, with the fountain-water,
Daily sustained thee.

Oft in past ages, seers with hearts expectant
Sang the far-distant advent of the day-star;
thine was the glory, as the world's Redeemer
First to proclaim him.

Far as the wide world reacheth, born of woman,
Holier was there none than John the Baptist;
Meetly in water laving him who cleanseth
Man from pollution.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten,
And to the Spirit, equal power possessing,
One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages,
Ever resoundeth.
Amen.

Nocturni

Nocturnus 1

Nocturn 1

Ant. Priúsquam te formárem * in útero, novi te; et ántequam progrederéris, sanctificávi te.

Ant. Before I formed you * in the womb, I knew you; and before you came forth, I sanctified you.

Psalmus 1

Psalm 1

1:1 Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, † et in via peccatórum non stetit, * et in cáthedra pestiléntiæ non sedit:
1:2 Sed in lege Dómini volúntas eius, * et in lege eius meditábitur die ac nocte.
1:3a Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:
1:3b Et fólium eius non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.
1:4 Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem próicit ventus a fácie terræ.
1:5 Ídeo non resúrgent ímpii in iudício: * neque peccatóres in concílio iustórum.
1:6 Quóniam novit Dóminus viam iustórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.

1:1 Blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the impious, and has not remained in the way of sinners, * and has not sat in the chair of pestilence:
1:2 But his will is with the law of the Lord, * and he will meditate on his law, day and night.
1:3a And he will be like a tree that has been planted beside running waters, * which will provide its fruit in its time:
1:3b And its leaf will not fall away: * and all things whatsoever that he does will prosper.
1:4 Not so the impious, not so: * but they are like the dust that the wind casts along the face of the earth.
1:5 Therefore, the impious will not prevail again in judgment: * nor sinners in the council of the just.
1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the just: * and the path of the impious will pass away.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Priúsquam te formárem in útero, novi te; et ántequam progrederéris, sanctificávi te.

Ant. Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; and before you came forth, I sanctified you.

Ant. Ad ómnia quæ mittam te, * dicit Dóminus, ibis: ne tímeas, et quæ mandávero tibi, loquéris ad eos.

Ant. To all to whom I shall send you, * says the Lord, you shall go: fear not, and whatsoever I shall command you, speak to them.

Psalmus 2

Psalm 2

2:1 Quare fremuérunt gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?
2:2 Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum eius.
2:3 Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et proiciámus a nobis iugum ipsórum.
2:4 Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.
2:5 Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.
2:6 Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum eius, * prǽdicans præcéptum eius.
2:7 Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.
2:8 Póstula a me, et dabo tibi gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.
2:9 Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.
2:10 Et nunc, reges, intellégite: * erudímini, qui iudicátis terram.
2:11 Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.
2:12 Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via iusta.
2:13 Cum exárserit in brevi ira eius: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

2:1 Why have the Gentiles been seething: * and why have the people been pondering nonsense?
2:2 The kings of the earth have stood up, and the leaders have joined together as one * against the Lord, and against his Christ:
2:3 Let us shatter their chains: * and cast their yoke away from us.
2:4 He who dwells in heaven will ridicule them: * and the Lord will mock them.
2:5 Then will he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them with his fury.
2:6 Yet I have been appointed king by him over Zion, his holy mountain, * preaching his precepts.
2:7 The Lord has said to me: * You are my son, this day have I begotten you.
2:8 Ask of me, and I will give to you the Gentiles for your inheritance, * and the ends of the earth for your possession.
2:9 You will rule them with an iron rod, * and you will shatter them like a potter's vessel.
2:10 And now, O kings, understand: * be instructed, you who judge the earth.
2:11 Serve the Lord in fear: * and rejoice before him with trembling.
2:12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.
2:13 When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time: * blessed are all who trust in him.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Ad ómnia quæ mittam te, dicit Dóminus, ibis: ne tímeas, et quæ mandávero tibi, loquéris ad eos.

Ant. To all to whom I shall send you, says the Lord, you shall go: fear not, and whatsoever I shall command you, speak to them.

Ant. Ne tímeas * a fácie eórum, quia ego tecum sum, dicit Dóminus.

Ant. Fear not * their faces, for I am with you, says the Lord.

Psalmus 3

Psalm 3

3:2 Dómine, quid multiplicáti sunt qui tríbulant me? * multi insúrgunt advérsum me.
3:3 Multi dicunt ánimæ meæ: * Non est salus ipsi in Deo eius.
3:4 Tu autem, Dómine, suscéptor meus es, * glória mea, et exáltans caput meum.
3:5 Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi: * et exaudívit me de monte sancto suo.
3:6 Ego dormívi, et soporátus sum: * et exsurréxi, quia Dóminus suscépit me.
3:7 Non timébo míllia pópuli circumdántis me: * exsúrge, Dómine, salvum me fac, Deus meus.
3:8 Quóniam tu percussísti omnes adversántes mihi sine causa: * dentes peccatórum contrivísti.
3:9 Dómini est salus: * et super pópulum tuum benedíctio tua.

3:2 Lord, why have they who trouble me been multiplied? * Many rise up against me.
3:3 Many say of my soul: * There is no salvation for him in his God.
3:4 But you, O Lord, are my sustainer, * my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
3:5 With my voice I cried out to the Lord: * and he heard me from his holy mountain.
3:6 I slept, and took my rest: * and I arose, for the Lord sustained me.
3:7 I will not fear thousands of people surrounding me: * arise, O Lord, save me, O my God.
3:8 For you have struck all who oppose me without cause: * you have broken the teeth of sinners.
3:9 Salvation belongs to the Lord: * and your blessing is upon your people.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Ne tímeas a fácie eórum, quia ego tecum sum, dicit Dóminus.

Ant. Fear not their faces, for I am with you, says the Lord.

℣ Fuit homo missus a Deo.

℣ There was a man sent from God, *

℟ Cui nomen erat Ioánnes.

℟ Whose name was John.

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:

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:

℣ Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ Sed líbera nos a malo.

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolutio. Exáudi, Dómine Iesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis: Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum.

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

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.

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

Lectio 1

Reading 1

Incipit liber Ieremíæ Prophétæ

1 The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.
2 The word of the Lord, which came to him in the days of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign,
3 and which came to him in the days of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, even until the completion of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, even until the transmigration of Jerusalem in the fifth month.
4 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. And before you went forth from the womb, I sanctified you. And I made you a prophet to the nations.

Ier 1:1-5

Our pride was therefore rebuked — pride that does not know how to weigh human beings on account of human beings. It weighs, as we said, only what surrounds human beings; it does not look at their nature; it does not recognize the honor of God in human beings. Behold, the Son of God is unwilling to go to the son of a ruler; and yet he is prepared to come for the salvation of a servant. Surely if a servant of someone were to ask us to go to him, our pride would at once answer us in our silent thoughts, saying: Do not go, for you degrade yourself, your honor is slighted, your standing is diminished. Behold, he comes from heaven who does not disdain to go out to meet a servant on earth; and yet we, who are of the earth, disdain to be humbled on earth.

1 Verba Ieremíæ fílii Helcíæ, de sacerdótibus, qui fuérunt in Anathoth, in terra Béniamin.
2 Quod factum est verbum Dómini ad eum in diébus Iosíæ fílii Amon regis Iuda, in tertiodécimo anno regni eius.
3 Et factum est in diébus Ióakim fílii Iosíæ regis Iuda, usque ad consummatiónem undécimi anni Sedecíæ fílii Iosíæ regis Iuda, usque ad transmigratiónem Ierúsalem, in mense quinto.
4 Et factum est verbum Dómini ad me, dicens:
5 Priúsquam te formárem in útero, novi te: et ántequam exíres de vulva, sanctificávi te, et prophétam in géntibus dedi te.

Returning then to Cecilia, he found her in prayer, and with her an Angel shining with divine splendor. Struck dumb by this sight, and having recovered from his fear, he summoned his brother Tiburtius; who, instructed in the Christian faith by Cecilia and baptized by the same Urban, was also found worthy of beholding the same Angel that his brother had seen. Both of them shortly afterwards, before the prefect Almachius, steadfastly underwent martyrdom. He then ordered Cecilia to be arrested, and inquired of her first where the goods of Tiburtius and Valerian were.

℟ Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Ioánnes:

℟ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John:

Hic venit in testimónium, ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine, et paráret Dómino plebem perféctam.

He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, and to prepare for the Lord a perfect people.

℣ Erat Ioánnes in desérto prǽdicans baptísmum pœniténtiæ.

℣ John was in the desert, preaching a baptism of repentance.

℟ Hic venit in testimónium, ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine, et paráret Dómino plebem perféctam.

℟ He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, and to prepare for the Lord a perfect people.

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adiuváre dignétur.

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

Lectio 2

Reading 2

Ier 1:6-10

6 Et dixi, A a a, Dómine Deus: ecce néscio loqui, quia puer ego sum.
7 Et dixit Dóminus ad me: Noli dícere, Puer sum: quóniam ad ómnia, quæ mittam te, ibis: et univérsa, quæcúmque mandávero tibi, loquéris.
8 Ne tímeas a fácie eórum: quia tecum ego sum, ut éruam te, dicit Dóminus.
9 Et misit Dóminus manum suam, et tétigit os meum: et dixit Dóminus ad me: Ecce dedi verba mea in ore tuo:
10 ecce constítui te hódie super gentes, et super regna, ut evéllas, et déstruas, et dispérdas, et díssipes, et ædífices, et plantes.

6 And I said: 'Alas, alas, alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am a boy.'
7 And the Lord said to me: 'Do not choose to say, I am a boy. For you shall go forth to everyone to whom I will send you. And you shall speak all that I will command you.
8 You should not be afraid before their face. For I am with you, so that I may deliver you,' says the Lord.
9 And the Lord put forth his hand, and he touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me: 'Behold, I have placed my words in your mouth.
10 Behold, today I have appointed you over nations and over kingdoms, so that you may root up, and pull down, and destroy, and scatter, and so that you may build and plant.'

℟ Elísabeth Zacharíæ magnum virum génuit, Ioánnem Baptístam, præcursórem Dómini:

℟ Elizabeth bore to Zechariah a great man, John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord:

Qui viam Dómino præparávit in erémo.

who prepared the way of the Lord in the wilderness.

℣ Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Ioánnes.

℣ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

℟ Qui viam Dómino præparávit in erémo.

℟ who prepared the way of the Lord in the wilderness.

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Ad gáudia paradísi perdúcat nos misericórdia Christi.

Benedictio. May the mercy of Christ lead us to the joys of paradise.

Lectio 3

Reading 3

Ier 1:17-19

17 Tu ergo accínge lumbos tuos, et surge, et lóquere ad eos ómnia quæ ego præcípio tibi. Ne formídes a fácie eórum: nec enim timére te fáciam vultum eórum.
18 Ego quippe dedi te hódie in civitátem munítam, et in colúmnam férream, et in murum ǽreum, super omnem terram, régibus Iuda, princípibus eius, et sacerdótibus, et pópulo terræ.
19 Et bellábunt advérsum te, et non prævalébunt: quia ego tecum sum, ait Dóminus, ut líberem te.

17 Therefore, you should gird your waist, and rise up, and speak to them everything that I instruct you. You should not have dread before their face. For I will cause you to be unafraid of their countenance.
18 For certainly, this day, I have made you like a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and a brass wall, over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, and to the priests, and to the people of the land.
19 And they will make war against you, but they will not prevail. For I am with you, says the Lord, so that I may free you.

℟ Priúsquam te formárem in útero, novi te: et ántequam exíres de ventre, sanctificávi te,

℟ Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; and before you went forth from the womb, I sanctified you,

Et prophétam in géntibus dedi te.

and I made you a prophet to the nations.

℣ Vir diléctus a Deo, et homínibus honorátus est.

℣ He was beloved by God and honored by men.

℟ Et prophétam in géntibus dedi te.

℟ and I made you a prophet to the nations.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

℟ Et prophétam in géntibus dedi te.

℟ and I made you a prophet to the nations.

Nocturnus 2

Nocturn 2

Ant. Misit Dóminus * manum suam, et tétigit os meum, et prophétam in géntibus dedit me Dóminus.

Ant. The Lord sent forth * his hand, and touched my mouth, and the Lord gave me as a prophet to the nations.

Psalmus 4

Psalm 4

4:2a Cum invocárem exaudívit me Deus iustítiæ meæ: * in tribulatióne dilatásti mihi.
4:2b Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.
4:3 Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? * ut quid dilígitis vanitátem, et quǽritis mendácium?
4:4 Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.
4:5 Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: ‡ quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, * in cubílibus vestris compungímini.
4:6 Sacrificáte sacrifícium iustítiæ, † et speráte in Dómino. * Multi dicunt: Quis osténdit nobis bona?
4:7 Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: * dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.
4:8 A fructu fruménti, vini, et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.
4:9 In pace in idípsum * dórmiam, et requiéscam;
4:10 Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

4:2a When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: * in tribulation you gave me room.
4:2b Have mercy on me, * and hear my prayer.
4:3 O children of men, how long will you be dull of heart? * Why do you love vanity and seek falsehood?
4:4 Know also that the Lord has made his holy one wonderful: * the Lord will hear me when I cry out to him.
4:5 Be angry, and sin not: ‡ the things you say in your hearts, * repent of them upon your beds.
4:6 Offer a sacrifice of justice, † and trust in the Lord. * Many say: Who shows us good things?
4:7 The light of your face, O Lord, is signed upon us: * you have given gladness to my heart.
4:8 By the fruit of their grain, wine, and oil * they have been multiplied.
4:9 In peace, in the selfsame, * I will sleep and take my rest;
4:10 For you, O Lord, alone * have established me in hope.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Misit Dóminus manum suam, et tétigit os meum, et prophétam in géntibus dedit me Dóminus.

Ant. The Lord sent forth his hand, and touched my mouth, and the Lord gave me as a prophet to the nations.

Ant. Ecce dedi verba mea * in ore tuo: ecce constítui te super gentes et regna.

Ant. Behold, I have put my words * in your mouth: behold, I have set you over nations and kingdoms.

Psalmus 5

Psalm 5

5:2 Verba mea áuribus pércipe, Dómine, * intéllege clamórem meum.
5:3 Inténde voci oratiónis meæ, * Rex meus et Deus meus.
5:4 Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.
5:5 Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.
5:6 Neque habitábit iuxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt iniústi ante óculos tuos.
5:7a Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.
5:7b Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * (8a) ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.
5:8b Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.
5:9 Dómine, deduc me in iustítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.
5:10 Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.
5:11a Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, † linguis suis dolóse agébant, * iúdica illos, Deus.
5:11b Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, † secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.
5:12a Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.
5:12b Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum, * (13a) quóniam tu benedíces iusto.
5:13b Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.

5:2 Give ear to my words, O Lord, * attend to my cry.
5:3 Hearken to the voice of my prayer, * my King and my God.
5:4 For to you I will pray: * O Lord, in the morning you will hear my voice.
5:5 In the morning I will stand before you and watch: * for you are not a God who desires iniquity.
5:6 Neither will the wicked dwell beside you: * nor will the unjust endure before your eyes.
5:7a You have hated all who work iniquity: * you will destroy all who speak falsehood.
5:7b The Lord will abhor the man of blood and deceit: * (8a) but I, through the abundance of your mercy.
5:8b I will enter your house: * I will worship toward your holy temple in your fear.
5:9 O Lord, lead me in your justice: * because of my enemies, direct my way in your sight.
5:10 For there is no truth in their mouth: * their heart is vain.
5:11a Their throat is an open sepulchre, † they dealt treacherously with their tongues, * judge them, O God.
5:11b Let them fall from their counsels, † according to the multitude of their impieties cast them out, * for they have provoked you, O Lord.
5:12a And let all who hope in you rejoice, * they shall exult forever: and you will dwell in them.
5:12b And all who love your name shall glory in you, * (13a) for you will bless the just.
5:13b O Lord, as with a shield of your good will * you have crowned us.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Ecce dedi verba mea in ore tuo: ecce constítui te super gentes et regna.

Ant. Behold, I have put my words in your mouth: behold, I have set you over nations and kingdoms.

Ant. Dóminus * ab útero vocávit me, de ventre matris meæ recordátus est nóminis mei.

Ant. The Lord * called me from the womb, from the womb of my mother he was mindful of my name.

Psalmus 8

Psalm 8

8:2a Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!
8:2b Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.
8:3 Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.
8:4 Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.
8:5 Quid est homo quod memor es eius? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?
8:6 Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Ángelis, † glória et honóre coronásti eum: * (7) et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.
8:8 Ómnia subiecísti sub pédibus eius, * oves et boves univérsas: ínsuper et pécora campi.
8:9 Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.
8:10 Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

8:2a O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!
8:2b For your magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.
8:3 Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have perfected praise, because of your enemies, * so that you may destroy the enemy and the revenger.
8:4 For I will behold your heavens, the works of your fingers: * the moon and the stars, which you have founded.
8:5 What is man, that you are mindful of him? * or the son of man, that you visit him?
8:6 You reduced him to a little less than the Angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor: * and you have set him over the works of your hands.
8:8 You have subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen, and in addition the beasts of the field.
8:9 The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, * which pass through the paths of the sea.
8:10 O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Dóminus ab útero vocávit me, de ventre matris meæ recordátus est nóminis mei.

Ant. The Lord called me from the womb, from the womb of my mother he was mindful of my name.

℣ Inter natos mulíerum non surréxit maior.

℣ Among those born of women there has not arisen one greater.

℟ Ioánne Baptísta.

℟ Than John the Baptist.

℣ Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ Sed líbera nos a malo.

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolutio. Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádiuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.

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

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.

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

Lectio 4

Reading 4

Sermo sancti Augustíni Epíscopi

Sermon of Saint Augustine, Bishop

Sermo 20 de Sanctis

Post illum sacrosánctum Dómini natális diem, nullíus hóminum nativitátem légimus celebrári, nisi solíus beáti Ioánnis Baptístæ. In áliis Sanctis et eléctis Dei nóvimus illum diem coli, quo illos, post consummatiónem labórum et devíctum triumphatúmque mundum, in perpétuas æternitátes præsens hæc vita partúriit. In áliis consummáta últimi diéi mérita celebrántur: in hoc étiam prima dies, et ipsa étiam hóminis inítia consecrántur; pro hac absque dúbio causa, quia per hunc Dóminus advéntum suum, ne súbito hómines insperátum non agnóscerent, vóluit esse testátum. Ioánnes autem figúra fuit véteris Testaménti, et in se formam prǽtulit legis; et ídeo Ioánnes prænuntiávit Salvatórem, sicut lex grátiam præcucúrrit.

After that most sacred day of the Lord's nativity, we read that no human birth is celebrated, save that of blessed John the Baptist alone. In the other Saints and elect of God, we know that day to be honored on which, after the completion of their labors and the vanquishing and triumph over the world, this present life brought them forth into perpetual eternity. In the others, the merits of the last day are celebrated: in this man, even the first day, and the very beginnings of the man, are consecrated; for this reason, beyond doubt, because through him the Lord willed his coming to be attested, lest men should fail to recognize it when it suddenly arrived unlooked for. For John was a figure of the Old Testament, and bore in himself the form of the law; and therefore John foretold the Savior, just as the law ran before grace.

℟ Descéndit Angelus Dómini ad Zacharíam dicens: Accipe púerum in senectúte tua:

℟ The Angel of the Lord came down to Zechariah, saying: Receive a son in your old age:

Et habébit nomen Ioánnes Baptísta.

And his name shall be John the Baptist.

℣ Iste puer magnus coram Dómino: nam et manus eius cum ipso est.

℣ This child shall be great before the Lord; for his hand is with him.

℟ Et habébit nomen Ioánnes Baptísta.

℟ And his name shall be John the Baptist.

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.

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

Lectio 5

Reading 5

Quod autem nondum natus de secréto matérni úteri prophetávit, et expers lucis iam testis est veritátis; hoc est intellegéndum, quod latens sub velámine et carne lítteræ, et Redemptórem mundo spíritu prædicávit, et nobis Dóminum nostrum de quodam legis útero proclamávit. Ergo quia Iudǽi erravérunt a ventre, id est, a lege quæ a Christo grávida erat, erravérunt a ventre, locúti sunt falsa; ídeo hic venit in testimónium, ut testimónium perhibéret de lúmine.

That he prophesied before his birth from the secret of his mother's womb, and, though not yet having experienced the light, is already a witness of the truth—this is to be understood as meaning that, lying hidden under the veil and flesh of the letter, he proclaimed the Redeemer to the world in spirit, and proclaimed our Lord to us from a certain womb of the law. Therefore, because the Jews went astray from the womb—that is, from the law which was pregnant with Christ—they went astray from the womb and spoke falsehoods; and for this reason he came to bear witness, that he might give testimony to the light.

℟ Hic est præcúrsor diléctus, et lucérna lucens ante Dóminum:

℟ This is the beloved forerunner and the lamp burning before the Lord:

Ipse est enim Ioánnes, qui viam Dómino præparávit in erémo; sed et Agnum Dei demonstrávit, et illuminávit mentes hóminum.

For he is John, who prepared the way of the Lord in the desert; and also pointed out the Lamb of God, and enlightened the minds of men.

℣ Ipse præíbit ante illum in spíritu et virtúte Elíæ.

℣ He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah.

℟ Ipse est enim Ioánnes, qui viam Dómino præparávit in erémo; sed et Agnum Dei demonstrávit, et illuminávit mentes hóminum.

℟ For he is John, who prepared the way of the Lord in the desert; and also pointed out the Lamb of God, and enlightened the minds of men.

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.

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

Lectio 6

Reading 6

Quod autem Ioánnes in cárcere constitútus ad Christum discípulos suos órdinat; lex ad Evangélium transmíttit. Quæ lex iuxta typum Ioánnis, quasi ignorántiæ clausa cárcere, in obscúro et in occúlto iacébat, et Iudáica cæcitáte sensus intra lítteram tenebátur inclúsus. De hoc beátus Evangelísta prolóquitur: Ille erat lucérna ardens, id est, Spíritus Sancti igne succénsus, ut mundo ignorántiæ nocte possésso lumen salútis osténderet, et quasi inter densíssimas delictórum ténebras splendidíssimus iustítiæ solem lucis suæ rádio demonstráret, et de seípso dicens: Ego vox clamántis in desérto.

That John, placed in prison, sends his disciples to Christ, means that the law transmits them to the Gospel. For the law, according to the type of John, as though shut in the prison of ignorance, lay in obscurity and hiddenness, and its sense was enclosed within the letter by Jewish blindness. Of him the blessed Evangelist says: He was a burning lamp, that is, kindled by the fire of the Holy Spirit, to show the light of salvation to a world possessed by the night of ignorance, and, as it were, among the densest darkness of sins to point out with the ray of his light the most brilliant sun of justice, saying of himself: I am the voice of one crying in the desert.

℟ Innuébant patri eius quem vellet vocári eum: et póstulans pugillárem, scripsit dicens:

℟ Then they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him to be called. And requesting a writing tablet, he wrote, saying:

Ioánnes est nomen eius.

His name is John.

℣ Apértum est os Zacharíæ, et prophetávit dicens.

℣ And the mouth of Zechariah was opened, and he prophesied, saying.

℟ Ioánnes est nomen eius.

℟ His name is John.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

℟ Ioánnes est nomen eius.

℟ His name is John.

Nocturnus 3

Nocturn 3

Ant. Pósuit os meum * Dóminus quasi gládium acútum: sub umbra manus suæ protéxit me.

Ant. He has made my mouth * like a sharp sword: under the shadow of his hand he has protected me.

Psalmus 14

Psalm 14

14:1 Dómine, quis habitábit in tabernáculo tuo? * aut quis requiéscet in monte sancto tuo?
14:2 Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur iustítiam:
14:3a Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua:
14:3b Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.
14:4a Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu eius malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat:
14:4b Qui iurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * (5a) qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.
14:5b Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

14:1 O Lord, who will dwell in your tabernacle? * or who will rest on your holy mountain?
14:2 He who walks without blemish, * and who works justice:
14:3a He who speaks the truth in his heart, * who has not acted deceitfully with his tongue:
14:3b Nor has he done evil to his neighbor, * and has not taken up a reproach against his neighbors.
14:4a In his sight, the malicious one has been reduced to nothing: * but he glorifies those who fear the Lord.
14:4b He who swears to his neighbor and does not deceive, * (5a) he who has not given his money in usury, nor accepted bribes against the innocent.
14:5b He who does these things: * will be undisturbed for eternity.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Pósuit os meum Dóminus quasi gládium acútum: sub umbra manus suæ protéxit me.

Ant. He has made my mouth like a sharp sword: under the shadow of his hand he has protected me.

Ant. Formans me * ex útero servum sibi Dóminus, dicit: Dedi te in lucem géntium, ut sis salus mea usque ad extrémum terræ.

Ant. Forming me * from the womb to be his servant, the Lord says: I have given you as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the ends of the earth.

Psalmus 20

Psalm 20

20:2 Dómine, in virtúte tua lætábitur rex: * et super salutáre tuum exsultábit veheménter.
20:3 Desidérium cordis eius tribuísti ei: * et voluntáte labiórum eius non fraudásti eum.
20:4 Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis: * posuísti in cápite eius corónam de lápide pretióso.
20:5 Vitam pétiit a te: * et tribuísti ei longitúdinem diérum in sǽculum, et in sǽculum sǽculi.
20:6 Magna est glória eius in salutári tuo: * glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eum.
20:7 Quóniam dabis eum in benedictiónem in sǽculum sǽculi: * lætificábis eum in gáudio cum vultu tuo.
20:8 Quóniam rex sperat in Dómino: * et in misericórdia Altíssimi non commovébitur.
20:9 Inveniátur manus tua ómnibus inimícis tuis: * déxtera tua invéniat omnes, qui te odérunt.
20:10 Pones eos ut clíbanum ignis in témpore vultus tui: * Dóminus in ira sua conturbábit eos, et devorábit eos ignis.
20:11 Fructum eórum de terra perdes: * et semen eórum a fíliis hóminum.
20:12 Quóniam declinavérunt in te mala: * cogitavérunt consília, quæ non potuérunt stabilíre.
20:13 Quóniam pones eos dorsum: * in relíquiis tuis præparábis vultum eórum.
20:14 Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua: * cantábimus et psallémus virtútes tuas.

20:2 O Lord, in your strength the king shall rejoice: * and in your salvation he shall exult exceedingly.
20:3 You have given him his heart's desire: * and have not withheld from him the will of his lips.
20:4 For you have gone before him with the blessings of sweetness: * you have set upon his head a crown of precious stone.
20:5 He asked life of you: * and you gave him length of days for ever and ever.
20:6 Great is his glory in your salvation: * glory and great majesty you will lay upon him.
20:7 For you will give him a blessing for ever and ever: * you will make him joyful in gladness with your face.
20:8 For the king hopes in the Lord: * and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.
20:9 Let your hand be found upon all your enemies: * your right hand shall find all who hate you.
20:10 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of your face: * the Lord in his anger shall trouble them, and fire shall devour them.
20:11 You shall destroy their fruit from the earth: * and their seed from among the sons of men.
20:12 For they have devised evils against you: * they thought up counsels which they could not establish.
20:13 For you shall make them turn their back: * among those that remain, you shall prepare their face.
20:14 Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength: * we will sing and praise your mighty deeds.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Formans me ex útero servum sibi Dóminus, dicit: Dedi te in lucem géntium, ut sis salus mea usque ad extrémum terræ.

Ant. Forming me from the womb to be his servant, the Lord says: I have given you as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the ends of the earth.

Ant. Reges vidébunt, * et consúrgent príncipes et adorábunt Dóminum Deum tuum, qui elégit te.

Ant. Kings shall see, * and princes shall rise up and adore the Lord your God, who has chosen you.

Psalmus 33

Psalm 33

33:2 Benedícam Dóminum in omni témpore: * semper laus eius in ore meo.
33:3 In Dómino laudábitur ánima mea: * áudiant mansuéti, et læténtur.
33:4 Magnificáte Dóminum mecum: * et exaltémus nomen eius in idípsum.
33:5 Exquisívi Dóminum, et exaudívit me: * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus meis erípuit me.
33:6 Accédite ad eum, et illuminámini: * et fácies vestræ non confundéntur.
33:7 Iste pauper clamávit, et Dóminus exaudívit eum: * et de ómnibus tribulatiónibus eius salvávit eum.
33:8 Immíttet Ángelus Dómini in circúitu timéntium eum: * et erípiet eos.
33:9 Gustáte, et vidéte quóniam suávis est Dóminus: * beátus vir, qui sperat in eo.
33:10 Timéte Dóminum, omnes sancti eius: * quóniam non est inópia timéntibus eum.
33:11 Dívites eguérunt et esuriérunt: * inquiréntes autem Dóminum non minuéntur omni bono.
33:12 Veníte, fílii, audíte me: * timórem Dómini docébo vos.
33:13 Quis est homo qui vult vitam: * díligit dies vidére bonos?
33:14 Próhibe linguam tuam a malo: * et lábia tua ne loquántur dolum.
33:15 Divérte a malo, et fac bonum: * inquíre pacem, et perséquere eam.
33:16 Óculi Dómini super iustos: * et aures eius in preces eórum.
33:17 Vultus autem Dómini super faciéntes mala: * ut perdat de terra memóriam eórum.
33:18 Clamavérunt iusti, et Dóminus exaudívit eos: * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus eórum liberávit eos.
33:19 Iuxta est Dóminus iis, qui tribuláto sunt corde: * et húmiles spíritu salvábit.
33:20 Multæ tribulatiónes iustórum: * et de ómnibus his liberábit eos Dóminus.
33:21 Custódit Dóminus ómnia ossa eórum: * unum ex his non conterétur.
33:22 Mors peccatórum péssima: * et qui odérunt iustum, delínquent.
33:23 Rédimet Dóminus ánimas servórum suórum: * et non delínquent omnes qui sperant in eo.

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: * and 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.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Reges vidébunt, et consúrgent príncipes et adorábunt Dóminum Deum tuum, qui elégit te.

Ant. Kings shall see, and princes shall rise up and adore the Lord your God, who has chosen you.

℣ Elísabeth Zacharíæ magnum virum génuit.

℣ Elizabeth bore to Zechariah a great man, *

℟ Ioánnem Baptístam, præcursórem Dómini.

℟ John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord.

℣ Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ Sed líbera nos a malo.

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolutio. A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.

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

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Ille nos benedícat, qui sine fine vivit et regnat.

Benedictio. May he bless us who lives and reigns without end.

Lectio 7

Reading 7

Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Luc 1:57-69

Elísabeth implétum est tempus pariéndi, et péperit fílium. Et audiérunt vicíni et cognáti eius quia magnificávit Dóminus misericórdiam suam cum illa, et congratulabántur ei. Et réliqua.

Homilía sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi

For Elizabeth, the time of her delivery was fulfilled, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. Et cetera.

A Homily of Saint Ambrose the Bishop.

Liber 2 Comm. in Lucæ cap. 1, ante finem

Péperit fílium Elísabeth, et congratulabántur vicíni. Habet Sanctórum edítio lætítiam plurimórum, quia commúne est bonum; iustítia enim commúnis est virtus. Et ídeo in ortu iusti futúræ vitæ insígne præmíttitur, et grátia secutúræ virtútis exsultatióne vicinórum præfiguránte signátur. Pulchre autem tempus, quo fuit in útero Prophéta, descríbitur, ne Maríæ præséntia taceátur; sed tempus silétur infántiæ, eo quia infántiæ impediménta nescívit. Et ídeo in Evangélio nihil super eo légimus, nisi ortum eius, et oráculum, exsultatiónem in útero, vocem in desérto.

Elizabeth bore a son, and the neighbors rejoiced with her. The birth of the Saints brings gladness to many, because goodness is a common good; for justice is a virtue that belongs to all. And therefore at the birth of the just man a sign of the life to come is set before us, and the grace of the virtue that is to follow is marked by the exultation of the neighbors as a prefiguring. It is well also that the time the Prophet spent in the womb is described, lest the presence of Mary be passed over in silence; but the time of his infancy is left unrecorded, because he did not know the hindrances of infancy. And therefore in the Gospel we read nothing of him except his birth, the oracle spoken at it, his exultation in the womb, and his voice in the desert.

℟ Præcúrsor Dómini venit, de quo ipse testátur:

℟ The forerunner of the Lord has come, of whom he himself testifies:

Nullus maior inter natos mulíerum Ioánne Baptísta.

No one among those born of women is greater than John the Baptist.

℣ Hic est enim prophéta, et plus quam prophéta, de quo Salvátor ait.

℣ For he is a prophet, and more than a prophet, of whom the Savior says.

℟ Nullus maior inter natos mulíerum Ioánne Baptísta.

℟ No one among those born of women is greater than John the Baptist.

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.

Benedictio. May the divine assistance remain always with us.

Lectio 8

Reading 8

Neque enim ullam infántiæ sensit ætátem, qui supra natúram, supra ætátem in útero pósitus matris, a mensúra cœpit ætátis plenitúdinis Christi. Mire sanctus Evangelísta præmitténdum putávit, quod plúrimi infántem patris nómine Zacharíam appellándum putáverint; ut advértas matri non nomen alicúius displicuísse degéneris, sed id Sancto infúsum Spíritu, quod ab Angelo ante Zacharíæ fúerat prænuntiátum. Et quidem ille mutus intimáre vocábulum fílii nequívit uxóri; sed per prophetíam Elísabeth dídicit, quod non didícerat a maríto.

For he did not experience any of the age of infancy, who, placed beyond nature and beyond age in his mother's womb, began from the measure of the fullness of the age of Christ. The holy Evangelist thought it well to note beforehand that many people supposed the infant was to be called Zechariah after his father's name; so that you might observe that it was not the name of some degenerate person that displeased the mother, but what had been infused by the Holy Spirit, as had been foretold to Zechariah by the Angel beforehand. And indeed he, being mute, was unable to make known to his wife the name of his son; but Elizabeth, through prophecy, learned what she had not learned from her husband.

℟ Gábriel Angelus appáruit Zacharíæ dicens: Nascétur tibi fílius, nomen eius Ioánnes vocábitur:

℟ The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, saying: A son shall be born to you, and his name shall be called John:

Et multi in nativitáte eius gaudébunt.

And many will rejoice at his birth.

℣ Erit enim magnus coram Dómino, vinum et síceram non bibet.

℣ For he will be great before the Lord, and will drink neither wine nor strong drink.

℟ Et multi in nativitáte eius gaudébunt.

℟ And many will rejoice at his birth.

℣ Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

℟ Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

℟ Et multi in nativitáte eius gaudébunt.

℟ And many will rejoice at his birth.

℣ Iube, Dómine, benedícere.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benedictio. Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

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

Lectio 9

Reading 9

Ioánnes est, inquit, nomen eius; hoc est, non nos ei nomen impónimus, qui iam a Deo nomen accépit. Habet vocábulum suum, quod agnóvimus, non quod elégimus. Habent hoc mérita Sanctórum, ut a Deo nomen accípiant. Sic Iacob Israël dícitur, quia Deum vidit. Sic Dóminus noster Iesus nominátus est, ántequam natus; cui non Angelus, sed Pater nomen impósuit. Vides Angelos quæ audíerint, non quæ usurpáverint, nuntiáre. Nec miréris, si nomen múlier, quod non audívit, asséruit; quando Spíritus ei Sanctus, qui Angelo mandáverat, revelávit.
Te Deum laudámus: * te Dóminum confitémur.
Te ætérnum Patrem * omnis terra venerátur.
Tibi omnes Ángeli, * tibi Cæli, et univérsæ Potestátes:
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim * incessábili voce proclámant:
(Fit reverentia) Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus * Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra * maiestátis glóriæ tuæ.
Te gloriósus * Apostolórum chorus,
Te Prophetárum * laudábilis númerus,
Te Mártyrum candidátus * laudat exércitus.
Te per orbem terrárum * sancta confitétur Ecclésia,
Patrem * imménsæ maiestátis;
Venerándum tuum verum * et únicum Fílium;
Sanctum quoque * Paráclitum Spíritum.
Tu Rex glóriæ, * Christe.
Tu Patris * sempitérnus es Fílius.
(Fit reverentia) Tu, ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem: * non horruísti Vírginis úterum.
Tu, ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem: * non horruísti Vírginis úterum.
Tu, devícto mortis acúleo, * aperuísti credéntibus regna cælórum.
Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, * in glória Patris.
Iudex créderis * esse ventúrus.

His name is John, he says — meaning: it is not we who give him his name, for he has already received his name from God. He has his own designation, which we have acknowledged, not chosen. It is the privilege of the Saints to receive their name from God. Thus Jacob is called Israel, because he saw God. Thus our Lord Jesus was named before he was born; to whom not an Angel but the Father gave the name. You see that Angels announce what they have heard, not what they have presumed. Nor should you wonder that a woman affirmed a name which she had not heard; for the Holy Spirit, who had given the charge to the Angel, revealed it to her.
We praise you, O God; * we acknowledge you as Lord.
All the earth worships you, * O Father everlasting.
To you all the Angels, * to you the Heavens and all the Powers:
To you the Cherubim and Seraphim * cry out without ceasing:
(A bow is made) Holy, Holy, Holy * Lord God of Sabaoth.
Heaven and earth are full * of the majesty of your glory.
The glorious choir * of Apostles,
The admirable company * of Prophets,
The white-robed army * of Martyrs praises you.
The holy Church throughout all the world * acknowledges you:
Father * of immense majesty;
Your true and only * adorable Son;
And the Holy * Paraclete Spirit.
You are the King of glory, * O Christ.
You are the everlasting * Son of the Father.
(A bow is made) You, about to take upon yourself man to set him free: * did not shrink from the Virgin's womb.
You, about to take upon yourself man to set him free: * did not shrink from the Virgin's womb.
You, having overcome the sting of death, * opened the Kingdom of Heaven to believers.
You sit at the right hand of God, * in the glory of the Father.
You are believed * to be the Judge who is to come.

(Sequens versus dicitur flexis genibus)

(The following verse is said kneeling)

(Fratres, quando incipiunt « Te ergo quæsumus, » exeuntes e Stallis, reverenter inclinent ad verba « Quos pretioso » et cetera)

(Brethren, when they begin 'Te ergo quaesumus,' departing from the Stalls, let them reverently bow at the words 'Quos pretioso' and the rest)

Te ergo quǽsumus, tuis fámulis súbveni, * quos pretióso sánguine redemísti.
Ætérna fac cum Sanctis tuis * in glória numerári.
Ætérna fac cum Sanctis tuis * in glória munerári.
Salvum fac pópulum tuum, Dómine, * et bénedic hereditáti tuæ.
Et rege eos, * et extólle illos usque in ætérnum.
Per síngulos dies * benedícimus te.
(Fit reverentia, secundum consuetudinem) Et laudámus nomen tuum in sǽculum, * et in sǽculum sǽculi.
Et laudámus nomen tuum in sǽculum, * et in sǽculum sǽculi.
Dignáre, Dómine, die isto * sine peccáto nos custodíre.
Miserére nostri, Dómine, * miserére nostri.
Fiat misericórdia tua, Dómine, super nos, * quemádmodum sperávimus in te.
In te, Dómine, sperávi: * non confúndar in ætérnum.

We beseech you, therefore, come to the aid of your servants, * whom you have redeemed with your precious blood.
Number them among your Saints * in eternal glory.
Number them among your Saints * to receive reward in eternal glory.
Save your people, O Lord, * and bless your inheritance.
And rule them, * and lift them up for ever.
Day by day * we bless you.
(A bow is made, according to custom) And we praise your name for ever, * and for ever and ever.
And we praise your name for ever, * and for ever and ever.
Graciously keep us, O Lord, this day * without sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, * have mercy on us.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, * as we have hoped in you.
In you, O Lord, I have hoped: * let me not be confounded for ever.

Te Deum

Te Deum laudámus: * te Dóminum confitémur.
Te ætérnum Patrem * omnis terra venerátur.
Tibi omnes Ángeli, * tibi Cæli, et univérsæ Potestátes:
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim * incessábili voce proclámant:
(Fit reverentia) Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus * Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra * maiestátis glóriæ tuæ.
Te gloriósus * Apostolórum chorus,
Te Prophetárum * laudábilis númerus,
Te Mártyrum candidátus * laudat exércitus.
Te per orbem terrárum * sancta confitétur Ecclésia,
Patrem * imménsæ maiestátis;
Venerándum tuum verum * et únicum Fílium;
Sanctum quoque * Paráclitum Spíritum.
Tu Rex glóriæ, * Christe.
Tu Patris * sempitérnus es Fílius.
(Fit reverentia) Tu, ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem: * non horruísti Vírginis úterum.
Tu, ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem: * non horruísti Vírginis úterum.
Tu, devícto mortis acúleo, * aperuísti credéntibus regna cælórum.
Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, * in glória Patris.
Iudex créderis * esse ventúrus.

We praise you, O God: * we acknowledge you as Lord.
All the earth worships you, * O Father everlasting.
To you all the Angels, * to you the Heavens, and all the Powers:
To you the Cherubim and Seraphim * cry out without ceasing:
(A bow is made) Holy, Holy, Holy, * Lord God of Hosts.
The heavens and the earth are full * of the majesty of your glory.
The glorious choir * of the Apostles,
The praiseworthy company * of the Prophets,
The white-robed army * of Martyrs praises you.
The holy Church throughout the world * acknowledges you,
the Father * of immeasurable majesty;
Your true and only * Son, worthy of veneration;
And the Holy * Paraclete Spirit.
You, O Christ, are the King of glory.
You are the * eternal Son of the Father.
(A bow is made) You, about to take on humanity for its liberation, * did not shrink from the Virgin's womb.
You, about to take on humanity for its liberation, * did not shrink from the Virgin's womb.
Having overcome the sting of death, * you opened the Kingdom of Heaven to those who believe.
You sit at the right hand of God, * in the glory of the Father.
You are believed * to be the Judge to come.

(Sequens versus dicitur flexis genibus)

(The following verse is said kneeling)

(Fratres, quando incipiunt « Te ergo quæsumus, » exeuntes e Stallis, reverenter inclinent ad verba « Quos pretioso » et cetera)

(Brethren, when they begin 'Te ergo quaesumus,' departing from the Stalls, let them reverently bow at the words 'Quos pretioso' and the rest)