This Sunday's Gospel

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Commemoration of St Thomas the Apostle

Station at the church of the Twelve Apostles

Indulgence of 15 years and 15 quarantines

Privileged Sunday of the Second Class, Semi double

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios

1 Cor iv. 1-5

Fratres: Sic nos exístimet homo ut minístros Christi, et dispensatóres mysteriórum Dei. Hic iam quǽritur inter dispensatóres, ut fidélis quis inveniátur. Mihi autem pro mínimo est, ut a vobis iúdicer aut ab humano die: sed neque meípsum iudico. Nihil enim mihi cónscius sum: sed non in hoc iustificátus sum: qui autem iúdicat me, Dóminus est. Itaque nolíte ante tempus iudicáre, quoadúsque véniat Dóminus: qui et illuminábit abscóndita tenebrárum, et manifestábit consília córdium: et tunc laus erit unicuique a Deo.
R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

1 Cor iv. 1-5

Brethren: Let a man so account us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now here it is required in stewards that a man be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small matter to be judged by you or by man’s tribunal. Nay I do not even judge my own self. For I have nothing on my conscience, yet I am not thereby justified; but he who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, pass no judgment before the time, until the Lord comes, Who will both bring to light the things hidden in darkness and make manifest the counsels of hearts; and then everyone will have his praise from God.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Luc 3:1-6

Anno quintodécimo impérii Tibérii Cǽsaris, procuránte Póntio Piláto Iudǽam, tetrárcha autem Galilǽæ Heróde, Philíppo autem fratre eius tetrárcha Iturǽæ et Trachonítidis regionis, et Lysánia Abilínæ tetrárcha, sub princípibus sacerdotum Anna et Cáipha: factum est verbum Domini super Ioannem, Zacharíæ filium, in deserto. Et venit in omnem regiónem Iordánis, prǽdicans baptísmum pæniténtiæ in remissiónem peccatórum, sicut scriptum est in libro sermónum Isaíæ Prophétæ: Vox clamántis in desérto: Paráte viam Dómini: rectas fácite sémitas eius: omnis vallis implébitur: et omnis mons et collis humiliábitur: et erunt prava in dirécta, et áspera in vias planas: et vidébit omnis caro salutáre Dei.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ✠ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Luc 3:1-6

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of the district of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the desert, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked ways shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth; and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.’

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

The central event in the history of the world is about to take place. In accordance with Isias’ prophecy St. John the Baptist is about to introduce the Messias to the world, and it is of the first importance to determine the historic moment when this took place.

St Andrew Daily Missal; with Vespers for Sunday and Feasts, Dom Gaspar Lefebvre OSB of the Abbey of S. André, Liturgical Apostolate, St André-near-Bruges (Belgium), 1940/47, p. 118.

Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity of Our Lord

Semi-Double

White Vestments

Lectio

Lectio Epístolæ beati Pauli Apostoli ad Gálatas

Gal iv. 1-7

Fratres: Quanto témpore heres párvulus est, nihil differt a servo, cum sit dóminus ómnium: sed sub tutóribus et actóribus est usque ad præfinítum tempus a patre: ita et nos, cum essémus párvuli, sub eleméntis mundi erámus serviéntes. At ubi venit plenitúdo témporis, misit Deus Fílium suum, factum ex mulíere, factum sub lege, ut eos, qui sub lege erant, redímeret, ut adoptiónem filiórum reciperémus. Quóniam autem estis fílii, misit Deus Spíritum Fílii sui in corda vestra, clamántem: Abba, Pater. Itaque iam non est servus, sed fílius: quod si fílius, et heres per Deum.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Galatians

Gal iv. 1-7

Brethren: As long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the master of all; but he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. So we too, when we were children, were enslaved under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So that He is no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, an heir also through God.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Luke ii. 33-40

In illo témpore: Erat Ioseph et Maria Mater Iesu, mirántes super his quæ dicebántur de illo. Et benedíxit illis Símeon, et dixit ad Maríam Matrem eius: Ecce, pósitus est hic in ruínam et in resurrectiónem multórum in Israël: et in signum, cui contradicétur: et tuam ipsíus ánimam pertransíbit gládius, ut reveléntur ex multis córdibus cogitatiónes. Et erat Anna prophetíssa, fília Phánuel, de tribu Aser: hæc procésserat in diébus multis, et víxerat cum viro suo annis septem a virginitáte sua. Et hæc vídua usque ad annos octogínta quátuor: quæ non discedébat de templo, ieiúniis et obsecratiónibus sérviens nocte ac die. Et hæc, ipsa hora supervéniens, confitebátur Dómino, et loquebátur de illo ómnibus, qui exspectábant redemptiónem Israël. Et ut perfecérunt ómnia secúndum legem Dómini, revérsi sunt in Galilaeam in civitátem suam Názareth. Puer autem crescébat, et confortabátur, plenus sapiéntia: et grátia Dei erat in illo.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Luke ii. 33-40

At that time, Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus were marvelling at the things spoken concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted. And your own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. There was also Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, and by herself as a widow to eighty-four years. She never left the temple, with fastings and prayers worshipping night and day. And coming up at that very hour, she began to give praise to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had fulfilled all things as prescribed in the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, into their own town of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong. He was full of wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Today’s liturgy admirably complete the teaching of Christmas. The Son of God has come into the world to redeem us to make us sons of God (Epistle). He will be the sign of contradiction which shall be set free for the fall and resurrection of many in Israel (Gospel).

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day in the year; Introduction and liturgical notes by Abbot Cabrol OSB, sixteenth edition, revised and brought up to date by the Benedictines of Quarr Abbey, The Talbot Press, Dublin, 1957, pp 55-57.

The sacred liturgy in revealing to us the supernatural Sonship of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which affects our souls mores especially at this time of Christmas, makes the Divinity under the aspect of Fatherhood resplendent in our eyes.

The Universal Daily Missal by Sylvester P. Juergens, S.M., Doctor of Sacred Theology, Washbourne Quinlan Ltd, Dublin, 1966, p 100.

Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Double of the second class
White Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Actuum Apostolorum

Act iv. 8 - 12

In diébus illis: Petrus, replétus Spíritu Sancto, dixit: Príncipes pópuli et senióres, audíte: Si nos hódie dijudicámur in benefácto hóminis infírmi, in quo iste salvus factus est, notum sit ómnibus vobis et omni plebi Israël: quia in nómine Dómini nostri Jesu Christi Nazaréni, quem vos crucifixístis, quem Deus suscitávit a mórtuis, in hoc iste astat coram vobis sanus. Hic est lapis, qui reprobátus est a vobis ædificántibus: qui factus est in caput ánguli: et non est in alio áliquo salus. Nec enim aliud nomen est sub cœlo datum homínibus, in quo opórteat nos salvos fíeri.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the Acts of the Apostles

Act iv. 8 - 12

In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, Rulers of the people and elders, if we are on trial today about a good work done to a cripple, as to how this man has been cured, be it known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, Whom God has raised from the dead, even in this Name does he stand here before you, sound. This is ‘The stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’ Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Luc ii. 21

In illo témpore: Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur Puer: vocátum est nomen ejus Jesus, quod vocátum est ab Angelo, priúsquam in útero conciperétur.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given Him by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Matt. xxiv. 15-35

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Devotion to the Holy Name was preached by St. Bernardine of Siena (fifteenth century) and was spread by his brethren of the Franciscan Order. A special feast in its honour was established for the Universal Church by Innocent XII in 1721, and affixed to Sunday by Pius X. If there is no Sunday between the Circumcision and Epiphany, the Feast is to be celebrated on January 2nd.

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day of the year, conforming with the latest decrees of the Holy See, edited by an Irish bishop, with supplements for Ireland and other English speaking countries, Dublin, M.H. Gill and Son, Ltd., 1938, p. 168.

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Commemoration of the Chair of St Peter in Rome

Semi-double

Green Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Romános

Rom XII. 6-16

Fratres: Habéntes donatiónes secúndum grátiam, quæ data est nobis, differéntes: sive prophétiam secúndum ratiónem fídei, sive ministérium in ministrándo, sive qui docet in doctrína, qui exhortátur in exhortándo, qui tríbuit in simplicitáte, qui præest in sollicitúdine, qui miserétur in hilaritáte. Diléctio sine simulatióne. Odiéntes malum, adhæréntes bono: Caritáte fraternitátis ínvicem diligéntes: Honóre ínvicem præveniéntes: Sollicitúdine non pigri: Spíritu fervéntes: Dómino serviéntes: Spe gaudéntes: In tribulatióne patiéntes: Oratióni instántes: Necessitátibus sanctórum communicántes: Hospitalitátem sectántes. Benedícite persequéntibus vos: benedícite, et nolíte maledícere. Gaudére cum gaudéntibus, flere cum fléntibus: Idípsum ínvicem sentiéntes: Non alta sapiéntes, sed humílibus consentiéntes.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Romans

Rom XII. 6-16

Brethren: We have gifts differing according to the grace that has been given us, such as prophecy to be used according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, in ministering; or he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhorting; he who gives, in simplicity; he who presides, with carefulness; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without pretense. Hate what is evil, hold to what is good. Love one another with honor. Be not slothful in zeal; be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope. Be patient in tribulation, persevering in prayer. Share the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be of one mind towards one another. Do not set your mind on high things but condescend to the lowly.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Ioánnem..

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Ioann II. 1-11

In illo témpore: Núptiæ factæ sunt in Cana Galilaeæ: et erat Mater Iesu ibi. Vocátus est autem et Iesus, et discípuli eius ad núptias. Et deficiénte vino, dicit Mater Iesu ad eum: Vinum non habent. Et dicit ei Iesus: Quid mihi et tibi est, mulier? nondum venit hora mea. Dicit Mater eius minístris: Quodcúmque díxerit vobis, fácite. Erant autem ibi lapídeæ hýdriæ sex pósitæ secúndum purificatiónem Iudæórum, capiéntes síngulæ metrétas binas vel ternas. Dicit eis Iesus: Implete hýdrias aqua. Et implevérunt eas usque ad summum. Et dicit eis Iesus: Hauríte nunc, et ferte architriclíno. Et tulérunt. Ut autem gustávit architriclínus aquam vinum fáctam, et non sciébat unde esset, minístri autem sciébant, qui háuserant aquam: vocat sponsum architriclínus, et dicit ei: Omnis homo primum bonum vinum ponit: et cum inebriáti fúerint, tunc id, quod detérius est. Tu autem servásti bonum vinum usque adhuc. Hoc fecit inítium signórum Iesus in Cana Galilaeæ: et manifestávit glóriam suam, et credidérunt in eum discípuli eius.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to John

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

John II. 1-11

At that time, a marriage took place at Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now Jesus too was invited to the marriage, and also His disciples. And the wine having run short, the mother of Jesus said to Him, They have no wine. And Jesus said to her, What would you have me do, woman? My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the attendants, Do whatever He tells you. Now six stone water-jars were placed there, after the Jewish manner of purification, each holding two or three measures. Jesus said to them, Fill the jars with water. And they filled them to the brim. And Jesus said to them, Draw out now, and take to the chief steward. And they took it to him. Now when the chief steward had tasted the water after it had become wine, not knowing whence it was - though the attendants who had drawn the water knew, - the chief steward called the bridegroom, and said to him, Every man at first sets forth the good wine, and when they have drunk freely, then that which is poorer. But you have kept the good wine until now. This first of His signs Jesus worked at Cana of Galilee; and He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Our Lord at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee graciously worked the miracle of changing water into wine prompted by Mary, His mother. This establishes Mary, the mother of God, as our Mediatrix.

Saint Joseph Daily Missal: The Official Prayers of the Catholic Church for the Celebration of Daily Mass, in accordance with the latest Vatican edition of Missale Romanum, Edited by Hugo H. Hoever S.O.Cist., Ph.D, Introduction by Rev. Richard Kugelman C.P. S.T.L., S.S.L in according the New Code of Rubrics, New Edition 1963. p. 70.

Third Sunday after Epiphany

Commemoration of the Conversion of St Paul

Semi-Double

Green Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Romános

Rom xii. 16-21

Fratres: Nolíte esse prudéntes apud vosmetípsos: nulli malum pro malo reddéntes: providéntes bona non tantum coram Deo, sed étiam coram ómnibus homínibus. Si fíeri potest, quod ex vobis est, cum ómnibus homínibus pacem habéntes: Non vosmetípsos defendéntes, caríssimi, sed date locum iræ. Scriptum est enim: Mihi vindícta: ego retríbuam, dicit Dóminus. Sed si esuríerit inimícus tuus, ciba illum: si sitit, potum da illi: hoc enim fáciens, carbónes ignis cóngeres super caput eius. Noli vinci a malo, sed vince in bono malum.
R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Romans

Rom xii. 16-21

Brethren: Be not wise in your own conceits. To no man render evil for evil, but provide good things not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as in you, be at peace with all men. Revenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath, for it is written, Vengeance is Mine: I will repay, saith the Lord. But, If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat; if he thirst, give to drink; for by so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthaeum.
R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Matt viii. 1-13

In illo témpore: Cum descendísset Iesus de monte, secútæ sunt eum turbæ multæ: et ecce, leprósus véniens adorábat eum, dicens: Dómine, si vis, potes me mundáre. Et exténdens Iesus manum, tétigit eum, dicens: Volo. Mundáre. Et conféstim mundáta est lepra eius. Et ait illi Iesus: Vide, némini díxeris: sed vade, osténde te sacerdóti, et offer munus, quod præcépit Móyses, in testimónium illis. Cum autem introísset Caphárnaum, accéssit ad eum centúrio, rogans eum et dicens: Dómine, puer meus iacet in domo paralýticus, et male torquetur. Et ait illi Iesus: Ego véniam, et curábo eum. Et respóndens centúrio, ait: Dómine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur puer meus. Nam et ego homo sum sub potestáte constitútus, habens sub me mílites, et dico huic: Vade, et vadit; et alii: Veni, et venit; et servo meo: Fac hoc, et facit. Audiens autem Iesus, mirátus est, et sequéntibus se dixit: Amen, dico vobis, non inveni tantam fidem in Israël. Dico autem vobis, quod multi ab Oriénte et Occidénte vénient, et recúmbent cum Abraham et Isaac et Iacob in regno coelórum: fílii autem regni eiiciéntur in ténebras exterióres: ibi erit fletus et stridor déntium. Et dixit Iesus centurióni: Vade et, sicut credidísti, fiat tibi. Et sanátus est puer in illa hora.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Matt viii. 1-13

At that time, when Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed Him. And behold, a leper came up and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if You will, You can make me clean. And stretching forth His hand Jesus touched him, saying, I will; be made clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a witness to them. Now when He had entered Capharnaum, there came to Him a centurion who entreated Him, saying, Lord, my servant is lying sick in the house, paralyzed, and is grievously afflicted. Jesus said to him, I will come and cure him. But in answer the centurion said, Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, and have soldiers subject to me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. And when Jesus heard this, He marveled, and said to those who were following Him, Amen I say to you, I have not found such great faith in Israel. And I tell you that many will come from the east and from the west and will feast with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be put forth into the darkness outside; there will be the weeping, and the gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go your way; as you have believed, so be it done to you. And the servant was healed in that hour.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

The centurion asked only one word of Jesus so that his servant could be cured. Jesus’ word will likewise heal our souls if we approach Him with faith and humility.

Saint Joseph Daily Missal: The Official Prayers of the Catholic Church for the Celebration of Daily Mass, Completely Revised Edition Including New Mass Rubrics and the Holy Week Liturgy, Edited by Hugo H. Hoever S.O.Cist., Ph.D, Introduction by Rev. Richard Kugelman C.P. S.T.L., S.S.L in according the New Code of Rubrics, New Edition 1963. p. 101.

Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Commemoration of the Feast of St Brigid

Semi-Double

Green Vestments

From as early as the fourth century, the Church has celebrated on this day the most ancient feasts of Our Lady, to commemorate her ritual Purification and the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. The feast has been celebrated with the blessing and procession of candles to signify that Christ has come as the light of the world.

TheRoman Missal in Latin and English for every day of the year, conforming with the latest decrees of the Holy See, edited by an Irish bishop, with supplements for Ireland and other English speaking countries, Dublin, M.H. Gill and Son, Ltd., 1938, p. 828.

By means of a parable, our Lord teaches us about the mystery of iniquity(as St Paul calls it): the weeds growing unchecked among the weeds. Not long before the day of judgement will the weeds be rooted up; inthe Church on earth both saints and sinners are living side by side.

Even the humblest object such as a candle, may serve as a symbol of the most high, of the most holy. It represents Christ the divine light, 'a light of revelation to the gentiles and the people of Israel.'

The St Jerome Sunday Missal with Liturgical Commentary, edited byThomas B. McDonough, S.T.L, J.D. & Joseph Marren MA, p 299,London 1965, p. 277.

Sexagesima Sunday

Commemoration of St John of Matha

STATION AT ST. PAUL-WITHOUT-THE-WALLS

Semi-double Privilege of the Second Class

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios

1 Cor xi. 19-33; xii. 1-9

Fratres: Libénter suffértis insipiéntens: cum sitis ipsi sapiéntes. Sustinétis enim, si quis vos in servitútem rédigit, si quis dévorat, si quis áccipit, si quis extóllitur, si quis in fáciem vos cædit. Secúndum ignobilitátem dico, quasi nos infírmi fuérimus in hac parte. In quo quis audet, - in insipiéntia dico - áudeo et ego: Hebraei sunt, et ego: Israelítæ sunt, et ego: Semen Abrahæ sunt, et ego: Minístri Christi sunt, - ut minus sápiens dico - plus ego: in labóribus plúrimis, in carcéribus abundántius, in plagis supra modum, in mórtibus frequénter. A Judaeis quínquies quadragénas, una minus, accépi. Ter virgis cæsus sum, semel lapidátus sum, ter naufrágium feci, nocte et die in profúndo maris fui: in itinéribus sæpe, perículis flúminum, perículis latrónum, perículis ex génere, perículis ex géntibus, perículis in civitáte, perículis in solitúdine, perículis in mari, perículis in falsis frátribus: in labóre et ærúmna, in vigíliis multis, in fame et siti, in jejúniis multis, in frigóre et nuditáte: præter illa, quæ extrínsecus sunt, instántia mea cotidiána, sollicitúdo ómnium Ecclesiárum. Quis infirmátur, et ego non infírmor? quis scandalizátur, et ego non uror? Si gloriári opórtet: quæ infirmitátis meæ sunt, gloriábor. Deus et Pater Dómini nostri Jesu Christi, qui est benedíctus in saecula, scit quod non méntior. Damásci præpósitus gentis Arétæ regis, custodiébat civitátem Damascenórum, ut me comprehénderet: et per fenéstram in sporta dimíssus sum per murum, et sic effúgi manus ejus. Si gloriári opórtet - non éxpedit quidem, - véniam autem ad visiónes et revelatiónes Dómini. Scio hóminem in Christo ante annos quatuórdecim, - sive in córpore néscio, sive extra corpus néscio, Deus scit - raptum hujúsmodi usque ad tértium coelum. Et scio hujúsmodi hóminem, - sive in córpore, sive extra corpus néscio, Deus scit:- quóniam raptus est in paradisum: et audivit arcána verba, quæ non licet homini loqui. Pro hujúsmodi gloriábor: pro me autem nihil gloriábor nisi in infirmitátibus meis. Nam, et si volúero gloriári, non ero insípiens: veritátem enim dicam: parco autem, ne quis me exístimet supra id, quod videt in me, aut áliquid audit ex me. Et ne magnitúdo revelatiónem extóllat me, datus est mihi stímulus carnis meæ ángelus sátanæ, qui me colaphízet. Propter quod ter Dóminum rogávi, ut discéderet a me: et dixit mihi: Súfficit tibi grátia mea: nam virtus in infirmitáte perfícitur. Libénter ígitur gloriábor in infirmitátibus meis, ut inhábitet in me virtus Christi.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Romans

1 Cor xi. 19-33; xii. 1-9

Brethren: You gladly put up with fools, because you are wise yourselves! For you suffer it if a man enslaves you, if a man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man is arrogant, if a man slaps your face! I speak to my own shame, as though we had been weak. But wherein any man is bold - I am speaking foolishly - I also am bold. Are they Hebrews? So am I! Are they Israelites? So am I! Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I! Are they ministers of Christ? I - to speak as a fool - am more: in many more labors, in prisons more frequently, in lashes above measure, often exposed to death. From the Jews five times I received forty lashes less one. Thrice I was scourged, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I was adrift on the sea; in journeyings often, in perils from floods, in perils from robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren; in labor and hardships, in many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Besides those outer things, there is my daily pressing anxiety, the care of all the churches! Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not inflamed? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, Who is blessed forevermore, knows that I do not lie. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me, but I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands. If I must boast - it is not indeed expedient to do so - but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows that he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words that man may not repeat. Of such a man I will boast; but of myself I will glory in nothing save in my infirmities. For if I do wish to boast, I shall not be foolish; for I shall be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should reckon me beyond what he sees in me or hears from me. And lest the greatness of the revelations should puff me up, there was given me a thorn for the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me. Concerning this I thrice besought the Lord that it might leave me. And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for strength is made perfect in weakness. Gladly therefore I will glory in my infirmities, that the strength of Christ may dwell in me.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Luc viii. 4-15

In illo témpore: Cum turba plúrima convenírent, et de civitátibus properárent ad Jesum, dixit per similitúdinem: Exiit, qui séminat, semináre semen suum: et dum séminat, áliud cécidit secus viam, et conculcátum est, et vólucres coeli comedérunt illud. Et áliud cécidit supra petram: et natum áruit, quia non habébat humórem. Et áliud cécidit inter spinas, et simul exórtæ spinæ suffocavérunt illud. Et áliud cécidit in terram bonam: et ortum fecit fructum céntuplum. Hæc dicens, clamábat: Qui habet aures audiéndi, audiat. Interrogábant autem eum discípuli ejus, quæ esset hæc parábola. Quibus ipse dixit: Vobis datum est nosse mystérium regni Dei, céteris autem in parábolis: ut vidéntes non videant, et audientes non intéllegant. Est autem hæc parábola: Semen est verbum Dei. Qui autem secus viam, hi sunt qui áudiunt: déinde venit diábolus, et tollit verbum de corde eórum, ne credéntes salvi fiant. Nam qui supra petram: qui cum audierint, cum gáudio suscipiunt verbum: et hi radíces non habent: qui ad tempus credunt, et in témpore tentatiónis recédunt. Quod autem in spinas cécidit: hi sunt, qui audiérunt, et a sollicitudínibus et divítiis et voluptátibus vitæ eúntes, suffocántur, et non réferunt fructum. Quod autem in bonam terram: hi sunt, qui in corde bono et óptimo audiéntes verbum rétinent, et fructum áfferunt in patiéntia.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Luke viii. 4-15

At that time, when a very great crowd was gathering together and men from every town were resorting to Jesus. He said in a parable: The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air ate it up. And other seed fell upon the rock, and as soon as it had sprung up it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. And other seed fell upon good ground, and sprang up and yielded fruit a hundredfold. As He said these things He cried out, He who has ears to hear, let him hear! But His disciples then began to ask Him what this parable meant, He said to them, To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. And those by the wayside are they who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved. Now those upon the rock are they who, when they have heard, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, but believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among the thorns, these are they who have heard, and as they go their way are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not ripen. But that upon good ground, these are they who, with a right and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bear fruit in patience.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Distrusting our own powers, we should have always perfect confidence in God’s grace which will be ‘sufficient’ for us, if we humbly ask for it. May then the seed of God’s Word, contained in the Scriptures, or sown by the Teaching Church, find a ‘right and good heart’ in us to receive it, that we may bear much fruit in patience.

Saint Joseph Daily Missal: The Official Prayers of the Catholic Church for the Celebration of Daily Mass, Completely Revised Edition Including New Mass Rubrics and the Holy Week Liturgy, Edited by Hugo H. Hoever S.O.Cist., Ph.D, Introduction by Rev. Richard Kugelman C.P. S.T.L., S.S.L in according the New Code of Rubrics, New Edition 1963. p. 116.

The Gospel of today teaches us that God distributes His saving work freely, but not all receive it as they should. The Epistle gives us the glorious example of one who heard the word with a good and perfect heart, and brought forth fruit in patience. St Paul is also mentioned in the Collect.

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day of the year, conforming with the latest decrees of the Holy See, edited by an Irish bishop, with supplements for Ireland and other English speaking countries, Dublin, M.H. Gill and Son, Ltd., 1938, p. 208.

Quinquagesima Sunday

Commemoration of SS Faustinius & Jovita

STATION AT ST. St Peters’

Semi-double Privilege of the Second Class

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios

1 Cor xiii. 1-10.

Fratres: Si linguis hóminum loquar et Angelórum, caritátem autem non hábeam, factus sum velut æs sonans aut cýmbalum tínniens. Et si habúero prophetíam, et nóverim mystéria ómnia et omnem sciéntiam: et si habúero omnem fidem, ita ut montes tránsferam, caritátem autem non habúero, nihil sum. Et si distribúero in cibos páuperum omnes facultátes meas, et si tradídero corpus meum, ita ut árdeam, caritátem autem non habuero, nihil mihi prodest. Cáritas patiens est, benígna est: cáritas non æmulátur, non agit pérperam, non inflátur, non est ambitiósa, non quærit quæ sua sunt, non irritátur, non cógitat malum, non gaudet super iniquitáte, congáudet autem veritáti: ómnia suffert, ómnia credit, ómnia sperat, ómnia sústinet. Cáritas numquam éxcidit: sive prophétiæ evacuabúntur, sive linguæ cessábunt, sive sciéntia destruétur. Ex parte enim cognóscimus, et ex parte prophetámus. Cum autem vénerit quod perféctum est, evacuábitur quod ex parte est. Cum essem párvulus, loquébar ut párvulus, sapiébam ut párvulus, cogitábam ut párvulus. Quando autem factus sum vir, evacuávi quæ erant párvuli. Vidémus nunc per spéculum in ænígmate: tunc autem fácie ad fáciem. Nunc cognósco ex parte: tunc autem cognóscam, sicut et cógnitus sum. Nunc autem manent fides, spes, cáritas, tria hæc: major autem horum est cáritas.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

1 Cor xiii. 1-10.

Brethren: If I should speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, yet do not have charity, I am nothing. And if I distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, yet do not have charity, it profits me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind; charity does not envy, is not pretentious, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, is not self-seeking, is not provoked; thinks no evil, does not rejoice over wickedness, but rejoices with the truth; bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Charity never fails, whereas prophecies will disappear, and tongues will cease, and knowledge will be destroyed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect has come, that which is imperfect will be done away with. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away the things of a child. We see now through a mirror in an obscure manner, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know even as I have been known. So there abide faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Luc. xviii. 31-43

In illo témpore: Assúmpsit Jesus duódecim, et ait illis: Ecce, ascéndimus Jerosólymam, et consummabúntur ómnia, quæ scripta sunt per Prophétas de Fílio hominis. Tradétur enim Géntibus, et illudétur, et flagellábitur, et conspuétur: et postquam flagelláverint, occídent eum, et tértia die resúrget. Et ipsi nihil horum intellexérunt, et erat verbum istud abscónditum ab eis, et non intellegébant quæ dicebántur. Factum est autem, cum appropinquáret Jéricho, cæcus quidam sedébat secus viam, mendícans. Et cum audíret turbam prætereúntem, interrogábat, quid hoc esset. Dixérunt autem ei, quod Jesus Nazarénus transíret. Et clamávit, dicens: Jesu, fili David, miserére mei. Et qui præíbant, increpábant eum, ut tacéret. Ipse vero multo magis clamábat: Fili David, miserére mei. Stans autem Jesus, jussit illum addúci ad se. Et cum appropinquásset, interrogávit illum, dicens: Quid tibi vis fáciam? At ille dixit: Dómine, ut vídeam. Et Jesus dixit illi: Réspice, fides tua te salvum fecit. Et conféstim vidit, et sequebátur illum, magníficans Deum. Et omnis plebs ut vidit, dedit laudem Deo.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Luke xviii. 31-43

At that time, Jesus taking to Himself the Twelve said to them, Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that have been written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and scourged and spit upon; and after they have scourged Him, they will put Him to death; and on the third day He will rise again. And they understood none of these things and this saying was hidden from them, neither did they get to know the things that were being said. Now it came to pass as He drew near to Jericho, that a certain blind man was sitting by the wayside, begging; but hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what this might be. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! And they who went in front angrily tried to silence him. But he cried out all the louder, Son of David, have mercy on me! Then Jesus stopped and commanded that he should be brought to Him. And when he drew near, He asked him, saying, What would you have Me do for you? And he said, Lord, that I may see. And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight, your faith has saved you. And at once he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people upon seeing it gave praise to God.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

It is Jesus who, by the merits of His Passion, is to open the eyes of man as He did those of the blind man of Jericho, and deliver him alike from the bondage of sin and error.

The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, with Vespers for Sundays and Feasts, from the Editio Typica of The Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962, Baronius Press 2015, p. 284.

The Epistle to-day contains St Paul’s wonderful description of charity: the Gospel reveals the greatest motive for love of God – the love God bore us as manifested in and by Christ. He prophesies His death in Jerusalem and He cures the blind man: the cure rouses the admiration of the people, the prophecy not even the Twelve could understand.

To expiate for the excesses committed during the three days of Carnival before Lent, the devotion of the Forty Hours was established and originally celebrated on this day.

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day of the year, conforming with the latest decrees of the Holy See, edited by an Irish bishop, with supplements for Ireland and other English speaking countries, Dublin, M.H. Gill and Son, Ltd., 1938, p. 213.

First Sunday of Lent

STATION AT ST. JOHN LATERAN
(Indulgence of 10 years and 10 quarantines)
Semi-double Privilege of the Second Class

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios
2 Cor vi. 1-10.

Fratres: Exhortámur vos, ne in vácuum grátiam Dei recipiátis. Ait enim: Témpore accépto exaudívi te, et in die salútis adjúvi te. Ecce, nunc tempus acceptábile, ecce, nunc dies salútis. Némini dantes ullam offensiónem, ut non vituperétur ministérium nostrum: sed in ómnibus exhibeámus nosmetípsos sicut Dei minístros, in multa patiéntia, in tribulatiónibus, in necessitátibus, in angústiis, in plagis, in carcéribus, in seditiónibus, in labóribus, in vigíliis, in jejúniis, in castitáte, in sciéntia, in longanimitáte, in suavitáte, in Spíritu Sancto, in caritáte non ficta, in verbo veritátis, in virtúte Dei, per arma justítiæ a dextris et a sinístris: per glóriam et ignobilitátem: per infámiam et bonam famam: ut seductóres et veráces: sicut qui ignóti et cógniti: quasi moriéntes et ecce, vívimus: ut castigáti et non mortificáti: quasi tristes, semper autem gaudéntes: sicut egéntes, multos autem locupletántes: tamquam nihil habéntes et ómnia possidéntes

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson
Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

2 Cor vi. 1-10.

Brethren: We entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says, In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation! We give no offence to anyone, that our ministry may not be blamed. On the contrary, let us conduct ourselves in all circumstances as God’s ministers, in much patience; in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses; in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults; in labours, in sleepless nights, in fastings; in innocence, in knowledge, in long-sufferings; in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unaffected love; in the word of truth, in the power of God; with the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left; in honour and dishonour, in evil report and good report; as deceivers and yet truthful, as unknown and yet well known, as dying, and behold, we live, as chastised but not killed, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet enriching many, as having nothing yet possessing all things.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthaeum.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Matt iv. 1-11

In illo témpore: Ductus est Jesus in desértum a Spíritu, ut tentarétur a diábolo. Et cum jejunásset quadragínta diébus et quadragínta nóctibus, postea esúriit. Et accédens tentátor, dixit ei: Si Fílius Dei es, dic, ut lápides isti panes fiant. Qui respóndens, dixit: Scriptum est: Non in solo pane vivit homo, sed in omni verbo, quod procédit de ore Dei. Tunc assúmpsit eum diábolus in sanctam civitátem, et státuit eum super pinnáculum templi, et dixit ei: Si Fílius Dei es, mitte te deórsum. Scriptum est enim: Quia Angelis suis mandávit de te, et in mánibus tollent te, ne forte offéndas ad lápidem pedem tuum. Ait illi Jesus: Rursum scriptum est: Non tentábis Dóminum, Deum tuum. Iterum assúmpsit eum diábolus in montem excélsum valde: et ostendit ei ómnia regna mundi et glóriam eórum, et dixit ei: Hæc ómnia tibi dabo, si cadens adoráveris me. Tunc dicit ei Jesus: Vade, Sátana; scriptum est enim: Dóminum, Deum tuum, adorábis, et illi soli sérvies. Tunc relíquit eum diábolus: et ecce, Angeli accessérunt et ministrábant ei.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Matt iv. 1-11

At that time, Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit, to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread. But He answered and said, It is written, ‘Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’ Then the devil took Him into the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He has given His angels charge concerning You; and upon their hands they shall bear You up, lest You dash Your foot against a stone.’ Jesus said to him, It is written further, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. And he said to Him, All these things will I give You, if You will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan, for it is written, ‘The Lord your God shall you worship and Him only shall you serve.’ Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, directly after His baptism, prepared Himself for His public life and mission by a fast of forty days in the desert, which extends from Jericho to the mountains of Judea. Let us prepare ourselves by fast, prayers and works of charity for the solemn Feast of Easter.
The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, with Vespers for Sundays and Feasts, from the Editio Typica of The Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962, Baronius Press 2015, p. 309.

In the most solemn feasts of the year at Rome the Station was held at St John Lateran – the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome. There the solemn opening of Lent is celebrated to-day. The Lesson explains that Lent is a time of grace and inward reformation. The Gospel shows that temptation is not itself a sin, but a trial to be resisted and overcome. All the chants of the Mass are taken from Psalm 90, which proclaims God's care and protection of those who call on Him. The Christian life is a warfare against the powers of evil, as the catechumen is reminded by the exorcism which precede baptism.

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day of the year, conforming with the latest decrees of the Holy See, edited by an Irish bishop, with supplements for Ireland and other English speaking countries, Dublin, M.H. Gill and Son, Ltd., 1938, p. 239.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, directly after His baptism, prepared Himself for His public life and mission by a fast of forty days in the desert, which extends from Jericho to the mountains of Judea. Let us prepare ourselves by fast, prayers and works of charity for the solemn Feast of Easter.

The New Marian Missal for Daily Mass, by Sylvester P. Juergens S.M., Doctor of Sacred Theology, Clery & Co. (1941) Ltd., 1959, p. 159.

Second Sunday of Lent

STATION AT ST. MARY’S IN DOMINICA
(Indulgence of 10 years and 10 quarantines)
Semi-double Privilege of the Second Class

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Thessalonicénses
2 Thess iv. 1-7.

Fratres: Rogámus vos et obsecrámus in Dómino Iesu: ut, quemádmodum accepístis a nobis, quómodo opórteat vos ambuláre et placére Deo, sic et ambulétis, ut abundétis magis. Scitis enim, quæ præcépta déderim vobis Per Dominum Iesum. Hæc est enim volúntas Dei, sanctificátio vestra: ut abstineátis vos a fornicatióne, ut sciat unusquísque vestrum vas suum possidére in sanctificatióne et honóre; non in passióne desidérii, sicut et gentes, quæ ignórant Deum: et ne quis supergrediátur neque circumvéniat in negótio fratrem suum: quóniam vindex est Dóminus de his ómnibus, sicut prædíximus vobis et testificáti sumus. Non enim vocávit nos Deus in immundítiam, sed in sanctificatiónem: in Christo Iesu, Dómino nostro.
R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians

2 Thess iv. 1-7.

Brethren: Even as you have learned from us how you ought to walk to please God - as indeed you are walking - we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus to make even greater progress. For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you abstain from immorality; that every one of you learn how to possess his vessel in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and overreach his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all these things, as we have told you before and have testified. For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthaeum.
R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Matt xvii. 1-9

In illo témpore: Assúmpsit Iesus Petrum, et Iacóbum, et Ioánnem fratrem eius, et duxit illos in montem excélsum seórsum: et transfigurátus est ante eos. Et resplénduit fácies eius sicut sol: vestiménta autem eius facta sunt alba sicut nix. Et ecce, apparuérunt illis Móyses et Elías cum eo loquéntes. Respóndens autem Petrus, dixit ad Iesum: Dómine, bonum est nos hic esse: si vis, faciámus hic tria tabernácula, tibi unum, Móysi unum et Elíæ unum. Adhuc eo loquénte, ecce, nubes lúcida obumbrávit eos. Et ecce vox de nube, dicens: Hic est Fílius meus diléctus, in quo mihi bene complácui: ipsum audíte. Et audiéntes discípuli, cecidérunt in fáciem suam, et timuérunt valde. Et accéssit Iesus, et tétigit eos, dixítque eis: Súrgite, et nolíte timére. Levántes autem óculos suos, néminem vidérunt nisi solum Iesum. Et descendéntibus illis de monte, præcépit eis Iesus, dicens: Némini dixéritis visiónem, donec Fílius hóminis a mórtuis resúrgat.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Matt xvii. 1-9

At that time, Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves, and was transfigured before them. And His face shone as the sun, and His garments became white as snow. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking together with Him. Then Peter addressed Jesus, saying, Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You will, let us set up three tents here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elias. As he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear Him. And on hearing it the disciplines fell on their faces and were exceedingly afraid. And Jesus came near and touched them, and said to them, Arise, and do not be afraid. But lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus cautioned them, saying, Tell the vision to no one, till the Son of Man has risen from the dead.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Originally the Mass of yesterday’s Vigil was celebrated at the end of the Vigil i.e. on Sunday morn. But when the Roman sacramentary was introduced into places which had neither stations nor Vigils, and when the liturgy of a Vigil was transferred to the morning, another Mass and Station were appointed for this Sunday, as in the case of the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Yesterday’s Gospel is repeated, and the Epistle continues the teaching of St. Paul on sanctification. The Station is at one of the oldest churches of our Lady in Rome – under whose patronage newly ordained priests begin their ministry.

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day of the year, conforming with the latest decrees of the Holy See, edited by an Irish bishop, with supplements for Ireland and other English speaking countries, Dublin, M.H. Gill and Son, Ltd., 1938, p. 271.

Third Sunday of Lent

STATION AT ST. LAURENCE-WITHOUT-THE-WALLS
(Indulgence of 10 years and 10 quarantines)
Semi-double Privilege of the First Class

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Ephésios
Eph v. 1-9.

Fratres: Estote imitatores Dei, sicut fílii caríssimi: et ambuláte in dilectióne, sicut et Christus dilexit nos, et tradidit semetipsum pro nobis oblatiónem, et hostiam Deo in odorem suavitátis. Fornicatio autem et omnis immunditia aut avaritia nec nominetur in vobis, sicut decet sanctos: aut turpitudo aut stultiloquium aut scurrilitas, quæ ad rem non pertinet: sed magis gratiárum actio. Hoc enim scitóte intelligentes, quod omnis fornicator aut immundus aut avarus, quod est idolorum servitus, non habet hereditátem in regno Christi et Dei. Nemo vos sedúcat inanibus verbis: propter hæc enim venit ira Dei in filios diffidéntiæ. Nolíte ergo effici participes eórum. Erátis enim aliquando tenebrae: nunc autem lux in Dómino. Ut fílii lucis ambuláte: fructus enim lucis est in omni bonitate et iustítia et veritáte.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson
Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Eph v. 1-9.

Brethren: Be imitators of God, as very dear children and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and delivered Himself up for us an offering and a sacrifice to God to ascend in fragrant odor. But immorality and every uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becomes saints; or obscenity or foolish talk or scurrility, which are out of place; but rather thanksgiving. For know this and understand, that no fornicator, or unclean person, or covetous one - for that is idolatry - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one lead you astray with empty words; for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience. Do not, then, become partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk, then, as children of light, for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and justice and truth.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Luc xi. 14-28

In illo témpore: Erat Iesus eiíciens dæmónium, et illud erat mutum. Et cum eiecísset dæmónium, locútus est mutus, et admirátæ sunt turbæ. Quidam autem ex eis dixérunt: In Beélzebub, príncipe dæmoniórum, éiicit dæmónia. Et alii tentántes, signum de coelo quærébant ab eo. Ipse autem ut vidit cogitatiónes eórum, dixit eis: Omne regnum in seípsum divísum desolábitur, et domus supra domum cadet. Si autem et sátanas in seípsum divísus est, quómodo stabit regnum eius? quia dícitis, in Beélzebub me eiícere dæmónia. Si autem ego in Beélzebub eiício dæmónia: fílii vestri in quo eiíciunt? Ideo ipsi iúdices vestri erunt. Porro si in dígito Dei eiício dæmónia: profécto pervénit in vos regnum Dei. Cum fortis armátus custódit átrium suum, in pace sunt ea, quæ póssidet. Si autem fórtior eo supervéniens vícerit eum, univérsa arma eius áuferet, in quibus confidébat, et spólia eius distríbuet. Qui non est mecum, contra me est: et qui non cólligit mecum, dispérgit. Cum immúndus spíritus exíerit de hómine, ámbulat per loca inaquósa, quærens réquiem: et non invéniens, dicit: Revértar in domum meam, unde exivi. Et cum vénerit, invénit eam scopis mundátam, et ornátam. Tunc vadit, et assúmit septem alios spíritus secum nequióres se, et ingréssi hábitant ibi. Et fiunt novíssima hóminis illíus peióra prióribus. Factum est autem, cum hæc díceret: extóllens vocem quædam múlier de turba, dixit illi: Beátus venter, qui te portávit, et úbera, quæ suxísti. At ille dixit: Quinímmo beáti, qui áudiunt verbum Dei, et custódiunt illud.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Luc xi. 14-28

At that time, Jesus was casting out a devil, and the same was dumb; and when He had cast out the devil, the dumb man spoke. And the crowds marveled. But some of them said, By Beelzebub, the prince of devils, He casts out devils. And others, to test Him, demanded from Him a sign from heaven. But He, seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and house will fall upon house. If, then, Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say that I cast out devils by Beelzebub. Now, if I cast out devils by Beelzebub, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When the strong man, fully armed, guards his courtyard, his property is undisturbed. But if a stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he will take away all his weapons that he relied upon, and will divide his spoils. He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he roams through waterless places in search of rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house which I left.’ And when he has come to it, he finds the place swept. Then he goes and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse that the first. Now it came to pass as He was saying these things, that a certain woman from the crowd lifted up her voice and said to Him, Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts that nursed You. But He said, Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

We see Jesus today in open conflict with Satan and his works. So also during Lent, which is a time when the struggle against the old man is more intense, we should ‘live' as children of the light, performing actions, good, just and true.
The Univeral Daily Missal, Silvester P. Juergens, S.M., Doctor of Sacred Theology, Washbourne Quinlan Ltd, Dublin 1966, p. 221.

Sacred Heart church, Institute of Christ the King, Limerick:

Fourth Sunday of Lent

STATION AT THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS IN JERUSALEM
(Indulgence of 10 years and 10 quarantines)
Semi-double Privilege of the First Class

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Gálatas

Gal iv. 22-31

Fratres: Scriptum est: Quóniam Abraham duos fílios habuit: unum de ancílla, et unum de líbera. Sed qui de ancílla, secúndum carnem natus est: qui autem de líbera, per repromissiónem: quæ sunt per allegóriam dicta. Hæc enim sunt duo testaménta. Unum quidem in monte Sina, in servitútem génerans: quæ est Agar: Sina enim mons est in Arábia, qui coniúnctus est ei, quæ nunc est Ierúsalem, et servit cum fíliis suis. Illa autem, quæ sursum est Ierúsalem, líbera est, quæ est mater nostra. Scriptum est enim: Lætáre, stérilis, quæ non paris: erúmpe, et clama, quæ non párturis: quia multi fílii desértæ, magis quam eius, quæ habet virum. Nos autem, fratres, secúndum Isaac promissiónis fílii sumus. Sed quómodo tunc is, qui secúndum carnem natus fúerat, persequebátur eum, qui secúndum spíritum: ita et nunc. Sed quid dicit Scriptura? Eiice ancillam et fílium eius: non enim heres erit fílius ancíllæ cum fílio líberæ. Itaque, fratres, non sumus ancíllæ fílii, sed líberæ: qua libertáte Christus nos liberávit.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Gal iv. 22-31.

Brethren: It is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a slave-girl and the other by a free woman. And the son of the slave-girl was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman in virtue of the promise. This said by way of allegory. For these are the two covenants: one indeed from Mount Sinai bringing forth children unto bondage, which is Agar. For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia, which corresponds to the present Jerusalem, and is in slavery with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written, Rejoice, O barren one, that do not bear; break forth and cry, you that do not travail; for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that has a husband. Now we, brethren, are the children of the promise, as Isaac was. But as then he who was born according to the flesh, persecuted him who was born according to the spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? Cast out the slave-girl and her son, for the son of the slave-girl shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.Therefore, brethren, we are not children of a slave-girl, but of the free woman - in virtue of the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠ sancti Evangélii secúndum Ioánnem.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Ioann vi. 1-15

In illo témpore: Abiit Iesus trans mare Galilaeæ, quod est Tiberíadis: et sequebátur eum multitúdo magna, quia vidébant signa, quæ faciébat super his, qui infirmabántur. Súbiit ergo in montem Iesus: et ibi sedébat cum discípulis suis. Erat autem próximum Pascha, dies festus Iudæórum. Cum sublevásset ergo óculos Iesus et vidísset, quia multitúdo máxima venit ad eum, dixit ad Philíppum: Unde emémus panes, ut mandúcent hi? Hoc autem dicebat tentans eum: ipse enim sciébat, quid esset factúrus. Respóndit ei Philíppus: Ducentórum denariórum panes non suffíciunt eis, ut unusquísque módicum quid accípiat. Dicit ei unus ex discípulis eius, Andréas, frater Simónis Petri: Est puer unus hic, qui habet quinque panes hordeáceos et duos pisces: sed hæc quid sunt inter tantos? Dixit ergo Iesus: Fácite hómines discúmbere. Erat autem fænum multum in loco. Discubuérunt ergo viri, número quasi quinque mília. Accépit ergo Iesus panes, et cum grátias egísset, distríbuit discumbéntibus: simíliter et ex píscibus, quantum volébant. Ut autem impléti sunt, dixit discípulis suis: Collígite quæ superavérunt fragménta, ne péreant. Collegérunt ergo, et implevérunt duódecim cóphinos fragmentórum ex quinque pánibus hordeáceis, quæ superfuérunt his, qui manducáverant. Illi ergo hómines cum vidíssent, quod Iesus fécerat signum, dicébant: Quia hic est vere Prophéta, qui ventúrus est in mundum. Iesus ergo cum cognovísset, quia ventúri essent, ut ráperent eum et fácerent eum regem, fugit íterum in montem ipse solus.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to John

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

John vi. 1-15

At that time, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias. And there followed Him a great crowd, because they witnessed the signs He worked on those who were sick. Jesus therefore went up the mountain, and sat there with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. When, therefore, Jesus had lifted up His eyes and seen that a very great crowd had come to Him, He said to Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? But He said this to try him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not enough for them, that each one may receive a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Him, There is a young boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many? Jesus then said, Make the people recline. Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore reclined, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, distributed them to those reclining; and likewise the fishes, as much as they wished. But when they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather the fragments that are left over, lest they be wasted. They therefore gathered them up; and they filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. When the people, therefore, had seen the sign which Jesus had worked, they said, This is indeed the Prophet Who is to come into the world. So when Jesus perceived that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king He fled again to the mountain, Himself alone.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

The church today celebrates two feasts, one in honour of Mid-Lent, and therefore grants a respite of joy to encourage the faithful children to persevere. To-day, as in the third Sunday of Advent, rose coloured vestments are allowed, the organ is played and the altar is decorated with flowers. The other feast is in honour of the Cross, the symbol of Redemption. The Empress Helena had brought back to Rome a large portion of the True Cross and placed it in the sanctuary, which is said to be a replica of the great Martyrion in Jerusalem. The liturgy of the Mass refers frequently to the Holy City, which was for all Christian people the symbol of their eternal city and home. The Gospel prepares us for the celebration of the Eucharist.

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day of the year, conforming with the latest decrees of the Holy See, edited by an Irish bishop, with supplements for Ireland and other English speaking countries, Dublin, M.H. Gill and Son, Ltd., 1938, p. 338.

'Laetare, rejoice,' says the Introit. Laetare Sunday offers a rest in the midst of Lenten observance. We are soon to rise again wit Jesus through confession and Easter Communion.

The Universal Daily Missal, Silvester P. Juergens, S.M., Doctor of Sacred Theology, Washbourne Quinlan Ltd, Dublin 1966, p. 249.

Passion Sunday

STATION AT ST PETER
(Indulgence of 10 years and 10 quarantines)
Semi-double Privilege of the First Class

Violet Vestments

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Hebraeos
Heb ix. 11-15

Fratres: Christus assístens Pontifex futurórum bonórum, per ámplius et perféctius tabernáculum non manufáctum, id est, non huius creatiónis: neque per sánguinem hircórum aut vitulórum, sed per próprium sánguinem introívit semel in Sancta, ætérna redemptióne invénta. Si enim sanguis hircórum et taurórum, et cinis vítulæ aspérsus, inquinátos sanctíficat ad emundatiónem carnis: quanto magis sanguis Christi, qui per Spíritum Sanctum semetípsum óbtulit immaculátum Deo, emundábit consciéntiam nostram ab opéribus mórtuis, ad serviéndum Deo vivénti? Et ideo novi Testaménti mediátor est: ut, morte intercedénte, in redemptiónem eárum prævaricatiónum, quæ erant sub prióri Testaménto, repromissiónem accípiant, qui vocáti sunt ætérnæ hereditátis, in Christo Iesu, Dómino nostro.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews

Heb ix. 11-15

Brethren: When Christ appeared as high priest of the good things to come, He entered once for all through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands - that is, not of this creation, - nor again by virtue of blood of goats and calves, but by virtue of His own blood, into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkled ashes of a heifer sanctify the unclean unto the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the Blood of Christ, Who through the Holy Spirit offered Himself unblemished unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And this is why He is mediator of a new covenant, that whereas a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the former covenant, they who have been called may receive eternal inheritance according to the promise, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

R. Thanks be to God.

Evangelium

Sequéntia ✠sancti Evangélii secúndum Ioánnem.

R. Gloria tibi, Domine!

Ioann viii. 46-59

In illo témpore: Dicébat Iesus turbis Iudæórum: Quis ex vobis árguet me de peccáto? Si veritátem dico vobis, quare non créditis mihi? Qui ex Deo est, verba Dei audit. Proptérea vos non audítis, quia ex Deo non estis. Respondérunt ergo Iudaei et dixérunt ei: Nonne bene dícimus nos, quia Samaritánus es tu, et dæmónium habes? Respóndit Iesus: Ego dæmónium non hábeo, sed honorífico Patrem meum, et vos inhonorástis me. Ego autem non quæro glóriam meam: est, qui quærat et iúdicet. Amen, amen, dico vobis: si quis sermónem meum serváverit, mortem non vidébit in ætérnum. Dixérunt ergo Iudaei: Nunc cognóvimus, quia dæmónium habes. Abraham mórtuus est et Prophétæ; et tu dicis: Si quis sermónem meum serváverit, non gustábit mortem in ætérnum. Numquid tu maior es patre nostro Abraham, qui mórtuus est? et Prophétæ mórtui sunt. Quem teípsum facis? Respóndit Iesus: Si ego glorífico meípsum, glória mea nihil est: est Pater meus, qui gloríficat me, quem vos dícitis, quia Deus vester est, et non cognovístis eum: ego autem novi eum: et si díxero, quia non scio eum, ero símilis vobis, mendax. Sed scio eum et sermónem eius servo. Abraham pater vester exsultávit, ut vidéret diem meum: vidit, et gavísus est. Dixérunt ergo Iudaei ad eum: Quinquagínta annos nondum habes, et Abraham vidísti? Dixit eis Iesus: Amen, amen, dico vobis, antequam Abraham fíeret, ego sum. Tulérunt ergo lápides, ut iácerent in eum: Iesus autem abscóndit se, et exívit de templo.

R. Laus tibi, Christe!

S. Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.

Gospel

Continuation ☩of the Holy Gospel according to John

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

John viii. 46-59

At that time, Jesus said to the crowds of the Jews: Which of you can convict Me of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear is that you are not of God. The Jews therefore in answer said to Him, Are we not right in saying that You are a Samaritan, and have a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil, but I honour My Father, and you dishonour Me. Yet, I do not seek My own glory; there is One Who seeks and Who judges. Amen, amen, I say to you, if anyone keep My word, he will never see death. The Jews therefore said, Now we know that You have a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets, and You say, ‘If anyone keep My word he will never taste death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom do You make Yourself? Jesus answered, If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing. It is My Father Who glorifies Me, of Whom you say that He is your God. And you do not know Him, but I know Him. And if I say that I do not know Him, I shall be like you, a liar. But I know Him, and I keep His word. Abraham your father rejoiced that he was to see My day. He saw it and was glad. The Jews therefore said to Him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham? Jesus said to them, Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I am. They therefore took up stones to cast at Him; but Jesus hid Himself, and went out from the temple.

R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

Leaving to His Father the punishment of unbelief and insult, Jesus asserts His innocence and His eternal existence. To Abraham was promised a Saviour. To those who believe and obey Christ, heaven is assured.

The Daily Missal of the Mystical Body, edited by the Maryknoll Fathers, 1961, p. 256.

The last two weeks of Lent which are a more immediate preparation for the feast of Easter have a special character of their own and form a separate liturgical season known as Passiontide.
The psalm Judica me and the Gloria Patri are omitted at Mass, the Preface of the Cross is said and most of the lessons and chants refer directly to the Passion of our Lord. Every day during Holy Week has an important place in liturgy and saints’ feasts are celebrated during these most important days. Special attention ought to be paid to the Messianic psalms, that is, to these psalms which are a direct prophecies of the Messias, also to be lessons of the liturgy which are chosen with particular care.

The Roman Missal in Latin and English for every day in the year. Introduction and liturgical notes by Abbot Cabrol, O.S.B, The Talbot Press, Dublin 1957, p 261-262.

Second Sunday of the Passion or Palm Sunday

Double of the First Class

Lectio

Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Philippénses.

Phil 2:5-11

Fratres: Hoc enim sentíte in vobis, quod et in Christo Iesu: qui, cum in forma Dei esset, non rapínam arbitrátus est esse se æqualem Deo: sed semetípsum exinanívit, formam servi accípiens, in similitúdinem hóminum factus, et hábitu invéntus ut homo. Humiliávit semetípsum, factus oboediens usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis. Propter quod et Deus exaltávit illum: ei donávit illi nomen, quod est super omne nomen: hic genuflectitur ut in nómine Iesu omne genu flectátur coeléstium, terréstrium et inférno rum: et omnis lingua confiteátur, quia Dóminus Iesus Christus in glória est Dei Patris.

R. Deo gratias.

Lesson

Lesson from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians

Phil 2:5 - 11.

Brethren: Have this in mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, though He was by nature God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be clung to, but emptied Himself, taking the nature of a slave and being made like unto men. And appearing in the form of man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even to death on a cross. Therefore God also has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the Name that is above every name, Kneel so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

R. Thanks be to God.

Gospel

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Matt. 26:36-75; 27:1-60.

At that time, Jesus came with them into a country place which is called Gethsemani; and He said to His disciples:
J. Sit you here, till I go yonder and pray.
C. And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grow sorrowful and to be sad. Then He saith to them: J. My soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch with Me.
C. And going a little further, He fell upon His face, praying and saying:
J. My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
C. And He cometh to His disciples, and findeth them asleep. And He saith to Peter: J. What! Could you not watch one hour with Me? Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
C. Again the second time, He went and prayed, saying: J. My Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, Thy will be done.
C. And He cometh again, and findeth them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, He went again and He prayed the third time, saying the self-same word. Then He cometh to His disciples, and saith to them:
J. Sleep ye now and take your rest; behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go; behold, he is at hand that will betray Me.
C. As He yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people. And he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying:
S. Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He; hold Him fast.
C. And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said:
S. Hail, Rabbi.
C. And he kissed Him. And Jesus said to him:
J. Friend, whereto art thou come?
C. Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus, and held Him. And behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword, and striking the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear. Then Jesus saith to him:
J. Put up again thy sword into its place; for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot ask My Father, and He will give Me presently more than twelve legions of Angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done?
C. In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes: J. You are come out, as it were to a robber, with swords and clubs to apprehend Me. I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you laid not hands on Me.
C. Now all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then the disciples, all leaving Him, fled. But they holding Jesus led Him to Caiphas the high priest, where the scribes and the ancients were assembled. And Peter followed Him afar off, even to the court of the high priest. And going in, he sat with the servants, that he might see the end. And the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death. And they found none, whereas many false witnesses had come in. And last of all there came two false witnesses; and they said: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and after three days to rebuild it. And the high priest, rising up, said to Him:
S. Answerest Thou nothing to the things which these witness against Thee?
C. But Jesus held His peace. And the high priest said to Him:
S. I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us if Thou be the Christ the Son of God.
C. Jesus saith to him:
J. Thou hast said it. Nevertheless I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the power of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
C. Then the high priest rent his garments, saying:
S. He hath blasphemed; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy. What think you? C. But they answering, said:
S. He is guilty of death.
C. Then they did spit in His face and buffeted Him; and others struck His face with the palms of their hands, saying: S. Prophesy unto us, O Christ, who is he that struck Thee?
C. But Peter sat without in the court, and there came to him a servant maid, saying:
S. Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean.
C. But he denied it before them all, saying:
S. I know not what thou sayest.
C. And as he went out of the gate, another maid saw him, and she saith to them that were there:
S. This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.
C. And again he denied it with an oath: S. I know not the man.
C. And after a little while, they came that stood by and said to Peter:
S. Surely thou also art one of them; for even thy speech doth discover thee.
C. Then he began to curse and to swear that he knew not the man; and immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the words of Jesus which He had said: before the cock crow, thou wilt deny Me thrice. And going forth, he wept bitterly. And when morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients ofthe people took counsel against Jesus, that they might put Him to death. And they brought Him bound, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, saying: S. I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.
C. But they said: S. What is that to us? Look thou to it.
C. And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself with a halter.
But the chief priests having taken the pieces of silver, said: S. It is not lawful to put them into the corbona, because it is the price of blood. And after they had consulted together, they bought with them the potter's field, to be a burying-place for strangers. For this cause that field was called Haceldama, that is, the field of blood, even to this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel: and they gave them unto the potter's field, as the Lord appointed to me. And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, saying:
S. Art Thou the King of the Jews?
C. Jesus saith to him: J. Thou sayest it.
C. And when He was accused by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing. Then Pilate saith to Him:
S. Dost not Thou hear how great testimonies they allege against Thee? C. And He answered to him never a word, so that the governor wondered exceedingly. Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would. And he had then a notorious prisoner that was called Barabbas. They therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: S. Whom will you that I release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ?
C. For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him. And as he was sitting in the place of judgment his wife sent to him, saying:
S. Have thou nothing to do with that just man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.
C. But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people that they should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. And the governor answering, said to them:
S. Whither will you of the two to be released unto you? C. But they said:
S. Barabbas.
C. Pilate saith to them:
S. What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ?
C. They all call: S. Let Him be crucified.
C. The governor said to them: S. Why, what evil hath He done?
C. But they cried out the more, saying:
S. Let Him be crucified.
C. And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, taking water washed his hands before the people, saying:
S. I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it.
C. And the whole people answering, said: S. His blood be upon us and upon our children.
C. Then he released to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him unto them to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor, taking Jesus into the hall, gathered together unto Him the whole band; and stripping Him they put a scarlet cloak about Him. And platting a crown of thorns they put it upon His head and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the knee before Him, they mocked Him, saying:
S. Hail, King of the Jews.
C. And spitting upon Him, they took the reed and struck His head. And after they had mocked Him, they took off the cloak from Him, and put on Him His own garments, and led Him away to crucify Him. And going out, they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon; him they forced to take up His cross. And they came to the place that is called Golgotha, which is, the place of Calvary. And they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and when He had tasted He would not drink. And after they had crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: They divided My garments among them, and upon my vesture they cast lots. And they sat and watched Him. And they put over His head His cause written: This is Jesus the King of the Jews. Then were crucified with Him two thieves; one on the right hand and one on the left. And they that passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads, and saying:
S. Vah, Thou that destroyest the temple of God and in three days dost rebuild it, save Thine own self. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
C. In like manner also the chief priests with the scribes and ancients, mocking, said:
S. He saved others, Himself He cannot save; if He be the king of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him; He trusted in God, let Him now deliver Him if He will have Him; for He said: I am the Son of God.
C. And the self-same thing the thieves also that were crucified with Him reproached Him with. Now from the sixth hour there was a darkness over the whole earth, until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying:
J. Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani?
C. That is: J. My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?
C. And some that stood there and heard said: S. This man calleth Elias.
C. And immediately one of them running took a sponge and filled it with vinegar and and gave Him to drink. And the others said:
S. Let be; let us see whether Elias will come to deliver Him.
C. And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Here all kneel and pause for a few moments
And behold the veil of the temple was rent in two from top even to the bottom; and the earth quaked and the rocks were rent; and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints that had slept arose, and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, came into the holy city, and appeared to many.
Now the centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that were done, were sore afraid, saying:
S. Indeed this was the Son of God.
C. And there were there many women afar off, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him: among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered. And Joseph taking the body wrapt it up in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new monument, which he had hewed out in a rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the monument and went his way.

During this, the holiest week of the year, Mother Church asks her children to recall with singular devotion, the greatest mystery of our faith 'Jesus, crucified and then has risen' and also Christ instituting the Most Holy Eucharist. In order to make it easier for the faithful to participate in these inspiring and grace-laden ceremonies, Pope Pius XII promulgated the following order for Holy Week.

St Joseph Daily Missal: The Official Prayers of the Catholic Church for the celebration of daily Mass. Rev. Hugo H. Hoever S.O.Cist., Ph.D., 1963. p. 263.