Office of Readings
INVITATORY
The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.
Go to the Hymn
Go to the Psalmody
Lord, + open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
The antiphon is repeated. In individual recitation, the antiphon may be said only at the beginning of the psalm; it need not be repeated after each strophe.
Go to Psalm 24
Go to Psalm 67
Go to Psalm 100
Psalm 95
A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
Psalm 24
The Lord’s entry into his temple
Christ opened heaven for us in the manhood he assumed (Saint Irenaeus).
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, *
the world and all its peoples.
It is he who set it on the seas; *
on the waters he made it firm.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? *
Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart, †
who desires not worthless things, *
who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord *
and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him, *
seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Who is the king of glory? †
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, *
the Lord, the valiant in war.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Who is he, the king of glory? †
He, the Lord of armies, *
he is the king of glory.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
Psalm 67
People of all nations will worship the Lord
You must know that God is offering his salvation to all the world (Acts 28:28).
O God, be gracious and bless us *
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth *
and all nations learn your saving help.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Let the nations be glad and exult *
for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples, *
you guide the nations on earth.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
The earth has yielded its fruit *
for God, our God, has blessed us.
May God still give us his blessing *
till the ends of the earth revere him.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
Psalm 100
The joyful song of those entering God’s temple
The Lord calls his ransomed people to sing songs of victory (Saint Athanasius).
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. †
Serve the Lord with gladness. *
Come before him, singing for joy.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Know that he, the Lord, is God. †
He made us, we belong to him, *
we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Go within his gates, giving thanks. †
Enter his courts with songs of praise. *
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Indeed, how good is the Lord, †
eternal his merciful love. *
He is faithful from age to age.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Come, worship the Lord, for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
God, + come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee:
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see;
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Which were, and are, and ever more shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.
Tune: Nicaea 11.12.12.10
Music: John B. Dykes, 1823-1876
Text: Reginald Huber, 1783-1826
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia.
Psalm 104
Hymn to God the Creator
To be in Christ means being a completely new creature. Everything of the old is gone, now everything is made anew (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I
Bless the Lord, my soul! *
Lord God, how great you are,
clothed in majesty and glory, *
wrapped in light as in a robe!
You stretch out the heavens like a tent. *
Above the rains you build your dwelling.
You make the clouds your chariot, *
you walk on the wings of the wind,
you make the winds your messengers *
and flashing fire your servants.
You founded the earth on its base, *
to stand firm from age to age.
You wrapped it with the ocean like a cloak: *
the waters stood higher than the mountains.
At your threat they took to flight; *
at the voice of your thunder they fled.
They rose over the mountains and flowed down *
to the place which you had appointed.
You set limits they might not pass *
lest they return to cover the earth.
You make springs gush forth in the valleys: *
they flow in between the hills.
They give drink to all the beasts of the field; *
the wild asses quench their thirst.
On their banks dwell the birds of heaven; *
from the branches they sing their song.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The Lord has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, alleluia.
II
From your dwelling you water the hills; *
earth drinks its fill of your gift.
You make the grass grow for the cattle *
and the plants to serve man’s needs,
that he may bring forth bread from the earth *
and wine to cheer man’s heart;
oil, to make him glad *
and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
The trees of the Lord drink their fill, *
the cedars he planted on Lebanon;
there the birds build their nests; *
on the tree-top the stork has her home.
The goats find a home on the mountains *
and rabbits hide in the rocks.
You made the moon to mark the months; *
the sun knows the time for its setting.
When you spread the darkness it is night *
and all the beasts of the forest creep forth.
The young lions roar for their prey *
and ask their food from God.
At the rising of the sun they steal away *
and go to rest in their dens.
Man goes forth to his work, *
to labor till evening falls.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. The Lord has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, alleluia.
Ant. 3 The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia.
III
How many are your works, O Lord! †
In wisdom you have made them all. *
The earth is full of your riches.
There is the sea, vast and wide, †
with its moving swarms past counting, *
living things great and small.
The ships are moving there *
and the monsters you made to play with.
All of these look to you *
to give them their food in due season.
You give it, they gather it up: *
you open your hand, they have their fill.
You hide your face, they are dismayed; †
you take back your spirit, they die, *
returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, they are created; *
and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord last for ever! *
May the Lord rejoice in his works!
He looks on the earth and it trembles; *
the mountains send forth smoke at his touch.
I will sing to the Lord all my life, *
make music to my God while I live.
May my thoughts be pleasing to him. *
I find my joy in the Lord.
Let sinners vanish from the earth *
and the wicked exist no more.
Bless the Lord, my soul.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm Prayer
Father, as you made springs in valleys to form streams between mountains, so you made living streams of grace flow from the apostles that their teaching may bring salvation to all the nations. May we have a practical knowledge of their doctrine, be obedient to their commands, obtain remission of sins through their prayers, and finally receive the reward of eternal happiness.
Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia.
Blessed are your eyes, for they see God’s works.
– And your ears, for they hear his word.
READINGS
FIRST READING
The beginning of the book of Proverbs
1:1-7, 20-33
An exhortation to choose wisdom
The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David,
king of Israel:
That men may appreciate wisdom and discipline,
may understand words of intelligence;
May receive training in wise conduct,
in what is right, just and honest;
That resourcefulness may be imparted to the simple,
to the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man by hearing them will advance in learning,
an intelligent man will gain sound guidance,
That he may comprehend proverb and parable,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
wisdom and instruction fools despise.
Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
in the open squares she raises her voice;
Down the crowded ways she calls out,
at the city gates she utters her words:
“How long, you simple ones, will you love inanity,
how long will you turn away at my reproof?
Lo! I will pour out to you my spirit,
I will acquaint you with my words.
“Because I called and you refused,
I extended my hand and no one took notice;
Because you disdained all my counsel,
and my reproof you ignored—
I, in my turn, will laugh at your doom;
I will mock when terror overtakes you;
When terror comes upon you like a storm,
and your doom approaches like a whirlwind;
when distress and anguish befall you.
“Then they call me, but I answer not;
they seek me, but find me not;
Because they hated knowledge,
and chose not the fear of the Lord;
They ignored my counsel,
they spurned all my reproof;
And in their arrogance they preferred arrogance,
and like fools they hated knowledge:
“Now they must eat the fruit of their own way,
and with their own devices be glutted.
For the self-will of the simple kills them,
the smugness of fools destroys them.
But he who obeys me dwells in security,
in peace, without fear of harm.”
RESPONSORY
Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 3:18-19; 1:23, 24
Never allow yourself to be self-satisfied;
if you pride yourself on your worldly wisdom,
you will have to unlearn it all before you are truly wise;
– worldly wisdom is foolishness in the eyes of God.
We preach a crucified Christ,
and he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
– Worldly wisdom is foolishness in the eyes of God.
SECOND READING
From a commentary on the Diatessaron by Saint Ephrem, deacon
(1, 18-19: SC 121, 52-53)
God’s word is an inexhaustible spring of life
Lord, who can comprehend even one of your words? We lose more of it than we grasp, like those who drink from a living spring. For God’s word offers different facets according to the capacity of the listener, and the Lord has portrayed his message in many colors, so that whoever gazes upon it can see in it what suits him. Within it he has buried manifold treasures, so that each of us might grow rich in seeking them out.
The word of God is a tree of life that offers us blessed fruit from each of its branches. It is like that rock which was struck open in the wilderness, from which all were offered spiritual drink. As the Apostle says: They ate spiritual food and they drank spiritual drink.
And so whenever anyone discovers some part of the treasure, he should not think that he has exhausted God’s word. Instead he should feel that this is all that he was able to find of the wealth contained in it. Nor should he say that the word is weak and sterile or look down on it simply because this portion was all that he happened to find. But precisely because he could not capture it all he should give thanks for its riches.
Be glad then that you are overwhelmed, and do not be saddened because he has overcome you. A thirsty man is happy when he is drinking, and he is not depressed because he cannot exhaust the spring. So let this spring quench your thirst, and not your thirst the spring. For if you can satisfy your thirst without exhausting the spring, then when you thirst again you can drink from it once more; but if when your thirst is sated the spring is also dried up, then your victory would turn to your own harm.
Be thankful then for what you have received, and do not be saddened at all that such an abundance still remains. What you have received and attained is your present share, while what is left will be your heritage. For what you could not take at one time because of your weakness, you will be able to grasp at another if you only persevere. So do not foolishly try to drain in one draught what cannot be consumed all at once, and do not cease out of faintheartedness from what you will be able to absorb as time goes on.
RESPONSORY
1 Peter 1:25; Baruch 4:1
The word of the Lord endures for ever.
– This same word, the Gospel, has been proclaimed to you.
This is the book of the commandments of God,
the law that stands for ever;
all who keep it shall live.
– This same word, the Gospel, has been proclaimed to you.
If the Optional Vigil is not celebrated, the Office continues with the Te Deum.
Go to the Te Deum
OPTIONAL VIGIL
CANTICLES
Ant. We hope in you, Lord; be a source of strength for us today and our salvation in times of trial.
Canticle I: Isaiah 33:2-10
Prayer of trust in need
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
O Lord, have pity on us, for you we wait. †
Be our strength every morning, *
our salvation in time of trouble!
At the roaring sound, peoples flee; *
when you rise in your majesty, nations are scattered.
Men gather spoil as caterpillars are gathered up; *
they rush upon it like the onrush of locusts.
The Lord is exalted, enthroned on high; *
he fills Zion with right and justice.
That which makes her seasons lasting, †
the riches that save her, are wisdom and knowledge; *
the fear of the Lord is her treasure.
See, the men of Ariel cry out in the streets, *
the messengers of Shalem weep bitterly.
The highways are desolate, *
travelers have quit the paths,
covenants are broken, their terms are spurned; *
yet no man gives it a thought.
The country languishes in mourning, *
Lebanon withers with shame;
Sharon is like the steppe, *
Bashan and Carmel are stripped bare.
Now will I rise up, says the Lord, *
now will I be exalted, now be lifted up.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Canticle II: Isaiah 33:13-16
God will judge with justice
It is promised to you and your children and to all who are far away (Acts 2:39).
Hear, you who are far off, *
what I have done;
you who are near, *
acknowledge my might.
On Zion sinners are in dread, *
trembling grips the impious:
“Who of us can live with the consuming fire? *
Who of us can live with the everlasting flames?”
He who practices virtue and speaks honestly, *
who spurns what is gained by oppression,
brushing his hands *
free of contact with a bribe,
stopping his ears lest he hear of bloodshed, *
closing his eyes lest he look on evil.
He shall dwell on the heights, *
his stronghold shall be the rocky fastness,
his food and drink *
in steady supply.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Canticle III: Sirach 36:11-17
Prayer for the people of God
This is eternal life: to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).
Show mercy to the people called by your name; *
Israel, whom you named your first-born.
Take pity on your holy city, *
Jerusalem, your dwelling place.
Fill Zion with your majesty, *
your temple with your glory.
Give evidence of your deeds of old; *
fulfill the prophecies spoken in your name,
Reward those who have hoped in you, *
and let your prophets be proved true.
Hear the prayer of your servants, *
for you are ever gracious to your people;
Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth *
that you are the eternal God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. We hope in you, Lord; be a source of strength for us today and our salvation in times of trial.
THE HOLY GOSPEL
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
20:1-18
It is right that he should rise from the dead
Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away, so she ran off to Simon Peter and the other disciple (the one Jesus loved) and told them, “The Lord has been taken from the tomb! We don't know where they have put him!”
At that, Peter and the other disciple started out on their way to the tomb. They were running side by side, but then the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He did not enter but bent down to peer in, and saw the wrappings lying on the ground. Presently Simon Peter came along behind him and entered the tomb. He observed the wrappings on the ground and saw the piece of cloth which had covered the head not lying with the wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself.
Then the disciple who had arrived first at the tomb went in. He saw and believed. (Remember, as yet they did not understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) With this, the disciples went back home.
Meanwhile, Mary stood weeping beside the tomb. Even as she wept, she stopped to peer inside, and there she saw two angels in dazzling robes. One was seated at the head and the other at the foot of the place where Jesus’ body had lain. “Woman,” they asked her, “Why are you weeping?” She answered them, “Because the Lord has been taken away, and I do not know where they have put him.” She had no sooner said this than she turned around and caught sight of Jesus standing there. But she did not know him. “Woman,” he asked her, “why are you weeping? Who is it your are looking for?” She supposed he was the gardener, so she said, “Sir, if you are the one who carried him off, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned to him and said [in Hebrew], “Rabbouni!” (meaning “Teacher”). Jesus then said: “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Rather, go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father to my God and to your God!’
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples. “I have seen the Lord!” she announced. Then she reported what he had said to her.
A homily on the Gospel may be given.
TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death,
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
R. Govern and uphold them now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you.
R. We praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope:
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Let us pray.
God our Father,
you have promised to remain for ever
with those who do what is just and right.
Help us to live in your presence.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Or:
O God, who teach us that you abide
in hearts that are just and true,
grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace
as to become a dwelling pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.
******
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