Gospel.
Matthew xxv. 14, 23.
At that time: Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: A
man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered
to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to
another two, and to another one, to every one according to his
proper ability; and immediately he took his journey. And he that
had received the five talents went his way, and traded with the
same, and gained other five. And in like manner he that had
received the two, gained other two. But he that had received the
one, going his way, digged into the earth, and hid his lord's
money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and
reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents,
coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst
deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over
and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful
servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I
will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy
lord. And he also that had received the two talents came and
said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have
gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and
faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the
joy of thy lord.
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
25th March.
Lesson.
Isaiah vii. 10. 16.
In those days: The Lord spoke unto Achaz, saying: Ask thee
a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or
unto the height above.
And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord.
And he said: Hear ye, therefore, O house of David; Is it a small
thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my
God also? Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign.
Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall
be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that he may
know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good.
Gospel.
Luke i. 26, 38.
At that time: The angel Gabriel was sent from God into a
city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man
whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's
name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail
Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou
among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and
thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found
grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt
bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall
be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and
he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom
there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this
be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to
her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the
Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy
which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. And
behold thy cousin Elizabeth she also hath conceived a son in her
old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called
barren: because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary
said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according
to thy word.
SS. Peter and Paul.
29th June.
Lesson.
Acts xii. 1, 11.
In those days: Herod the king stretched forth his hand to
afflict some of the church. And he killed James the brother of
John with the sword. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he
proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of
Azymes. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison,
delivering him to four files of soldiers to be kept, intending
after the pasch to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore
was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the
church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him
forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,
bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the
prison. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him: and a light
shined in the room: and he striking Peter on the side raised him
up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his
hands. And the angel said to him: Gird thyself, and put on thy
sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment
about thee, and follow me. And going out he followed him, and he
knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but
thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and second
ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which
of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through
one street: and immediately the angel departed from him. And
Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed that the
Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand
of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Gospel.
Matthew xvi. 13, 19.
At that time: Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea
Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say
that the Son of man is? But they said: Some, John the Baptist,
and other some, Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the
prophets.
Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter
answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon
Bar-Jona; because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee,
but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art
Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates
of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the
keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind
upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. Credo.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
15th August.
Lesson.
Ecclesiastes xxiv. 11, 20.
I sought rest every where, and I shall abide in the inheritance
of the Lord. Then the Creator of all things gave his orders, and
said to me: and he that made me, rested in my tabernacle, and he
said to me: Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thy inheritance in
Israel, and take root in my elect. From the beginning, and before
the world was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not
cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered
before him. And I was so established in Sion, and in the holy
city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And
I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God
his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.
I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress-tree on
mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm-tree in Cades, and as a
rose plant in Jericho: as a fair olive-tree in the plains, and as
a plane-tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave a
sweet smell like cinnamon, and aromatical balm: like the myrrh I
yielded a sweet odour.
Gospel.
Luke x. 38, 42.
At that time: Jesus entered into a certain town; and a
certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. And she
had a sister called Mary. Who sitting also at the Lord's feet,
heard his word. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood
and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me
alone to serve? Speak to her therefore, that she help me. And the
Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful,
and art troubled about many things. But one thing is necessary.
Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken from
her. Credo.
Feast Of All Saints.
1st November.
Lesson.
Revelation vii. 2, 12.
In those days: Behold
I, John, saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun,
having the sign of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice
to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and
the sea, saying: Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees,
till we have signed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
And I heard the number of them that were signed, an hundred
forty-four thousand were signed, of every tribe of the children
of Israel. Of the tribe of Judah, were twelve thousand signed: Of
the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Gad,
twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand
signed: Of the tribe of Nephtali, twelve thousand signed: Of the
tribe of Manasses, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of
Simeon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Levi, twelve
thousand signed: Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand
signed: Of the tribe of Zebulon, twelve thousand signed: Of the
tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of
Benjamin, twelve thousand signed.
After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of
all nations and tribes, and peoples and tongues; standing before
the throne and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes,
and palms in their hands; and they cried with a loud voice,
saying: Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, and to
the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and
the ancients, and the four living creatures; and they fell down
before the throne upon their faces, and adored God, saying: Amen.
Benediction, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honour, and
power, and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel.
Matthew v. 1, 12.
At that time: Jesus seeing the multitude, went up into a
mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him.
And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: Blessed are the
poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are
the meek; for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that
mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger
and thirst after justice; for they shall have their fill. Blessed
are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the
clean of heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace
makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are
they that suffer persecution for justice sake; for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and
persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you untruly,
for my sake; be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great
in heaven. Credo.
Commemoration of the Faithful departed.
2nd November.
Epistle.
1 Corinthians xv. 51, 57.
Brethren: Behold I tell you a mystery: We shall all indeed
rise again; but we shall not all be changed.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for
the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again
incorruptible; and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must
put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. And
when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass
the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory,
O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?
Now the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the
law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel.
John v. 25, 29.
At that time: Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews:
Amen, amen, I say unto you, that the hour cometh, and now is,
when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they
that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so
he hath given to the Son also to have life in himself: and he
hath given him power to do judgment, because he is the Son of
man. Wonder not at this, for the hour cometh wherein all that are
in the grave shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And they
that have done good things shall come forth unto the resurrection
of life: but they that have done evil unto the resurrection of
judgment.
Common Of Saints.
For The Vigil Of An Apostle,
Which May Be Read On The Festival Day.
Lesson.
Ecclesiastes xliv. and xlv.
The blessing of the Lord is on the head of the righteous man.
Therefore did the Lord give him an inheritance, and assign him a
part among the twelve tribes; and he found grace in the sight of
all flesh. And he made him great to the terror of his enemies,
and by his words he tamed monsters. He rendered him glorious in
the presence of kings, and gave him his commandments in the sight
of his people, and showed him his glory. For his faith and
meekness he sanctified him, and made choice of him among all
flesh: and publicly gave him his precepts, and the law of life
and discipline, and highly exalted him. He settled with him an
eternal covenant, and encompassed him with the girdle of
righteousness: and the Lord hath put on him a crown of glory.
Gospel.
John xv. 12, 16.
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: This is my
commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life
for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I
command you. I will not now call you servants; for the servant
knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends:
because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have
made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you;
and have appointed you that you should go, and should bring forth
fruit: and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall
ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Of a Martyr and Bishop.
Epistle.
James i. 12, 18.
Dearly beloved: Blessed is the man that endureth
temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the
crown of life which God hath promised to them that love him.
Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God.
For God is not a tempter of evils, and he tempteth no man. But
every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away
and allured. Then when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth
forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death. Do not
err therefore, my dearest brethren. Every best gift, and every
perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of
lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration.
For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth,
that we might be some beginning of his creatures.
Gospel.
Luke xiv. 26, 33.
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: If any man come
to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and
children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also,
he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross
and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having
a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the
charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish
it: lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to
finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, saying: This man
began to build, and was not able to finish. Or, what king about
to go and make war against another king, doth not first sit down
and think whether he be able with ten thousand, to meet him that
with twenty thousand cometh out against him. Or else, whilst the
other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions
of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all
that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.
Of a Martyr not a Bishop.
Lesson.
Wisdom x. 10, 14.
The Lord conducted the just man through the right ways, and
showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the
holy things: made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished
his labours.
In the deceit of them that over-reached him, she stood by him,
and made him honourable. She kept him safe from his enemies, and
she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict,
that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than
all. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him
from sinners: she went down with him into the pit, and in bands
she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the
kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and showed
them to be liars that accused him, and gave him everlasting
glory.
Gospel.
Matthew x. 34, 42.
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: Do not think
that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace,
but the sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his
father, and the daughter against her mother, and the
daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies
against they of his own household. He that loveth his father and
mother more than me, is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son
or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh
not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that
findeth his life shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life
for me, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me; and
he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that
receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the
reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name
of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. And
whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup
of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen, I say to you,
he shall not lose his reward.
Of Many Martyrs.
Epistle.
1 Peter i. 3, 7.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who,
according to his great mercy hath regenerated us into a lively
hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an
inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that cannot fade,
reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are kept by
faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein you shall greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a
little time made sorrowful in divers temptations; that the trial
of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the
fire) may be found unto praise, and glory, and honour, at the
appearing of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel.
John xv. 5, 11.
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: I am the vine,
you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same
beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If any one
abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall
wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire,
and he burneth. If you abide in me, and my word abide in you, you
shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you. In
this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much
fruit, and become my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, I
also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my
commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my
Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things
have I spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may
be filled.
Of A Confessor And Bishop.
Lesson and Gospel, as in page 79.
Of A Confessor Not A Bishop.
Lesson.
Ecclesiastes xxxi. 8. 11.
Blessed is the man that is found without blemish; and that hath
not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.
Who is he, and we will praise him, for he hath done wonderful
things in his life. Who hath been tried thereby, and made
perfect, he shall have glory everlasting, He that could have
transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil
things, and hath not done them. Therefore are his goods
established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall
declare his alms.
Gospel.
Luke xii. 35, 40.
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins
be girt, and lamps burning in your hands, and you yourselves like
to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from their
wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him
immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord, when he
cometh, shall find watching: Amen, I say to you, that he will
gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will
minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or
come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those
servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at
what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would
not suffer his house to be broke open. Be you then also ready:
for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.
Of a Virgin And Martyr.
Lesson.
Ecclesiastes li. 1, 8.
I will give glory to thee, O Lord, my King, and I will praise
thee, O God, my Saviour. I will give glory to thy name, for thou
hast been a helper and protector to me, and hast preserved my
body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and
from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them
that stood by, thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered:
me according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from the
roaring lions, that were ready to devour me. Out of the
hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of
afflictions, which compassed me about: from the oppression of the
flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not
burnt. From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean
tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a
slanderous tongue: my soul shall praise the Lord even to death,
because thou succourest those that trust in thee, and deliverest
them from the hands of the Gentiles, O Lord our God.
Gospel.
Matthew xxv. 1, 13.
At that time: Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable:
The kingdom of heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking
their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And
five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish,
having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the
wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom
tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was
a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet
him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And
the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps
are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be
not enough for us and for you, go you rather to them that sell,
and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the
bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to
the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came also the
other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered,
saying: Amen, I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore,
because you know not the day nor the hour.
Of Many Virgins And Martyrs.
Epistle.
1 Corinthians vii. 25, 34.
Brethren: Concerning virgins I have no commandment of the
Lord: but I give counsel, as having obtained mercy of the Lord to
be faithful. I think therefore, that this is good for the present
necessity, for a man so to be. Art thou bound to a wife? seek not
to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But
if thou take a wife, thou hast not sinned. And if a virgin marry,
she hath not sinned: nevertheless, such shall have tribulation of
the flesh.
But I spare you. This therefore I say, brethren: the time is
short: it remaineth, that they also who have wives, be as if they
had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they
that rejoice, as if they rejoiced not: and they that buy, as
though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as if
they used it not: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But
I would have you to be without solicitude. He that is without a
wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how
he may please God. But he that is with a wife, is solicitous for
the things of the world, how he may please his wife; and he is
divided. And the unmarried woman and the virgin thinketh on the
things of the Lord: that she may be holy both in body and spirit,
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel.
Matthew xxv. 1, 13,
as in page 92.
Of a Virgin only.
Epistle.
2 Corinthians x. 17; xi. 1, 2.
Brethren: Let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord: for
not he that commendeth himself is approved; but he whom God
commendeth. [Chap. xi.] Would to God you could bear with
some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of
you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one
husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Gospel.
Matthew xxv. 1, 13,
as in page 92.
Of Holy Women.
Lesson.
Proverbs xxxi. 10.
Who shall find a valiant woman? the price of her is as of
things brought from afar off, and from the uttermost coasts.
The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no
need of spoils. She will render him good and not evil, all the
days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought
by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she
bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night,
and given prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She
hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her
hands she hath planted a vineyard.
She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened
her arm. She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her
lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand
to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle.
She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her
hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold
of snow, for all her domestics are clothed with double garments.
She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry; fine linen and
purple is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates,
where he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine
linen and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chananite.
Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the
latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of
clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well to the paths of
her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose
up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many
daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them
all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of
her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Gospel.
Matthew xiii. 44, 52.
At that time: Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable:
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field.
Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and
selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the
kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who
when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and
sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven
is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all
kinds of fishes. Which, when it was filled they drew out, and
sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but
the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world.
The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among
the just.
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these
things? They say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every
scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man who
is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new
things and old.
Anniversary Mass Of The Dedication Of A Church.
Lesson.
Revelation xxi. 2, 5.
In those days: I John saw the holy city, the new
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a
bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the
throne, saying: Behold the tabernacle of God with men, and he
will dwell with them. And they shall be his people: and God
himself with them shall be their God. And God shall wipe away all
tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more, nor mourning,
nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things
are passed away. And he that sat on the throne said: Behold I
make all things new.
Gospel.
Luke xix. 1, 10.
At that time: Jesus entering in, he walked through
Jericho. And behold there was a man named Zacheus, who was the
chief of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see
Jesus, who he was, and he could not, for the crowd, because he
was low of stature. And running before he climbed up into a
sycamore tree that he might see him: for he was to pass that way.
And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up he saw him, and
said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down: for this day I
must abide in thy house. And he made haste and came down, and
received him with joy. And when all saw it, they murmured,
saying: that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a
sinner. But Zacheus standing said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the
half of my goods I give to the poor: and if I have wronged any
man of any thing, I restore him four-fold. Jesus said to him:
This day is salvation come to this house; because he also is a
son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save
that which was lost. Credo.
For The Dead
On the day of Decease or Burial.
Epistle.
1 Thessalonians iv. 12, 17.
Brethren: We will not have you ignorant concerning them
that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who
have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with
him. For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we
who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not
prevent them who have slept. For the Lord himself shall come down
from heaven with commandment: and with the voice of an archangel,
and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ,
shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be
taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into
the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. Wherefore
comfort ye one another with these words.
Gospel.
John xi. 21, 27.
At that time: Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst
been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that
whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus
saith to her: Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him:
I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last
day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life; he
that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live. And every
one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever.
Believest thou this? She saith to him: Yea, Lord, I have believed
that thou art Christ the Son of the living God, who art come into
this world.
Instructions And Devotions
For Confirmation.
Confirmation is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus
Christ, to enable us to arrive at the state of perfect
Christians, and to strengthen the spiritual life of grace which
we received at baptism. It is called Confirmation, from
its effect, which is to confirm and fortify those
who receive it with the necessary dispositions, in the
possession of the true faith, to arm them against their
spiritual enemies, and to complete and finish in them the
sanctification which baptism had begun. In baptism we receive
the character of the children of God; in confirmation we
receive the strength of men, and the character of the soldiers
of Jesus Christ, says St. Melchiades. In baptism we are
enlisted under the standard of Christ crucified; in
confirmation we are armed with the shield of faith, and enabled
to combat against the devil, the world, and the flesh. In baptism
we are regenerated, and receive the sanctifying grace of God for
the remission of sins; in confirmation we are prepared for a
spiritual warfare, and receive the Holy Ghost for a force and
corroboration, that we may stand firm in the divine service,
for the sake of Christ, with a holy vigour of spirit and
constancy of mind, amidst the terrors of the severest trials
and persecutions.
The effects of this sacrament appear visibly, not only in
thousands of holy martyrs, but also in the apostles, who, after
they had been confirmed on Whitsunday, by the Holy Ghost coming
down upon them, were immediately changed into new men, and were
animated by this Divine Spirit to that degree, that sufferings
for the sweet name of Jesus became the subject of their glory.
It is evident from Acts, viii. and xix., that the apostles
practised confirmation, as a means to communicate the graces
and gifts of the Holy Ghost to the faithful.
It is of confirmation also that St. Paul makes mention, Hebrews
vi. 1, 2, and 2 Corinthians i. 21, 22, where he expressly says:
Now he who confirmeth us with you in Christ, and hath
anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given us the
earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
The testaments of the most ancient writers plainly show, that
the church of God, from the apostles' days, has always believed
confirmation to be a sacrament of the new law, and administered
it as such. Among the rest, St. Clement, a contemporary of the
apostles, says, chap. 4, that he received this doctrine from
St. Peter and other apostles; and therefore he exhorts all,
without delay, to hasten to be signed by the bishop, that they
may receive the seven-fold grace of the Holy Ghost, since he
cannot be a perfect Christian who wilfully neglects this
sacrament. Tertullian, St. Fabian, and St. Melchiades, who
flourished in the second, third, and fourth centuries; St.
Cyprian, St. Jerome, St. Ambrose, &c. have handed down the same
doctrine: and St. Augustine, cont. lit. Petil. 2, c. 104, says
in express terms, "The sacrament of chrism in the kind of
visible seals, is sacred and holy, even as baptism itself."
Moreover, it is plain from the 8th chapter of the Acts of the
Apostles, ver. 14, that the visible sign of the
imposition of hands has annexed to it an invisible
grace, viz. the imparting of the Holy Ghost. Consequently,
confirmation is a sacrament, as it has all things necessary to
constitute a sacrament, and is a visible sign of an
invisible grace, &c.
The ordinary minister of this sacrament is a bishop only; and
it was for this reason that St. Peter and St. John, who were
both bishops, were sent to confirm the Samaritans, who had been
converted and baptised by Philip, the deacon; which is an
additional proof, that confirmation is a holy sacrament, and
not a mere ceremony, as Calvin pretends; for were it only a
ceremony that they had administered, why did not Philip, the
deacon, who baptised the Samaritans, use that ceremony? Where
was the necessity of sending two bishops to Samaria, as the
apostles did?—Acts viii.
As water is made use of in baptism, so chrism is used in
confirmation. Chrism is a sacred ointment, composed of
oil of olives and balsam (or balm) of
Gilead, solemnly blessed by a bishop on Holy Thursday.
The unction, or outward anointing with chrism,
represents the inward anointing of the soul with the gifts of
the Holy Ghost; as the outward ablution with water in baptism,
denotes the inward washing of the soul by the sanctifying grace
of God. The oil, whose properties are to assuage our pains, to
fortify the limbs, and to give a certain vigour to the body,
represents the spiritual effects of the grace of this sacrament
in the soul; and the balm, which is of a sweet smell, and whose
property is to preserve bodies from putrefaction, represents
the good odour or sweet savour of Christian virtues with which
we are to edify our neighbours after having received this
sacrament. The form of words used in conferring this sacrament
is this: I sign thee with the sign of the cross, I confirm
thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Whilst the bishop
pronounces the form, he makes the sign of the cross with the
holy chrism, upon the forehead of each person that is to be
confirmed, to give them to understand, that no worldly fear or
shame is to deter them from confessing Christ crucified; but
that they are openly to profess the doctrines and maxims of his
gospel, and live as becomes members of his church in spite of
the ill example and corrupt maxims of the world. Hence
Tertullian says, lib. 1. adv. Marc. "The flesh is anointed,
that the soul may be consecrated. The flesh is signed, that the
soul may be fenced. The flesh, by the imposition of hands, is
shadowed, that the soul, by the spirit, may be
illuminated."—This is what the bishop prays for, when turning
himself towards those that are to be confirmed, with his hands
joined before his breast, he says, May the Holy Ghost come
down upon you and the power of the Most High keep you from all
sins.—Amen. A little blow is given on the cheek to the
persons confirmed, to imprint in their minds, that they are to
be ready to bear with meekness and patience, all crosses,
persecutions, trials, affronts, and injuries, for the sake and
glory of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. At the same time
the bishop says, Peace be with thee, to signify that the
true peace of God, which, as St. Paul says, exceeds all
understanding, is chiefly to be found in patient suffering
for God and his truths. Lastly, the bishop prays for those who
have been confirmed, that the Holy Ghost may ever dwell in
their hearts, and make them temples of his glory. After which
be dismisses them with his blessing, &c.
Q. Can this sacrament of confirmation be received more than
once?
A. No; because, like baptism, it imprints an indelible
character or spiritual mark in the soul, which always remains.
Q. Is there any spiritual kindred contracted in confirmation?
A. Yes; the godfather or the godmother contracts the same
spiritual kindred as in the sacrament of baptism.
Q. Is confirmation absolutely necessary to salvation?
A. It is not so necessary but that a person may be saved
without it; yet, when a favourable opportunity offers for
receiving it, it would be certainly a sin to neglect so
powerful a help to salvation, and deprive ourselves of the
benefit of this holy sacrament, which our blessed Redeemer was
mercifully pleased of his infinite goodness to institute, as
the never-failing means in his church to communicate his divine
spirit to his followers. It would be a still more grievous
crime to neglect confirmation through contempt, disregard, or
want of faith. It is to a wilful neglect of this sacrament that
the holy fathers attribute the downfall of several apostates
from the true religion.
Q. What kind of persons stand most in need of the grace of this
sacrament?
A. Those who are most exposed to temptations against faith, or
to persecutions upon account of their religion.
Q. At what age may a person be confirmed?
A. Ordinarily speaking, the church does not give confirmation
to children before they are seven years old; but defers it till
they come to the use of reason, and are sufficiently instructed
and prepared. Fathers and mothers should take care to have them
carefully instructed in the Christian doctrine, and regularly
prepared to be presented to the bishop for confirmation at the
proper time, before they have received the Blessed Eucharist.
If their children be lost through ignorance, they shall answer
for it to God.
Q. What are the dispositions necessary for receiving the
sacrament of confirmation worthily?
A. A person must be free from the guilt of mortal sin, and in
the state of grace; for the holy spirit of wisdom will not
enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to
sins.—Wisdom i. 4. He must also be well instructed in the
principles of the Christian faith, according to his age and
capacity, and have a proper sense of what he is doing.
Q. In what manner then must a person prepare himself for
confirmation?
A. First, he must examine his conscience diligently, and if he
find it charged with wilful sin, he must take care to purge it
by a good sacramental confession; for it would be a grievous
sacrilege to presume to receive the sacrament of confirmation,
knowingly in the state of mortal sin.—Secondly, he must
prepare himself some days before by devout and humble prayer,
frequently and fervently calling upon God to dispose his soul
for receiving the Holy Ghost, who communicates his gracious
gifts and favours in proportion to the dispositions with which
they are received.
Q. As confirmation is ordained for the sanctification of souls,
why do not all who receive it become saints?
A. The fault is entirely their own. God on his part is ready to
bestow all the graces necessary to enable them to become saints;
but, alas! how few are disposed to improve and co-operate with
them as they might and ought! How few make the proper use of
them! How many on the contrary resist them, like the
stiff-necked Jews! How many contristate and
extinguish the divine spirit, as the apostle expresses
it! How many banish this heavenly guest from the temple of
their souls by falling into mortal sin, and thus obstruct the
operation of this holy sacrament!
Q. Is a person obliged to receive the sacrament of confirmation
fasting?
A. No. There is no strict obligation or precept for it, though
to fast on the eve and day of confirmation is a laudable
custom, and conformable to the practice of the primitive
church.
Q. Why are the fervent exercises of piety and devotion required
before confirmation?
A. For two reasons: First, because our Saviour has assured us
that his heavenly Father will give his good spirit to them
that ask it.—Luke, xi. 13. Secondly, in imitation of the
apostles, who, during the ten days between the ascension of our
Lord and the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, retired from
the noise and tumults of the world, and continued with one accord
in prayer, with Mary the Mother of Jesus, and with his
brethren.—Acts, i. 14.
Q. Why are we to invoke the Holy Ghost in particular?
A. Not that we are to neglect praying to the Father and the Son
also, as we know that all the three persons are but one and the
same God; but because the work of our sanctification, the
pouring down the grace of God into our souls, and all the
heavenly favours and helps that are necessary for conducting us
in the way of salvation, are the effects of the divine love,
and are by a peculiar approbation attributed in a special
manner to the operation of the Holy Ghost, as it is the love of
the Father and of the Son, and as it is from God's love that
all grace, all virtue and sanctification, flow and proceed.
A Prayer Before Confirmation.
O God of infinite goodness and bounty, who has been pleased, at my baptism, to make me a Christian, to sanctify my soul with thy grace, and to honour me with the glorious title of thy child; which, alas! for my part, I have so wretchedly corresponded with, and have even forfeited a thousand times by my sins: behold, notwithstanding all my ingratitude, and my repeated treasons, which thou hast so long and so patiently endured, thou art still pleased, not only to invite me to return to thee, and to offer me thy mercy, but also to call upon me at this time, to come and present myself, in order to receive the greatest of all thy gifts, even thine own most Holy Spirit; to be consecrated to thee by his unction; to be made a strong and perfect Christian, and a soldier of thy Son. O may all heaven and earth praise thee, bless thee, and glorify thee for ever, for all thy mercies, goodness, and bounty to me. And now, dearest Lord, I desire to come, because such is thy will and my duty, to receive this great sacrament of Confirmation; that I may like thy apostles, be baptised with the Holy Ghost, and be endowed with power from on high; and like them be changed by divine grace, into another man, in such manner as henceforward to live up to the dignity, and to fulfil every part of the duty of a soldier of Christ! and to preserve and maintain even to death, that purity and sanctity which become the temple of the living God. But, O my God, how far am I from being worthy to approach this heavenly sacrament! How can I expect that thy Holy Spirit should come into my inward house, to make it his temple, which has been so long possessed by unclean spirits? Where are the dispositions in me, which the apostles brought, and which all Christians ought to bring along with them, to the receiving of the Holy Ghost? O! I acknowledge myself infinitely unworthy; I confess and detest from the bottom of my heart, all my past uncleanness and abominations; I humbly crave thy mercy and pardon, through Jesus Christ thy Son; and beg, through him, that thou wilt be pleased to cleanse my soul from all its filth with his precious blood, and to give me thy grace to come to this sacrament with that humility, faith, and devotion, which is most agreeable to thee. O Divine Spirit, do thou prepare my soul for thyself! Behold, I come, desiring to give up myself to thee for all time and eternity, that thou mayest ever live and reign in my soul; and O let my whole soul henceforward he perpetually subject to thee, and let nothing in me ever more rebel against thee. Amen.
Those who are preparing themselves for the sacrament of Confirmation, may likewise breathe forth, from time to time, the following short Ejaculations:
Come, Holy Ghost, who replenisheth the hearts of the faithful, descend into my soul, and make it the place of thy abode.
Come, O Divine Spirit, take full possession of my heart, and kindle in it the fire of thy divine love.
Enter into my soul and abide there for ever, to be my light, my guide, and my strength.
Come, Holy Ghost, with all thy gifts, and fill my soul; enlighten, direct, and conduct me in all my ways. Strengthen me against all the assaults of self-love, remove from me all vicious shame, and inspire me with a Christian courage.
O grant that I may make the gospel the rule of my life. Preserve me from the corruption of sin, and from the pernicious maxims of the world. Give me grace, O God, to do thy will in all things. Enlighten my eyes, O Lord, that I may never sleep in death.
O uncreated fire, when wilt thou consume whatever is imperfect in my soul.
Inebriate my soul with thy holy love, O thou sovereign beauty.