Christmas Season Proper (Anglican Missal)
Work in progress: Christmas Season Proper, scan PDF pp. 63–129
Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord
December 24th.
Station at St. Mary Major.
¶ If the Vigil of the Nativity fall on a Sunday, the Mass of the Vigil shall be said, with commemoration of the Sunday: but the Gospel of the Sunday shall not be read at the ending of the Mass.
INTROIT. Hodie scietis. Exod. 16.
TO-DAY shall ye know that the Lord will come and deliver you: and in the morning ye shall see the glory of the Lord. Ps. 23. The earth is the Lord's and all that therein is: the compass of the world and they that dwell therein. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly expectation of the birth of thy only Son Jesus Christ: grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
And no other Collect shall be said, except the Vigil fall on a Sunday.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Rom. 1. 1.
PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ our Lord.
GRADUAL. Exod. 16. To-day shall ye know that the Lord will come and save you: and in the morning ye shall see the glory of the Lord. ℣. Ps. 80. Hear, O thou Shepherd of Israel: thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. Shew thyself, thou that sittest upon the Cherubims, before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses.
Alleluia and the verse following shall not be said, except the Vigil fall on a Sunday.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. To-morrow the iniquity of the earth shall be done away: and the Saviour of the world shall reign over us. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 1. 18.
WHEN as Mary the mother of Jesus was espoused to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying: Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son: and thou shalt call his Name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
If it be a Sunday, the Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 24. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of glory shall come in.
SECRET.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that like as we do now prevent the glorious nativity of thy Son, so we may obtain with gladness his reward of everlasting life. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
The common Preface shall be said, except the Vigil fall on a Sunday, when the Preface of the most Holy Trinity shall be said.
COMMUNION. Is. 40. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed: and all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.
POSTCOMMUNION.
O LORD, we beseech thee: that like as thy only-begotten Son hath in this heavenly mystery given himself to be our meat and drink; so as at this time we may be inwardly renewed by the remembrance of his birth. Through the same.
¶ The Priest, since on the Nativity of our Lord he celebrates three Masses, shall not take the Ablutions at the first and second Mass, but at the third only: and at the first and second he shall wash his fingers in some clean vessel, as explained in the rubric for All Souls' Day.
[Plate, A 32 slot: full-page Nativity/Adoration engraving, no text. See scan image.]
The Nativity of our Lord, commonly called Christmas Day
December 25th.
At the First Mass of Midnight
Station at St. Mary Major; at the Crib.
INTROIT. Dominus dixit. Ps. 2.
THE Lord said unto me: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Ps. ibid. Why do the heathen so furiously rage together: and why do the people imagine a vain thing? ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O GOD, who hast enlightened this most holy night with the beams of thy one true light: grant, we beseech thee, that we, who have known the mystery of his light on earth, may also attain to the fruition of his joys in heaven. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to Titus. Titus 2. 3.
DEARLY beloved: The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us: that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. These things speak and exhort: in Christ Jesus our Lord.
GRADUAL. Ps. 110. In the day of thy power shall the people offer thee free-will offerings with an holy worship: the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning. ℣. The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 2. The Lord said unto me: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Luke. St. Luke 2. 1.
AT that time: There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governour of Syria: and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him 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 abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them: and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the Angel said unto them: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Creed.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 96. Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad before the Lord: for he is come.
SECRET.
GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that the offerings, which on this day's festival we present unto thee, may be acceptable in thy sight: that by thy bounteous goodness vouchsafed unto us in this holy Communion, we may be found in the likeness of him in whom our substance is united unto thee: And who liveth.
PREFACE OF THE NATIVITY. Because thou didst give. And this Preface shall be said daily until the Epiphany, except upon the Octave day of Saint John the Evangelist.
WITHIN THE ACTION shall be said That most holy night. And the same shall be said daily for the seven days following: but at this Mass only shall the priest say night, and thereafter day.
COMMUNION. Ps. 110. With an holy worship: the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that we who in a mystery have drawn near with gladness unto the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord: may so walk in godliness of life, that we may be found worthy to attain unto his fellowship in heaven. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
¶ Before the Masses following the Priest shall say the Confession, and at the end of each he shall bless the people, and read the Gospel of Saint John, In the beginning was the Word, as hereafter set forth. But after the third Mass, instead of the Gospel aforesaid, shall be read the Gospel of the Epiphany, When Jesus was born.
¶ For solemn Votives within Oct., Mass as on Dec. 30.
At the Second Mass at Daybreak
Station at St. Anastasia's.
INTROIT. Lux fulgebit. Is. 9.
LIGHT shall shine to-day upon us: for unto us the Lord is born: and his Name shall be called Wonderful, Mighty God, the Prince of peace, Father of the world to come: of whose kingdom there shall be no end. Ps. 93. The Lord is King and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that, as thou hast poured forth upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; so he, who doth illuminate our hearts by faith, may likewise in all our works shew forth his brightness. Through the same.
Of St. Anastasia. COLLECT.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we, who now devoutly keep the feast of the blessed Martyr Saint Anastasia, may by her effectual intercession find favour in thy sight. Through.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to Titus. Titus 3. 4.
DEARLY beloved: The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man hath appeared: not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour: that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life: in Christ Jesus our Lord.
GRADUAL. Ps. 118. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: God is the Lord, who hath shewed us light. ℣. This is the Lord's doing: and it is marvellous in our eyes.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 93. The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Luke. St. Luke 2. 15.
AT that time: The shepherds said one to another: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste: and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Creed.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 93. God hath made the round world so sure, that it cannot be moved: ever since the world began hath thy seat, O God, been prepared: thou art from everlasting.
SECRET.
WE pray thee, O Lord, that these our oblations may be worthy of the mysteries which we celebrate on the Birth of thy Son, and may evermore shed forth thy peace within our hearts: that, even as he who was born in the substance of our manhood did shew forth therein the glory of the Godhead, so we, in these thy earthly creatures, may be made partakers of that which is heavenly. Through the same.
Of St. Anastasia. SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to accept our oblations: that by the merits and intercession of thy blessed Martyr, Saint Anastasia, they may be profitable to the advancement of our salvation.
PREFACE and CANON as in the former Mass.
COMMUNION. Zech. 9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee, he is just, and having salvation.
POSTCOMMUNION.
O LORD, who by thy wondrous Birth hast put off from us the old nature of our manhood: grant, we beseech thee, that by this new Sacrament of thy Nativity we may ever be inwardly renewed in our souls. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
Of St. Anastasia. POSTCOMMUNION.
O LORD, who hast vouchsafed to feed us thy household with thy heavenly gifts: mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate the feast of thy blessed Martyr Anastasia, may at all times be comforted by her intercession. Through.
At the Third Mass on the Day of the Nativity of our Lord
Station at St. Mary Major.
INTROIT. Puer natus est. Is. 9.
UNTO us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his Name shall be called, Angel of mighty counsel. Ps. 98. O sing unto the Lord a new song: for he hath done marvellous things. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast given us thy only-begotten son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: grant that we, being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit. Through the same . . . in the unity of the same.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews. Heb. 1. 1.
GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds: who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high; being made so much better than the Angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the Angels said he at any time: Thou art my Son, this 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 worship him. And of the Angels he saith: Who maketh his Angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom: thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And: Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish, but thou remainest: and they all shall wax old as doth a garment: and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
GRADUAL. Ps. 98. All the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God: O be joyful in God, all ye lands. ℣. The Lord hath declared his salvation: in the sight of the heathen his righteousness hath he openly shewed.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. A hallowed day hath dawned upon us: come, all ye nations, and worship the Lord: for on this day a great light hath descended upon the earth. Alleluia.
✠ The Beginning of the HOLY GOSPEL according to John. St. John 1. 1.
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 not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the 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 gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (Here genuflect.) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 89. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: thou hast laid the foundation of the round world, and all that therein is: righteousness and equity are the habitation of thy seat.
SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, that by this new birth of thy only-begotten Son thou wouldest vouchsafe to sanctify these our oblations: and to cleanse us from the defilement of all our iniquities. Through the same.
PREFACE and CANON as in the former Masses.
COMMUNION. Ps. 98. All the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that like as thy Son, born this day the Saviour of the world, hath been made the author of our heavenly birth; so he may bestow upon us the gift of everlasting life. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
St. Stephen, the First Martyr
December 26th.
Station at St. Stephen's on the Coelian Hill.
INTROIT. Sederunt principes. Ps. 119.
PRINCES, moreover, did sit, and did witness falsely against me: and the ungodly pressed sore upon me: O Lord, my God, stand up to help me, for thy servant is occupied continually in thy commandments. Ps. ibid. Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way: and walk in the law of the Lord. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
GRANT, O Lord, that, in all our sufferings here upon earth for the testimony of thy truth, we may steadfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed: and being filled with the Holy Ghost may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of thy first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only Mediator and Advocate. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
Then shall follow the Collect of the Nativity, which shall be said continually unto New Year's Eve.
Of the Nativity. COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: grant that we, being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit. Through the same . . . in the unity of the same.
The Lesson for the EPISTLE from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 7. 55.
IN those days: Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord: and cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
GRADUAL. Ps. 119. Princes also did sit and speak against me: and wicked men have persecuted me. ℣. Help me, O Lord my God: save me for thy mercy's sake.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Acts 7. I see the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Alleluia.
¶ In Votive Masses after Septuagesima, instead of Alleluia and the verse following, is said the Tract from the Common of a Martyr, page F 4. But in Eastertide, the Gradual is omitted, and in its place is said the Alleluia as above, and then the verse: Thou hast set, O Lord, a crown of pure gold upon his head. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 23. 34.
AT that time: Jesus said unto the scribes and Pharisees: Behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify: and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you: All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you: Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say: Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. The Creed is said on account of the Octave.
OFFERTORY. Acts 6. and 7. The Apostles chose Stephen the Levite, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost: whom the Jews stoned, calling upon God, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
SECRET.
ACCEPT, O Lord, we pray thee, the gifts which we offer unto thee in remembrance of thy saints: that like as they by suffering obtained thy crown of glory, so we by godly conversation may attain to innocence of life. Through.
Of the Nativity. SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, that by this new birth of thy only-begotten Son thou wouldest vouchsafe to sanctify these our oblations: and to cleanse us from the defilements of all our iniquities. Through the same.
PREFACE and CANON of Christmas.
COMMUNION. Acts 7. I see the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of the power of God: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and lay not this sin to their charge, for they know not what they do.
POSTCOMMUNION.
ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord: that we, which have received these holy mysteries, may, at the intercession of thy blessed Martyr Saint Stephen, be stablished by thy everlasting protection. Through.
Of the Nativity. POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that like as thy Son, born this day the Saviour of the world, hath been made the author of our heavenly birth; so he may bestow upon us the gift of everlasting life. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
December 27th.
Station at St. Mary Major.
INTROIT. In medio Ecclesiae. Ecclus. 15.
IN the midst of the congregation he opened his mouth: and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: he clothed him with a robe of glory. Ps. 92. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord: and to sing praises unto thy Name, O most Highest. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church: that it being enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John may so walk in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life. Through.
COLLECT OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 43.
The Lesson from the first EPISTLE of blessed John the Apostle. 1 St. John 1. 1.
THAT which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you: That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
GRADUAL. St. John 21. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him; He shall not die. ℣. But: If I will that he tarry till I come: follow thou me.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things: and we know that his testimony is true. Alleluia.
¶ In Votive Masses after Septuagesima, instead of Alleluia and the verse following, is said the Tract Blessed is the man as in the Common of Doctors, page F 50. But in Eastertide, instead of the Gradual, is said the Alleluia as above, and then the verse, Ps. 92. The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree: and shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to John. St. John 21. 19.
AT that time: Jesus said unto Peter: Follow me: Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said: Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus: Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, That that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him: He shall not die; but: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 92. The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree: and shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus.
SECRET.
O LORD who seest that we do trust for our deliverance in the advocacy of thy blessed Apostle Saint John: grant, we beseech thee; that the gifts which we offer unto thee on this his festival may be acceptable in thy sight. Through.
SECRET OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 45.
PREFACE and CANON of Christmas.
COMMUNION. St. John 21. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him: He shall not die: but: If I will that he tarry till I come.
POSTCOMMUNION.
O GOD, who hast vouchsafed to feed us with heavenly meat and drink: mercifully grant, that like as we have received the same in devout remembrance of thy holy Apostle Saint John, so we may evermore be defended by his intercession. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day.
The Holy Innocents
December 28th.
Station at St. Paul's.
INTROIT. Ex ore infantium. Ps. 8.
OUT of the mouth of very babes, O God, and of sucklings hast thou perfected praise: because of thine adversaries. Ps. ibid. O Lord our Governour: how excellent is thy Name in all the world. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O ALMIGHTY GOD, who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest infants to glorify thee by their deaths: mortify and kill all vices in us; and so strengthen us by thy grace, that by the innocency of our lives, and constancy of our faith even unto death, we may glorify thy holy Name. Through.
COLLECT OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 43.
The Lesson for the EPISTLE from the Revelation of blessed John the Apostle. Rev. 14. 1.
IN those days: I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's Name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders; and no man could learn that song, but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth: these were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God, and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.
GRADUAL. Ps. 124. Our soul is escaped: even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler. ℣. The snare is broken and we are delivered. Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth.
¶ The following Alleluia with its verse is said whenever this Feast falls on a Sunday, or has rank of a Double of the first class. But it is always said on the Octave Day, and in Votive Masses before Septuagesima, and after Pentecost.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 113. Praise the Lord, ye children: O praise the Name of the Lord. Alleluia.
The Tract is not said when Alleluia is said as above.
TRACT. Ps. 79. The blood of thy saints have they shed like water on every side of Jerusalem. ℣. And there was no man to bury them. ℣. Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy saints, that is shed upon the earth.
¶ In Votive Masses in Eastertide, instead of the Gradual is said the Alleluia as above, and then ℣. Ecclus. 39. Thy saints, O Lord, shall flourish like the lily, and shall be even as the odour of balsam before thee. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 2. 13.
AT that time: The Angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying: Arise, and take the young child, and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word; for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and mother by night, and departed into Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my Son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth; and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying: In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning: Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. Creed.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 124. Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler: the snare is broken and we are delivered.
SECRET.
GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that the devout prayers of thy Saints may never fail succour and defend us: that these our oblations may be rendered acceptable in thy sight; and that we may be made worthy to obtain for our sins the pardon of thy mercy. Through.
SECRET OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 45.
PREFACE and CANON of Christmas.
COMMUNION. St. Matt. 2. In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping, and great mourning: Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
POSTCOMMUNION.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, that the gifts which we have received in these holy mysteries may at the intercession of thy Saints effectually avail for our succour both in this life and in that which is to come. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 46.
Glory be to God on high and Depart in peace shall not be said, except this feast fall on a Sunday: but on the Octave Day they shall always be said.
St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr
December 29th.
INTROIT. Gaudeamus.
REJOICE we all in the Lord, keeping holy-day in honour of blessed Thomas the Martyr: in whose passion the Angels rejoice and glorify the Son of God. Ps. 33. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for it becometh well the just to be thankful. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O GOD, who for thy Church's sake didst suffer thy Bishop Saint Thomas gloriously to be slain by the swords of wicked men: grant, we beseech thee, that all they who call upon him for succour may be profited by the obtaining of all that they desire. Through.
COLLECT OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 43.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews. Heb. 5. 1.
BRETHREN: Every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest: but he that said unto him: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
GRADUAL. Ecclus. 44. Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased the Lord. ℣. There was none like unto him to keep the law of the most High.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. St. John 10. I am the good shepherd: and know my sheep, and am known of mine. Alleluia.
¶ In Votive Masses, after Septuagesima the Tract, and in Eastertide the Alleluia, with its verses, are taken from the Mass Statuit, page F 41.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to John. St. John 10. 11.
AT that time: Jesus said unto the Pharisees: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
The Creed is said, on account of the Octave.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 21. Thou hast set a crown of pure gold upon his head, O Lord: he asked life of thee, and thou gavest him a long life.
SECRET.
SANCTIFY, O Lord, we beseech thee, these our oblations: and at the intercession of thy blessed Martyr and Bishop Saint Thomas look down in mercy upon us who here present them unto thee. Through.
SECRET OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 45.
PREFACE and CANON of Christmas.
COMMUNION. St. John 10. I am the good shepherd and know my sheep and am known of mine.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that this holy Communion may in such wise cleanse us from all our sins: that, at the intercession of blessed Thomas thy Martyr and Bishop, we may attain thereby to the fellowship of him who is the healer of our souls, even Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord.
POSTCOMMUNION OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 46.
Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity
INTROIT. Dum medium. Wisdom 18.
WHEN all things were in quiet silence and night was in the midst of her swift course, thine almighty Word, O Lord, leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne. Ps. 93. The Lord is king, and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to govern us in all our doings in the way of thy good pleasure: that we, faithfully serving thee in the Name of thy well-beloved Son, may worthily abound in all good works. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
COLLECT OF THE NATIVITY, page A 43.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians. Gal. 4. 1.
BRETHREN: Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all: but is under tutors and governours, until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
GRADUAL. Ps. 45. Thou art fairer than the children of men: full of grace are thy lips. ℣. My heart is inditing of a good matter, I speak of the things which I have made unto the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 93. The Lord is king and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 1. 18.
THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying: Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost: and she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins. (Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying: Behold, a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.) Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her first born son: and he called his name JESUS. Creed.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 93. God hath made the round world so sure, that it cannot be moved: ever since the world began hath thy seat, O God, been prepared: thou art from everlasting.
SECRET.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that these gifts which we offer in the sight of thy divine majesty, may obtain for us grace to serve thee in this life with all godliness, and bring us in the end to everlasting felicity. Through.
SECRET OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 45.
PREFACE and CANON of Christmas.
COMMUNION. St. Matt. 2. Take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, O Lord, that by the operation of these thy mysteries we may be cleansed from all our sins and obtain that which we have asked according to thy will. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 46.
6th Day within Octave of Nativity
December 30th.
The third Mass of Christmas, Puer natus est, shall be said, but the Epistle and Gospel shall be those of the second Mass. And after the Collect for Christmas shall be said the Collects following:
Of St. Mary. COLLECT.
O GOD who by the child-bearing of a pure Virgin hast bestowed upon all mankind the rewards of everlasting life: grant, we beseech thee, that we may know the succour of her intercession, through whom we have been found worthy to receive the author of all life.
For the Church. COLLECT.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to hear the prayers of thy people: that being delivered from all adversities and all false doctrines thy Church may serve thee in freedom and quietness. Through.
Or for the Chief Bishop. COLLECT.
O GOD, the pastor and governour of them that put their trust in thee, look down in mercy on thy servant N., whom thou hast chosen to be pastor and ruler of thy Church: grant unto him, we beseech thee, to be in word and conversation a wholesome example to the people committed to his charge, that he with them may attain at last to the crown of everlasting life. Through.
Of St. Mary. SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, that by the bountiful goodness of thy mercy, and by the intercession of blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, these our oblations may be acceptable in thy sight: that we, being delivered in this present life from all adversities, may obtain in that which is to come peace everlasting.
For the Church. SECRET.
DEFEND, O Lord, we pray thee, us thy servants: that we cleaving fast to things heavenly may faithfully serve thee both in body and soul. Through.
Or for the Chief Bishop. SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to accept these our oblations: granting unto N., thy servant, that like as thou hast chosen him to be pastor and ruler of thy Church, so he may be governed evermore by thy defence. Through.
Of St. Mary. POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that this holy Communion may in such wise cleanse us from all our sins: that at the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, we may attain thereby to the fellowship of him who is the healer of our souls.
For the Church. POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that we whom thou hast made partakers of heavenly gladness may by thee be defended from all earthly perils. Through.
Or for the Chief Bishop. POSTCOMMUNION.
DEFEND us, O Lord, we beseech thee, who have here received these heavenly mysteries: and grant that thy servant N., whom thou hast chosen to be Pastor and Ruler of thy Church, together with the flock committed to his charge, may thereby be preserved and strengthened against all adversities. Through.
St. Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor
December 31st.
INTROIT. Sacerdotes tui. Ps. 132.
LET thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints sing with joyfulness: for thy servant David's sake, turn not away the presence of thine Anointed. Ps. ibid. Lord, remember David: and all his trouble. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we on this day devoutly observing the feast of thy holy Confessor Saint Sylvester, may thereby increase in godliness to the attainment of everlasting life. Through.
COLLECT OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 43.
The Lesson from the latter EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to Timothy. 2 St. Tim. 4. 1.
DEARLY beloved: I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears: and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
GRADUAL. Ecclus. 44. Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased the Lord. ℣. There was none like unto him to keep the law of the most High.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 89. I have found David my servant: with my holy oil have I anointed him. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Luke. St. Luke 12. 35.
AT that time: Jesus said unto his disciples: Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding: that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what time the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
The Creed is said on account of the Octave.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 89. I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him: my hand shall hold him fast and my arm shall strengthen him.
SECRET.
GRANT, we beseech thee, O Lord, that we, remembering with gladness the righteousness of thy Saints, may at all times and in all places feel the effectual succour of their intercession. Through.
SECRET OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 45.
PREFACE and CANON of Christmas.
COMMUNION. St. Matt. 24. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we may so shew forth our thankfulness for the gifts which we have now received: that, at the intercession of Saint Sylvester, thy Confessor and Bishop, we may obtain yet more abundant mercies. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION OF THE NATIVITY as on Saint Stephen's Day, page A 46.
The Circumcision of Christ and Octave of the Nativity
January 1st.
Station at St. Mary beyond the Tiber.
INTROIT. Puer natus est. Is. 9.
UNTO us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his Name shall be called Angel of mighty counsel. Ps. 98. O sing unto the Lord a new song: for he hath done marvellous things. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY GOD, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man: grant us the true circumcision of the spirit; that our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will. Through the same.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Rom. 4. 8.
BRETHREN: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say, that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised: that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect.
GRADUAL. Ps. 98. All the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God: O be joyful in God, all ye lands. ℣. The Lord hath declared his salvation: in the sight of the heathen hath he openly shewed his righteousness.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Heb. 1. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Luke. St. Luke 2. 15.
AT that time: It came to pass, as the Angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the Angel before he was conceived in the womb. The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 89. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: thou hast laid the foundations of the round world, and all that therein is: righteousness and equity are the habitation of thy seat.
SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to accept these our prayers and oblations: that we being cleansed by these heavenly mysteries, may obtain of thy great mercy the fulfilment of all our desires. Through.
PREFACE and CANON of Christmas.
COMMUNION. Ps. 98. All the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that this holy Communion may in such wise cleanse us from all our sins: that at the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, we may attain thereby to the fellowship of him who is the healer of our souls, even Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord.
¶ On the Sunday falling between the Circumcision and the Epiphany, or, if no Sunday occur, on January 2nd, is observed in some dioceses, the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Mass is said as on August 7th.
Octave of St. Stephen
January 2nd.
Mass as on the Feast, except the Collect following. No Commem. of Christmas is made, but the Christmas Preface is said. The Creed is not said.
COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast consecrated unto thyself the firstfruits of thy Martyrs in the blood of thy blessed Deacon Saint Stephen: grant, we beseech thee; that he may ever plead for our salvation, who prayed for his murderers, to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only Mediator and Advocate. ℟. Amen.
Octave of St. John the Evangelist
January 3rd.
Mass as on the Feast, without Commem. of Christmas. The Creed is not said. Preface of the Apostles.
Octave of the Holy Innocents
January 4th.
Mass as on the Feast, with Preface of Christmas, but no other Commemoration of it. Glory be to God on high, Alleluia with its verse, and Depart in peace, are said. The Creed is not said.
¶ From the Vigil of the Epiphany until the Feast of the Purification inclusive, when the Prayers of Saint Mary, or for the Church or Chief Bishop, are directed to be said, then they shall be those which are set forth above for December 30th, pages A 58 and A 59.
The Vigil of the Epiphany
January 5th.
INTROIT. Dum medium. Wisdom 18.
WHILE all things were in quiet silence, and night was in the midst of her swift course, thine almighty Word, O Lord, leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne. Ps. 93. The Lord is king, and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to govern us in all our doings in the way of thy good pleasure: that we, faithfully serving thee in the Name of thy well-beloved Son, may worthily abound in all good works. Through the same.
COLLECT 2. Of St. Mary. 3. Ad. Lib.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians. Gal. 4. 1.
BRETHREN: Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all: but is under tutors and governours, until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
GRADUAL. Ps. 45. Thou art fairer than the children of men: full of grace are thy lips. ℣. My heart is inditing of a good matter, I speak of the things which I have made unto the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 93. The Lord is king and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 2. 19.
AT that time: When Herod was dead, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying: Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets: He shall be called a Nazarene. The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 93. God hath made the round world so sure, that it cannot be moved: ever since the world began hath thy seat, O God, been prepared: thou art from everlasting.
SECRET.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that these gifts which we offer in the sight of thy divine majesty, may obtain for us grace to serve thee in this life with all godliness, and bring us in the end to everlasting felicity. Through.
SECRET 2. Of St. Mary. 3. Ad. Lib.
PREFACE of Christmas.
COMMUNION. St. Matt. 2. Take the young Child and his Mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young Child's life.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, O Lord, that by the operation of these thy mysteries we may be cleansed from all our sins and obtain that which we have asked according to thy will. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION 2. Of St. Mary. 3. Ad Lib.
[Plate, A 70 slot: full-page Adoration of the Magi engraving, no text. See scan image.]
The Epiphany of our Lord, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles
January 6th.
Station at St. Peter's.
INTROIT. Ecce advenit. Mal. 3.
BEHOLD, he appeareth, the Lord and Ruler: and in his hand the kingdom, and power, and dominion. Ps. 72. Give the King thy judgments, O God: and thy righteousness unto the King's Son. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant, that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead. Through the same.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians. Ephes. 3. 1.
BRETHREN: For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles; if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men) as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ, by the Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent, that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
GRADUAL. Is. 60. All they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and incense, and shall shew forth the praises of the Lord. ℣. Arise and shine, O Jerusalem: for the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. St. Matt. 2. We have seen his star in the East, and are come with offerings to worship the Lord. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 2. 1.
WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king: 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 worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things: he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them, where Christ should be born. And they said unto him: In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus 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 a Governor that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said: Go, and search diligently for the young child: and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed: and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother (here genuflect), and fell down and worshipped him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod: they departed into their own country another way.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 72. The kings of Tharsis and of the isles shall give presents: the kings of Arabia and Saba shall bring gifts: all kings shall fall down before him, all nations shall do him service.
SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to look upon the oblations of thy Church: wherein no longer offering gold and frankincense and myrrh, we sacrifice and receive him who by those gifts was mystically signified, even Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
PREFACE of the Epiphany and WITHIN THE ACTION, etc., as among Prefaces, and throughout the Octave.
COMMUNION. St. Matt. 2. We have seen his star in the East, and are come with offerings to worship the Lord.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we, which here have celebrated thy holy mysteries, may in all purity of heart and mind receive the benefits of the same. Through.
¶ Within the Octave of the Epiphany the same Mass is said as on the Feast: and after the Collect of the day the following Prayers are said: 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For Church, or Chief Bishop.
The First Sunday after the Epiphany
INTROIT. In excelso throno.
ON a throne exalted I beheld, and lo, a man sitting, whom a legion of Angels worship, singing together: behold, his rule and governance endureth to all ages. Ps. 100. O be joyful in God, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people which call upon thee: and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same. Through.
And Commemoration is made of the Octave of the Epiphany.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Rom. 12. 1.
BRETHREN: I beseech you by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think: but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another: in Christ Jesus our Lord.
GRADUAL. Ps. 72. Blessed be the Lord God, even the God of Israel: which only doeth wondrous things. ℣. The mountains also shall bring peace: and the little hills righteousness unto the people.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 100. O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Luke. St. Luke 2. 41.
NOW the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey: and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to 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, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him: Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them: How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favour with God and man.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 100. O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands, serve the Lord with gladness: and come before his presence with a song: be ye sure that the Lord he is God.
SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, that this sacrifice, which we offer unto thee, may evermore avail to quicken and defend us. Through.
SECRET 2. Of the Epiphany.
COMMUNION. St. Luke 2. Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them: How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
POSTCOMMUNION.
WE humbly beseech thee, Almighty God: that we, whom thou dost vouchsafe to regenerate with thy holy sacraments; may continually serve thee in all virtuous and godly living. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION 2. Of the Epiphany.
On the Octave of the Epiphany
January 13th.
INTROIT. Ecce advenit. Mal. 3.
BEHOLD, he appeareth, the Lord and Ruler: and in his hand the kingdom, and power, and dominion. Ps. 72. Give the King thy judgments, O God: and thy righteousness unto the King's Son. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O GOD, whose only-begotten Son hath been made manifest in the substance of our flesh: grant, we beseech thee, that, like as we have known him after the fashion of our outward likeness, so we may inwardly be made regenerate in him. Who liveth.
The Lesson for the EPISTLE from Isaiah the Prophet. Isa. 60.
ARISE, shine, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged: because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah: all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord.
GRADUAL. Isa. 60. All they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and incense, and shall shew forth the praises of the Lord. ℣. Arise and shine, O Jerusalem: for the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. St. Matt. 2. We have seen his star in the East, and are come with offerings to worship the Lord. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to John. St. John 1. 29.
AT that time: John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith: Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said: After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying: I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me: Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 72. The kings of Tharsis and of the isles shall give presents: the kings of Arabia and Saba shall bring gifts: all kings shall fall down before him, all nations shall do him service.
SECRET.
O LORD, who sufferest us to offer unto thee these our oblations, in remembrance of the manifestation of thine only-begotten Son: we beseech thee mercifully to hear our prayers, and grant, that even as he is himself the author of these our gifts, so in his mercy he may likewise receive the same, even Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth.
COMMUNION. St. Matt. 2. We have seen his star in the East, and are come with offerings to worship the Lord.
POSTCOMMUNION.
PREVENT us, O Lord, at all times and in all places with the light of thy heavenly grace: that, as thou hast vouchsafed to make us partakers of these holy mysteries, so we may understand them aright in purity of heart and receive them worthily with all godly and devout affection. Through.
¶ From the Octave of the Epiphany until Feb. 2 (except upon Doubles) after the Prayers of the Day are said the Prayers of St. Mary and for the Church or Chief Bishop.
¶ If the following Sunday or any other Sunday after Epiphany be superseded by Septuagesima, and there be no place for it after Pentecost in accordance with the rubrics, then it shall be anticipated on the previous Saturday with the privileges proper to the Sunday occurring, and Glory be to God on high, Creed, Preface of the Holy Trinity, and Depart in peace, shall be said.
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
INTROIT. Omnis terra. Ps. 66.
ALL the world shall worship thee, O God: sing of thee, and praise thy Name, O thou most Highest. Ps. ibid. O be joyful in God, all ye lands, sing praises unto the honour of his Name: make his praise to be glorious. ℣. Glory be.
Glory be to God on high is said on Sundays until Septuagesima: but it is not said on ferias when the Mass of Sunday is repeated. And this rule is to be observed of the season after Pentecost also.
COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth: mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life. Through.
COLLECT 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For the Church or for the Chief Bishop.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Rom. 12. 6.
BRETHREN: Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us: whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith, or ministry, let us wait on our ministering, or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity, he that ruleth, with diligence, he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love: In honour preferring one another: Not slothful in business: Fervent in spirit: Serving the Lord: Rejoicing in hope: Patient in tribulation: Continuing instant in prayer: Distributing to the necessity of saints: Given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep: Be of the same mind one towards another: Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
GRADUAL. Ps. 107. The Lord sent his Word and healed them: and they were saved from their destruction. ℣. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness: and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 148. Praise the Lord, all ye Angels of his: praise him all his host. Alleluia.
¶ And thus Alleluia with the verse after the Gradual is said from the Octave of the Epiphany until Septuagesima, and from the Octave of Pentecost until Advent, even within the week, when the Mass of Sunday is repeated.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to John. St. John 2. 1.
AT that time: There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him: They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her: Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants: Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them: Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them: Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was, (but the servants which drew the water knew:) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him: Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee: and manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 66. O be joyful in God, all ye lands: sing praises unto the honour of his Name: O come hither and hearken, all ye that fear God: and I will tell you what the Lord hath done for my soul, alleluia.
SECRET.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, that thou wouldest vouchsafe to sanctify these our oblations: and to cleanse us from the defilement of all our iniquities. Through.
SECRET 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For the Church, or for the Chief Bishop.
COMMUNION. St. John 2. The Lord saith unto them: Fill the water-pots with water, and bear unto the governor of the feast. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, he saith unto the bridegroom: Thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus before his disciples.
POSTCOMMUNION.
INCREASE, O Lord, we pray thee, and multiply upon us the operation of thine almighty power: that we, whom thou hast quickened with these heavenly sacraments, may by thy grace be made ready to receive the benefits which thou dost promise. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For the Church, or for the Chief Bishop.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
INTROIT. Adorate Deum. Ps. 97.
ALL ye Angels of God, fall down, and worship before him: Sion heard of it, and rejoiced, and the daughters of Judah were glad. Ps. ibid. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities: and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us. Through.
COLLECT 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For Church or Chief Bishop.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Rom. 12. 16.
BRETHREN: Be not wise in your own conceits: recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves: but rather give place unto wrath. For it is written: Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
GRADUAL. Ps. 102. The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord: and all the kings of the earth thy majesty. ℣. When the Lord shall build up Sion: and when his glory shall appear.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 97. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 8. 1.
AT that time: When Jesus was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying: I will, be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him: See thou tell no man, but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded for a testimony unto them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion beseeching him, and saying: Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him: I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said: Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say unto this man: Go, and he goeth, and to another: Come, and he cometh: and to my servant: Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed: Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and 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 outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion: Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self-same hour.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 118. The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence, the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
SECRET.
GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that this oblation may in such wise cleanse us from all our sins: that we thy servants, being sanctified both in body and soul, may worthily offer unto thee this our sacrifice. Through.
SECRET 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For Church or Chief Bishop.
COMMUNION. St. Luke 4. All wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.
POSTCOMMUNION.
O LORD, who hast vouchsafed unto us to be made partakers of so great a mystery: we humbly beseech thee, that thou wouldest render us worthy thereby to enjoy the benefits of the same. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For the Church, or for the Chief Bishop.
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
INTROIT. Adorate Deum. Ps. 97.
ALL ye Angels of God, fall down, and worship before him: Sion heard of it, and rejoiced: and the daughters of Judah were glad. Ps. ibid. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations. Through.
COLLECT 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For Church or Chief Bishop.
But if this Sunday comes after the Feast of the Purification, the second Collect is to ask the prayers of the Saints, and the Third Collect is at the Priest's discretion.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Rom. 13. 1.
BRETHREN: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also, for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.
GRADUAL. Ps. 102. The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord: and all the kings of the earth thy majesty. ℣. When the Lord shall build up Sion: and when his glory shall appear.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 97. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 8. 23.
AT that time: When Jesus was entered into a ship: his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying: Lord, save us, we perish. And he saith unto them: Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying: What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And behold, they cried out, saying: What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine, feeding. So the devils besought him, saying: If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them: Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him, that he would depart out of their coasts.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 118. The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence, the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
SECRET.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that the frailty of our mortal nature may by this oblation of our sacrifice, be cleansed from all iniquity and defended against all temptations. Through.
SECRET 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For Church or Chief Bishop.
COMMUNION. St. Luke 4. All wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.
POSTCOMMUNION.
O GOD, who hast here bestowed upon us the bounty of thy heavenly gifts: grant, we beseech thee, that by the same we may be freed from all carnal and earthly desires, and ever strengthened by thy heavenly refreshment. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION 2. Of St. Mary. 3. For Church or Chief Bishop.
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
INTROIT. Adorate Deum. Ps. 97.
ALL ye Angels of God, fall down, and worship before him: Sion heard of it, and rejoiced: and the daughters of Judah were glad. Ps. ibid. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O LORD, we beseech thee to keep thy Church and household continually in thy true religion: that they who do lean only upon the hope of thy heavenly grace may evermore be defended by thy mighty power. Through.
COLLECT 2. Of the Saints. 3. Ad lib.
The Lesson from the EPISTLE of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Colossians. Col. 3. 12.
BRETHREN: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering: forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any. Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.
GRADUAL. Ps. 102. The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord: and all the kings of the earth thy majesty. ℣. When the Lord shall build up Sion: and when his glory shall appear.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 97. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 13. 24.
AT that time: Jesus spake this parable unto the multitudes: The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came, and said unto him: Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares? He said unto them: An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him: Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said: Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares: ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers: Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 118. The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence, the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
SECRET.
ACCEPT, O Lord, we pray thee, this sacrifice which we offer unto thee for the propitiation of our sins: that we, which have gone astray by reason of our frailty, may be pardoned by thy mercy and guided by thy power. Through.
SECRET 2. Of the Saints. 3. Ad lib.
COMMUNION. St. Luke 4. All wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.
POSTCOMMUNION.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that as in these holy mysteries we have received the token of our redemption, so we may effectually be brought to the fulfilment of the same. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION 2. Of the Saints. 3. Ad lib.
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
INTROIT. Adorate Deum. Ps. 97.
ALL ye Angels of God, fall down, and worship before him: Sion heard of it, and rejoiced, and the daughters of Judah were glad. Ps. ibid. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. ℣. Glory be.
COLLECT.
O GOD, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life: grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure; that when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth.
COLLECT 2. Of the Saints. 3. Ad lib.
The Lesson from the first EPISTLE of blessed John the Apostle. 1. St. John 3. 1.
DEARLY beloved: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God: and it doth not yet appear what we shall be. But we know, that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin trans- gresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins: and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you. He that doeth righteousness is righteous: even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
GRADUAL. Ps. 102. The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord: and all the kings of the earth thy majesty. ℣. When the Lord shall build up Sion: and when his glory shall appear.
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. Ps. 97. The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof. Alleluia.
✠ The Continuation of the HOLY GOSPEL according to Matthew. St. Matt. 24. 23.
AT that time: Jesus said unto his disciples: Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe it not. For there arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders: insomuch that (if it were possible) they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert: go not forth. Behold, he is in the secret chambers: believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribu- lation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light: and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn. And they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet: and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
The Creed is said.
OFFERTORY. Ps. 118. The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence, the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
SECRET.
GRANT, O Lord, we pray thee, that this oblation may evermore cleanse and regenerate, govern and defend us. Through.
SECRET 2. Of the Saints. 3. Ad lib.
COMMUNION. St. Luke 4. All wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.
POSTCOMMUNION.
O LORD, who hast fulfilled us with thy heavenly delights: grant, we beseech thee; that we may ever earnestly seek after those things whereby we truly live. Through.
POSTCOMMUNION 2. Of the Saints. 3. Ad lib.
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