S. Agathæ Virginis et Martyris

Matutinum Laudes Prima Tertia Sexta Nona Vesperae Completorium

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.

Laus tibi, Dómine, Rex ætérnæ glóriæ.

Praise to you, O Lord, King of eternal glory.

Invitatorium

Ant. Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Ant. The Lord, King of Virgins, * 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 Vírginum Dóminum, Veníte, adorémus.

Ant. The Lord, King of Virgins, come, let us adore.

Hymnus

Vírginis Proles Opiféxque Matris,
Virgo quem gessit, peperítque Virgo:
Vírginis partos cánimus decóra
Morte triúmphos.

Hæc enim palmæ dúplicis beáta
Sorte, dum gestit frágilem domáre
Córporis sexum, dómuit cruéntum
Cæde tyránnum.

Unde nec mortem, nec amíca mortis
Mille pœnárum génera expavéscens,
Sánguine effúso méruit serénum
Scándere cælum.

Huius orátu, Deus alme, nobis
Débitas pœnas scélerum remítte;
Ut tibi puro resonémus almum
Péctore carmen.

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

Son of a virgin, maker of thy mother,
Thou, rod and blossom from a stem unstainèd,
While we a Virgin's triumphs are rehearsing,
Hear our petition!

Lo, on thy handmaid fell a two-fold blessing,
Who, in her body vanquishing the weakness,
In that same body, grace from heaven obtaining,
Bore the world witness.

Death, nor the rending pains of death appalled her;
Bondage and torment found her undefeated:
So by the shedding of her blood attained she
Heavenly guerdon.

Fountain of mercy, hear the prayers she offers;
Purge our offences, pardon our transgressions,
So that hereafter we to thee may render
Praise with thanksgiving.

Thou, the All-Father, thou, the One-Begotten,
Thou, Holy Spirit, Three in One co-equal,
Glory be henceforth thine through all the ages,
World without ending.
Amen.

Nocturni

Nocturnus 1

Nocturn 1

Ant. Ingénua sum, * et ex spectábili génere, ut omnis parentéla mea testátur.

Ant. I am freeborn, * and of illustrious lineage, as all my family attests.

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. Ingénua sum, et ex spectábili génere, ut omnis parentéla mea testátur.

Ant. I am freeborn, and of illustrious lineage, as all my family attests.

Ant. Summa ingenúitas * ista est, in qua sérvitus Christi comprobátur.

Ant. This is the highest nobility, * which is confirmed in the servitude of Christ.

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. Summa ingenúitas ista est, in qua sérvitus Christi comprobátur.

Ant. This is the highest nobility, which is confirmed in the servitude of Christ.

Ant. Ancílla Christi sum, * ídeo me osténdo servílem habére persónam.

Ant. I am a handmaid of Christ, * and therefore I show myself to have the condition of a servant.

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. Ancílla Christi sum, ídeo me osténdo servílem habére persónam.

Ant. I am a handmaid of Christ, and therefore I show myself to have the condition of a servant.

℣ Deus percússit petram et fluxérunt aquæ.

℣ God struck the rock and waters flowed.

℟ Et torréntes inundavérunt.

℟ And the torrents overflowed.

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

De libro Génesis

From the Book of Genesis

Gen 10:1-6

1 Hæ sunt generatiónes filiórum Noë, Sem, Cham et Iapheth: natíque sunt eis fílii post dilúvium.
2 Fílii Iapheth: Gomer, et Magog, et Mádai, et Iavan, et Thubal, et Mosoch, et Thiras.
3 Porro fílii Gomer: Ascenez et Riphath et Thogórma.
4 Fílii autem Iavan: Elísa et Tharsis, Cetthim et Dódanim.
5 Ab his divísæ sunt ínsulæ géntium in regiónibus suis, unusquísque secúndum linguam suam et famílias suas in natiónibus suis.
6 Fílii autem Cham: Chus, et Mésraim et Phuth, et Chánaan.

1 These are the generations of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and of the sons who were born to them after the great flood.
2 The sons of Japheth were Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
3 And then the sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.
4 And the sons of Javan were Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.
5 The islands of the Gentiles were divided by these into their regions, each one according to his tongue, and their families in their nations.
6 And the sons of Ham were Cush, and Mizraim, and Put, and Canaan.

℟ Dum torquerétur beáta Agatha in mamílla gráviter, dixit ad iúdicem:

℟ While blessed Agatha was being grievously tormented in her breast, she said to the judge:

Impie, crudélis et dire tyránne, non es confúsus amputáre in fémina, quod ipse in matre suxísti?

Impious, cruel and dire tyrant, are you not ashamed to cut off from a woman what you yourself drew from your mother?

℣ Ego enim hábeo mamíllas íntegras intus in ánima mea, quas ab infántia Dómino consecrávi.

℣ For I have within me whole and perfect breasts in my soul, which from infancy I have consecrated to the Lord.

℟ Impie, crudélis et dire tyránne, non es confúsus amputáre in fémina, quod ipse in matre suxísti?

℟ Impious, cruel and dire tyrant, are you not ashamed to cut off from a woman what you yourself drew from your mother?

℣ 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

Gen 11:1-4

1 Erat autem terra lábii uníus, et sermónum eorúndem.
2 Cumque proficisceréntur de oriénte, invenérunt campum in terra Sénnaar, et habitavérunt in eo.
3 Dixítque alter ad próximum suum: Veníte, faciámus láteres, et coquámus eos igni. Habuerúntque láteres pro saxis, et bitúmen pro cæménto:
4 et dixérunt: Veníte, faciámus nobis civitátem et turrim, cuius culmen pertíngat ad cælum: et celebrémus nomen nostrum ántequam dividámur in univérsas terras.

1 Now the earth was of one language and of the same speech.
2 And when they were advancing from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt in it.
3 And each one said to his neighbor, 'Come, let us make bricks, and bake them with fire.'
4 And they said: 'Come, let us make a city and a tower, so that its height may reach to heaven. And let us make our name famous before we are divided throughout all the lands.'

℟ Agatha lætíssime et gloriánter ibat ad cárcerem,

℟ Agatha went to prison most joyfully and triumphantly,

Quasi ad épulas invitáta; et agónem suum Dómino précibus commendábat.

As if invited to a banquet; and she commended her struggle to the Lord in prayer.

℣ Nobilíssimis orta natálibus, ab ignóbili gaudens trahebátur ad cárcerem.

℣ Born of most noble birth, she was led rejoicing to prison by one of low estate.

℟ Quasi ad épulas invitáta; et agónem suum Dómino précibus commendábat.

℟ As if invited to a banquet; and she commended her struggle to the Lord in prayer.

℣ 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

Gen 11:5-8

5 Descéndit autem Dóminus ut vidéret civitátem et turrim, quam ædificábant fílii Adam,
6 et dixit: Ecce, unus est pópulus, et unum lábium ómnibus: cœperúntque hoc fácere, nec desístent a cogitatiónibus suis, donec eas ópere cómpleant.
7 Veníte ígitur, descendámus, et confundámus ibi linguam eórum, ut non áudiat unusquísque vocem próximi sui.
8 Atque ita divísit eos Dóminus ex illo loco in univérsas terras, et cessavérunt ædificáre civitátem.

5 Then the Lord descended to see the city and the tower, which the sons of Adam were building.
6 And he said: 'Behold, the people are united, and all have one tongue. They have begun this task, and they will not abandon their resolve until they have completed it in deed.
7 Therefore, come, let us descend, and in that place confound their tongue, so that they may not listen to one another.'
8 And so the Lord divided them from that place into all the lands, and they ceased to build the city.

℟ Quis es tu, qui venísti ad me curáre vúlnera mea? Ego sum Apóstolus Christi: nihil in me dúbites, fília: ipse me misit ad te,

℟ Who are you, who have come to heal my wounds? I am an Apostle of Christ: doubt nothing in me, daughter; he himself sent me to you,

Quem dilexísti mente et puro corde.

Whom you have loved with mind and pure heart.

℣ Nam et ego Apóstolus eius sum, et in nómine eius scias te esse curándam.

℣ For I too am his Apostle, and in his name know that you are to be healed.

℟ Quem dilexísti mente et puro corde.

℟ Whom you have loved with mind and pure heart.

℣ 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.

℟ Quem dilexísti mente et puro corde.

℟ Whom you have loved with mind and pure heart.

Nocturnus 2

Nocturn 2

Ant. Agatha sancta * dixit: Si feras mihi promíttis, audíto Christi nómine mansuéscunt.

Ant. Holy Agatha * said: If you threaten me with wild beasts, at the sound of Christ's name they grow tame.

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. Agatha sancta dixit: Si feras mihi promíttis, audíto Christi nómine mansuéscunt.

Ant. Holy Agatha said: If you threaten me with wild beasts, at the sound of Christ's name they grow tame.

Ant. Si ignem adhíbeas, * rorem mihi salvíficum de cælo Angeli ministrábunt.

Ant. If you apply fire, * Angels will minister to me the saving dew from heaven.

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. Si ignem adhíbeas, rorem mihi salvíficum de cælo Angeli ministrábunt.

Ant. If you apply fire, Angels will minister to me the saving dew from heaven.

Ant. Agatha * lætíssime et gloriánter ibat ad cárcerem, quasi ad épulas invitáta; et agónem suum Dómino précibus commendábat.

Ant. Agatha * went most joyfully and gloriously to prison, as one invited to a banquet; and commended her agony to the Lord in prayer.

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. Agatha lætíssime et gloriánter ibat ad cárcerem, quasi ad épulas invitáta; et agónem suum Dómino précibus commendábat.

Ant. Agatha went most joyfully and gloriously to prison, as one invited to a banquet; and commended her agony to the Lord in prayer.

℣ Adiuvábit eam Deus vultu suo.

℣ God will help her with his countenance.

℟ Deus in médio eius, non commovébitur.

℟ God is in her midst; she shall not be moved.

℣ 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

Agatha virgo, in Sicília nobílibus paréntibus nata, quam Panormitáni et Catanénses civem suam esse dicunt, in persecutióne Decii imperatóris Cátanæ gloriósi martyrii corónam consecúta est. Nam cum pari pulchritúdinis et castitátis laude commendarétur, Quintiánus Sicíliæ prætor eius amóre captus est. Sed cum, tentáta modis ómnibus eius pudicítia, Agatham in suam senténtiam perdúcere non posset, christiánæ superstitiónis nómine comprehénsam, Aphrodísiæ cuidam mulíeri depravándam tradit. Quæ Aphrodísiæ consuetúdine cum de constántia coléndæ christiánæ fídei et servándæ virginitátis removéri non posset, núntiat illa Quintiáno se in Agatha óperam pérdere. Quare ille ad se Vírginem addúci iubet; et, Nonne, inquit, te pudet nóbili génere natam, húmilem et servílem Christianórum vitam ágere? Cui Agatha: Multo præstántior est christiána humílitas et sérvitus, regum ópibus ac supérbia.

Agatha the Virgin, born of noble parents in Sicily — whom the people of Palermo and Catania each claim as their citizen — under the persecution of the Emperor Decius obtained the crown of a glorious martyrdom at Catania. For when she was commended equally for the praise of beauty and chastity, Quintianus the praetor of Sicily was seized with love for her. But when, having assaulted her chastity in every way, he could not bring Agatha to his opinion, he handed her over, taken up on the charge of the Christian superstition, to a certain woman named Aphrodisia to be corrupted. When she could not by the association of Aphrodisia be removed from her constancy in keeping the Christian faith and preserving her virginity, that woman reported to Quintianus that she was wasting her effort on Agatha. Wherefore he ordered the Virgin to be brought before him; and said: "Are you not ashamed, born of noble birth, to lead the humble and servile life of Christians?" To which Agatha replied: "Far more excellent is Christian humility and servitude than the riches and pride of kings."

℟ Ego autem adiúta a Dómino, perseverábo in confessióne eius, qui me salvam fecit,

℟ But I, helped by the Lord, will persevere in confessing him, who saved me,

Et consolátus est me.

and he comforted me.

℣ Grátias tibi ago, Dómine Iesu Christe, qui misísti ad me Apóstolum tuum curáre vúlnera mea.

℣ I give you thanks, O Lord Jesus Christ, who sent your Apostle to me to heal my wounds.

℟ Et consolátus est me.

℟ and he comforted me.

℣ 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

Quam ob rem irátus prætor hanc ei optiónem dat, velítne pótius venerári deos, an vim tormentórum subíre. At illa constans in fide, primum cólaphis cæsa míttitur in cárcerem; unde postrídie edúcta, cum in senténtia permanéret, admótis candéntibus láminis in equúleo torquétur. Tum ei mamílla abscínditur; quo in vúlnere Quintiánum appéllans Virgo, Crudélis, inquit, tyránne, non te pudet amputáre in fémina, quod ipse in matre suxísti? Mox coniécta in víncula, sequénti nocte a sene quodam, qui se Christi Apóstolum esse dicébat, sanáta est. Rursum evocáta a prætóre, et in Christi confessióne persevérans, in acutis téstulis et candéntibus carbónibus ei subiéctis volutátur.

Wherefore the angry praetor gave her this option: whether she would rather worship the gods or submit to the force of tortures. But she, steadfast in the faith, was first struck with blows and sent to prison; brought out the next day, when she persevered in her decision, she was tortured on the rack with glowing metal plates applied to her. Then her breast was cut off; and in that wound the Virgin called upon Quintianus, saying: "Cruel tyrant, are you not ashamed to cut from a woman what you yourself suckled from your mother?" Soon cast into chains, she was healed the following night by a certain old man who said he was an Apostle of Christ. Summoned again before the praetor, and persevering in her confession of Christ, she was rolled over pointed shards of pottery and glowing coals heaped beneath her.

℟ Ipse me curávit, qui per Apóstolum Petrum in custódia me confortávit, pro eo quod iussa sum suspéndi in equúleo.

℟ He himself healed me, who through the Apostle Peter comforted me in my imprisonment, because I was ordered to be hung on the rack.

Propter fidem castitátis ádiuva me, Dómine, Deus meus, in tortúra mamillárum meárum.

For the sake of the faith of chastity, help me, O Lord my God, in the torture of my breasts.

℣ Ipse me dignátus est ab omni plaga curáre, et mamíllam meam meo péctori restitúere.

℣ He was pleased to heal me from every wound, and to restore my breast to my chest.

℟ Propter fidem castitátis ádiuva me, Dómine, Deus meus, in tortúra mamillárum mearum.

℟ For the sake of the faith of chastity, help me, O Lord my God, in the torture of my breasts.

℣ 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

Quo témpore, ingénti terræmótu urbs tota contrémuit, ac duo paríetes, corruéntes, Silvínum et Falcónium íntimos prætóris familiáres oppressérunt. Quare veheménter commóta civitáte, véritus pópuli tumúltum Quintiánus, Agatham semimórtuam clam redúci ímperat in cárcerem. Quæ sic Deum precáta: Dómine, qui me custodísti ab infántia, qui abstulísti a me amórem sæculi, qui me carníficum torméntis superiórem præstitísti, áccipe ánimam meam. Ea in oratióne migrávit in cælum, Nonis Februárii: cuius corpus a Christiánis sepelítur.

At that time, the whole city trembled with a great earthquake, and two collapsing walls crushed Silvinus and Falconius, intimate familiars of the prefect. Therefore, when the city was greatly disturbed, Quinctianus, fearing a tumult of the people, secretly ordered Agatha, half-dead, to be brought back to prison. She thus prayed to God: Lord, who have guarded me from my infancy, who have taken from me the love of the world, who have given me victory over the torments of my torturers, receive my soul. In this prayer she departed to heaven on the Nones of February; and her body was buried by the Christians.

℟ Vidísti, Dómine, et spectásti agónem meum, quómodo pugnávi in stadio; sed, quia nólui obedíre mandátis príncipum,

℟ You have seen, O Lord, and beheld my struggle, how I fought in the arena; but because I refused to obey the commands of the princes,

Iussa sum in mamílla torquéri.

I was ordered to be tortured in the breast.

℣ Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et iustítiam.

℣ For the sake of truth, and meekness, and justice.

℟ Iussa sum in mamílla torquéri.

℟ I was ordered to be tortured in the breast.

℣ 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.

℟ Iussa sum in mamílla torquéri.

℟ I was ordered to be tortured in the breast.

Nocturnus 3

Nocturn 3

Ant. Nisi diligénter * perféceris corpus meum a carnifícibus attrectári, non potest ánima mea in paradísum Dómini cum palma intráre martýrii.

Ant. Unless you allow * my body to be carefully tended after the torturers have mangled it, my soul cannot enter into the Lord's paradise with the palm of martyrdom.

Psalmus 10

Psalm 10

10:2 In Dómino confído: † quómodo dícitis ánimæ meæ: * Tránsmigra in montem sicut passer?
10:3 Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, † paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.
10:4 Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * iustus autem quid fecit?
10:5a Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes eius.
10:5b Óculi eius in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ eius intérrogant fílios hóminum.
10:6 Dóminus intérrogat iustum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.
10:7 Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.
10:8 Quóniam iustus Dóminus, et iustítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus eius.

10:2 I trust in the Lord: how can you say to my soul, * Sojourn to the mountain, like a sparrow?
10:3 For behold, the sinners have bent their bow, they have prepared their arrows in the quiver, * so as to shoot arrows in the dark at the upright of heart.
10:4 For they have destroyed the things that you have completed: * but what has the just one done?
10:5a The Lord is in his holy temple, * the Lord's throne is in heaven.
10:5b His eyes look upon the poor: * his eyelids question the sons of men.
10:6 The Lord questions the just and the impious: * yet he who loves iniquity hates his own soul.
10:7 He will rain down snares upon sinners: * fire and brimstone and windstorms will be the portion of their cup.
10:8 For the Lord is just, and he has chosen justice: * his countenance has beheld equity.

℣ 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. Nisi diligénter perféceris corpus meum a carnifícibus attrectári, non potest ánima mea in paradísum Dómini cum palma intráre martýrii.

Ant. Unless you allow my body to be carefully tended after the torturers have mangled it, my soul cannot enter into the Lord's paradise with the palm of martyrdom.

Ant. Vidísti, Dómine, * agónem meum, quómodo pugnávi in stádio; sed, quia nólui obedíre mandátis príncipum, iussa sum in mamílla torquéri.

Ant. You have seen, O Lord, * my agony, how I fought in the arena; but because I refused to obey the commands of the princes, I was ordered to be tortured in my breast.

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. Vidísti, Dómine, agónem meum, quómodo pugnávi in stádio; sed, quia nólui obedíre mandátis príncipum, iussa sum in mamílla torquéri.

Ant. You have seen, O Lord, my agony, how I fought in the arena; but because I refused to obey the commands of the princes, I was ordered to be tortured in my breast.

Ant. Propter fidem castitátis * iussa sum suspéndi in equúleo: ádiuva me, Dómine, Deus meus, in tortúra mamillárum meárum.

Ant. On account of the faith of chastity * I was ordered to be suspended on the rack: help me, O Lord my God, in the torturing of my breasts.

Psalmus 15

Psalm 15

15:1 Consérva me, Dómine, quóniam sperávi in te. ‡ (2) Dixi Dómino: Deus meus es tu, * quóniam bonórum meórum non eges.
15:3 Sanctis, qui sunt in terra eius, * mirificávit omnes voluntátes meas in eis.
15:4a Multiplicátæ sunt infirmitátes eórum: * póstea acceleravérunt.
15:4b Non congregábo conventícula eórum de sanguínibus, * nec memor ero nóminum eórum per lábia mea.
15:5 Dóminus pars hereditátis meæ, et cálicis mei: * tu es, qui restítues hereditátem meam mihi.
15:6 Funes cecidérunt mihi in præcláris: * étenim heréditas mea præclára est mihi.
15:7 Benedícam Dóminum, qui tríbuit mihi intelléctum: * ínsuper et usque ad noctem increpuérunt me renes mei.
15:8 Providébam Dóminum in conspéctu meo semper: * quóniam a dextris est mihi, ne commóvear.
15:9 Propter hoc lætátum est cor meum, et exsultávit lingua mea: * ínsuper et caro mea requiéscet in spe.
15:10 Quóniam non derelínques ánimam meam in inférno: * nec dabis sanctum tuum vidére corruptiónem.
15:11 Notas mihi fecísti vias vitæ, † adimplébis me lætítia cum vultu tuo: * delectatiónes in déxtera tua usque in finem.

15:1 Keep me, O Lord, for I have hoped in you. ‡ (2) I said to the Lord: You are my God, * for you have no need of my goods.
15:3 To the saints who are in his land, * he has made all my desires wonderful in them.
15:4a Their infirmities have been multiplied: * afterward they made haste.
15:4b I will not gather their gatherings from blood, * nor will I be mindful of their names through my lips.
15:5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my chalice: * it is you who will restore my inheritance to me.
15:6 The lines have fallen for me in splendid places: * for my inheritance is most splendid to me.
15:7 I will bless the Lord, who has given me understanding: * moreover even to the night my reins have instructed me.
15:8 I set the Lord always before me: * for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved.
15:9 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced: * moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.
15:10 For you will not abandon my soul to hell: * nor will you give your holy one to see corruption.
15:11 You have made known to me the ways of life, † you will fill me with joy with your countenance: * delights at your right hand even to the end.

℣ 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. Propter fidem castitátis iussa sum suspéndi in equúleo: ádiuva me, Dómine, Deus meus, in tortúra mamillárum meárum.

Ant. On account of the faith of chastity I was ordered to be suspended on the rack: help me, O Lord my God, in the torturing of my breasts.

℣ Elégit eam Deus, et præelégit eam.

℣ God has chosen her and has chosen her before all others.

℟ In tabernáculo suo habitáre facit eam.

℟ He makes her dwell in his tabernacle.

℣ 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 8:4-15

In illo témpore: Cum autem turba plúrima convenírent, et de civitátibus properárent ad Iesum, dixit per similitúdinem: Exiit qui séminat, semináre semen suum. Et réliqua.

Homilía sancti Gregórii Papæ

At that time: When a very great crowd was gathering together and hastening to Jesus from the cities, he spoke using a comparison: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed.’ And so forth.

A Homily of Saint Gregory the Pope

Homilia 15 in Evangelia

Léctio sancti Evangélii, quam modo, fratres caríssimi, audístis, expositióne non índiget, sed admonitióne. Quam enim per semetípsam Véritas expósuit, hanc discútere humána fragílitas non præsúmat. Sed est quod sollícite in hac ipsa expositióne Domínica pensáre debeámus: quia si nos vobis semen verbum, agrum mundum, vólucres dæmónia, spinas divítias significáre dicerémus ad credéndum nobis mens fórsitan vestra dubitáret. Unde et idem Dóminus per semetípsum dignátus est expónere quod dicébat, ut sciátis rerum significatiónes quǽrere in iis étiam, quæ per semetípsum nóluit explanáre.

The reading of the holy Gospel which you have just heard, dearest brethren, needs no exposition, but admonition. For what Truth has expounded by its very own words, let not human frailty presume to discuss. Yet there is something in this very exposition of the Lord that we ought carefully to weigh: for if we were ourselves to tell you that the seed is the word, the field the world, the birds demons, and the thorns riches, your minds might perhaps hesitate to believe us. For this reason the Lord himself deigned to explain what he was saying, so that you might know how to seek the meaning of things even in those matters which he chose not to explain himself.

℟ Beáta Agatha, ingréssa cárcerem, expándit manus suas ad Deum, et dixit: Dómine, qui me fecísti víncere torménta carníficum,

℟ Blessed Agatha, entering the prison, spread out her hands to God, and said: O Lord, who made me conquer the torments of the executioners,

Iube me ad tuam misericórdiam perveníre.

Grant that I may come to your mercy.

℣ Dómine, qui me creásti, et tulísti a me amórem sæculi, qui corpus meum a pollutióne separásti.

℣ O Lord, who created me, and took from me the love of the world, and separated my body from defilement.

℟ Iube me ad tuam misericórdiam perveníre.

℟ Grant that I may come to your mercy.

℣ 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

Exponéndo ergo quod dixit, figuráte se loqui innótuit: quátenus certos nos rédderet, cum vobis nostra fragílitas verbórum illíus figúras aperíret. Quis enim mihi umquam créderet, si spinas divítias interpretári voluíssem? máxime cum illæ pugnant, istæ deléctent. Et tamen spinæ sunt, quia cogitatiónum suárum punctiónibus mentem lácerant: et cum usque ad peccátum pértrahunt, quasi inflícto vúlnere cruéntant. Quas bene hoc in loco, álio Evangelísta testánte, nequáquam Dóminus divítias, sed falláces divítias appéllat.

In expounding, therefore, what he said, he made it known that he spoke figuratively: so as to make us certain, while our feeble understanding opens for you the figures of his words. For who would ever have believed me, if I had wished to interpret thorns as riches? Especially since thorns wound while riches delight. And yet they are thorns, because by the pricks of their thoughts they lacerate the mind; and when they drag it down to sin, they, as it were, wound it and make it bleed. These are rightly called by the Lord in another Gospel, not riches, but deceitful riches.

℟ Medicínam carnálem córpori meo numquam exhíbui, sed hábeo Dóminum Iesum Christum,

℟ I never applied bodily medicine to my body, but I have the Lord Jesus Christ,

Qui solo sermóne restáurat univérsa.

Who by his word alone restores all things.

℣ Qui me dignátus est ab omni plaga curáre, et mamíllam meam meo péctori restitúere, ipsum ínvoco Deum vivum.

℣ He who has deigned to heal me from every wound, and to restore my breast to my chest, him I invoke, the living God.

℟ Qui solo sermóne restáurat univérsa.

℟ Who by his word alone restores all things.

℣ 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.

℟ Qui solo sermóne restáurat univérsa.

℟ Who by his word alone restores all things.

℣ 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

Falláces enim sunt, quæ nobíscum diu permanére non possunt: falláces sunt, quæ mentis nostræ inópiam non expéllunt. Solæ autem divítiæ veræ sunt, quæ nos dívites virtútibus fáciunt. Si ergo, fratres caríssimi, esse dívites cúpitis, veras divítias amáte. Si culmen veri honóris quæritis, ad cæléste regnum téndite. Si glóriam dignitátum dilígitis, in illa supérna Angelórum cúria adscríbi festináte. Verba Dómini, quæ aure percípitis, mente retinéte. Cibus enim mentis est sermo Dei: et quasi accéptus cibus stómacho languénte reiícitur, quando audítus sermo in ventre memóriæ non tenétur. Sed quisquis aliménta non rétinet, huius profécto vita desperátur.

For those things are deceptive which cannot remain with us for long; deceptive are those things which do not drive away the poverty of our mind. But the only true riches are those which make us rich in virtues. If therefore, dearest brothers, you desire to be rich, love true riches. If you seek the summit of true honor, press on toward the heavenly kingdom. If you love the glory of dignities, make haste to be enrolled in that celestial court of Angels. Hold in your mind the words of the Lord which you receive through your ears. For the word of God is the food of the mind; and just as food received is rejected by a languishing stomach, so a word that has been heard is not retained in the belly of memory. But whoever does not hold fast to his nourishment, his life is surely without hope.

℟ Cum turba plúrima convenírent ad Iesum, et de civitátibus properárent ad eum, dixit per similitúdinem:

℟ When a very great crowd was coming together to Jesus, and people were hastening to him from the cities, he spoke by way of parable:

Exiit qui séminat, semináre semen suum.

A sower went out to sow his seed.

℣ Et dum séminat, áliud cécidit in terram bonam, et ortum fecit fructum céntuplum.

℣ And as he sowed, some fell on good ground and brought forth fruit a hundredfold.

℟ Exiit qui séminat, semináre semen suum.

℟ A sower went out to sow his seed.

℣ 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.

℟ Exiit qui séminat, semináre semen suum.

℟ A sower went out to sow his seed.