Hear, O eternal Father, whatever the holy Catholic Church asks of thee in the name of thy beloved son. We beseech thee, that this our sacrifice may be acceptable in thy sight, and become profitable to us and to thy whole church. Receive my unworthy prayers, supply all my defects, pardon all my indevotions, distractions, and irreverences. Engrave in my heart the rules and maxims of thy gospel, and give me grace to live according to them. Teach me to follow thy example, that rising with thee to a new life of piety and holiness, and walking in thy footsteps, I may live to thee alone, and advance every day towards everlasting happiness. Amen.
I did not judge to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ,
and him crucified.
St. Paul, 1 Cor. ii. 2.
Epistle.
Romans xiii. 11, 14.
Brethren:
Know, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now
our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is past,
and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of
darkness, and put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly,
as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering
and impurities, not in contention and envy: but put ye on the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel.
Luke xxi. 25, 33.
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: There shall be
signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the
earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the
roaring of the sea and of the waves, men withering away for fear,
and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the
powers of the heavens shall be moved; and then they shall see the
Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty. But
when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up
your heads; because your redemption is at hand. And he spoke to
them a similitude: See the fig-tree and all the trees: when they
now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh: so you
also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the
kingdom of God is at hand. Amen, I say to you, this generation
shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and
earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away. Credo.
Epistle.
Romans xv. 4, 13.
Brethren: What things soever were written, were written
for our learning, that through patience and the comfort of the
scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of
comfort grant you to be of one mind one towards another,
according to Jesus Christ; that with one mind, and with one
mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath
received you unto the honour of God. For I say that Christ Jesus
was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm
the promises made unto the fathers. But that the Gentiles are to
glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore, will I
confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and will sing to thy
name." And again, he saith: "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his
people." And again: "Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles, and magnify
him all ye people." And again Isaiah saith: "There shall be a
root of Jesse, and he that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in
him the Gentiles shall hope." Now the God of hope fill you with
all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, and
in the power of the Holy Ghost.
Gospel.
Matt. xi. 2, 10.
At that time: When John had heard in prison the works of
Christ, sending two of his disciples he said to him: Art thou he
that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus making
answer, said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard
and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel
preached to them; and blessed is he that shall not be scandalized
in me.
And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the
multitude, concerning John: What went ye out into the desert to
see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? A
man clothed in soft garments? Behold, they that are clothed in
soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went ye out to
see? A prophet? Yea, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For
this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send my angel before
thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee." Credo.
Epistle.
Philip iv. 4, 7.
Brethren: Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say,
rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh.
Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known
to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Gospel.
John i. 19, 28.
At that time: The Jews sent from Jerusalem Priests and
Levites to John, to ask him: Who art thou? And he confessed, and
did not deny; and he confessed: I am not the Christ. And they
asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art
thou a prophet? And he answered: No. They said therefore unto
him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent
us? What sayest thou of thyself? He said: "I am the voice of one
crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the
Lord," as said the prophet Isaias. And they that were sent
were of the Pharisees. And they asked him and said to him: Why
then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the
prophet? John answered them, saying: I baptize with water; but
there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not. The
same is he that shall come after me, who is preferred before me;
the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose. These things
were done in Bethania beyond the Jordan, where John was
baptizing.—Credo.
Epistle.
1 Corinthians iv. 1, 6.
Brethren: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers
of Christ, and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now
it is required amongst the dispensers that a man be found
faithful. But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you,
or by man's day: but neither do I judge my own self. For I am not
conscious to myself of any thing: yet I am not hereby justified;
but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge not before
the time till the Lord come; who both will bring to light the
hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsel of
hearts: and then shall every man have praise from God.
Gospel.
Luke iii. 1, 6.
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar (Pontius
Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod Tetrarch of Galilee,
and Philip his brother Tetrarch of Iturea and the country of
Trachonitis, and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abilana, under the high
priests Annas and Caiphas) the word of the Lord came to John, the
son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country
about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the
remission of sins, as it was written in the book of the words of
Isaias the prophet: "A voice of one crying in the wilderness:
prepare ye 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 shall be made straight, and the
rough ways plain:" and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Credo.
Epistle.
Titus ii. 11, 15.
Dearly beloved: The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared
to all men. Instructing us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly
desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly, in this
world, looking for the blessed hope, and coming of the glory of
the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse
to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These
things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.
Gospel.
Luke ii. 1, 14.
And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree
from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled.
This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus the governor of Syria.
And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And
Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into
Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because
he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary
his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that
when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should
be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and
wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in
the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches
over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them,
and the brightness of God shone round about them, and they feared
with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not: for
behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to
all the people: for this day is born to you a Saviour, who is
Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign
unto you: you shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes,
and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory
to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good-will.
Credo.
Epistle.
Titus iii. 4, 7.
Most dearly beloved: The goodness and kindness of God our
Saviour appeared: not by the works of justice, which we have
done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of
regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost, whom he hath
poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our
Saviour: that being justified by his grace, we may be heirs
according to hope of life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Gospel.
Luke ii. 15, 20.
At that time: The shepherds said one to another: Let us go
over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that has come to pass
which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste: and
they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger. And
seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them
concerning this child. And all that heard wondered: and at those
things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all
these words, pondering them in her heart. And the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the
things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Credo.
Epistle.
Hebrews i. 1, 12.
God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners spoke in times
past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, in these days,
hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all
things, by whom also he made the world: who being the brightness
of his glory, and the figure of his substance, and upholding all
things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins,
sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high: being made so
much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more
excellent name than they.
For to which of the angels hath he said at any time, "Thou art my
Son, to-day have I begotten thee?" And again: "I will be to him a
father, and he shall be to me a Son?" And again, when he bringeth
in the first-begotten into the world, he saith: "And let all the
angels of God adore him." And to the angels indeed he saith: "He
that maketh his angels spirits: and his ministers a flame of
fire." But to the Son: "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:
a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast
loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath
anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." And:
"Thou, in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the
works of thy hands are the heavens. They shall perish, but thou
shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment. And as
a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but
thou art the self-same and thy years shall not fail."
Gospel.
John i. 14.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things
were made by him, and without him was made nothing that was made.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light
shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came
for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might
believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give
testimony of the light. That was the true light which
enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them he gave power to be made the
sons of God; to them that believe in his name, who are born not
of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among
us; and we saw his glory, as it were the glory of the only
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Epistle.
Galatians iv. 1, 7.
Brethren: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth
nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all: but is under
tutors and governors, until the time appointed by the father. So
we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements
of the world. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent
his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might
redeem them who were under the law; that we might receive the
adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent the
Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father.
Therefore now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an
heir also through God.
Gospel.
Luke ii. 33, 40.
At that time: Joseph, and Mary the mother of Jesus, were
wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And
Simon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold the child
is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel,
and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a
sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be
revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of
Phanuel, of the tribe of Asar; she was far advanced in years, and
had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity.
And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed
not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving day and
night. Now she at the same hour coming in, confessed to the Lord;
and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.
And after they had performed all things according to the law of
the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And
the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of
God was in him.
Epistle.
Titus ii. 11, 15.
Dearly beloved: The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared
to all men. Instructing us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly
desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly, in this
world, looking for the blessed hope, and coming of the glory of
the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse
to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These
things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.
Gospel.
Luke ii. 21.
At that time: After eight days were accomplished that the
child should be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, which was
called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. Credo.
Lesson.
Isaias lx. 1, 9.
Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem; for thy light is come, and
the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness
shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall
arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the
Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of
thy rising.
Lift up thy eyes round about and see: all these are gathered
together, they are come to thee; thy sons shall come from afar,
and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see
and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the
multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of
the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall
cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from
Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing
forth praise to the Lord.
Gospel.
Matthew ii. 1, 12.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king
Herod, behold there came wise men from the east, to Jerusalem,
saying: "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have
seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him." And Herod
hearing this was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And
assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the
people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born, but they
said to him, "In Bethlehem of Juda." For so it is written by the
prophet: "And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the
least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come forth
the captain that shall rule my people Israel." Then Herod
privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the
time of the star which appeared to them; and sending them into
Bethlehem, said: "Go, and diligently inquire after the child; and
when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may
come and adore him." Who, having heard the king, went their way;
and behold the star which they had seen in the east went before
them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And
seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And
entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his
mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their
treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having received an answer in sleep that they should not
return to Herod, they went back another way into their own
country. Credo.
Epistle.
Romans xii. 1, 5.
Brethren: I beseech you, by the mercy of God, that you
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God,
your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but
be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what
is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God. For
I say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you,
not to be more wise than it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise
unto sobriety, and according as God hath divided to every one the
measure of faith. For as in one body we have many members, but
all the members have not the same office; so we, being many, are
one body in Christ, and every one members of one another, in
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel.
Luke ii. 42, 52.
When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem
according to the custom of the feast. And having fulfilled the
days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem,
and his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the
company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their
kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned
into Jerusalem seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three
days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the
doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that
heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And
seeing him they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why
hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee
sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did
you not know that I must be about my Father's business? And they
understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down
with them, and came to Nazareth; and was subject to them. And his
mother kept all those words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in
wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men. Credo.
Lesson.
Acts iv. 8, 12.
In those days: Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost,
said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear: If we
this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm
man, by what means he hath been made whole, be it known to you
all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath
raised from the dead, even by him this man standeth here before
you whole. "This is the stone which was rejected by you the
builders, which is become the head of the corner;" neither is
there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under
heaven given to men whereby we must be saved.
Gospel.
Luke ii. 33, 40.
At that time: Joseph, and Mary the mother of Jesus, were
wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And
Simon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold the child
is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel,
and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a
sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be
revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of
Phanuel, of the tribe of Asar; she was far advanced in years, and
had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And
she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not
from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving day and night.
Now she at the same hour coming in, confessed to the Lord; and
spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And
after they had performed all things according to the law of the
Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the
child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God
was in him.
Epistle.
Romans xii. 16.
Brethren: Be not wise in your own conceits. To no man
rendering evil for evil. Providing 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, having peace with all men. Not
revenging yourselves, my dearly beloved, but give place unto
wrath. For it is written: "Revenge to me, I will repay," saith
the Lord. But "if thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he
thirst, give him to drink: for doing this, thou shalt heap coals
of fire on his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil
by good."
Gospel.
Matthew viii. 1, 13.
At that time: When Jesus was come down from the mountain,
great multitudes followed him; and behold a leper came and adored
him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And
Jesus stretching forth his hand, touched him, saying: I will, be
thou made clean. And forthwith his leprosy was cleansed. And
Jesus saith to him: See thou tell no man, but go show thyself to
the priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded for a
testimony unto them. * And when he had entered into Capharnaum,
there came to him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying: Lord,
my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grievously
tormented. And Jesus saith to him: I will come and heal him. And
the centurion making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that
thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my
servant shall be healed.
For I also am a man under authority, having under me soldiers;
and I say to this, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he
cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. And when
Jesus heard this, he marvelled, and said to them that followed
him: Amen, I say to you, I have not found so great faith in
Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east
and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and
Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the children of the kingdom
shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion:
Go, and as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the
servant was healed at the same hour. Credo.
Epistle.
Romans xiii. 8, 10.
Brethren: Owe no man any things, but to love one another;
for he that loveth his neighbour, hath fulfilled the law. For
"Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt
not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not
covet and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in
this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The love of
our neighbour worketh no evil. Love, therefore, is the fulfilling
of the law.
Gospel.
Matthew viii. 23, 27.
At that time: When Jesus entered into a boat his disciples
followed him; and behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so
that the ship was covered with waves; but he was asleep. And his
disciples came to him, and awakened him, saying: Lord, save us,
we perish. And Jesus saith to them: Why are ye fearful, O ye of
little faith? Then rising up, he commanded the winds and the sea,
and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: What
manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him? Credo.
Epistle.
Colossians iii. 12, 17.
Brethren: Put ye on therefore as the elect of God, holy,
and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty,
patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if
any have a complaint against another. Even as the Lord hath
forgiven you, so you also. But above all these things have
charity, which is the bond of perfection; and let the peace of
Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one
body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you
abundantly, in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in
your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God
and the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel.
Matthew xiii. 24, 30.
At that time: Jesus spoke this parable to the multitude,
saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good
seed in his field. But while men were asleep, his enemy came and
oversowed cockle among the wheat, and went his way. And when the
blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared also
the cockle. Then the servants of the good man of the house came
and said to him: Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field?
from whence then hath it cockle? And he said to them: An enemy
hath done this. And the servants said to him: Wilt thou that we
go and gather it up? And he said: No, lest while you gather up
the cockle, you root up the wheat also together with it. Let both
grow until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say
to the reapers: Gather up first the cockle, and bind it in
bundles to burn, but gather the wheat into my barn.
Epistle.
1 Thessalonians i. 2, 10.
Brethren: We give thanks to God always for you all; making
a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing; being
mindful of you in the work of your faith, and hope, and charity,
and of the enduring of the hope of our lord Jesus Christ, before
God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved of God, your
election. For our gospel hath not been to you in word only, but
in power also, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much fulness, as you
know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes.
And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, receiving the
word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost; so that you
were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in
Achaia. For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord, not
only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but also in every place your
faith, which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not
to speak any thing. For they themselves relate of us, what manner
of entering in we had unto you; and how you turned to God from
idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son
from heaven (whom he raised up from the dead) Jesus, who hath
delivered us from the wrath to come.
Gospel.
Matthew xiii 31, 35.
At that time: Jesus spoke to the multitude this parable:
The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard-seed, which a
man took and sowed in his field. Which indeed is the least of all
seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and
becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and dwell in
the branches thereof. Another parable he spoke to them: The
kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid
in three measures of meal, until the whole was leavened.
All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the multitudes, and
without parables he did not speak to them; that the word might be
fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open
my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from the
foundation of the world." Credo.
If there be not VI. Sundays between the Epiphany and Septuagesima, what remain are omitted, and taken in between the XXIII. and the last Sunday after Pentecost.
Epistle
1 Corinthians ix. 24, and x. 1.
Brethren: Know you not that they that run in the race, all
run indeed, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may
obtain. And every one that striveth for the mastery, refraineth
himself from all things; and they indeed that they may receive a
corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. I therefore so
run, not as an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the
air: but I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest
perhaps when I have preached to others, I myself should become a
castaway. [Chap. x. 1, 6.] For I would not have you
ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud,
and all passed through the sea. And all in Moses were baptized in
the cloud, and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual
food: and all drank the same spiritual drink: (and they drank of
the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.)
But with the most of them God was not well pleased.
Gospel.
Matthew xx. 1, 16.
At that time: Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable:
The kingdom of heaven is like to a householder who went out early
in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when
having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them
into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour, he saw
others standing in the market place idle. And he said to them: Go
you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be
just.
And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth
and the ninth hour, and did in like manner. But about the
eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith
to them: Why stand you here all the day idle? They say to him:
Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into
my vineyard. And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard
said to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire,
beginning from the last even to the first. When therefore they
were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every
man a penny. But when the first also came, they thought that they
should have received more: and they also received every man a
penny. And receiving it they murmured against the master of the
house, saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast
made them equal to us that have borne the burden of the day, and
the heats. But he answering said to one of them, Friend, I do
thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take
what is thine and go thy way: I will also give to this last even
as to thee. Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Is thy
eye evil, because I am good? So shall the last be first, and the
first last. For many are called, but few chosen. Credo.
Epistle.
2 Corinthians xi. 19, 33.
Brethren: You gladly suffer the foolish: whereas
yourselves are wise, For you suffer if a man bring you into
bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from
you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face.
I speak according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this
part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly) I dare also.
They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are
the seed of Abraham: so am I.
They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise) I am
more: in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in
stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times
did I receive forty stripes, save one. Thrice was I beaten with
rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck; a night and
a day I was in the depth of the sea. In journeying often, in
perils of waters, in perils of 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 labour and gainfulness, in much watchings, in
hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Besides these things which are without; my daily instance, the
solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak?
Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire? If I must needs glory,
I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth
that I lie not. At Damascus the governor of the nation under
Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend
me; and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall,
and so escaped his hands. [Chap. xii. 1.] If I must glory,
(it is not expedient indeed,) but I will come to the visions and
revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ about fourteen
years ago, (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body,
I know not, God knoweth,) such a one rapt even to the third
heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the
body, I cannot tell, God knoweth) how he was caught up into
paradise, and heard secret words, which is not granted to man to
utter. For such a one I will glory; but for myself I will glory
nothing, but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind
to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I
forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he
seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.
And lest the greatness of the revelations should lift me up,
there was given me a string of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to
buffet me. For which thing I thrice besought the Lord, that it
might depart from me: and he said to me: My grace is sufficient
for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly,
therefore, will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may dwell in me.
Gospel.
Luke viii. 4, 16.
At that time: When a very great multitude was gathered
together, and hastened out of the cities to meet Jesus, he spoke
by a similitude. A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he
sowed, some fell by the way-side, and it was trodden down, and
the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a
rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because
it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns; and the
thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon
good ground, and sprung up, and yielded fruit a hundred-fold.
Saying these things he cried out: He that hath ears to hear, let
him hear. And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.
To whom he said: 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 they by the way-side, are
they that hear; then the devil cometh, and taketh the word out of
their hearts, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon
the rock are they, who, when they hear, receive the word with
joy; and these have no roots; for they believe for a while, and
in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among
thorns, are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked
with the cares and the riches and pleasures of this life, and
yield no fruit. But that on the good ground, are they, who in a
good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring
forth fruit in patience.
Epistle.
1 Corinthians xiii. 1, 13.
Brethren: If I speak with the tongues of men and of
angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a
tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy, and should know
all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am
nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the
poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not
charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind.
Charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; it is not puffed up,
it is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to
anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth
with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth
all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away;
whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or
knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part, and we
prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that
which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke
as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but
when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We now see
through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. Now I
know in part; but then I shall know even as I am known. And now
there remain faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest
of these is charity.
Gospel.
Luke xviii. 31, 43.
At that time: Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said to
them: Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be
accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the
Son of Man. For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall
be mocked, and scourged, and spit upon; and after they have
scourged him, they will put him to death, and the third day he
shall rise again. And they understood none of these things.
And this word was hid from them, and they understood not the
things that were said. Now it came to pass, that when he drew
nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side,
begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked
what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was
passing by. And he cried out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on
me. And they that went before, rebuked him, that he should hold
his peace. But he cried out much more: Son of David, have mercy
on me. And Jesus, standing, commanded him to be brought unto him.
And when he was come near, he asked him, saying: What wilt thou
that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see. And Jesus
said to him: Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made thee whole.
And immediately he saw, and followed him, glorifying God. And all
the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Credo.
Lesson.
Joel ii. 12, 19.
Thus saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in
fasting, in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts, and
not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God; for he is
gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to
repent of the evil. Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive,
and leave a blessing behind him; sacrifice and libation to the
Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a
solemn assembly, gather together the people, sanctify the church,
assemble the ancients, gather together the little ones, and them
that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his
bed, and the bride out of the bride-chamber. Between the porch
and the altar, the priests, the Lord's ministers, shall weep, and
shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people; and give not thine
inheritance to reproach, that the heathens should rule over them.
Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? The
Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people.
And the Lord answered and said to his people: Behold I will send
you corn, and wine, and oil; you shall be filled with them, and I
will no more make you a reproach among the nations, saith the
Lord Almighty.
Gospel.
Matthew vi. 16, 21.
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: When you fast,
be not, as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces,
that they may appear to men to fast. Amen, I say to you, they
have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint
thy head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast,
but to thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in
secret, will reward thee. Lay not up for yourselves treasures on
earth, where the rust and moth consume, and where thieves break
through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do
not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is
thy heart also.
Epistle.
2 Corinthians vi. 1, 10.
Brethren: We exhort you, that you receive not the grace of
God in vain. For he saith: "In an acceptable time have I heard
thee; and in the day of salvation have I helped thee." Behold,
now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation.
Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed:
but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of
God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in
distresses, in stripes, in prison, in seditions, in labours, in
watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge, in
long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity
unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the
armour of justice on the right hand, and on the left: by honour,
and dishonour: by evil report, and good report: as deceivers, and
yet true: as unknown, and yet known: as dying, and behold we
live: as chastised, and not killed: as sorrowful, yet always
rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing, and
possessing all things.
Gospel.
Matthew iv. 1, 11.
At that time: Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert,
to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and
forty nights, he was afterwards hungry. And the tempter coming,
said to him, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones
be made bread. But he answered and said: It is written, "Not by
bread alone doth man live, but by every word that proceedeth out
of the mouth of God." Then the devil took him into the holy city,
and set him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him: If
thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, "He
hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall
they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a
stone." Jesus said to him: It is written again, "Thou shalt not
tempt the Lord thy God." Again the devil took him up into a very
high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and
the glory of them, and said to him: All these will I give thee,
if thou wilt fall down and adore me. Then Jesus said to him:
Begone, Satan; for it is written, "The Lord thy God shalt thou
adore, and him only shalt thou serve." Then the devil left him;
and behold angels came and ministered to him.—Credo.
Epistle.
1 Thessalonians, iv. 1, 7.
Brethren: We pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus, that
as you have received of us, how you ought to walk and to please
God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more.
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 should
abstain from fornication, that every one of you should know how
to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour, not in the
passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God; and that no
man over-reach nor circumvent his brother in business; because
the Lord is the avenger of all these things, as we have told you
before, and have testified. For God hath not called us unto
uncleanness, but unto sanctification.
Gospel.
Matthew xvii. 1, 9.
At that time: Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and
John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain
apart: and he was transfigured before them. And his face did
shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. And
behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Then Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to
be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one
for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet
speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a
voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased; hear ye him. And the disciples hearing, fell
upon their face, and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and
touched them, and said unto them: Arise, and be not afraid. And
when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, but only Jesus.
And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them,
saying: Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man shall be
risen from the dead. Credo.
Epistle.
Ephesians v. 1, 9.
Brethren: Be ye
therefore followers of God, as most dear children; and walk in
love, as Christ also loved us, and hath delivered himself for us,
an oblation and a sacrifice to God, for an odour of sweetness.
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not
so much as be named among you, as becometh saints; or obscenity,
or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but
rather giving of thanks. For know ye this, and understand, that
no fornicator, or unclean or covetous person, (which is serving
of idols,) hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these
things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief. Be
ye not therefore partakers with them. For you were heretofore
darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk ye as children of the
light. For the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and
justice, and truth.
Gospel.
Luke 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 spoke, and
the multitude were in admiration at it. But some of them said: He
casteth out devils, by Belzebub, the prince of devils. And
others, tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven. But he seeing
their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against
itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house
shall fall. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how
shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that through Belzebub I
cast out devils. Now, if I cast out devils by Belzebub, by whom
do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your
judges. But if I by the finger of God cast out devils, doubtless
the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed
keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth.
But if a stronger than he come upon him, and overcome him, he
will take away all his armour wherein he trusted, and will
distribute his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and
he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. When the unclean
spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without
water, seeking rest; and not finding, he saith: I will return
into my house whence I came out.
And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he
goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than
himself, and entering in they dwell there; and the last state of
that man becometh worse than the first. And it came to pass, as
he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up
her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and
the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed
are they who hear the word of God, and keep it. Credo.
Epistle.
Galatians iv. 22, 31.
Brethren: It is written that Abraham had two sons; the one
by a bond-woman, and the other by a free-woman. But he who was of
the bond-woman, was born according to the flesh; but he by the
free-woman, was by promise. Which things are said by an allegory.
For these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sina,
engendering unto bondage, which is Agar; for Sina is a mountain
in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is,
and is in bondage with her children. But that Jerusalem, which is
above, is free; which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice,
thou barren, that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that
travailest not; for many are the children of the desolate, more
than of her that hath a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was,
are the children of promise. But as then, he that was born
according to the flesh, persecuted him that was after the spirit,
so also it is now. But what saith the scripture? Cast out the
bond-woman and her son; for the son of the bond-woman shall not
be heir with the son of the free-woman. So then, brethren, we are
not children of the bond-woman, but of the free; by the freedom
wherewith Christ hath made us free.