Sixth Week of Lent
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April 2
Palm Sunday
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The great crowd that had gathered for the feast cried out to the Lord: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
for his love endures for ever.
Let the sons of Israel say:
“His love endures for ever.”
Let the sons of Aaron say:
“His love endures for ever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say:
“His love endures for ever.”
I called to the Lord in my distress;
he answered and freed me.
The Lord is at my side; I do not fear.
What can man do against me?
The Lord is at my side as my helper:
I shall look down on my foes.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in men:
it is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
The nations all encompassed me;
in the Lord’s name I crushed them.
They compassed me, compassed me about;
in the Lord’s name I crushed them.
They compassed me about like bees;
they blazed like a fire among thorns.
In the Lord’s name I crushed them.
I was hard-pressed and was falling
but the Lord came to help me.
The Lord is my strength and my song;
he is my savior.
There are shouts of joy and victory
in the tents of the just.
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;
his right hand raised me up.
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;
I shall not die, I shall live
and recount his deeds.
I was punished, I was punished by the Lord,
but not doomed to die.
Open to me the gates of holiness:
I will enter and give thanks.
This is the Lord’s own gate
where the just may enter.
I will thank you for you have answered
and you are my savior.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the corner stone.
This is the work of the Lord,
a marvel in our eyes.
This day was made by the Lord;
we rejoice and are glad.
O Lord, grant us salvation;
O Lord, grant success.
Blessed in the name of the Lord
is he who comes.
We bless you from the house of the Lord;
the Lord God is our light.
Go forward in procession with branches
even to the altar.
You are my God, I thank you.
My God, I praise you.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good;
for his love endures for ever.
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
Lord God, you have given us the great day of rejoicing: Jesus Christ, the stone rejected by the builders, has become the cornerstone of the Church, our spiritual home. Shed upon your Church the rays of your glory, that it may be seen as the gate of salvation open to all nations. Let cries of joy and exultation ring out from its tents, to celebrate the wonder of Christ’s resurrection.
Ant. The great crowd that had gathered for the feast cried out to the Lord: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Ant. 2 God grant that with the angels and the children we may be faithful, and sing with them to the conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest.
Canticle – Daniel 3:52-57
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
And blessed is your holy and glorious name,
praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.
Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory,
praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you who look into the depths
from your throne upon the cherubim,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven,
praiseworthy and glorious forever.
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord,
praise and exalt him above all forever.
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. God grant that with the angels and the children we may be faithful, and sing with them to the conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest.
Ant. 3 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Psalm 150
Praise God in his holy place,
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his powerful deeds,
praise his surpassing greatness.
O praise him with sound of trumpet,
praise him with lute and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipes.
O praise him with resounding cymbals,
praise him with clashing of cymbals.
Let everything that lives and that breathes
give praise to the Lord.
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
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and of all created things, you make your just ones holy and you justify sinners who confess your name. Hear us as we humbly pray to you: give us eternal joy with your saints.
Ant. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
READING Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion,
shout for joy, O daughter, Jerusalem!
See, your king shall come to you;
a just savior is he,
Meek, and riding on an ass,
on a colt, the foal of an ass.
RESPONSORY
By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
From every tribe, and tongue, and people and nation,
— you brought us back to God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. With palms let us welcome the Lord as he comes, with songs and hymns let us run to meet him, as we offer him our joyful worship and sing: Blessed be the Lord!
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. With palms let us welcome the Lord as he comes, with songs and hymns let us run to meet him, as we offer him our joyful worship and sing: Blessed be the Lord!
INTERCESSIONS
As Christ entered Jerusalem he was greeted as King and Messiah. Let us adore him, and joyfully praise him:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna to you, Son of David, King of the ages,
— hosanna to you, victor over death and the powers of darkness.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory,
— lead your Church into the paschal feast of heaven.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
You made your cross the tree of life,
— grant its fruit to those reborn in baptism.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Savior of mankind, you came to save sinners,
— bring into your kingdom all who have faith, hope and love.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
who as an example of humility
for the human race to follow,
caused our savior to take flesh
and submit to the Cross,
graciously grant that
we may heed his lesson of patient suffering
and so merit a share in his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Ant. 1 Christ was scourged and treated with contempt, but God’s right hand has raised him up.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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
Almighty God, bring the kingdom of Christ, your anointed one, to its fullness. May the perfect offering of your Son, eternal priest of the new Jerusalem, be offered in every place to your name, and make all nations a holy people for you.
Ant. Christ was scourged and treated with contempt, but God’s right hand has raised him up.
Ant. 2 The blood of Christ washes away our sins and makes us worthy to serve the living God.
Psalm 115
Not to us, Lord, not to us,
but to your name give the glory
for the sake of your love and your truth,
lest the heathen say: “Where is their God?”
But our God is in the heavens;
he does whatever he wills.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
They have mouths but they cannot speak;
they have eyes but they cannot see;
they have ears but they cannot hear;
they have nostrils but they cannot smell.
With their hands they cannot feel;
with their feet they cannot walk.
No sound comes from their throats.
Their makers will come to be like them
and so will all who trust in them.
Sons of Israel, trust in the Lord;
he is their help and their shield.
Sons of Aaron, trust in the Lord;
he is their help and their shield.
You who fear him, trust in the Lord;
he is their help and their shield.
He remembers us, and he will bless us;
he will bless the sons of Israel.
He will bless the sons of Aaron.
The Lord will bless those who fear him,
the little no less than the great:
to you may the Lord grant increase,
to you and all your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
The heavens belong to the Lord
but the earth he has given to men.
The dead shall not praise the Lord,
nor those who go down into the silence.
But we who live bless the Lord
now and for ever. Amen.
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, creator and ruler of heaven and earth, you made man in your likeness to subdue the earth and master it, and to recognize the work of your hands in created beauty. Grant that your children, thus surrounded on all sides by signs of your presence, may live continually in Christ, praising you through him and with him.
Ant. The blood of Christ washes away our sins and makes us worthy to serve the living God.
Ant. 3 Christ bore our sins in his own body on the cross so that we might die to sin and be alive to all that is good.
Canticle – 1 Peter 2:21-24
Christ suffered for you,
and left you an example
to have you follow in his footsteps.
He did no wrong;
no deceit was found in his mouth.
When he was insulted,
he returned no insult.
When he was made to suffer,
he did not counter with threats.
Instead he delivered himself up
to the One who judges justly.
In his own body
he brought your sins to the cross,
so that all of us, dead to sin,
could live in accord with God’s will.
By his wounds you were healed.
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. Christ bore our sins in his own body on the cross so that we might die to sin and be alive to all that is good.
READING Acts 13:26-30
My brothers, it was to us that this message of salvation was sent forth. The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their rulers failed to recognize him, and in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets which we read Sabbath after Sabbath. Even though they found no charge against him which deserved death, they begged Pilate to have him executed. Once they had thus brought about all that had been written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. Yet God raised him from the dead.
RESPONSORY
We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your cross you have redeemed the world.
— We praise you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. It is written: I will strike the shepherd and his flock shall be scattered. But when I have risen, I will go before you into Galilee. There you shall see me, says the Lord.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. It is written: I will strike the shepherd and his flock shall be scattered. But when I have risen, I will go before you into Galilee. There you shall see me, says the Lord.
INTERCESSIONS
The Savior of mankind by dying destroyed death and by rising again restored life. Let us humbly ask him:
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Redeemer of the world, give us a greater share of your passion through a deeper spirit of repentance,
— so that we may share the glory of your resurrection.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
May your Mother, comfort of the afflicted, protect us,
— may we console others as you console us.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Look with love on those who suffer because of our indifference,
— come to their aid, and turn our uncaring hearts to works of justice and charity.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
You humbled yourself by being obedient even to accepting death, death on a cross,
— give all who serve you the gifts of obedience and patient endurance.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Transform the bodies of the dead to be like your own in glory,
— and bring us at last into their fellowship.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
who as an example of humility
for the human race to follow,
caused our savior to take flesh
and submit to the Cross,
graciously grant that
we may heed his lesson of patient suffering
and so merit a share in his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 3
Monday in Holy Week
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Jesus said: My heart is nearly broken with sorrow; stay here and keep watch with me.
Psalm 42
Like the deer that yearns
for running streams,
so my soul is yearning
for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God,
the God of my life;
when can I enter and see
the face of God?
My tears have become my bread,
by night, by day,
as I hear it said all the day long:
“Where is your God?”
These things will I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I would lead the rejoicing crowd
into the house of God,
amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving,
the throng wild with joy.
Why are you cast down, my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my God.
My soul is cast down within me
as I think of you,
from the country of Jordan and Mount Hermon,
from the Hill of Mizar.
Deep is calling on deep,
in the roar of waters;
your torrents and all your waves
swept over me.
By day the Lord will send
his loving kindness;
by night I will sing to him,
praise the God of my life.
I will say to God, my rock:
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
oppressed by the foe?”
With cries that pierce me to the heart,
my enemies revile me,
saying to me all day long:
“Where is your God?”
Why are you cast down, my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my 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.
Psalm-prayer
Father in heaven, when your strength takes possession of us we no longer say: Why are you cast down, my soul? So now that the surging waves of your indignation have passed over us, let us feel the healing calm of your forgiveness. Inspire us to yearn for you always, like the deer for running streams, until you satisfy every longing in heaven.
Ant. Jesus said: My heart is nearly broken with sorrow; stay here and keep watch with me.
Ant. 2 Now the time has come for this world to receive its sentence; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
Canticle – Sirach 36:1-5, 10-13
Come to our aid, O God of the universe,
and put all the nations in dread of you!
Raise your hand against the heathen,
that they may realize your power.
As you have used us to show them your holiness,
so now use them to show us your glory.
Thus they will know, as we know,
that there is no God but you.
Give new signs and work new wonders;
show forth the splendor of your right hand and arm.
Gather all the tribes of Jacob,
that they may inherit the land as of old.
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.
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. Now the time has come for this world to receive its sentence; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
Ant. 3 Jesus, the beginning and end of our faith, endured the cross, heedless of the shame, and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God.
Psalm 19A
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
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
To enlighten the world, Father, you sent to us your Word as the sun of truth and justice shining upon mankind. Illumine our eyes that we may discern your glory in the many works of your hands.
Ant. Jesus, the beginning and end of our faith, endured the cross, heedless of the shame, and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God.
READING Jeremiah 11:19-20
I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter, had not realized that they were hatching plots against me: “Let us destroy the tree in its vigor; let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will be spoken no more.”
But, you, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge,
searcher of mind and heart,
Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause, O Lord my God!
RESPONSORY
By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
From every tribe, and tongue, and people and nation,
— you brought us back to God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Father, righteous One, the world does not know you, but I know you, because you are the One who sent me.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Father, righteous One, the world does not know you, but I know you, because you are the One who sent me.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray to Christ our Savior, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection:
Lord, have mercy on us.
You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory,
— bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier’s lance,
— heal our wounds.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You made the cross the tree of life,
— give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.
Lord, have mercy on us.
On the cross you forgave the repentant thief,
— forgive us our sins.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God,
that, though in our weakness we fail,
we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 He had neither beauty, nor majesty, nothing to attract our eyes.
Psalm 45
The marriage of the king
The Bridegroom is here; go out and welcome him (Matthew 25:6).
I
My heart overflows with noble words.
To the king I must speak the song I have made,
my tongue as nimble as the pen of a scribe.
You are the fairest of the children of men
and graciousness is poured upon your lips:
because God has blessed you for evermore.
O mighty one, gird your sword upon your thigh;
in splendor and state, ride on in triumph
for the cause of truth and goodness and right.
Take aim with your bow in your dread right hand.
Your arrows are sharp, peoples fall beneath you.
The foes of the king fall down and lose heart.
Your throne, O God, shall endure for ever.
A scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom.
Your love is for justice; your hatred for evil.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness above other kings:
your robes are fragrant with aloes and myrrh.
From the ivory palace you are greeted with music.
The daughters of kings are among your loved ones.
On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
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. He had neither beauty, nor majesty, nothing to attract our eyes.
Ant. 2 I will entrust all people to his care, for he has given himself up to death for all.
II
Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words:
forget your own people and your father’s house.
So will the king desire your beauty:
He is your lord, pay homage to him.
And the people of Tyre shall come with gifts,
the richest of the people shall seek your favor.
The daughter of the king is clothed with splendor,
her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold.
She is led to the king with her maiden companions.
They are escorted amid gladness and joy;
they pass within the palace of the king.
Sons shall be yours in place of your fathers:
you will make them rulers over all the earth.
May this song make your name for ever remembered.
May the peoples praise you from age to age.
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
When you took on flesh, Lord Jesus, you made a marriage of mankind with God. Help us to be faithful to your word and endure our exile bravely, until we are called to the heavenly marriage feast, to which the Virgin Mary, exemplar of your Church, has preceded us.
Ant. I will entrust all people to his care, for he has given himself up to death for all.
Ant. 3 God has blessed us in Christ. Through him, at the cost of his blood, we have been redeemed.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth.
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. God has blessed us in Christ. Through him, at the cost of his blood, we have been redeemed.
READING Romans 5:8-9
It is precisely in this that God proves his love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Now that we have been justified by his blood, it is all the more certain that we shall be saved by him from God’s wrath.
RESPONSORY
We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your cross you have redeemed the world.
— We praise you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be raised up, so that all who believe in him may have eternal life.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be raised up, so that all who believe in him may have eternal life.
INTERCESSIONS
The Savior of mankind by dying destroyed death and by rising again restored life. Let us humbly ask him:
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Redeemer of the world, give us a greater share of your passion through a deeper spirit of repentance,
— so that we may share the glory of your resurrection.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
May your Mother, comfort of the afflicted, protect us,
— may we console others as you console us.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
In their trials enable your faithful people to share in your passion,
— and so reveal in their lives your saving power.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
You humbled yourself by being obedient even to accepting death, death on a cross,
— give all who serve you the gifts of obedience and patient endurance.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Transform the bodies of the dead to be like your own in glory,
— and bring us at last into their fellowship.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God,
that, though in our weakness we fail,
we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.— Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 4
Tuesday in Holy Week
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 O Lord, defend my cause; rescue me from deceitful and impious men.
Psalm 43
Defend me, O God, and plead my cause
against a godless nation.
From deceitful and cunning men
rescue me, O God.
Since you, O God, are my stronghold,
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go mourning
oppressed by the foe?
O send forth your light and your truth;
let these be my guide.
Let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
And I will come to the altar of God,
the God of my joy.
My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp,
O God, my God.
Why are you cast down my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my 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.
Psalm-prayer
Almighty Father, source of everlasting light, send forth your truth into our hearts and pour over us the brightness of your light.
Ant. O Lord, defend my cause; rescue me from deceitful and impious men.
Ant. 2 Lord, my God, you defended my cause; you ransomed my life.
Canticle – Isaiah 38:10-14, 17-20
Once I said,
“In the noontime of life I must depart!
To the gates of the nether world I shall be consigned
for the rest of my years.”
I said, “I shall see the Lord no more
in the land of the living.
No longer shall I behold my fellow men
among those who dwell in the world.”
My dwelling, like a shepherd’s tent,
is struck down and borne away from me;
you have folded up my life, like a weaver
who severs the last thread.
Day and night you give me over to torment;
I cry out until the dawn.
Like a lion he breaks all my bones;
day and night you give me over to torment.
Like a swallow I utter shrill cries;
I moan like a dove.
My eyes grow weak, gazing heaven-ward:
O Lord, I am in straits; be my surety!
You have preserved my life
from the pit of destruction,
when you cast behind your back
all my sins.
For it is not the nether world that gives you thanks,
nor death that praises you;
Neither do those who go down into the pit
await your kindness.
The living, the living give you thanks,
as I do today.
Fathers declare to their sons,
O God, your faithfulness.
The Lord is our savior;
we shall sing to stringed instruments
in the house of the Lord
all the days of our life.
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, my God, you defended my cause; you ransomed my life.
Ant. 3 My servant, the Just One, will justify many by taking their sins on himself.
Psalm 65
To you our praise is due
in Zion, O God.
To you we pay our vows,
you who hear our prayer.
To you all flesh will come
with its burden of sin.
Too heavy for us, our offenses,
but you wipe them away.
Blessed is he whom you choose and call
to dwell in your courts.
We are filled with the blessings of your house,
of your holy temple.
You keep your pledge with wonders,
O God our savior,
the hope of all the earth
and of far distant isles.
You uphold the mountains with your strength,
you are girded with power.
You still the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the tumult of the peoples.
The ends of the earth stand in awe
at the sight of your wonders.
The lands of sunrise and sunset
you fill with your joy.
You care for the earth, give it water;
you fill it with riches.
Your river in heaven brims over
to provide its grain.
And thus you provide for the earth;
you drench its furrows;
you level it, soften it with showers;
you bless its growth.
You crown the year with your goodness.
Abundance flows in your steps;
in the pastures of the wilderness it flows.
The hills are girded with joy,
the meadows covered with flocks,
the valleys are decked with wheat.
They shout for joy, yes they sing.
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
Lord God, hope of all the earth, hear the humble prayer of your children as we sing your praises. Pour out your Spirit on us so that our lives may bear fruit abundantly.
Ant. My servant, the Just One, will justify many by taking their sins on himself.
READING Zechariah 12:10-11a
I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition; and they shall look on him whom they have thrust through, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they shall grieve over him as one grieves over a first-born. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem shall be great.
RESPONSORY
By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
From every tribe, and tongue, and people and nation,
— you brought us back to God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Father, give me the glory that I had with you before the world was made.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Father, give me the glory that I had with you before the world was made.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray to Christ our Savior, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection:
Lord, have mercy on us.
You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory,
— bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier’s lance,
— heal our wounds.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You made the cross the tree of life,
— give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.
Lord, have mercy on us.
On the cross you forgave the repentant thief,
— forgive us our sins.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
grant us so to celebrate
the mysteries of the Lord’s Passion
that we may merit to receive your pardon.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 They insulted me and filled me with dread, but the Lord was at my side, like a mighty warrior.
Psalm 49
I
Hear this, all you peoples,
give heed, all who dwell in the world,
men both high and low,
rich and poor alike!
My lips will speak words of wisdom.
My heart is full of insight.
I will turn my mind to a parable,
with the harp I will solve my problem.
Why should I fear in evil days
the malice of the foes who surround me,
men who trust in their wealth,
and boast of the vastness of their riches?
For no man can buy his own ransom,
or pay a price to God for his life.
The ransom of his soul is beyond him.
He cannot buy life without end,
nor avoid coming to the grave.
He knows that wise men and fools must both perish
and must leave their wealth to others.
Their graves are their homes for ever,
their dwelling place from age to age,
though their names spread wide through the land.
In his riches, man lacks wisdom;
he is like the beasts that are destroyed.
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. They insulted me and filled me with dread, but the Lord was at my side, like a mighty warrior.
Ant. 2 Deliver me, Lord, and place me at your side, then let whoever will, lift his hand to strike me.
II
This is the lot of those who trust in themselves,
who have others at their beck and call.
Like sheep they are driven to the grave,
where death shall be their shepherd
and the just shall become their rulers.
With the morning their outward show vanishes
and the grave becomes their home.
But God will ransom me from death
and take my soul to himself.
Then do not fear when a man grows rich,
when the glory of his house increases.
He takes nothing with him when he dies,
his glory does not follow him below.
Though he flattered himself while he lived:
“Men will praise me for all my success,”
yet he will go to join his fathers,
who will never see the light any more.
In his riches, man lacks wisdom;
he is like the beasts that are destroyed.
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
You condemned the rich, Lord Jesus, because they have already received their reward, and you proclaimed the poor blessed because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Teach us to seek for imperishable goods and to have confidence in your blood, poured out as the price of our redemption.
Ant. Deliver me, Lord, and place me at your side, then let whoever will, lift his hand to strike me.
Ant. 3 You were slain, Lord, and by your blood you have ransomed us for God.
Canticle – Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12
O Lord our God, you are worthy
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you have created all things;
by your will they came to be and were made.
Worthy are you, O Lord,
to receive the scroll and break open its seals.
For you were slain;
with your blood you purchased for God
men of every race and tongue,
of every people and nation.
You made of them a kingdom,
and priests to serve our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength,
honor and glory and praise.
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. You were slain, Lord, and by your blood you have ransomed us for God.
READING 1 Corinthians 1:27b-30
God singled out the weak of this world to shame the strong. He chose the world’s lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God. God it is who has given you life in Christ Jesus. He has made him our wisdom and also our justice, our sanctification, and our redemption.
RESPONSORY
We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your cross you have redeemed the world.
— We praise you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it up again.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it up again.
INTERCESSIONS
The Savior of mankind by dying destroyed death and by rising again restored life. Let us humbly ask him:
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Redeemer of the world, give us a greater share of your passion through a deeper spirit of repentance,
— so that we may share the glory of your resurrection.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
May your Mother, comfort of the afflicted, protect us,
— may we console others as you console us.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Look with love on those who suffer because of our indifference,
— come to their aid, and turn our uncaring hearts to works of justice and charity.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
You humbled yourself by being obedient even to accepting death, death on a cross,
— give all who serve you the gifts of obedience and patient endurance.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Transform the bodies of the dead to be like your own in glory,
— and bring us at last into their fellowship.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
grant us so to celebrate
the mysteries of the Lord’s Passion
that we may merit to receive your pardon.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 5
Wednesday in Holy Week
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 In the day of my distress, I reached out with my hands to seek the Lord’s help.
Psalm 77
I cry aloud to God,
cry aloud to God that he may hear me.
In the day of my distress I sought the Lord.
My hands were raised at night without ceasing;
my soul refused to be consoled.
I remembered my God and I groaned.
I pondered and my spirit fainted.
You withheld sleep from my eyes.
I was troubled, I could not speak.
I thought of the days of long ago
and remembered the years long past.
At night I mused within my heart.
I pondered and my spirit questioned.
“Will the Lord reject us for ever?
Will he show us his favor no more?
Has his love vanished for ever?
Has his promise come to an end?
Does God forget his mercy
or in anger withhold his compassion?”
I said: “This is what causes my grief;
that the way of the Most High has changed.”
I remember the deeds of the Lord,
I remember your wonders of old,
I muse on all your works
and ponder your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders.
You showed your power among the peoples.
Your strong arm redeemed your people,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and trembled;
the depths were moved with terror.
The clouds poured down rain,
the skies sent forth their voice;
your arrows flashed to and fro.
Your thunder rolled round the sky,
your flashes lighted up the world.
The earth was moved and trembled
when your way led through the sea,
your path through the mighty waters
and no one saw your footprints.
You guided your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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, you established your ancient covenant by signs and wonders, but more wondrously you confirmed the new one through the sacrifice of your Son. Guide your Church through the pathways of life, that we may be led to the land of promise and celebrate your name with lasting praise.
Ant. In the day of my distress, I reached out with my hands to seek the Lord’s help.
Ant. 2 If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Christ.
Canticle – 1 Samuel 2:1-10
My heart exults in the Lord,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory.
There is no Holy One like the Lord;
there is no Rock like our God.
Speak boastfully no longer,
nor let arrogance issue from your mouths.
For an all-knowing God is the Lord,
a God who judges deeds.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes.
The Lord puts to death and gives life;
he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich,
he humbles, he also exalts.
He raises the needy from the dust;
from the ash heap he lifts up the poor,
to seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and he has set the world upon them.
He will guard the footsteps of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall perish in the darkness.
For not by strength does man prevail;
the Lord’s foes shall be shattered.
The Most High in heaven thunders;
the Lord judges the ends of the earth.
Now may he give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed!
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. If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Christ.
Ant. 3 God has made Christ Jesus our wisdom and our holiness. By him we have been sanctified and redeemed.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name.
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, you clothe the sky with light and the depths of the ocean with darkness. Among the sons of men you work wonders, and rain terror upon the enemy. Look upon your servants. Do not try us by fire but bring us rejoicing to the shelter of your home.
Ant. God has made Christ Jesus our wisdom and our holiness. By him we have been sanctified and redeemed.
READING Isaiah 50:4b-7
The Lord God opens my ear that I may hear;
And I have not rebelled,
have not turned back.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard:
My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.
The Lord God is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
RESPONSORY
By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
From every tribe, and tongue, and people and nation,
— you brought us back to God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Through the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as the perfect sacrifice. His blood purifies us from sin and makes us fit servants of the living God.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Through the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as the perfect sacrifice. His blood purifies us from sin and makes us fit servants of the living God.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray to Christ our Savior, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection:
Lord, have mercy on us.
You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory,
— bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier’s lance,
— heal our wounds.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You made the cross the tree of life,
— give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.
Lord, have mercy on us.
On the cross you forgave the repentant thief,
— forgive us our sins.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who willed your Son to submit
for our sake to the yoke of the Cross,
so that you might drive from us the power of the enemy,
grant us, your servants,
to attain the grace of the resurrection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Evil men said: Let us make the just man suffer; he sets himself against our way of life.
Psalm 62
In God alone is my soul at rest;
my help comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress; I stand firm.
How long will you all attack one man
to break him down,
as though he were a tottering wall,
or a tumbling fence?
Their plan is only to destroy;
they take pleasure in lies.
With their mouth they utter blessing
but in their heart they curse.
In God alone be at rest, my soul;
for my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress; I stand firm.
In God is my safety and glory,
the rock of my strength.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Trust him at all times.
Pour out your hearts before him
for God is our refuge.
Common folk are only a breath,
great men an illusion.
Placed in the scales, they rise;
they weigh less than a breath.
Do not put your trust in oppression
nor vain hopes on plunder.
Do not set your heart on riches
even when they increase.
For God has said only one thing;
only two do I know:
that to God alone belongs power
and to you, Lord, love;
and that you repay each man
according to his deeds.
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
Lord God, you reward each one according to his works. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to you seeking your grace and secure protection. We look to you for our stable hope in a constantly changing world.
Ant. Evil men said: Let us make the just man suffer; he sets himself against our way of life.
Ant. 2 He took all our sins upon himself and asked forgiveness for our offenses.
Psalm 67
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.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
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.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
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.
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
Be gracious and bless us, Lord, and let your face shed its light on us, so that we can make you known with reverence and bring forth a harvest of justice.
Ant. He took all our sins upon himself and asked forgiveness for our offenses.
Ant. 3 In Christ we have found deliverance; through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins.
Canticle – Colossians 1:12-20
Let us give thanks to the Father
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints
in light.
He rescued us
from the power of darkness
and brought us
into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption,
the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born of all creatures.
In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,
things visible and invisible.
All were created through him;
all were created for him.
He is before all else that is.
In him everything continues in being.
It is he who is head of the body, the church!
he who is the beginning,
the first-born of the dead,
so that primacy may be his in everything.
It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him
and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,
both on earth and in the heavens,
making peace through the blood of his cross.
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. In Christ we have found deliverance; through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins.
READING Ephesians 4:32—5:2
Be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God as his dear children. Follow the way of love, even as Christ loved you. He gave himself for us as an offering to God, a gift of pleasing fragrance.
RESPONSORY
We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your cross you have redeemed the world.
— We praise you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. The Master says: My hour is close at hand; I and my disciples shall celebrate the Passover in your house.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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 Master says: My hour is close at hand; I and my disciples shall celebrate the Passover in your house.
INTERCESSIONS
The Savior of mankind by dying destroyed death and by rising again restored life. Let us humbly ask him:
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Redeemer of the world, give us a greater share of your passion through a deeper spirit of repentance,
— so that we may share the glory of your resurrection.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
May your Mother, comfort of the afflicted, protect us,
— may we console others as you console us.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Look with love on those who suffer because of our indifference,
— come to their aid, and turn our uncaring hearts to works of justice and charity.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
You humbled yourself by being obedient even to accepting death, death on a cross,
— give all who serve you the gifts of obedience and patient endurance.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Transform the bodies of the dead to be like your own in glory,
— and bring us at last into their fellowship.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who willed your Son to submit
for our sake to the yoke of the Cross,
so that you might drive from us the power of the enemy,
grant us, your servants,
to attain the grace of the resurrection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 6
Holy Thursday
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Look, O Lord, and see my suffering. Come quickly to my aid.
Psalm 80
O shepherd of Israel, hear us,
you who lead Joseph’s flock,
shine forth from your cherubim throne
upon Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh.
O Lord, rouse up your might,
O Lord, come to our help.
God of hosts bring us back;
let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
Lord God of hosts, how long
will you frown on your people’s plea?
You have fed them with tears for their bread,
an abundance of tears for their drink.
You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,
our enemies laugh us to scorn.
God of hosts, bring us back;
let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
You brought a vine out of Egypt;
to plant it you drove out the nations.
Before it you cleared the ground;
it took root and spread through the land.
The mountains were covered with its shadow,
the cedars of God with its boughs.
It stretched out its branches to the sea,
to the Great River it stretched out its shoots.
Then why have you broken down its walls?
It is plucked by all who pass by.
It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,
devoured by the beasts of the field.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore,
look down from heaven and see.
Visit the vine and protect it,
the vine your right hand has planted.
Men have burnt it with fire and destroyed it.
May they perish at the frown of your face.
May your hand be on the man you have chosen,
the man you have given your strength.
And we shall never forsake you again;
give us life that we may call upon your name.
God of hosts, bring us back;
let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
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
Lord God, eternal shepherd, you so tend the vineyard you planted that now it extends its branches even to the farthest coast. Look down on your Church and come to us. Help us remain in your Son as branches on the vine, that, planted firmly in your love, we may testify before the whole world to your great power working everywhere.
Ant. Look, O Lord, and see my suffering. Come quickly to my aid.
Ant. 2 God is my savior; I trust in him and shall not fear.
Canticle – Isaiah 12:1-6
I give you thanks, O Lord;
though you have been angry with me,
your anger has abated, and you have consoled me.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the Lord,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation, and say on that day:
Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!
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. God is my savior; I trust in him and shall not fear.
Ant. 3 The Lord has fed us with the finest wheat; he has filled us with honey from the rock.
Psalm 81
Ring out your joy to God our strength,
shout in triumph to the God of Jacob.
Raise a song and sound the timbrel,
the sweet-sounding harp and the lute;
blow the trumpet at the new moon,
when the moon is full, on our feast.
For this is Israel’s law,
a command of the God of Jacob.
He imposed it as a rule on Joseph,
when he went out against the land of Egypt.
A voice I did not know said to me:
“I freed your shoulder from the burden;
your hands were freed from the load.
You called in distress and I saved you.
I answered, concealed in the storm cloud;
at the waters of Meribah I tested you.
Listen, my people, to my warning.
O Israel, if only you would heed!
Let there be no foreign god among you.
no worship of an alien god.
I am the Lord your God,
who brought you from the land of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.
But my people did not heed my voice
and Israel would not obey,
so I left them in their stubbornness of heart
to follow their own designs.
O that my people would heed me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!
At once I would subdue their foes,
turn my hand against their enemies.
The Lord’s enemies would cringe at their feet
and their subjection would last for ever.
But Israel I would feed with finest wheat
and fill them with honey from the rock.”
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
Lord God, open our mouths to proclaim your glory. Help us to leave sin behind and to rejoice in professing your name.
Ant. The Lord has fed us with the finest wheat; he has filled us with honey from the rock.
READING Hebrews 2:9-10
We see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, that through God’s gracious will he might taste death for the sake of all men. Indeed, it was fitting that when bringing many sons to glory God, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make their leader in the work of salvation perfect through suffering.
RESPONSORY
By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
From every tribe, and tongue, and people and nation,
— you brought us back to God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. I have longed to eat this meal with you before I suffer.
Luke 1:68 – 79
The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. I have longed to eat this meal with you before I suffer.
INTERCESSIONS
The Father anointed Christ with the Holy Spirit to proclaim forgiveness to those in bondage. Let us humbly call upon the eternal priest:
Lord, have mercy on us.
You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory,
— bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier’s lance,
— heal our wounds.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You made the cross the tree of life,
— give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.
Lord, have mercy on us.
On the cross you forgave the repentant thief,
— forgive us our sins.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father…
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who anointed your Only Begotten Son
with the Holy Spirit
and made him Christ and Lord,
graciously grant
that, being made sharers in his consecration,
we may bear witness to your Redemption in the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth, has made us a royal people to serve his God and Father.
Psalm 72
I
O God, give your judgment to the king,
to a king’s son your justice,
that he may judge your people in justice
and your poor in right judgment.
May the mountains bring forth peace for the people
and the hills, justice.
May he defend the poor of the people
and save the children of the needy
and crush the oppressor.
He shall endure like the sun and the moon
from age to age.
He shall descend like rain on the meadow,
like raindrops on the earth.
In his days justice shall flourish
and peace till the moon fails.
He shall rule from sea to sea,
from the Great River to earth’s bounds.
Before him his enemies shall fall,
his foes lick the dust.
The kings of Tarshish and the seacoasts
shall pay him tribute.
The kings of Sheba and Seba
shall bring him gifts.
Before him all kings shall fall prostrate,
all nations shall serve him.
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. Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth, has made us a royal people to serve his God and Father.
Ant. 2 The Lord will be the champion of the helpless; he will free the poor from the grip of the powerful.
II
For he shall save the poor when they cry
and the needy who are helpless.
He will have pity on the weak
and save the lives of the poor.
From oppression he will rescue their lives,
to him their blood is dear.
Long may he live,
may the gold of Sheba be given him.
They shall pray for him without ceasing
and bless him all the day.
May corn be abundant in the land
to the peaks of the mountains.
May its fruit rustle like Lebanon;
may people flourish in the cities
like grass on the earth.
May his name be blessed for ever
and endure like the sun.
Every tribe shall be blessed in him,
all nations bless his name.
Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel,
who alone works wonders,
ever blessed his glorious name.
Let his glory fill the earth.
Amen! Amen!
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
We call upon your name, Father, and pronounce it blessed above the earth. Give your people the fullness of peace and justice in your kingdom.
Ant. The Lord will be the champion of the helpless; he will free the poor from the grip of the powerful.
Ant. 3 The saints won their victory over death through the blood of the Lamb and the truth to which they bore witness.
Canticle – Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a
We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was.
You have assumed your great power,
you have begun your reign.
The nations have raged in anger,
but then came your day of wrath
and the moment to judge the dead:
The time to reward your servants the prophets
and the holy ones who revere you,
the great and the small alike.
Now have salvation and power come,
the reign of our God and the authority
of his Anointed One.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who night and day accused them before God.
They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
So rejoice, you heavens,
and you that dwell therein!
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 saints won their victory over death through the blood of the Lamb and the truth to which they bore witness.
READING Hebrews 13:12-15
Jesus died outside the gate, to sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us go to him outside the camp, bearing the insult which he bore. For here we have no lasting city; we are seeking one which is to come. Through him let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which acknowledge his name.
In place of the Responsory, the following is said:
For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death.
—For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. While they were at supper, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. While they were at supper, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples.
INTERCESSIONS
At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior entrusted to his Church the memorial of his death and resurrection, to be celebrated for ever. Let us adore him, and say:
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Redeemer of the world, give us a greater share of your passion through a deeper spirit of repentance,
— so that we may share the glory of your resurrection.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
May your Mother, comfort of the afflicted, protect us,
— may we console others as you console us.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
In their trials enable your faithful people to share in your passion,
— and so reveal in their lives your saving power.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
You humbled yourself by being obedient even to accepting death, death on a cross,
— give all who serve you the gifts of obedience and patient endurance.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Transform the bodies of the dead to be like your own in glory,
— and bring us at last into their fellowship.
Sanctify your people, redeemed by your blood.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who have called us
to participate in this most sacred Supper,
in which your Only Begotten Son,
when about to hand himself over to death,
entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity,
the banquet of his love, grant, we pray,
that we may draw from so great a mystery,
the fullness of charity and of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 7
Good Friday
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to suffer for our sake.
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge,
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.
Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
that the bones you have crushed may revive.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.
A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.
O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,
a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
In your goodness, show favor to Zion:
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar.
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. God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to suffer for our sake.
Ant. 2 Jesus Christ loved us, and poured out his own blood for us to wash away our sins.
Canticle – Habakkuk 3:2-4, 13a, 15-19
O Lord, I have heard your renown,
and feared, O Lord, your work.
In the course of the years revive it,
in the course of the years make it known;
in your wrath remember compassion!
God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
Covered are the heavens with his glory,
and with his praise the earth is filled.
His splendor spreads like the light;
rays shine forth from beside him,
where his power is concealed.
You come forth to save your people,
to save your anointed one.
You tread the sea with your steeds
amid the churning of the deep waters.
I hear, and my body trembles;
at the sound, my lips quiver.
Decay invades my bones,
my legs tremble beneath me.
I await the day of distress
that will come upon the people who attack us.
For though the fig tree blossom not
nor fruit be on the vines,
though the yield of the olive fail
and the terraces produce no nourishment,
though the flocks disappear from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet will I rejoice in the Lord
and exult in my saving God.
God, my Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet swift as those of hinds
and enables me to go upon the heights.
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. Jesus Christ loved us, and poured out his own blood for us to wash away our sins.
Ant. 3 We worship your cross, O Lord, and we praise and glorify your holy resurrection, for the wood of the cross has brought joy to the world.
Psalm 147:12-20
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Zion, praise your God!
He has strengthened the bars of your gates,
he has blessed the children within you.
He established peace on your borders,
he feeds you with finest wheat.
He sends out his word to the earth
and swiftly runs his command.
He showers down snow white as wool,
he scatters hoar-frost like ashes.
He hurls down hailstones like crumbs.
The waters are frozen at his touch;
he sends forth his word and it melts them:
at the breath of his mouth the waters flow.
He makes his word known to Jacob,
to Israel his laws and decrees.
He has not dealt thus with other nations;
he has not taught them his decrees.
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 worship your cross, O Lord, and we praise and glorify your holy resurrection, for the wood of the cross has brought joy to the world.
READING Isaiah 52:13-15
See, my servant shall prosper,
he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.
Even as many were amazed at him —
so marred was his look beyond that of man,
and his appearance beyond that of mortals —
So shall he startle many nations,
because of him kings shall stand speechless;
For those who have not been told shall see,
those who have not heard shall ponder it.
In place of the Responsory, the following is said:
For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death, death on a cross.
— For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death, death on a cross.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Over his head they hung their accusation: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Over his head they hung their accusation: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
INTERCESSIONS
For our sake our Redeemer suffered death and was buried, and rose again. With heartfelt love let us adore him, and pray:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ our teacher, for our sake you were obedient even to accepting death,
— teach us to obey the Father’s will in all things.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ our life, by your death on the cross you destroyed the power of evil and death,
— may we die with you, to rise with you in glory.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ our King, you became an outcast among us, a worm and no man,
— teach us the humility by which you saved the world.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ our salvation, you gave yourself up to death out of love for us,
— help us to show your love to one another.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ our Savior, on the cross you embraced all time with your outstretched arms,
unite God’s scattered children in your kingdom of salvation.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Father,
look with love upon your people,
the love which our Lord Jesus Christ showed us
when he delivered himself to evil men
and suffered the agony of the cross,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Look well, all you peoples, and see my suffering.
Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
“I am sorely afflicted,”
and when I said in my alarm:
“No man can be trusted.”
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
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. Look well, all you peoples, and see my suffering.
Ant. 2 My soul is in anguish, my heart is in torment.
Psalm 143:1-11
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
The enemy pursues my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead, long forgotten.
Therefore my spirit fails;
my heart is numb within me.
I remember the days that are past:
I ponder all your works.
I muse on what your hand has wrought
and to you I stretch out my hands.
Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.
Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.
In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;
in your justice save my soul from distress.
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. My soul is in anguish, my heart is in torment.
Ant. 3 When Jesus had taken the vinegar, he said: “It is accomplished.” Then he bowed his head and died.
Canticle – Philippians 2:6-11
Though he was in the form of God,
Jesus did not deem equality with God
something to be grasped at.
Rather, he emptied himself
and took the form of a slave,
being born in the likeness of men.
He was known to be of human estate,
and it was thus that he humbled himself,
obediently accepting even death,
death on a cross!
Because of this,
God highly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
above every other name,
So that at Jesus’ name
every knee must bend
in the heavens, on the earth,
and under the earth,
and every tongue proclaim
to the glory of God the Father:
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
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. When Jesus had taken the vinegar, he said: “It is accomplished.” Then he bowed his head and died.
READING 1 Peter 2:21-24
Christ suffered for you and left you an example, to have you follow in his footsteps. He did no wrong; no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was insulted, he returned no insult. When he was made to suffer, he did not counter with threats. Instead, he delivered himself up to the One who judges justly. In his own body he brought your sins to the cross, so that all of us, dead to sin, could live in accord with God’s will. By his wounds you were healed.
In place of the responsory, the following is said:
For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death, death on a cross.
— For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death, death on a cross.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. When we were his enemies, God reconciled us to himself by the death of his Son.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. When we were his enemies, God reconciled us to himself by the death of his Son.
INTERCESSIONS
Today we lovingly remember the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, from which was born new life for the whole world. Let us turn to God the Father, and say:
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Give unity to your Church.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Protect our Pope.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Sanctify your people, both clergy and faithful, by your Spirit.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Increase faith and understanding in those under instruction.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Gather all Christians in unity.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Lead the Jewish people to the fullness of redemption.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Enlighten with your glory those who do not yet believe in Christ.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Show the marks of your love in creation to those who deny them.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Guide the minds and hearts of those who govern us.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Console all who are troubled.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Have pity on those who have died.
By the merits of your Son’s death, hear us, Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Father,
look with love upon your people,
the love which our Lord Jesus Christ showed us
when he delivered himself to evil men
and suffered the agony of the cross,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 8
Holy Saturday
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Though sinless, the Lord has been put to death. The world is in mourning as for an only son.
Psalm 64
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: “Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?”
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God’s deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory.
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. Though sinless, the Lord has been put to death. The world is in mourning as for an only son.
Ant. 2 From the jaws of hell, Lord, rescue my soul.
Canticle – Isaiah 38:10-14, 17-20
Once I said,
“In the noontime of life I must depart!
To the gates of the nether world I shall be consigned
for the rest of my years.”
I said, “I shall see the Lord no more
in the land of the living.
No longer shall I behold my fellow men
among those who dwell in the world.”
My dwelling, like a shepherd’s tent,
is struck down and borne away from me;
you have folded up my life, like a weaver
who severs the last thread.
Day and night you give me over to torment;
I cry out until the dawn.
Like a lion he breaks all my bones;
day and night you give me over to torment.
Like a swallow I utter shrill cries;
I moan like a dove.
My eyes grow weak, gazing heaven-ward:
O Lord, I am in straits; be my surety!
You have preserved my life
from the pit of destruction,
when you cast behind your back
all my sins.
For it is not the nether world that gives you thanks,
nor death that praises you;
Neither do those who go down into the pit
await your kindness.
The living, the living give you thanks,
as I do today.
Fathers declare to their sons,
O God, your faithfulness.
The Lord is our savior;
we shall sing to stringed instruments
in the house of the Lord
all the days of our life.
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. From the jaws of hell, Lord, rescue my soul.
Ant. 3 I was dead, but now I live for ever, and I hold the keys of death and of hell.
Psalm 150
Praise God in his holy place,
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his powerful deeds,
praise his surpassing greatness.
O praise him with sound of trumpet,
praise him with lute and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipes.
O praise him with resounding cymbals,
praise him with clashing of cymbals.
Let everything that lives and that breathes
give praise to the Lord.
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. I was dead, but now I live for ever, and I hold the keys of death and of hell.
READING Hosea 5:15b-16:2
Thus says the Lord:
In their affliction, they shall look for me:
“Come let us return to the Lord,
For it is he who has rent, but he will heal us;
he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds.
He will revive us after two days;
on the third day he will raise us up,
to live in his presence.”
In place of the Responsory, the following is said:
For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death, death on a cross.
Therefore God raised him on high and gave him the name above all other names.
— For our sake Christ was obedient, accepting even death, death on a cross. Therefore God raised him on high and gave him the name above all other names.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Save us, O Savior of the world. On the cross you redeemed us by the shedding of your blood; we cry out for your help, O God.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Save us, O Savior of the world. On the cross you redeemed us by the shedding of your blood; we cry out for your help, O God.
INTERCESSIONS
Our Redeemer suffered and was buried for us in order to rise again. With sincere love we adore him, and aware of our needs we cry out:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ our Savior, your sorrowing Mother stood by you at your death and burial,
— in our sorrows may we share your suffering.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ our Lord, like the seed buried in the ground, you brought forth for us the harvest of grace,
— may we die to sin and live for God.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, the Good Shepherd, in death you lay hidden from the world,
— teach us to love a life hidden with you in the Father.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, the new Adam, you entered the kingdom of death to release all the just since the beginning of the world,
— may all who lie dead in sin hear your voice and rise to life.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, Son of the living God, through baptism we were buried with you,
— risen also with you in baptism, may we walk in newness of life.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
All-powerful and ever-living God,
your only Son went down among the dead
and rose again in glory.
In your goodness
raise up your faithful people,
buried with him in baptism,
to be one with him
in the eternal life of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Sunday Evening Prayer I
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Death, you shall die in me; hell, you shall be destroyed by me.
Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
“I am sorely afflicted,”
and when I said in my alarm:
“No man can be trusted.”
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
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. Death, you shall die in me; hell, you shall be destroyed by me.
Ant. 2 As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Psalm 143:1-11
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
The enemy pursues my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead, long forgotten.
Therefore my spirit fails;
my heart is numb within me.
I remember the days that are past:
I ponder all your works.
I muse on what your hand has wrought
and to you I stretch out my hands.
Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.
Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.
In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;
in your justice save my soul from distress.
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. As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Ant. 3 Destroy this temple, says the Lord, and in three days I will rebuild it. He was speaking of the temple of his body.
Canticle – Philippians 2:6-11
Though he was in the form of God,
Jesus did not deem equality with God
something to be grasped at.
Rather, he emptied himself
and took the form of a slave,
being born in the likeness of men.
He was known to be of human estate,
and it was thus that he humbled himself,
obediently accepting even death,
death on a cross!
Because of this,
God highly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
above every other name,
So that at Jesus’ name
every knee must bend
in the heavens, on the earth,
and under the earth,
and every tongue proclaim
to the glory of God the Father:
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
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. Destroy this temple, says the Lord, and in three days I will rebuild it. He was speaking of the temple of his body.
READING 1 Peter 1:18-21
Realize that you were delivered from the futile way of life your fathers handed on to you, not by any diminishable sum of silver or gold, but by Christ’s blood beyond all price: the blood of a spotless, unblemished lamb chosen before the world’s foundation and revealed for your sake in these last days. It is through him that you are believers in God, the God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory. Your faith and hope, then, are centered in God.
In place of the responsory, the following is said:
— For our sake Christ was obedient even when this meant death, death on a cross. Therefore God raised him on high and gave him the name above all other names.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Now the Son of Man has been glorified and God has been glorified in him.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Now the Son of Man has been glorified and God has been glorified in him.
INTERCESSIONS
For our sake our Redeemer suffered death and was buried, and rose again. With heartfelt love let us adore him, and pray:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord Jesus, when your side was pierced, there flowed out blood and water, the marvelous symbol of the whole Church,
— through your death, burial and resurrection, bring life to your bride, the Church.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord Jesus, you remembered those who did not remember your promise of resurrection,
— remember those without hope, who do not know that you have risen.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you were offered for all as our paschal sacrifice,
— draw all mankind to yourself.
Lord, have mercy on us.
God of all the world, you encompass the universe but were pleased to be laid in a tomb,
— free the human race from the powers of darkness, and grant it the gift of immortal glory.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, Son of the living God, you opened the gates of paradise to the repentant thief,
— gather all who have shared your death and burial into the glory of your resurrection.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
All-powerful and ever-living God,
your only Son went down among the dead
and rose again in glory.
In your goodness
raise up your faithful people,
buried with him in baptism,
to be one with him
in the eternal life of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 9
Easter Sunday
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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.
Psalm-prayer
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Acts 10:40-43
God raised up Jesus on the third day and granted that he be seen, not by all, but only by such witnesses as had been chosen beforehand by God – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and to bear witness that he is the one set apart by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets testify, saying that everyone who believes in him has forgiveness of sins through his name.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Very early on the morning after the Sabbath, when the sun had just risen, they came to the tomb, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Very early on the morning after the Sabbath, when the sun had just risen, they came to the tomb, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ is the Lord of life, raised up by the Father; in his turn he will raise us up by his power. Let us pray to him, saying:
Christ our life, save us.
Lord Jesus, light shining in the darkness, you lead your people into life, and give our mortal nature the gift of holiness,
— may we spend this day in praise of your glory.
Christ our life, save us.
Lord, you walked the way of suffering and crucifixion,
— may we suffer and die with you, and rise again to share your glory.
Christ our life, save us.
Son of the Father, our master and our brother, you have made us a kingdom of priests for our God,
— may we offer you our joyful sacrifice of praise.
Christ our life, save us.
King of glory, we look forward to the great day of your coming in splendor,
— that we may see you face to face, and be transformed in your likeness.
Christ our life, save us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who on this day,
through your Only Begotten Son,
have conquered death
and unlocked for us the path to eternity,
grant, we pray,
that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection may,
through the renewal brought by your Spirit,
rise up in the light of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
Alleluia (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. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 10:12-14
Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are placed beneath his feet. By one offering he has forever perfected those who are being sanctified.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. On the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors; suddenly, Jesus stood among them and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. On the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors; suddenly, Jesus stood among them and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
With joy in our hearts, let us call upon Christ the Lord, who died and rose again, and lives always to intercede for us:
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Light and salvation of all peoples,
— send into our hearts the fire of your Spirit, as we proclaim your resurrection.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Let Israel recognize in you her longed-for Messiah,
— and the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of your glory.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Keep us in the communion of your saints,
— and grant us rest from our labors in their company.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
You have triumphed over death, your enemy; destroy in us the power of death,
— that we may live only for you, victorious and immortal Lord.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Savior Christ, you were obedient even to accepting death, and were raised up to the right hand of the Father,
— in your goodness welcome your brothers and sisters into the kingdom of your glory.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who on this day,
through your Only Begotten Son,
have conquered death
and unlocked for us the path to eternity,
grant, we pray,
that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection may,
through the renewal brought by your Spirit,
rise up in the light of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 10
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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.
Psalm-prayer
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Romans 10:8b-10
The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach). For if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Faith in the heart leads to justification, confession on the lips to salvation.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Go quickly and tell his disciples: The Lord is risen, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Go quickly and tell his disciples: The Lord is risen, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
The Father glorified Jesus and appointed him heir to all nations. Let us praise him, saying:
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
Lord Christ, by your victory you broke the power of evil and destroyed sin and death,
— make us victorious over sin today.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
You laid death low, and brought us new life,
— grant that we may walk today in this new life.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
You gave life to the dead, and led mankind from death to life,
— give eternal life to all those we shall meet today.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
You brought confusion on the guards at your tomb, but joy to your disciples,
— grant the fullness of joy to all who serve you.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who give constant increase
to your Church by new offspring,
grant that your servants may hold fast in their lives
to the Sacrament they have received in faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit (alleluia):
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia (alleluia).
Ant. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 8:1b-3a
We have such a high priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, minister of the sanctuary and of that true tabernacle set up, not by man, but by the Lord. Now every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Jesus met the women and greeted them. They came up to him and knelt at his feet, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Jesus met the women and greeted them. They came up to him and knelt at his feet, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
The Holy Spirit raised the body of Christ to life and made it the source of life. With joy in our hearts let us call upon the risen Christ, saying:
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Savior of the world and King of the new creation, raise our minds and hearts to your kingdom,
— where you sit at the right hand of the Father.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Lord, you are always present in your Church,
— through your Holy Spirit guide it into all truth.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Show your mercy to the sick, the overburdened and the dying,
— that all may receive strength and courage from your love.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Light that never fails, as the day draws to its close we offer you our sacrifice of praise,
— and pray that the glory of your resurrection may shine on our deceased brothers and sisters.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who give constant increase
to your Church by new offspring,
grant that your servants may hold fast in their lives
to the Sacrament they have received in faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 11
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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.
Psalm-prayer
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Acts 13:30-33
God raised Jesus from the dead, and for many days thereafter Jesus appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are his witnesses now before the people. We ourselves announce to you the good news that what God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, in raising up Jesus, according to what is written in the second psalm, “You are my son; this day I have begotten you.”
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Jesus called her by name: Mary. She turned to him and said: Rabboni. Then he said to her: Do not touch me; I have not yet ascended to my Father, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Jesus called her by name: Mary. She turned to him and said: Rabboni. Then he said to her: Do not touch me; I have not yet ascended to my Father, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
By his own power Christ raised up the temple of his body when it had been destroyed in death. With joy let us ask him:
Lord, share with us the fruits of your victory.
Christ our Savior, when you rose again you brought to the holy women and the apostles the joyful news of a world redeemed,
— make us witnesses to your risen life.
Lord, share with us the fruits of your victory.
You promised to all people that we would rise up again to newness of life,
— make us heralds of your Gospel.
Lord, share with us the fruits of your victory.
You showed yourself to your apostles and breathed the Holy Spirit on them,
— renew in us the presence of the same creator Spirit.
Lord, share with us the fruits of your victory.
You promised to be with your disciples to the end of the world,
— stay with us today, and remain with us always.
Lord, share with us the fruits of your victory.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who have bestowed on us paschal remedies,
endow your people with heavenly gifts,
so that, possessed of perfect freedom,
they may rejoice in heaven over what gladdens them now on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
The wedding of the lamb
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
Alleluia (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. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING 1 Peter 2:4-5
Come to the Lord, a living stone, rejected by men but approved, nonetheless, and precious in God’s eyes. You too are living stones, built as an edifice of spirit into a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. While I was weeping at the tomb, I saw my Lord, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. While I was weeping at the tomb, I saw my Lord, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
As Christ lay in the darkness of the earth he saw the light of a new glory. Let us cry out to him in joy:
King of glory, hear us.
We pray for all bishops, priests and deacons, that they may be zealous in their ministry,
— and prepare for you a people devoted to every good work.
King of glory, hear us.
We pray for all who teach in the service of your Church,
— that they may seek your truth with a sincere heart.
King of glory, hear us.
We pray for your faithful people, that they may be victorious in the contest of faith,
— and win the prize of victory in your kingdom.
King of glory, hear us.
You canceled our condemnation by nailing it to the cross,
— free us from our chains, and lead us out of darkness.
King of glory, hear us.
You went down among the dead and opened for them the gates to life,
— welcome our dead brothers and sisters into your kingdom.
King of glory, hear us.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who have bestowed on us paschal remedies,
endow your people with heavenly gifts,
so that, possessed of perfect freedom,
they may rejoice in heaven over what gladdens them now on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 12
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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.
Psalm-prayer
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Romans 6:8-11
If we have died with Christ, we believe that we are also to live with him. We know that Christ, once raised from the dead, will never die again; death has no more power over him. His death was death to sin, once for all; his life is life for God. In the same way, you must consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Beginning with Moses and the prophets, Jesus interpreted for them all that had been written of him in the Scriptures, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Beginning with Moses and the prophets, Jesus interpreted for them all that had been written of him in the Scriptures, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ was given up for our sins and rose again to make us righteous. Let us cry out to him, saying:
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Christ our Savior, in conquering death you brought us joy, in rising again you raised us up and filled us with the abundance of your gifts,
— stir up our hearts, and sanctify this day through the gift of your Holy Spirit.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
You are glorified by the angels in heaven and adored by mankind on earth; as we celebrate your resurrection,
— accept our worship in spirit and in truth.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Lord Jesus, save us; show your great mercy to your people, as we look forward to our own resurrection,
— have mercy on us, and protect us today from every evil.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
King of glory, source of our life, grant that, when you come again,
— we may be one with you in glory.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who gladden us year by year
with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection,
graciously grant that,
by celebrating these present festivities,
we may merit through them to reach eternal joys.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
Alleluia (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. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 7:24-27
Jesus, because he remains forever, has a priesthood which does not pass away. Therefore he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he forever lives to make intercession for them. It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Jesus went in with them, and while they were at table he took bread and said the blessing; he broke the bread and gave it to them, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Jesus went in with them, and while they were at table he took bread and said the blessing; he broke the bread and gave it to them, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Let us pray to him, saying:
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Lord, remember all who minister in your service,
— may their holy lives be an example to your people.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Give to those who govern us the spirit of justice and peace,
— so that the human family may live in harmony.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Guide our days in the way of salvation,
— and fill the earth with your plenty for the sake of the needy.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Christ our savior, light of the world, you have called creation from death to life,
— may your light shine for ever on our departed brothers and sisters.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who gladden us year by year
with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection,
graciously grant that,
by celebrating these present festivities,
we may merit through them to reach eternal joys.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 13
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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.
Psalm-prayer
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Romans 8:10-11
If Christ is in you the body is dead because of sin, while the spirit lives because of justice. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will bring your mortal bodies to life also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ rose from the dead and is always present in his Church. Let us adore him, and say:
Stay with us, Lord.
Lord Jesus, victor over sin and death, glorious and immortal,
— be always in our midst.
Stay with us, Lord.
Come to us in the power of your victory,
— and show our hearts the loving kindness of your Father.
Stay with us, Lord.
Come to heal a world wounded by division,
— for you alone can transform our hearts and make them one.
Stay with us, Lord.
Strengthen our faith in final victory,
— and renew our hope in your second coming.
Stay with us, Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who have united the many nations
in confessing your name,
grant that those reborn in the font of Baptism
may be one in the faith of their hearts
and the homage of their deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
Alleluia (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. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING 1 Peter 3:18, 22
The reason why Christ died for sins once for all, the just man for the sake of the unjust, was that he might lead you to God. He was put to death insofar as fleshly existence goes, but was given life in the realm of the spirit. He went to heaven and is at God’s right hand, with angelic rulers and powers subjected to him.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. See my hands and my feet and know that I am here among you, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. See my hands and my feet and know that I am here among you, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ rose from the dead as the firstfruits of those who sleep. In our joy let us praise him, and say:
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, remember your holy Church, built on the apostles and reaching to the ends of the earth,
— and let your blessing rest on all who believe in you.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
You are the healer of soul and body,
— come to our aid, and save us in your love.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Raise up the sick and give them strength,
— free them from their infirmities.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Help those in distress of mind or body,
— and in your compassion lift up those in need.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Through your cross and resurrection you opened for all the way to immortality,
— grant to our deceased brothers and sisters the joys of your kingdom.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who have united the many nations
in confessing your name,
grant that those reborn in the font of Baptism
may be one in the faith of their hearts
and the homage of their deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 14
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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.
Psalm-prayer
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Acts 5:30-32
The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus whom you put to death, hanging him on a tree. He whom God has exalted at his right hand as ruler and savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to this. So too does the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those that obey him.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. This was the third time Jesus had shown himself to his disciples after he had risen from the dead, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. This was the third time Jesus had shown himself to his disciples after he had risen from the dead, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray to God the Father, who gave us new life through the risen Christ:
Give us the glory of your Son.
Lord our God, your mighty works have revealed your eternal plan: you created the earth, and you are faithful in every generation,
— hear us, Father of mercy.
Give us the glory of your Son.
Purify our hearts with your truth, and guide them in the way of holiness,
— so that we may do what is pleasing in your sight.
Give us the glory of your Son.
Let your face shine upon us,
— that we may be freed from sin and filled with your plenty.
Give us the glory of your Son.
You gave the apostles the peace of Christ,
— grant peace to your people, and to the whole world.
Give us the glory of your Son.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
who gave us the Paschal Mystery
in the covenant you established
for reconciling the human race,
so dispose our minds, we pray,
that what we celebrate by professing the faith
we may express in deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
Ant. Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, 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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
Alleluia (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. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 5:8-10
Son though he was, Christ learned obedience from what he suffered; and when perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, designated by God as high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
— This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. The disciple whom Jesus loved said: It is the Lord, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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 disciple whom Jesus loved said: It is the Lord, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Let us praise him, and say:
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray to you, Lord Jesus, for all ministers of your Church, as they break for us the bread of life,
— may they themselves receive nourishment and strength.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray for the whole Christian people, that all may be worthy of their calling,
— and safeguard their unity in the Spirit by the bond of peace.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray for those who govern us, that they may temper justice with mercy,
— and promote harmony and peace throughout the world.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray for ourselves, that our hearts may be purified to sing your praises in the communion of saints,
— may we be reunited with our deceased brothers and sisters, whom we commend to your loving kindness.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
who gave us the Paschal Mystery
in the covenant you established
for reconciling the human race,
so dispose our minds, we pray,
that what we celebrate by professing the faith
we may express in deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 15
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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.
Psalm-prayer
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Romans 14:7-9
None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master. While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die we die as his servants. Both in life and in death we are the Lord’s. That is why Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. When Jesus had risen from the dead on the morning after the Sabbath, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven devils, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. When Jesus had risen from the dead on the morning after the Sabbath, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven devils, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ is the bread of life; he will raise up on the last day all who share the table of his word and his body. In our joy let us pray:
Lord, give us peace and joy.
Son of God, you were raised from the dead to lead us into life,
— bless and sanctify all the children of your Father.
Lord, give us peace and joy.
You give peace and joy to all who believe in you,
— grant that we may walk as children of the light, rejoicing in your victory.
Lord, give us peace and joy.
Build up the faith of your pilgrim Church on earth,
— that it may bear witness to your resurrection before the whole world.
Lord, give us peace and joy.
You suffered and so entered into the glory of the Father,
— change the tears of the sorrowful into joy.
Lord, give us peace and joy.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who by the abundance of your grace
give increase to the peoples who believe in you,
look with favor on those you have chosen
and clothe with blessed immortality
those reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Sunday Evening Prayer I
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
The wedding of the lamb
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
Alleluia (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. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING 1 Peter 2:9-10
You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works” of the One who called you from darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people, but now you are God’s people; once there was no mercy for you, but now you have found mercy.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. After eight days, although the doors were locked, the Lord came among them and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. After eight days, although the doors were locked, the Lord came among them and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
In rising from the dead, Christ destroyed death and restored life. Let us cry out to him, saying:
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
You are the stone rejected by the builders which became the chief cornerstone,
— make us living stones in the temple of your Church.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
You are the faithful and true witness, the firstborn from the dead,
— make your Church bear constant witness to yourself.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
You alone are the Bridegroom of the Church, born from your wounded side,
— make us reveal to the world the love of Bridegroom and Bride.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
You are the first and the last, you were dead and are alive,
— keep those who have been baptized faithful until death, that they may receive the crown of victory.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Light and lamp of God’s holy city,
— shine on our friends who have died, that they may reign for ever.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 16
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Our Redeemer has risen from the tomb; let us sing a hymn of praise to the Lord our God, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained:
this honor is for all his faithful.
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. Alleluia, the Lord is risen as he promised, alleluia.
READING Acts 10:40-43
God raised up Jesus on the third day and granted that he be seen, not by all, but only by such witnesses as had been chosen beforehand by God — by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and to bear witness that he is the one set apart by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets testify, saying that everyone who believes in him has forgiveness of sins through his name.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. With your hand, touch the mark of the nails; doubt no longer, but believe, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. With your hand, touch the mark of the nails; doubt no longer, but believe, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
God the almighty Father raised Jesus as the firstborn from the dead, and made him our Savior. Let us call upon him, saying.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
All-holy Father, you brought your beloved Son Jesus from the darkness of death into the splendor of your glory,
— bring us also into your marvelous light.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
You have given us faith to save us,
— may we live today by the faith of our baptism.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
You command us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at your right hand,
— do not let us be deceived by the allurements of sin.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
May our life, hidden with Christ in you, our Father, shine before the world,
— foreshadowing a new heaven and a new earth.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Psalm 114
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
Jacob’s sons from an alien people
Judah became the Lord’s temple,
Israel became his kingdom.
The sea fled at the sight:
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams
and the hills like yearling sheep.
Why was it, sea, that you fled,
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams;
hills, like yearling sheep?
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool
and flint into a spring of water.
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 and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
— Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants;
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
— Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King,
— Alleluia.
let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
— Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
— Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
— Alleluia.
— as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
— Alleluia alleluia.
Ant. Jesus said: Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 10:12-14
Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are placed beneath his feet. By one offering he has forever perfected those who are being sanctified.
— This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed; blessed are they who have not seen me and yet believe, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed; blessed are they who have not seen me and yet believe, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
God the Father raised Christ from the dead and exalted him at his right hand. Let us pray to the Father, saying:
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Righteous Father, you lifted Jesus above the earth through the triumph of the cross,
—may all things be lifted up in him.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Through your Son in glory send the Holy Spirit upon the Church,
—that it may be the sacrament of unity for the whole human race.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
You have brought a new family into being through water and the Holy Spirit,
—keep them faithful to their baptism, and bring them to everlasting life.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Through your exalted Son help those in distress, free those in captivity, heal the sick,
—and by your blessings give joy to the world.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
You nourished our deceased brothers and sisters with the body and blood of the risen Christ,
—raise them up at the last day.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 17
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, my God, alleluia.
Psalm 42
Like the deer that yearns
for running streams,
so my soul is yearning
for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God,
the God of my life;
when can I enter and see
the face of God?
My tears have become my bread,
by night, by day,
as I hear it said all the day long:
“Where is your God?”
These things will I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I would lead the rejoicing crowd
into the house of God,
amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving,
the throng wild with joy.
Why are you cast down, my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my God.
My soul is cast down within me
as I think of you,
from the country of Jordan and Mount Hermon,
from the Hill of Mizar.
Deep is calling on deep,
in the roar of waters;
your torrents and all your waves
swept over me.
By day the Lord will send
his loving kindness;
by night I will sing to him,
praise the God of my life.
I will say to God, my rock:
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
oppressed by the foe?”
With cries that pierce me to the heart,
my enemies revile me,
saying to me all day long:
“Where is your God?”
Why are you cast down, my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my 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.
Psalm-prayer
Father in heaven, when your strength takes possession of us we no longer say: Why are you cast down, my soul? So now that the surging waves of your indignation have passed over us, let us feel the healing calm of your forgiveness. Inspire us to yearn for you always, like the deer for running streams, until you satisfy every longing in heaven.
Ant. As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, my God, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Fill Zion with your praises, Lord, and let your wonders be proclaimed, alleluia.
Canticle – Sirach 36:1-5, 10-13
Come to our aid, O God of the universe,
and put all the nations in dread of you!
Raise your hand against the heathen,
that they may realize your power.
As you have used us to show them your holiness,
so now use them to show us your glory.
Thus they will know, as we know,
that there is no God but you.
Give new signs and work new wonders;
show forth the splendor of your right hand and arm.
Gather all the tribes of Jacob,
that they may inherit the land as of old.
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.
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. Fill Zion with your praises, Lord, and let your wonders be proclaimed, alleluia.
Ant. 3 The glory of God illumines the city; the Lamb of God is its light, alleluia.
Psalm 19A
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
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
To enlighten the world, Father, you sent to us your Word as the sun of truth and justice shining upon mankind. Illumine our eyes that we may discern your glory in the many works of your hand.
Ant. The glory of God illumines the city; the Lamb of God is its light, alleluia.
READING Romans 10:8b-10
The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach). For if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Faith in the heart leads to justification, confession on the lips to salvation.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Truly I tell you, unless you are born again you cannot see the kingdom of God, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Truly I tell you, unless you are born again you cannot see the kingdom of God, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
God the Father was glorified in the death and resurrection of his Son. Let us pray to him with confidence, saying:
Lord, enlighten our minds.
Father of lights, you bathed the world in splendor when Christ rose again in glory,
— fill our minds with the light of faith.
Lord, enlighten our minds.
Through the resurrection of your Son you opened for us the way to eternal life,
— as we work today sustain us with the hope of glory.
Lord, enlighten our minds.
Through your risen Son you sent the Holy Spirit into the world,
— set our hearts on fire with spiritual love.
Lord, enlighten our minds.
May Jesus Christ, who was crucified to set us free,
— be today our salvation and redemption.
Lord, enlighten our minds.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God, that we,
who have been renewed by paschal remedies,
transcending the likeness of our earthly parentage,
may be transformed in the image of our heavenly maker.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, alleluia.
Psalm 45
I
My heart overflows with noble words.
To the king I must speak the song I have made,
my tongue as nimble as the pen of a scribe.
You are the fairest of the children of men
and graciousness is poured upon your lips:
because God has blessed you for evermore.
O mighty one, gird your sword upon your thigh;
in splendor and state, ride on in triumph
for the cause of truth and goodness and right.
Take aim with your bow in your dread right hand.
Your arrows are sharp, peoples fall beneath you.
The foes of the king fall down and lose heart.
Your throne, O God, shall endure for ever.
A scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom.
Your love is for justice; your hatred for evil.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness above other kings:
your robes are fragrant with aloes and myrrh.
From the ivory palace you are greeted with music.
The daughters of kings are among your loved ones.
On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
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. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Blessed are those who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb, alleluia.
II
Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words:
forget your own people and your father’s house.
So will the king desire your beauty:
He is your lord, pay homage to him.
And the people of Tyre shall come with gifts,
the richest of the people shall seek your favor.
The daughter of the king is clothed with splendor,
her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold.
She is led to the king with her maiden companions.
They are escorted amid gladness and joy;
they pass within the palace of the king.
Sons shall be yours in place of your fathers:
you will make them rulers over all the earth.
May this song make your name for ever remembered.
May the peoples praise you from age to age.
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
When you took on flesh, Lord Jesus, you made a marriage of mankind with God. Help us to be faithful to your word and endure our exile bravely, until we are called to the heavenly marriage feast, to which the Virgin Mary, exemplar of your Church, has preceded us.
Ant. Blessed are those who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb, alleluia.
Ant. 3 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace, alleluia.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth.
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. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 8:1b-3a
We have such a high priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, minister of the sanctuary and of that true tabernacle set up, not by man, but by the Lord. Now every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the spirit is spirit, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the spirit is spirit, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray to Christ the Lord, who bathed the world in glory through his resurrection. With joyful hearts let us say:
Christ, our life, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, you walked with your disciples on the way,
— be with your Church on its pilgrimage through life.
Christ, our life, hear our prayer.
Do not let us be slow to believe,
— but ready to proclaim you as victor over death.
Christ, our life, hear our prayer.
Look with kindness on those who do not recognize your presence,
— reveal yourself to them, so that they may welcome you as Savior.
Christ, our life, hear our prayer.
Through the cross you have brought reconciliation to mankind in your body,
— grant unity and peace to all nations.
Christ, our life, hear our prayer.
Judge of the living and the dead,
— forgive the sins of the faithful departed.
Christ, our life, hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God, that we,
who have been renewed by paschal remedies,
transcending the likeness of our earthly parentage,
may be transformed in the image of our heavenly maker.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 18
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, alleluia.
Psalm 43
Defend me, O God, and plead my cause
against a godless nation.
From deceitful and cunning men
rescue me, O God.
Since you, O God, are my stronghold,
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go mourning
oppressed by the foe?
O send forth your light and your truth;
let these be my guide.
Let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
And I will come to the altar of God,
the God of my joy.
My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp,
O God, my God.
Why are you cast down my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my 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.
Psalm-prayer
Almighty Father, source of everlasting light, send forth your truth into our hearts and pour over us the brightness of your light.
Ant. You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Lord, you have preserved my life from destruction, alleluia.
Canticle – Isaiah 38:10-14, 17-20
Once I said,
“In the noontime of life I must depart!
To the gates of the nether world I shall be consigned
for the rest of my years.”
I said, “I shall see the Lord no more
in the land of the living.
No longer shall I behold my fellow men
among those who dwell in the world.”
My dwelling, like a shepherd’s tent,
is struck down and borne away from me;
you have folded up my life, like a weaver
who severs the last thread.
Day and night you give me over to torment;
I cry out until the dawn.
Like a lion he breaks all my bones;
day and night you give me over to torment.
Like a swallow I utter shrill cries;
I moan like a dove.
My eyes grow weak, gazing heaven-ward:
O Lord, I am in straits; be my surety!
You have preserved my life
from the pit of destruction,
when you cast behind your back
all my sins.
For it is not the nether world that gives you thanks,
nor death that praises you;
Neither do those who go down into the pit
await your kindness.
The living, the living give you thanks,
as I do today.
Fathers declare to their sons,
O God, your faithfulness.
The Lord is our savior;
we shall sing to stringed instruments
in the house of the Lord
all the days of our life.
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, you have preserved my life from destruction, alleluia.
Ant. 3 You have visited the earth and brought life-giving rain to fill it with plenty, alleluia.
Psalm 65
To you our praise is due
in Zion, O God.
To you we pay our vows,
you who hear our prayer.
To you all flesh will come
with its burden of sin.
Too heavy for us, our offenses,
but you wipe them away.
Blessed is he whom you choose and call
to dwell in your courts.
We are filled with the blessings of your house,
of your holy temple.
You keep your pledge with wonders,
O God our savior,
the hope of all the earth
and of far distant isles.
You uphold the mountains with your strength,
you are girded with power.
You still the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves
and the tumult of the peoples.
The ends of the earth stand in awe
at the sight of your wonders.
The lands of sunrise and sunset
you fill with your joy.
You care for the earth, give it water;
you fill it with riches.
Your river in heaven brims over
to provide its grain.
And thus you provide for the earth;
you drench its furrows;
you level it, soften it with showers;
you bless its growth.
You crown the year with your goodness.
Abundance flows in your steps;
in the pastures of the wilderness it flows.
The hills are girded with joy,
the meadows covered with flocks,
the valleys are decked with wheat.
They shout for joy, yes they sing.
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
Lord God, hope of all the earth, hear the humble prayer of your children as we sing your praises. Pour out your Spirit on us so that our lives may bear fruit abundantly.
Ant. You have visited the earth and brought life-giving rain to fill it with plenty, alleluia.
READING Acts 13:30-33
God raised Jesus from the dead, and for many days thereafter Jesus appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are his witnesses now before the people. We ourselves announce to you the good news that what God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, in raising up Jesus, according to what is written in the second psalm, “You are my son; this day I have begotten you.”
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end; I am the root and offspring of David’s race; I am the splendor of the morning star, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end; I am the root and offspring of David’s race; I am the splendor of the morning star, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
The spotless Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world. Let us give thanks to the Father, and say:
Source of all life, raise us to life.
Source of all life, remember the death and resurrection of the Lamb slain on the cross,
— listen to his voice as he lives for ever, making intercession for us.
Source of all life, raise us to life.
Now that the old leaven of wickedness and evil is destroyed,
— may we always feed on the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Source of all life, raise us to life.
Grant that today we may put aside all friction and jealousy,
— and show greater concern for the needs of others.
Source of all life, raise us to life.
Send into our hearts the spirit of the Gospel,
— that we may walk in the way of your commandments, today and for ever.
Source of all life, raise us to life.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Enable us,
we pray, almighty God,
to proclaim the power of the risen Lord,
that we, who have received the pledge of his gift,
may come to possess all he gives when it is fully revealed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Seek the things of heaven, not those that are on the earth, alleluia.
Psalm 49
I
Hear this, all you peoples,
give heed, all who dwell in the world,
men both high and low,
rich and poor alike!
My lips will speak words of wisdom.
My heart is full of insight.
I will turn my mind to a parable,
with the harp I will solve my problem.
Why should I fear in evil days
the malice of the foes who surround me,
men who trust in their wealth,
and boast of the vastness of their riches?
For no man can buy his own ransom,
or pay a price to God for his life.
The ransom of his soul is beyond him.
He cannot buy life without end,
nor avoid coming to the grave.
He knows that wise men and fools must both perish
and must leave their wealth to others.
Their graves are their homes for ever,
their dwelling place from age to age,
though their names spread wide through the land.
In his riches, man lacks wisdom;
he is like the beasts that are destroyed.
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. Seek the things of heaven, not those that are on the earth, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The Lord has rescued my life from the power of hell, alleluia.
II
This is the lot of those who trust in themselves,
who have others at their beck and call.
Like sheep they are driven to the grave,
where death shall be their shepherd
and the just shall become their rulers.
With the morning their outward show vanishes
and the grave becomes their home.
But God will ransom me from death
and take my soul to himself.
Then do not fear when a man grows rich,
when the glory of his house increases.
He takes nothing with him when he dies,
his glory does not follow him below.
Though he flattered himself while he lived:
“Men will praise me for all my success,”
yet he will go to join his fathers,
who will never see the light any more.
In his riches, man lacks wisdom;
he is like the beasts that are destroyed.
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
You condemned the rich, Lord Jesus, because they have already received their reward, and you proclaimed the poor blessed because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Teach us to seek for imperishable goods and to have confidence in your blood, poured out as the price of our redemption.
Ant. The Lord has rescued my life from the power of hell, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Yours, O Lord, is majesty and power, glory and triumph, alleluia.
Canticle – Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12
Redemption hymn
O Lord our God, you are worthy
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you have created all things;
by your will they came to be and were made.
Worthy are you, O Lord,
to receive the scroll and break open its seals.
For you were slain;
with your blood you purchased for God
men of every race and tongue,
of every people and nation.
You made of them a kingdom,
and priests to serve our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength,
honor and glory and praise.
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. Yours, O Lord, is majesty and power, glory and triumph, alleluia.
READING 1 Peter 2:4-5
Come to the Lord, a living stone, rejected by men but approved, nonetheless, and precious in God’s eyes. You too are living stones, built as an edifice of spirit, into a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Did not our hearts burn within us as Jesus talked to us on the road? alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Did not our hearts burn within us as Jesus talked to us on the road? alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
By his resurrection Christ has given sure hope to his people. Let us ask him with our whole hearts:
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, from your wounded side flowed blood and water,
— make the Church your spotless bride.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Chief shepherd, after your resurrection you made Peter shepherd of your flock when he professed his love for you,
— increase from day to day the love and devotion of Francis, our Pope.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
You showed your disciples how to make a great catch of fish,
— send others to continue their work as fishers of men.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
At the lakeside you prepared bread and fish for your disciples,
— grant that we may never allow others to die of hunger.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Jesus, the new Adam and life-giving spirit, transform the dead into your own likeness,
— that the fullness of your joy may be theirs.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Enable us,
we pray, almighty God,
to proclaim the power of the risen Lord,
that we, who have received the pledge of his gift,
may come to possess all he gives when it is fully revealed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 19
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The waters saw you, O God; you led your people through the sea, alleluia.
Psalm 77
I cry aloud to God,
cry aloud to God that he may hear me.
In the day of my distress I sought the Lord.
My hands were raised at night without ceasing;
my soul refused to be consoled.
I remembered my God and I groaned.
I pondered and my spirit fainted.
You withheld sleep from my eyes.
I was troubled, I could not speak.
I thought of the days of long ago
and remembered the years long past.
At night I mused within my heart.
I pondered and my spirit questioned.
“Will the Lord reject us for ever?
Will he show us his favor no more?
Has his love vanished for ever?
Has his promise come to an end?
Does God forget his mercy
or in anger withhold his compassion?”
I said: “This is what causes my grief;
that the way of the Most High has changed.”
I remember the deeds of the Lord,
I remember your wonders of old,
I muse on all your works
and ponder your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders.
You showed your power among the peoples.
Your strong arm redeemed your people,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and trembled;
the depths were moved with terror.
The clouds poured down rain,
the skies sent forth their voice;
your arrows flashed to and fro.
Your thunder rolled round the sky,
your flashes lighted up the world.
The earth was moved and trembled
when your way led through the sea,
your path through the mighty waters
and no one saw your footprints.
You guided your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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, you established your ancient covenant by signs and wonders, but more wondrously you confirmed the new one through the sacrifice of your Son. Guide your Church through the pathways of life, that we may be led to the land of promise and celebrate your name with lasting praise.
Ant. The waters saw you, O God; you led your people through the sea, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The Lord puts to death and raises to life, alleluia.
Canticle – 1 Samuel 2:1-10
My heart exults in the Lord,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory.
There is no Holy One like the Lord;
there is no Rock like our God.
Speak boastfully no longer,
nor let arrogance issue from your mouths.
For an all-knowing God is the Lord,
a God who judges deeds.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes.
The Lord puts to death and gives life;
he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich,
he humbles, he also exalts.
He raises the needy from the dust;
from the ash heap he lifts up the poor,
to seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and he has set the world upon them.
He will guard the footsteps of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall perish in the darkness.
For not by strength does man prevail;
the Lord’s foes shall be shattered.
The Most High in heaven thunders;
the Lord judges the ends of the earth.
Now may he give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed!
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 puts to death and raises to life, alleluia.
Ant. 3 A light has dawned for the just; joy has come to the upright of heart, alleluia.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name.
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, you clothe the sky with light and the depths of the ocean with darkness. Among the sons of men you work wonders, and rain terror upon the enemy. Look upon your servants. Do not try us by fire but bring us rejoicing to the shelter of your home.
Ant. A light has dawned for the just; joy has come to the upright of heart, alleluia.
READING Romans 6:8-11
If we have died with Christ, we believe that we are also to live with him. We know that Christ, once raised from the dead, will never die again; death has no more power over him. His death was death to sin, once for all; his life is life for God. In the same way, you must consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son to save all who have faith in him, and to give them eternal life, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son to save all who have faith in him, and to give them eternal life, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
By the gift of the Father, the risen Christ was seen by the apostles. Let us pray to the Father, and say:
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
Father of lights, today we offer you our thanks and praise for calling us into your marvelous light,
— to receive your mercy.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
May the efforts of mankind to make the world more human,
— be purified and strengthened by the power of your Spirit.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
May we be so dedicated to the service of others,
— that the whole human family may become a pleasing sacrifice in your honor.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
At the dawn of a new day, fill us with your mercy,
— that the whole day may be a day of joy and praise.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
As we recall
year by year the mysteries by which,
through the restoration of its original dignity,
human nature has received the hope of rising again,
we earnestly beseech your mercy, Lord,
that what we celebrate in faith we may possess in unending love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Do not let your hearts be troubled; have faith in me, alleluia.
Psalm 62
Peace in God
In God alone is my soul at rest;
my help comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
How long will you all attack one man
to break him down,
as though he were a tottering wall,
or a tumbling fence?
Their plan is only to destroy:
they take pleasure in lies.
With their mouth they utter blessing
but in their heart they curse.
In God alone be at rest, my soul;
for my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
In God is my safety and glory,
the rock of my strength.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Trust him at all times.
Pour out your hearts before him
for God is our refuge.
Common folk are only a breath,
great men an illusion.
Placed in the scales, they rise;
they weigh less than a breath.
Do not put your trust in oppression
nor vain hopes on plunder.
Do not set your heart on riches
even when they increase.
For God has said only one thing:
only two do I know:
that to God alone belongs power
and to you, Lord, love;
and that you repay each man
according to his deeds.
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
Lord God, you reward each one according to his works. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to you seeking your grace and secure protection. We look to you for our stable hope in a constantly, changing world.
Ant. Do not let your hearts be troubled; have faith in me, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Let the peoples praise you, Lord God; let them rejoice in your salvation, alleluia.
Psalm 67
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.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
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.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
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.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
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
Be gracious and bless us, Lord, and let your face shed its light on us, so that we can make you known with reverence: and bring forth a harvest of justice.
Ant. Let the peoples praise you, Lord God; let them rejoice in your salvation, alleluia.
Ant. 3 His glory covers the heavens and his praise fills the earth, alleluia.
Canticle – Colossians 1:12-20
Let us give thanks to the Father
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints
in light.
He rescued us
from the power of darkness
and brought us
into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption,
the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born of all creatures.
In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,
things visible and invisible.
All were created through him;
all were created for him.
He is before all else that is.
In him everything continues in being.
It is he who is head of the body, the church!
he who is the beginning,
the first-born of the dead,
so that primacy may be his in everything.
It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him
and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,
both on earth and in the heavens,
making peace through the blood of his cross.
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. His glory covers the heavens and his praise fills the earth, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 7:24-27
Jesus, because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away. Therefore he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he forever lives to make intercession for them. It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. The man of God welcomes the light that searches his deeds and finds them true, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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 man of God welcomes the light that searches his deeds and finds them true, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
In his Son, risen from the dead, God has opened for us the way to everlasting life. Let us ask the Father:
Through the victory of Christ, save the people he has redeemed.
God of our fathers, you raised your Son Jesus from the dead and clothed him in glory; move our hearts to complete repentance,
— that we may walk in newness of life.
Through the victory of Christ, save the people he has redeemed.
You have led us back to the shepherd and bishop of our souls,
— keep us faithful under the guidance of the shepherds of the Church.
Through the victory of Christ, save the people he has redeemed.
You chose the firstfruits of Christ’s disciples from the Jewish people,
— reveal to the children of Israel the fulfillment of the promise made to their forefathers.
Through the victory of Christ, save the people he has redeemed.
Remember the lonely, the orphaned and the widowed,
— and do not abandon those who have been reconciled with you by the death of your Son.
Through the victory of Christ, save the people he has redeemed.
You called Stephen to your presence when he bore witness to Jesus, standing at your right hand,
— welcome our deceased brothers and sisters who in faith and love hoped for the vision of your glory.
Through the victory of Christ, save the people he has redeemed.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
As we recall
year by year the mysteries by which,
through the restoration of its original dignity,
human nature has received the hope of rising again,
we earnestly beseech your mercy, Lord,
that what we celebrate in faith we may possess in unending love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 20
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 I am the vine; you are the branches, alleluia.
Psalm 80
O shepherd of Israel, hear us,
you who lead Joseph’s flock,
shine forth from your cherubim throne
upon Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh.
O Lord, rouse up your might,
O Lord, come to our help.
God of hosts bring us back;
let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
Lord God of hosts, how long
will you frown on your people’s plea?
You have fed them with tears for their bread,
an abundance of tears for their drink.
You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,
our enemies laugh us to scorn.
God of hosts, bring us back;
let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
You brought a vine out of Egypt;
to plant it you drove out the nations.
Before it you cleared the ground;
it took root and spread through the land.
The mountains were covered with its shadow,
the cedars of God with its boughs.
It stretched out its branches to the sea,
to the Great River it stretched out its shoots.
Then why have you broken down its walls?
It is plucked by all who pass by.
It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,
devoured by the beasts of the field.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore,
look down from heaven and see.
Visit the vine and protect it,
the vine your right hand has planted.
Men have burnt it with fire and destroyed it.
May they perish at the frown of your face.
May your hand be on the man you have chosen,
the man you have given your strength.
And we shall never forsake you again;
give us life that we may call upon your name.
God of hosts, bring us back;
let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
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
Lord God, eternal shepherd, you so tend the vineyard you planted that now it extends its branches even to the farthest coast. Look down on your Church and come to us. Help us remain in your Son as branches on the vine, that, planted firmly in your love, we may testify before the whole world to your great power working everywhere.
Ant. I am the vine; you are the branches, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Rejoicing, you will draw water from the wellsprings of the Savior, alleluia.
Canticle – Isaiah 12:1-6
I give you thanks, O Lord;
though you have been angry with me,
your anger has abated, and you have consoled me.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the Lord,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation, and say on that day:
Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!
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. Rejoicing, you will draw water from the wellsprings of the Savior, alleluia.
Ant. 3 The Lord has fed us with the finest wheat, alleluia.
Psalm 81
Ring out your joy to God our strength,
shout in triumph to the God of Jacob.
Raise a song and sound the timbrel,
the sweet-sounding harp and the lute;
blow the trumpet at the new moon,
when the moon is full, on our feast.
For this is Israel’s law,
a command of the God of Jacob.
He imposed it as a rule on Joseph,
when he went out against the land of Egypt.
A voice I did not know said to me:
“I freed your shoulder from the burden;
your hands were freed from the load.
You called in distress and I saved you.
I answered, concealed in the storm cloud;
at the waters of Meribah I tested you.
Listen, my people, to my warning.
O Israel, if only you would heed!
Let there be no foreign god among you,
no worship of an alien god.
I am the Lord your God,
who brought you from the land of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.
But my people did not heed my voice
and Israel would not obey,
so I left them in their stubbornness of heart
to follow their own designs.
O that my people would heed me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!
At once I would subdue their foes,
turn my hand against their enemies.
The Lord’s enemies would cringe at their feet
and their subjection would last for ever.
But Israel I would feed with finest wheat
and fill them with honey from the rock.”
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
Lord God, open our mouths to proclaim your glory. Help us to leave sin behind and to rejoice in professing your name.
Ant. The Lord has fed us with the finest wheat, alleluia.
READING Romans 8:10-11
If Christ is in you the body is dead because of sin, while the spirit lives because of justice. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will bring your mortal bodies to life also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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 Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
God the Father has given us his Son for the resurrection of his people. Let us turn with confidence to the Father, and say:
May the Lord Jesus be our very life.
As a pillar of fire, you lighted the way for your people in the desert,
— through his resurrection may Christ be today the light of our life.
May the Lord Jesus be our very life.
Through the voice of Moses you taught your people from the mountain,
— through his resurrection may Christ be today the light of our life.
May the Lord Jesus be our very life.
You fed your pilgrim people with your gift of manna,
— through his resurrection may Christ be today the light of our life.
May the Lord Jesus be our very life.
You gave your people water from the rock,
— through his resurrection may Christ be today the light of our life.
May the Lord Jesus be our very life.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who for the salvation of the world
brought about the paschal sacrifice,
be favorable to the supplications of your people,
so that Christ our High Priest,
interceding on our behalf,
may by his likeness to ourselves
bring us reconciliation,
and by his equality with you free us from our sins.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
God has appointed him to judge the living and the dead, alleluia.
Psalm 72
I
O God, give your judgment to the king,
to a king’s son your justice,
that he may judge your people in justice
and your poor in right judgment.
May the mountains bring forth peace for the people
and the hills, justice.
May he defend the poor of the people
and save the children of the needy
and crush the oppressor.
He shall endure like the sun and the moon
from age to age.
He shall descend like rain on the meadow,
like raindrops on the earth.
In his days justice shall flourish
and peace till the moon fails.
He shall rule from sea to sea,
from the Great River to earth’s bounds.
Before him his enemies shall fall,
his foes lick the dust.
The kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts
shall pay him tribute.
The kings of Sheba and Seba
shall bring him gifts.
Before him all kings shall fall prostrate,
all nations shall serve him.
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. God has appointed him to judge the living and the dead, alleluia.
Ant. 2 All the peoples of the earth will be blessed in him, alleluia.
II
For he shall save the poor when they cry
and the needy who are helpless.
He will have pity on the weak
and save the lives of the poor.
From oppression he will rescue their lives,
to him their blood is dear.
Long may he live,
may the gold of Sheba be given him.
They shall pray for him without ceasing
and bless him all the day.
May corn be abundant in the land
to the peaks of the mountains.
May its fruit rustle like Lebanon;
may people flourish in the cities
like grass on the earth.
May his name be blessed for ever
and endure like the sun.
Every tribe shall be blessed in him,
all nations bless his name.
Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel,
who alone works wonders,
ever blessed his glorious name.
Let his glory fill the earth.
Amen! Amen!
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
We call upon your name, Father, and pronounce it blessed above the earth. Give your people the fullness of peace and justice in your kingdom.
Ant. All the peoples of the earth will be blessed in him, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Christ yesterday and today: he is the same for ever, alleluia.
Canticle – Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a
We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was.
You have assumed your great power,
you have begun your reign.
The nations have raged in anger,
but then came your day of wrath
and the moment to judge the dead:
The time to reward your servants the prophets
and the holy ones who revere you,
the great and the small alike.
Now have salvation and power come,
the reign of our God and the authority
of his Anointed One.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who night and day accused them before God.
They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
So rejoice, you heavens,
and you that dwell therein!
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. Christ yesterday and today: he is the same for ever, alleluia.
READING 1 Peter 3:18, 22
The reason why Christ died for sins once for all, the just man for the sake of the unjust, was that he might lead you to God. He was put to death insofar as fleshly existence goes, but was given life in the realm of the spirit. He went to heaven and is at God’s right hand, with angelic rulers and powers subjected to him.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Whoever believes in the Son possesses eternal life, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Whoever believes in the Son possesses eternal life, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
The Father has established in Christ the foundation of all our hope and the principle of our resurrection. Let us rejoice in Christ, and cry out to him, saying:
King of glory, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, through your resurrection you entered the sanctuary of heaven to offer the blood of your own sacrifice,
— lead us with you into the glory of the Father.
King of glory, hear our prayer.
Through your resurrection you confirmed the faith of your disciples and sent them out into the world,
— make all bishops and priests faithful preachers of the Gospel.
King of glory, hear our prayer.
Through your resurrection you became our peace and reconciliation,
— unite the baptized in perfect communion of faith and love.
King of glory, hear our prayer.
Through your resurrection the crippled man was healed at the gate of the temple,
— look on the sick and reveal in them the power of your glory.
King of glory, hear our prayer.
You became the firstborn from the dead, the firstfruits of the resurrection,
— grant to the dead who hoped in you a share in your glory.
King of glory, hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who for the salvation of the world
brought about the paschal sacrifice,
be favorable to the supplications of your people,
so that Christ our High Priest,
interceding on our behalf,
may by his likeness to ourselves
bring us reconciliation,
and by his equality with you free us from our sins.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 21
St. Anselm
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Have courage, my son; your sins are forgiven, alleluia.
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge,
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.
Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
that the bones you have crushed may revive.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.
A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.
O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,
a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
In your goodness, show favor to Zion:
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar.
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, he who knew no sin was made sin for us, to save us and restore us to your friendship. Look upon our contrite heart and afflicted spirit and heal our troubled conscience, so that in the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit we may proclaim your praise and glory before all the nations.
Ant. Have courage, my son; your sins are forgiven, alleluia.
Ant. 2 You go forth to save your people, to save your anointed one, alleluia.
Canticle – Habakkuk 3:2-4, 13a, 15-19
O Lord, I have heard your renown,
and feared, O Lord, your work.
In the course of the years revive it,
in the course of the years make it known;
in your wrath remember compassion!
God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
Covered are the heavens with his glory,
and with his praise the earth is filled.
His splendor spreads like the light;
rays shine forth from beside him,
where his power is concealed.
You come forth to save your people,
to save your anointed one.
You tread the sea with your steeds
amid the churning of the deep waters.
I hear, and my body trembles;
at the sound, my lips quiver.
Decay invades my bones,
my legs tremble beneath me.
I await the day of distress
that will come upon the people who attack us.
For though the fig tree blossom not
nor fruit be on the vines,
though the yield of the olive fail
and the terraces produce no nourishment,
though the flocks disappear from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet will I rejoice in the Lord
and exult in my saving God.
God, my Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet swift as those of hinds
and enables me to go upon the heights.
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. You go forth to save your people, to save your anointed one, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Zion, give praise to your God; he has brought peace to your borders, alleluia.
Psalm 147:12-20
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Zion praise your God!
He has strengthened the bars of your gates
he has blessed the children within you.
He established peace on your borders,
he feeds you with finest wheat.
He sends out his word to the earth
and swiftly runs his command.
He showers down snow white as wool,
he scatters hoar-frost like ashes.
He hurls down hailstones like crumbs.
The waters are frozen at his touch;
he sends forth his word and it melts them:
at the breath of his mouth the waters flow.
He makes his word known to Jacob,
to Israel his laws and decrees.
He has not dealt thus with other nations;
he has not taught them his decrees.
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
Lord, you established peace within the borders of Jerusalem. Give the fullness of peace now to your faithful people. May peace rule us in this life and possess us in eternal life. You are about to fill us with the best of wheat: grant that what we see dimly now as in a mirror, we may come to perceive clearly in the brightness of your truth.
Ant. Zion, give praise to your God; he has brought peace to your borders, alleluia.
READING Acts 5:30-32
The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus whom you put to death, hanging him on a tree. He whom God has exalted at his right hand as ruler and savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to this. So too does the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those that obey him.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to those who were at table with him, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to those who were at table with him, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
God the Father raised up Christ through the Spirit, and will also raise up our mortal bodies. Let us cry out to him:
Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit.
All-holy Father, you accepted the holocaust of your Son in raising him from the dead,
— accept the offering we make today, and lead us to eternal life.
Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit.
Look with favor on all we do today,
— that it may be for your glory and the sanctification of the world.
Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit.
May our work today not be in vain but for the good of the whole world,
— and through it lead us to your kingdom.
Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit.
Open our eyes today to recognize our brothers and sisters, and our hearts to love them,
— so that we may love and serve each other.
Lord, raise us to life through your Holy Spirit.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
hope and light of the sincere,
we humbly entreat you to dispose our hearts
to offer you worthy prayer and ever to extol you
by dutiful proclamation of your praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
The Lord has rescued my life from the grasp of hell, alleluia.
Psalm 116:1-9
I love the Lord for he has heard
the cry of my appeal;
for he turned his ear to me
in the day when I called him.
They surrounded me, the snares of death,
with the anguish of the tomb;
they caught me, sorrow and distress.
I called on the Lord’s name.
O Lord, my God, deliver me!
How gracious is the Lord, and just;
our God has compassion.
The Lord protects the simple hearts;
I was helpless so he saved me.
Turn back, my soul, to your rest
for the Lord has been good;
he has kept my soul from death,
my eyes from tears
and my feet from stumbling.
I will walk in the presence of the Lord
in the land of the living.
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
God of power and mercy, through your Son’s passion and resurrection you have freed us from the bonds of death and the anguish of separation from you. Be ever with us on our pilgrimage; then we shall sing rather than weep. Keep our feet from stumbling, so that we may be able to follow you until we come to eternal rest.
Ant. The Lord has rescued my life from the grasp of hell, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The Lord watches over his people, and protects them as the apple of his eye, alleluia.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel’s guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever.
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
Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared a quiet place for us in your Father’s eternal home. Watch over our welfare on this perilous journey, shade us from the burning heat of day, and keep our lives free of evil until the end.
Ant. The Lord watches over his people, and protects them as the apple of his eye, alleluia.
Ant. 3 The Lord is my strength, I shall always praise him, for he has become my Savior, alleluia.
Canticle – Revelation 15:3-4
Mighty and wonderful are your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who would dare refuse you honor,
or the glory due your name, O Lord?
Since you alone are holy,
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence.
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.
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 is my strength, I shall always praise him, for he has become my Savior, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 5:8-10
Son though he was, Christ learned obedience from what he suffered; and when perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, designated by God as high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. To destroy the power of hell Christ died upon the cross; clothed in strength and glory, he triumphed over death on the third day, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. To destroy the power of hell Christ died upon the cross; clothed in strength and glory, he triumphed over death on the third day, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us praise Christ, the source of all life and the foundation of all virtue:
Lord, establish your kingdom in the world.
Jesus our Savior, you died in your human nature but were restored to life by the Spirit,
— make us die to sin, and live by the Spirit.
Lord, establish your kingdom in the world.
You sent your disciples into the whole world to preach the Gospel to every creature,
— inspire those who preach the Gospel to live by your Spirit.
Lord, establish your kingdom in the world.
All power in heaven and on earth has been given to you, to bear witness to the truth,
— keep the hearts of those who govern us faithful to the truth.
Lord, establish your kingdom in the world.
You make all things new, and command us to wait and watch for your kingdom,
— grant that the more we look forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the more we may seek to better this present world.
Lord, establish your kingdom in the world.
You went down among the dead to bring them the good news of the Gospel,
— be the great joy and hope of all the dead.
Lord, establish your kingdom in the world.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
hope and light of the sincere,
we humbly entreat you to dispose our hearts
to offer you worthy prayer and ever to extol you
by dutiful proclamation of your praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 22
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 You have filled me with gladness, Lord, I will sing for joy at the works of your hands, alleluia.
Psalm 92
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning
and your truth in the watches of the night,
on the ten-stringed lyre and the lute,
with the murmuring sound of the harp.
Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad;
for the work of your hands I shout with joy.
O Lord, how great are your works!
How deep are your designs!
The foolish man cannot know this
and the fool cannot understand.
Though the wicked spring up like grass
and all who do evil thrive,
they are doomed to be eternally destroyed.
But you, Lord, are eternally on high.
See how your enemies perish;
all doers of evil are scattered.
To me you give the wild ox’s strength;
you anoint me with the purest oil.
My eyes looked in triumph on my foes;
my ears heard gladly of their fall.
The just will flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a Lebanon cedar.
Planted in the house of the Lord
they will flourish in the courts of our God,
still bearing fruit when they are old,
still full of sap, still green,
to proclaim that the Lord is just.
In him, my rock, there is no wrong.
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
Take our shame away from us, Lord, and make us rejoice in your saving works. May all who have been chosen by your Son always abound in works of faith, hope, and love in your service.
Ant. You have filled me with gladness, Lord, I will sing for joy at the works of your hands, alleluia.
Ant. 2 It is I who bring death and I who give life; I inflict injury and I bring healing, alleluia.
Canticle – Deuteronomy 32:1-12
Give ear, O heavens, while I speak;
let the earth hearken to the words of my mouth!
May my instruction soak in like the rain,
and my discourse permeate like the dew,
like a downpour upon the grass,
like a shower upon the crops:
For I will sing the Lord’s renown.
Oh, proclaim the greatness of our God!
The Rock—how faultless are his deeds,
how right all his ways!
A faithful God, without deceit,
how just and upright he is!
Yet basely has he been treated by his degenerate children,
a perverse and crooked race!
Is the Lord to be thus repaid by you,
O stupid and foolish people?
Is he not your father who created you?
Has he not made you and established you?
Think back on the days of old,
reflect on the years of age upon age.
Ask your father and he will inform you,
ask your elders and they will tell you:
When the Most High assigned the nations their heritage,
when he parceled out the descendants of Adam,
he set up the boundaries of the peoples
after the number of the sons of God;
While the Lord’s own portion was Jacob,
his hereditary share was Israel.
He found them in a wilderness,
a wasteland of howling desert.
He shielded them and cared for them,
guarding them as the apple of his eye.
As an eagle incites its nestlings forth
by hovering over its brood,
so he spread his wings to receive them
and bore them up on his pinions.
The Lord alone was their leader,
no strange god was with him.
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. It is I who bring death and I who give life; I inflict injury and I bring healing, alleluia.
Ant. 3 You have crowned your Anointed One with glory and honor, alleluia.
Psalm 8
How great is your name, O Lord our God,
through all the earth!
Your majesty is praised above the heavens;
on the lips of children and of babes
you have found praise to foil your enemy,
to silence the foe and the rebel.
When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,
the moon and the stars which you arranged,
what is man that you should keep him in mind,
mortal man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him little less than a god;
with glory and honor you crowned him,
gave him power over the works of your hands,
put all things under his feet.
All of them, sheep and cattle,
yes, even the savage beasts,
birds of the air, and fish
that make their way through the waters.
How great is your name, O Lord our God
through all the earth!
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
Almighty Lord, how wonderful is your name. You have made every creature subject to you; make us worthy to give you service.
Ant. You have crowned your Anointed One with glory and honor, alleluia.
READING Romans 14:7-9
None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master. While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die we die as his servants. Both in life and in death we are the Lord’s. That is why Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Peace be with you; it is I, alleluia; do not be afraid, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Peace be with you; it is I, alleluia; do not be afraid, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ has made known to us the life that lasts for ever. With faith and joy let us cry out to him, saying:
Lord, may your resurrection bring us the riches of your grace.
Eternal shepherd, look on your flock as it rises from sleep,
— feed us with the word of life and the bread from heaven.
Lord, may your resurrection bring us the riches of your grace.
Keep us safe from wolf and hireling,
— and make us faithful in listening to your voice.
Lord, may your resurrection bring us the riches of your grace.
You are present to all who preach your Gospel, and give power to their words,
— make us today preachers of your resurrection by our holiness of life.
Lord, may your resurrection bring us the riches of your grace.
Be our great joy that no one can take from us,
— so that we may reject sin with its sadness, and reach out to eternal life.
Lord, may your resurrection bring us the riches of your grace.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Set aside, O Lord,
the bond of sentence written for us by the law of sin,
which in the Paschal Mystery you canceled
through the Resurrection of Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Sunday Evening Prayer I
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
The Lord our God is high above the heavens; he raises up the lowly from the dust, alleluia.
Psalm 113
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord!
May the name of the Lord be blessed
both now and for evermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
praised be the name of the Lord!
High above all nations is the Lord,
above the heavens his glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God,
who has risen on high to his throne
yet stoops from the heights to look down,
to look down upon heaven and earth?
From the dust he lifts up the lowly,
from his misery he raises the poor
to set him in the company of princes,
yes, with the princes of his people.
To the childless wife he gives a home
and gladdens her heart with children.
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
Lord Jesus, Word of God, surrendering the brightness of your glory you became man so that we may be raised from the dust to share your very being. May there be innumerable children of the Church to offer homage to your name from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Ant. The Lord our God is high above the heavens; he raises up the lowly from the dust, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Lord, you have broken the chains that held me bound; I will offer you a sacrifice of praise, alleluia.
Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
“I am sorely afflicted,”
and when I said in my alarm:
“No man can be trusted.”
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make:
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
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, precious in your sight is the death of the saints, but precious above all is the love with which Christ suffered to redeem us. In this life we will fill up in our own flesh what is still lacking in the sufferings of Christ; accept this as our sacrifice of praise, and we shall even now taste the joy of the new Jerusalem.
Ant. Lord, you have broken the chains that held me bound; I will offer you a sacrifice of praise, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Though he was the Son of God, Christ learned obedience through suffering; and for all who obey him, he has become the source of life, alleluia.
Canticle – Philippians 2:6-11
Though he was in the form of God,
Jesus did not deem equality with God
something to be grasped at.
Rather, he emptied himself
and took the form of a slave,
being born in the likeness of men.
He was known to be of human estate,
and it was thus that he humbled himself,
obediently accepting even death,
death on a cross!
Because of this,
God highly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
above every other name,
So that at Jesus’ name
every knee must bend
in the heavens, on the earth,
and under the earth,
and every tongue proclaim
to the glory of God the Father:
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
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. Though he was the Son of God, Christ learned obedience through suffering; and for all who obey him, he has become the source of life, alleluia.
READING 1 Peter 2:9-10
You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works” of the One who called you from darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people, but now you are God’s people; once there was no mercy for you, but now you have found mercy.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Stay with us, Lord, for evening draws near and daylight is fading, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Stay with us, Lord, for evening draws near and daylight is fading, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ is our life and resurrection. Let us cry out to him with faith:
Son of the living God, protect your people.
Lord Jesus, we pray for your Catholic Church,
— make it holy, so that your kingdom may be established among all nations.
Son of the living God, protect your people.
We pray for the sick and the sorrowful, for those in bondage and in exile,
— that they may receive consolation and help.
Son of the living God, protect your people.
We pray for those who have turned away from your paths,
— that they may experience the grace of your forgiveness and the joy of rising to new life.
Son of the living God, protect your people.
Crucified and risen Savior, you will come to judge the world,
— have mercy on us sinners.
Son of the living God, protect your people.
We pray for all the living,
— and for all who have gone from us in the hope of resurrection.
Son of the living God, protect your people.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
May your people
exult for ever, O God,
in renewed youthfulness of spirit,
so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption,
we may look forward in confident hope
to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 23
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The Lord is king, robed in splendor, alleluia.
Psalm 93
The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed;
the Lord has robed himself with might,
he has girded himself with power.
The world you made firm, not to be moved;
your throne has stood firm from of old.
From all eternity, O Lord, you are.
The waters have lifted up, O Lord,
the waters have lifted up their voice,
the waters have lifted up their thunder.
Ant. The Lord is king, robed in splendor, alleluia.
Greater than the roar of mighty waters,
more glorious than the surgings of the sea,
the Lord is glorious on high.
Truly your decrees are to be trusted.
Holiness is fitting to your house,
O Lord, until the end of time.
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
All power and all authority in heaven and earth have been given to you, Lord Jesus; you rule with decrees that are firm and trustworthy. Be with us always so that we may make disciples whose holiness will be worthy of your house.
Ant. The Lord is king, robed in splendor, alleluia.
Ant. 2 All creation will be freed; all peoples will know the glory and freedom of God’s children, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord,
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all for ever.
Ant. All creation will be freed; all peoples will know the glory and freedom of God’s children, alleluia.
Ant. 3 The name of the Lord is praised in heaven and on earth, alleluia.
Psalm 148
Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his host.
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens
and the waters above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord.
He commanded: they were made.
He fixed them for ever,
gave a law which shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth,
sea creatures and all oceans,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy winds that obey his word;
all mountains and hills,
all fruit trees and cedars,
beasts, wild and tame,
reptiles and birds on the wing;
all earth’s kings and peoples,
earth’s princes and rulers;
young men and maidens,
old men together with children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord
for he alone is exalted.
The splendor of his name
reaches beyond heaven and earth.
He exalts the strength of his people.
He is the praise of all his saints,
of the sons of Israel,
of the people to whom he comes close.
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
Lord, extolled in the heights by angelic powers, you are also praised by all earth’s creatures, each in its own way. With all the splendor of heavenly worship, you still delight in such tokens of love as earth can offer. May heaven and earth together acclaim you as King. May the praise that is sung in heaven resound in the heart of every creature on earth.
Ant. The name of the Lord is praised in heaven and on earth, alleluia.
READING Acts 10:40-43
God raised up Jesus on the third day and granted that he be seen, not by all, but only by such witnesses as had been chosen beforehand by God—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and to bear witness that he is the one set apart by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets testify, saying that everyone who believes in him has forgiveness of sins through his name.
RESPONSORY
Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, alleluia, alleluia.
— Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, alleluia, alleluia.
You have risen from the dead,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. It was ordained that Christ should suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. It was ordained that Christ should suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ is the Lord of life, raised up by the Father; in his turn he will raise us up by his power. Let us pray to him, saying:
Christ our life, save us.
Lord Jesus, light shining in the darkness, you lead your people into life, and give our mortal nature the gift of holiness,
— may we spend this day in praise of your glory.
Christ our life, save us.
Lord, you walked the way of suffering and crucifixion,
— may we suffer and die with you, and rise again to share your glory.
Christ our life, save us.
Son of the Father, our master and our brother, you have made us a kingdom of priests for our God,
— may we offer you our joyful sacrifice of praise.
Christ our life, save us.
King of glory, we look forward to the great day of your coming in splendor,
— that we may see you face to face, and be transformed in your likeness.
Christ our life, save us.
Our Father…
Concluding Prayer
May your people
exult for ever, O God,
in renewed youthfulness of spirit,
so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption,
we may look forward in confident hope
to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 He purified us from our sins, and is seated on high at God’s right hand, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.
Ant. He purified us from our sins, and is seated on high at God’s right hand, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The Lord has redeemed his people, alleluia.
Psalm 111
I will thank the Lord with all my heart
in the meeting of the just and their assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord;
to be pondered by all who love them.
Majestic and glorious his work,
his justice stands firm for ever.
He makes us remember his wonders.
The Lord is compassion and love.
He gives food to those who fear him;
keeps his covenant ever in mind.
He has shown his might to his people
by giving them the lands of the nations.
His works are justice and truth:
his precepts are all of them sure,
standing firm for ever and ever:
they are made in uprightness and truth.
He has sent deliverance to his people
and established his covenant for ever.
Holy his name, to be feared.
To fear the Lord is the first stage of wisdom;
all who do so prove themselves wise.
His praise shall last for ever!
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
Merciful and gentle Lord, you are the crowning glory of all the saints. Give us, your children, the gift of obedience which is the beginning of wisdom, so that we may do what you command and be filled with your mercy.
Ant. The Lord has redeemed his people, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, our Lord is king; let us rejoice and give glory to him, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
The wedding of the lamb
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
— Alleluia (alleluia).
Ant. Alleluia, our Lord is king; let us rejoice and give glory to him, alleluia.
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
— Alleluia (alleluia).
Ant. Alleluia, our Lord is king; let us rejoice and give glory to him, alleluia.
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
— Alleluia (alleluia).
Ant. Alleluia, our Lord is king; let us rejoice and give glory to him, alleluia.
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
— Alleluia (alleluia).
Ant. Alleluia, our Lord is king; let us rejoice and give glory to him, 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. Alleluia, our Lord is king; let us rejoice and give glory to him, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 10:12-14
Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are placed beneath his feet. By one offering he has forever perfected those who are being sanctified.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
He has appeared to Simon,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Jesus said to his disciples: Bring me some of the fish you have just caught. Simon Peter went aboard and hauled ashore the net, full of large fish, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Jesus said to his disciples: Bring me some of the fish you have just caught. Simon Peter went aboard and hauled ashore the net, full of large fish, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
With joy in our hearts, let us call upon Christ the Lord, who died and rose again, and lives always to intercede for us:
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Light and salvation of all peoples,
— send into our hearts the fire of your Spirit, as we proclaim your resurrection.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Let Israel recognize in you her longed-for Messiah,
— and the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of your glory.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Keep us in the communion of your saints,
— and grant us rest from our labors in their company.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
You have triumphed over death, your enemy; destroy in us the power of death,
— that we may live only for you, victorious and immortal Lord.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Savior Christ, you were obedient even to accepting death, and were raised up to the right hand of the Father,
— in your goodness welcome your brothers and sisters into the kingdom of your glory.
Victorious King, hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
May your people
exult for ever, O God,
in renewed youthfulness of spirit,
so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption,
we may look forward in confident hope
to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 24
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God, alleluia.
Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord, God of hosts.
My soul is longing and yearning,
is yearning for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my soul ring out their joy
to God, the living God.
The sparrow herself finds a home
and the swallow a nest for her brood;
she lays her young by your altars,
Lord of hosts, my king and my God.
They are happy, who dwell in your house,
for ever singing your praise.
They are happy, whose strength is in you,
in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.
As they go through the Bitter Valley
they make it a place of springs
(the autumn rain covers it with blessings).
They walk with ever growing strength,
they will see the God of gods in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,
give ear, O God of Jacob.
Turn your eyes, O God, our shield,
look on the face of your anointed.
One day within your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
The threshold of the house of God
I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield;
he will give us his favor and glory.
The Lord will not refuse any good
to those who walk without blame.
Lord, God of hosts,
happy the man who trusts in you!
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
Bless your people, Lord. You have given us the law that we may walk from strength to strength and raise our minds to you from this valley of tears. May we receive the gifts you have gained for us.
Ant. My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The house of the Lord has been raised on high, and all the nations will go up to it, alleluia.
Canticle – Isaiah 2:2-5
In days to come,
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!
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 house of the Lord has been raised on high, and all the nations will go up to it, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Proclaim this among the nations: the Lord is king, alleluia.
Psalm 96
O sing a new song to the Lord,
sing to the Lord all the earth.
O sing to the Lord, bless his name.
Proclaim his help day by day,
tell among the nations his glory
and his wonders among all the peoples.
The Lord is great and worthy of praise,
to be feared above all gods;
the gods of the heathens are naught.
It was the Lord who made the heavens,
his are majesty and state and power
and splendor in his holy place.
Give the Lord, you families of peoples,
give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name.
Bring an offering and enter his courts,
worship the Lord in his temple.
O earth, tremble before him.
Proclaim to the nations: “God is king.”
The world he made firm in its place;
he will judge the people in fairness.
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad,
let the sea and all within it thunder praise,
let the land and all it bears rejoice,
all the trees of the wood shout for joy
at the presence of the Lord for he comes,
he comes to rule the earth.
With justice he will rule the world,
he will judge the peoples with his truth.
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
Lord, you have renewed the face of the earth. Your Church throughout the world sings you a new song, announcing your wonders to all. Through a virgin, you have brought forth a new birth in our world; through your miracles, a new power; through your suffering, a new patience; in your resurrection, a new hope, and in your ascension, new majesty.
Ant. Proclaim this among the nations: the Lord is king, alleluia.
READING Romans 10:8b-10
The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach). For if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Faith in the heart leads to justification, confession on the lips to salvation.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Do not work for food that will perish, but for food that lasts to eternal life, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Do not work for food that will perish, but for food that lasts to eternal life, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
The Father glorified Jesus and appointed him heir to all nations. Let us praise him, saying:
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
Lord Christ, by your victory you broke the power of evil and destroyed sin and death,
— make us victorious over sin today.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
You laid death low, and brought us new life,
— grant that we may walk today in this new life.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
You gave life to the dead, and led mankind from death to life,
— give eternal life to all those we shall meet today.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
You brought confusion on the guards at your tomb, but joy to your disciples,
— grant the fullness of joy to all who serve you.
Save us, Lord, through your victory.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God,
that, putting off our old self with all its ways,
we may live as Christ did, for through the healing paschal remedies
you have conformed us to his nature.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
The Lord will be your light for ever; your God will be your glory, alleluia.
Psalm 123
To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul
with the scorn of the rich,
with the proud man’s disdain.
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 in heaven, we lift our eyes to you and pray: confound the scorn of the proud and graciously show us your mercy.
Ant. The Lord will be your light for ever; your God will be your glory, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The snare was broken and we were set free, alleluia.
Psalm 124
“If the Lord had not been on our side,”
this is Israel’s song.
“If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept
the raging waters.”
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us
as prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
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
Lord Jesus, you foretold that your disciples would be despised on account of your name, but that not a hair of their heads is ever forgotten. In times of persecution, defend and revive us by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be freed from our enemies and praise your saving help.
Ant. The snare was broken and we were set free, alleluia.
Ant. 3 When I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all people to myself, alleluia.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth.
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. When I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all people to myself, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 8:1b-3a
We have such a high priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, minister of the sanctuary and of that true tabernacle set up, not by man, but by the Lord. Now every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. This is what God asks of you: trust in the one whom he has sent, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. This is what God asks of you: trust in the one whom he has sent, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
The Holy Spirit raised the body of Christ to life and made it the source of life. With joy in our hearts let us call upon the risen Christ, saying:
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Savior of the world and King of the new creation, raise our minds and hearts to your kingdom,
— where you sit at the right hand of the Father.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Lord, you are always present in your Church,
— through your Holy Spirit guide it into all truth.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Show your mercy to the sick, the overburdened and the dying,
— that all may receive strength and courage from your love.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Light that never fails, as the day draws to its close we offer you our sacrifice of praise,
— and pray that the glory of your resurrection may shine on our deceased brothers and sisters.
Lord, make all things new and fill them with life.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God,
that, putting off our old self with all its ways,
we may live as Christ did, for through the healing paschal remedies
you have conformed us to his nature.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 25
Saint Mark, Evangelist
Feast
Saint Mark the Evangelist authored the Gospel According to Mark. He was one of the 70 disciples of Jesus Christ. He and his mother, Mary, were integral in the early church movement; Mary opening up her home as a Christian meeting place. Also, Saint Mark’s journey with Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas is recorded in Acts as they traveled through Cyprus and Rome carrying the Word. Church writings accredit Saint Mark as founding the Church in Alexandria and consequently, serving as bishop there.
Saint Mark’s emblem in Christian literature and art is the lion. He is the Patron Saint of Venice.
*************************
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The holy evangelists searched the wisdom of past ages. Through their gospels they confirmed the words of the prophets, alleluia.
Psalm 63
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
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 holy evangelists searched the wisdom of past ages. Through their gospels they confirmed the words of the prophets, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Through the Gospel God called us to believe in the truth and to share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Through the Gospel God called us to believe in the truth and to share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Many will praise their wisdom; it shall be remembered for ever, alleluia.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful.
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. Many will praise their wisdom; it shall be remembered for ever, alleluia.
READING 1 Corinthians 15:1-2a, 3-4
Brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and in which you stand firm. You are being saved by it at this very moment. I handed on to you first of all what I myself received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried and, in accordance with the Scriptures, rose on the third day.
RESPONSORY
They proclaimed the Lord’s praises, told of his power to save, alleluia, alleluia.
— They proclaimed the Lord’s praises, told of his power to save, alleluia, alleluia.
And of the wonders he had worked,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— They proclaimed the Lord’s praises, told of his power to save, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, preachers and teachers were sent out to be ministers of the faith for all who believe, alleluia.
Luke 1:68-79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, preachers and teachers were sent out to be ministers of the faith for all who believe, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us sing a song of praise to our Savior, who destroyed the power of death and made clear the path to life and immortality through the Gospel; and let us petition him in humble supplication:
Strengthen your Church in faith and love.
You gave wonderful guidance to your Church through her holy and distinguished teachers,
—may Christians rejoice always in the splendid legacy given to your Church.
Strengthen your Church in faith and love.
When their holy pastors prayed to you, as Moses had done, you forgave the sins of the people,
—through the intercession of these holy pastors continue to sanctify and purify your Church.
Strengthen your Church in faith and love.
You anointed your holy ones in the midst of their brothers and called the Holy Spirit down upon them,
—fill all the leaders of your people with the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen your Church in faith and love.
You yourself are the sole possession of your holy pastors,
—grant that those you have redeemed with your blood may remain always in you.
Strengthen your Church in faith and love.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who raised up Saint Mark, your Evangelist,
and endowed him with the grace to preach the Gospel,
grant, we pray, that we may so profit
from his teaching as to follow faithfully
in the footsteps of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
My life is at the service of the Gospel; God has given me this gift of his grace, alleluia.
Psalm 116
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
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. My life is at the service of the Gospel; God has given me this gift of his grace, alleluia.
Ant. 2 I do all this for the sake of the Gospel, in order to share in its rewards, alleluia.
Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: “What marvels
the Lord worked for them!”
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.
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. I do all this for the sake of the Gospel, in order to share in its rewards, alleluia.
Ant. 3 This grace has been given to me: to proclaim to the nations the infinite riches of Christ, alleluia.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth.
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. This grace has been given to me: to proclaim to the nations the infinite riches of Christ, alleluia.
READING Colossians 1:3a-6
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in our prayers for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you bear toward all the saints—moved as you are by the hope held in store for you in heaven. You heard of this hope through the message of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, has borne fruit, and has continued to grow in your midst, as it has everywhere in the world.
RESPONSORY
Tell all the nations how glorious God is, alleluia, alleluia.
— Tell all the nations how glorious God is, alleluia, alleluia.
Make known his wonders to every people,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— Tell all the nations how glorious God is, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. The word of the Lord shall endure for ever: this is the message which has been proclaimed, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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 word of the Lord shall endure for ever: this is the message which has been proclaimed, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Our God is the Father of light. Through the good news of his Son he has called us to believe in the truth. Let us pray now for his holy people as we say:
Lord, remember your Church.
Father, you raised your Son, our Good Shepherd from the dead,
— make us his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Lord, remember your Church.
You sent your Son into the world to bring good news to the poor,
— give us courage to bring that good news to all peoples.
Lord, remember your Church.
You sent your Son to sow the word of life,
— help us to sow his word and to reap its harvest with joy.
Lord, remember your Church.
You sent your Son to make the world one through his blood,
— may all of us work together for this unity.
Lord, remember your Church.
You set your Son at your right hand in the heavens,
— open the gates of your kingdom to those who have died.
Lord, remember your Church.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who raised up Saint Mark, your Evangelist,
and endowed him with the grace to preach the Gospel,
grant, we pray, that we may so profit
from his teaching as to follow faithfully
in the footsteps of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 26
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 People of every nation shall come and worship you, O Lord, alleluia.
Psalm 86
Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am faithful;
save the servant who trusts in you.
You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord,
for I cry to you all the day long.
Give joy to your servant, Lord,
for to you I lift up my soul.
O Lord, you are good and forgiving,
full of love to all who call.
Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer
and attend to the sound of my voice.
In the day of distress I will call you
and surely you will reply.
Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
nor work to compare with yours.
All the nations shall come to adore you
and glorify your name, O Lord:
for you are great and do marvelous deeds,
you who alone are God.
Show me, Lord, your way
so that I may walk in your truth.
Guide my heart to fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart
and glorify your name for ever;
for your love to me has been great:
you have saved me from the depths of the grave.
The proud have risen against me;
ruthless men seek my life;
to you they pay no heed.
But you, God of mercy and compassion,
slow to anger, O Lord,
abounding in love and truth,
turn and take pity on me.
O give your strength to your servant
and save your handmaid’s son.
Show me the sign of your favor
that my foes may see to their shame
that you console me and give me your help.
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
God of mercy and goodness, when Christ called out to you in torment, you heard him and gave him victory over death because of his love for you. We already know the affection you have for us; fill us with a greater love of your name, and we will proclaim you more boldly before men and happily lead them to celebrate your glory.
Ant. People of every nation shall come and worship you, O Lord, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Our eyes will see the King in all his radiant beauty, alleluia.
Canticle – Isaiah 33:13-16
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.
Ant. Our eyes will see the King in all his radiant beauty, alleluia.
Ant. 3 All people will see the saving power of our God, alleluia.
Psalm 98
Sing a new song to the Lord
for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
have brought salvation.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
has shown his strength to the nations.
He has remembered his truth and love
for the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
ring out your joy.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp
with the sound of music.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
acclaim the King, the Lord.
Let the sea and all within it, thunder;
the world, and all its peoples.
Let the rivers clap their hands
and the hills ring out their joy
Rejoice at the presence of the Lord:
for he comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with fairness.
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
Lord Jesus, you have revealed your justice to all nations. We stood condemned, and you came to be judged in our place. Send your saving power on us and, when you come in glory, bring your mercy to those for whom you were condemned.
Ant. All people will see the saving power of our God, alleluia.
READING Romans 6:8-11
If we have died with Christ, we believe that we are also to live with him. We know that Christ, once raised from the dead, will never die again; death has no more power over him. His death was death to sin, once for all; his life is life for God. In the same way, you must consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Whoever sees the Son and believes in him will live for ever, and I shall raise him up on the last day, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Whoever sees the Son and believes in him will live for ever, and I shall raise him up on the last day, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ was given up for our sins and rose again to make us righteous. Let us cry out to him, saying:
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Christ our Savior, in conquering death you brought us joy, in rising again you raised us up and filled us with the abundance of your gifts,
— stir up our hearts, and sanctify this day through the gift of your Holy Spirit.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
You are glorified by the angels in heaven and adored by mankind on earth; as we celebrate your resurrection,
— accept our worship in spirit and in truth.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Lord Jesus, save us; show your great mercy to your people, as we look forward to our own resurrection,
— have mercy on us, and protect us today from every evil.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
King of glory, source of our life, grant that, when you come again,
— we may be one with you in glory.
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Be present to your family,
O Lord, we pray,
and graciously ensure those you have endowed
with the grace of faith
an eternal share in the Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Your sorrow will be turned into joy, alleluia.
Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: “What marvels
the Lord worked for them!”
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.
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
Lord, you have raised us from the earth; may you let the seeds of justice, which we have sown in tears, grow and increase in your sight. May we reap in joy the harvest we hope for patiently.
Ant. Your sorrow will be turned into joy, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s, alleluia.
Psalm 127
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth
are like arrows in the hands of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways.
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
You command the seed to rise, Lord God, though the farmer is unaware. Grant that those who labor for you may trust not in their own work but in your help. Remembering that the land is brought to flower not with human tears but with those of your Son, may the Church rely only upon your gifts.
Ant. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s, alleluia.
Ant. 3 From him, through him, and in him all things exist; glory to him for ever, alleluia.
Canticle – Colossians 1:12-20
Let us give thanks to the Father
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints
in light.
He rescued us
from the power of darkness
and brought us
into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption,
the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born of all creatures.
In him everything in heaven and on earth was created,
things visible and invisible.
All were created through him;
all were created for him.
He is before all else that is.
In him everything continues in being.
It is he who is head of the body, the church!
he who is the beginning,
the first-born of the dead,
so that primacy may be his in everything.
It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him
and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,
both on earth and in the heavens,
making peace through the blood of his cross.
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. From him, through him, and in him all things exist; glory to him for ever, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 7:24-27
Jesus, because he remains forever, has a priesthood which does not pass away. Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he forever lives to make intercession for them. It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I shall not turn away, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I shall not turn away, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Let us pray to him, saying:
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Lord, remember all who minister in your service,
— may their holy lives be an example to your people.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Give to those who govern us the spirit of justice and peace,
— so that the human family may live in harmony.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Guide our days in the way of salvation,
— and fill the earth with your plenty for the sake of the needy.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Christ our savior, light of the world, you have called creation from death to life,
— may your light shine for ever on our departed brothers and sisters.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Be present to your family,
O Lord, we pray,
and graciously ensure those you have endowed
with the grace of faith
an eternal share in the Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 27
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 City of God, you are the source of our life; with music and dance we shall rejoice in you, alleluia.
Psalm 87
On the holy mountain is his city
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Zion
to all Jacob’s dwellings.
Of you are told glorious things,
O city of God!
Babylon and Egypt I will count
among those who know me;
Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia,
these will be her children
and Zion shall be called “Mother”
for all shall be her children.
It is he, the Lord Most High,
who gives each his place.
In his register of peoples he writes:
“These are her children,”
and while they dance they will sing:
“In you all find their home.”
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
Lord God, your only Son wept over ancient Jerusalem, soon to be destroyed for its lack of faith. He established the new Jerusalem firmly upon rock and made it the mother of the faithful. Make us rejoice in your Church, and grant that all people may be reborn into the freedom of your Spirit.
Ant. City of God, you are the source of our life; with music and dance we shall rejoice in you, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Like a shepherd he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them close to his heart, alleluia.
Canticle – Isaiah 40:10-17
Here comes with power
the Lord God,
who rules by his strong arm;
here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
Carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.
Who has cupped in his hand the waters of the sea,
and marked off the heavens with a span?
Who has held in a measure the dust of the earth,
weighed the mountains in scales
and the hills in a balance?
Who has directed the spirit of the Lord,
or has instructed him as his counselor?
Whom did he consult to gain knowledge?
Who taught him the path of judgment,
or showed him the way of understanding?
Behold, the nations count as a drop of the bucket,
as dust on the scales;
the coastlands weigh no more than powder.
Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,
nor its animals be enough for holocausts.
Before him all the nations are as nought,
as nothing and void he accounts them.
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. Like a shepherd he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them close to his heart, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted above all the peoples, alleluia.
Psalm 99
The Lord is king; the peoples tremble.
He is throned on the cherubim; the earth quakes.
The Lord is great in Zion.
He is supreme over all the peoples.
Let them praise his name, so terrible and great,
he is holy, full of power.
You are a king who loves what is right;
you have established equity, justice and right;
you have established them in Jacob.
Exalt the Lord our God;
bow down before Zion, his footstool.
He the Lord is holy.
Among his priests were Aaron and Moses,
among those who invoked his name was Samuel.
They invoked the Lord and he answered.
To them he spoke in the pillar of cloud.
They did his will; they kept the law,
which he, the Lord, had given.
O Lord our God, you answered them.
For them you were a God who forgives;
yet you punished all their offenses.
Exalt the Lord our God;
bow down before his holy mountain
for the Lord our God is holy.
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
God, you are the source of all holiness. Though no one can see you and live, you give life most generously, and in an even greater way restore it. Sanctify your priests through your life-giving Word, and consecrate our people in his blood until our eyes see your face.
Ant. Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted above all the peoples, alleluia.
READING Romans 8:10-11
If Christ is in you the body is dead because of sin, while the spirit lives because of justice. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will bring your mortal bodies to life also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Amen, amen, I say to you: Whoever believes in me will live for ever, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Amen, amen, I say to you: Whoever believes in me will live for ever, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ rose from the dead and is always present in his Church. Let us adore him, and say:
Stay with us, Lord.
Lord Jesus, victor over sin and death, glorious and immortal,
— be always in our midst.
Stay with us, Lord.
Come to us in the power of your victory,
— and show our hearts the loving kindness of your Father.
Stay with us, Lord.
Come to heal a world wounded by division,
— for you alone can transform our hearts and make them one.
Stay with us, Lord.
Strengthen our faith in final victory,
— and renew our hope in your second coming.
Stay with us, Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
let us feel your compassion
more readily during these days when,
by your gift, we have known it more fully,
so that those you have freed from the darkness of error
may cling more firmly to the teachings of your truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
The Lord God has given him the throne of David his father, alleluia.
Psalm 132
I
O Lord, remember David
and all the many hardships he endured,
the oath he swore to the Lord,
his vow to the Strong One of Jacob.
“I will not enter the house where I live
nor go to the bed where I rest.
I will give no sleep to my eyes,
to my eyelids I will give no slumber
till I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob.”
At Ephrata we heard of the ark;
we found it in the plains of Yearim.
“Let us go to the place of his dwelling;
let us go to kneel at his footstool.”
Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest,
you and the ark of your strength.
Your priests shall be clothed with holiness;
your faithful shall ring out their joy.
For the sake of David your servant
do not reject your anointed.
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 God has given him the throne of David his father, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Jesus Christ is supreme in his power. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, alleluia.
II
The Lord swore an oath to David;
he will not go back on this word:
“A son, the fruit of your body,
will I set upon your throne.
If they keep my covenant in truth
and my laws that I have taught them,
their sons also shall rule
on your throne from age to age.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling:
“This is my resting-place for ever;
here have I chosen to live.
I will greatly bless her produce,
I will fill her poor with bread.
I will clothe her priests with salvation
and her faithful shall ring out their joy.
There David’s stock will flower;
I will prepare a lamp for my anointed.
I will cover his enemies with shame
but on him my crown shall shine.”
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
Lord Jesus Christ, you chose to suffer and be overwhelmed by death in order to open the gates of death in triumph. Stay with us to help us on our pilgrimage; free us from all evil by the power of your resurrection. In the company of your saints, and constantly remembering your love for us, may we sing of your wonders in our Father’s house.
Ant. Jesus Christ is supreme in his power. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Lord, who is your equal in power? Who is like you, majestic in holiness? alleluia.
Canticle – Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a
We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was.
You have assumed your great power,
you have begun your reign.
The nations have raged in anger,
but then came your day of wrath
and the moment to judge the dead:
The time to reward your servants the prophets
and the holy ones who revere you,
the great and the small alike.
Now have salvation and power come,
the reign of our God and the authority
of his Anointed One.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who day and night accused them before God.
They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
So rejoice, you heavens,
and you that dwell therein!
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, who is your equal in power? Who is like you, majestic in holiness? alleluia.
READING 1 Peter 3:18, 22
The reason why Christ died for sins once for all, the just man for the sake of the unjust, was that he might lead you to God. He was put to death insofar as fleshly existence goes, but was given life in the realm of the spirit. He went to heaven and is at God’s right hand, with angelic rulers and powers subjected to him.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. I am the living bread come down from heaven; anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; the bread that I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. I am the living bread come down from heaven; anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; the bread that I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ rose from the dead as the firstfruits of those who sleep. In our joy let us praise him, and say:
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, remember your holy Church, built on the apostles and reaching to the ends of the earth,
— and let your blessing rest on all who believe in you.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
You are the healer of soul and body,
— come to our aid, and save us in your love.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Raise up the sick and give them strength,
— free them from their infirmities.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Help those in distress of mind or body,
— and in your compassion lift up those in need.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Through your cross and resurrection you opened for all the way to immortality,
— grant to our deceased brothers and sisters the joys of your kingdom.
Firstborn from the dead, hear our prayer.
Our Father…
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
let us feel your compassion
more readily during these days when,
by your gift, we have known it more fully,
so that those you have freed from the darkness of error
may cling more firmly to the teachings of your truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 28
St. Peter Chanel, and St. Louis Mary de Montfort
*************************
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Lord, wash away my guilt, alleluia.
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge,
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.
Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
that the bones you have crushed may revive.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.
A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.
O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,
a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
In your goodness, show favor to Zion:
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar.
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, he who knew no sin was made sin for us, to save us and restore us to your friendship. Look upon our contrite heart and afflicted spirit and heal our troubled conscience, so that in the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit we may proclaim your praise and glory before all the nations.
Ant. Lord, wash away my guilt, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Christ bore our sins in his own body as he hung upon the cross, alleluia.
Canticle – Jeremiah 14:17-21
Let my eyes stream with tears
day and night, without rest,
over the great destruction which overwhelms
the virgin daughter of my people,
over her incurable wound.
If I walk out into the field,
look! those slain by the sword;
If I enter the city,
look! those consumed by hunger.
Even the prophet and the priest
forage in a land they know not.
Have you cast Judah off completely?
Is Zion loathsome to you?
Why have you struck us a blow
that cannot be healed?
We wait for peace, to no avail;
for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.
We recognize, O Lord, our wickedness,
the guilt of our fathers;
that we have sinned against you.
For your name’s sake spurn us not,
disgrace not the throne of your glory;
remember your covenant with us, and break it not.
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. Christ bore our sins in his own body as he hung upon the cross, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Come into the Lord’s presence singing for joy, alleluia.
Psalm 100
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing for joy.
Know that he, the Lord, is God.
He made us, we belong to him,
we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Go within his gates, giving thanks.
Enter his courts with songs of praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
Indeed, how good is the Lord,
eternal his merciful love.
He is faithful from age to age.
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
God, devoted to us as a Father, you created us as a sign of your power, and elected us your people to show your goodness. Accept the thanks your children offer, that all men may enter your courts praising you in song.
Ant. Come into the Lord’s presence singing for joy, alleluia.
READING Acts 5:30-32
The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus whom you put to death, hanging him on a tree. He whom God has exalted at his right hand as ruler and savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to this. So too does the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
He hung upon the cross for us,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen from the tomb, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood shall live in me and I in him, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood shall live in me and I in him, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray to God the Father, who gave us new life through the risen Christ:
Give us the glory of your Son.
Lord our God, your mighty works have revealed your eternal plan: you created the earth, and you are faithful in every generation,
— hear us, Father of mercy.
Give us the glory of your Son.
Purify our hearts with your truth, and guide them in the way of holiness,
— so that we may do what is pleasing in your sight.
Give us the glory of your Son.
Let your face shine upon us,
— that we may be freed from sin and filled with your plenty.
Give us the glory of your Son.
You gave the apostles the peace of Christ,
— grant peace to your people, and to the whole world.
Give us the glory of your Son.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God,
that we, who have come to know
the grace of the Lord’s Resurrection,
may through the love of the Spirit,
ourselves rise to newness of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
I, the Lord, am your savior and redeemer, alleluia.
Psalm 135
I
Praise the name of the Lord,
praise him, servants of the Lord,
who stand in the house of the Lord
in the courts of the house of our God.
Praise the Lord for the Lord is good.
Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving.
For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself
and Israel for his own possession.
For I know that the Lord is great,
that our Lord is high above all gods.
The Lord does whatever he wills,
in heaven, on earth, in the seas.
He summons clouds from the ends of the earth;
makes lightning produce the rain;
from his treasuries he sends forth the wind.
The first-born of the Egyptians he smote,
of man and beast alike.
Signs and wonders he worked
in the midst of your land, O Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.
Nations in their greatness he struck
and kings in their splendor he slew.
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
Og, the king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan.
He let Israel inherit their land;
on his people their land he bestowed.
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. I, the Lord, am your savior and redeemer, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Blessed is the kingdom of David our father which has come among us, alleluia.
II
Lord, your name stands for ever,
unforgotten from age to age,
for the Lord does justice for his people;
the Lord takes pity on his servants.
Pagan idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
They have mouths but they cannot speak;
they have eyes but they cannot see.
They have ears but they cannot hear;
there is never a breath on their lips.
Their makers will come to be like them
and so will all who trust in them!
Sons of Israel, bless the Lord!
Sons of Aaron, bless the Lord!
Sons of Levi, bless the Lord!
You who fear him, bless the Lord!
From Zion may the Lord be blessed,
he who dwells in Jerusalem!
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, your name and your memory last for ever. We stand to pray in your house and praise you with psalms of joy. We ask you in your kindness to have mercy on us in our lowliness.
Ant. Blessed is the kingdom of David our father which has come among us, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Let us sing to the Lord, glorious in his triumph, alleluia.
Canticle – Revelation 15:3-4
Mighty and wonderful are your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who would dare refuse you honor,
or the glory due your name, O Lord?
Since you alone are holy,
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence.
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.
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. Let us sing to the Lord, glorious in his triumph, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 5:8-10
Son though he was, Christ learned obedience from what he suffered; and when perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, designated by God as high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
RESPONSORY
The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
When they saw the risen Lord,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Our crucified and risen Lord has redeemed us, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Our crucified and risen Lord has redeemed us, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Let us praise him, and say:
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray to you, Lord Jesus, for all ministers of your Church,
— as they break for us the bread of life, may they themselves receive nourishment and strength.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray for the whole Christian people, that all may be worthy of their calling,
— and safeguard their unity in the Spirit by the bond of peace.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray for those who govern us, that they may temper justice with mercy,
— and promote harmony and peace throughout the world.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
We pray for ourselves, that our hearts may be purified to sing your praises in the communion of saints,
— may we be reunited with our deceased brothers and sisters, whom we commend to your loving kindness.
Son of the living God, bless your people.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Grant,
we pray, almighty God,
that we, who have come to know
the grace of the Lord’s Resurrection,
may through the love of the Spirit,
ourselves rise to newness of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 29
Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Memorial
Catherine of Siena was born to a wealthy Italian family, the second youngest of 25 children. Her refusal to marry angered her parents and they turned her into a servant. This increased her spiritual desire and she joined a Dominican lay order. At 21, she began preaching, a task supported by her confessor, Blessed Raymund of Capua. As her influence grew, she devoted much time to peace keeping among the Christian states. Her efforts were instrumental in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from Avignon as well as in supporting Pope Urban VI during the schism. St. Catherine’s great mystical work, Dialogues, is a Christian classic. She was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, the first lay person to receive the honor.
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Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Have courage, my son; your sins are forgiven, alleluia.
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge,
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.
Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
that the bones you have crushed may revive.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.
A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.
O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,
a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
In your goodness, show favor to Zion:
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar.
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, he who knew no sin was made sin for us, to save us and restore us to your friendship. Look upon our contrite heart and afflicted spirit and heal our troubled conscience, so that in the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit we may proclaim your praise and glory before all the nations.
Ant. Have courage, my son; your sins are forgiven, alleluia.
Ant. 2 You go forth to save your people, to save your anointed one, alleluia.
Canticle – Habakkuk 3:2-4, 13a, 15-19
O Lord, I have heard your renown,
and feared, O Lord, your work.
In the course of the years revive it,
in the course of the years make it known;
in your wrath remember compassion!
God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
Covered are the heavens with his glory,
and with his praise the earth is filled.
His splendor spreads like the light;
rays shine forth from beside him,
where his power is concealed.
You come forth to save your people,
to save your anointed one.
You tread the sea with your steeds
amid the churning of the deep waters.
I hear, and my body trembles;
at the sound, my lips quiver.
Decay invades my bones,
my legs tremble beneath me.
I await the day of distress
that will come upon the people who attack us.
For though the fig tree blossom not
nor fruit be on the vines,
though the yield of the olive fail
and the terraces produce no nourishment,
though the flocks disappear from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet will I rejoice in the Lord
and exult in my saving God.
God, my Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet swift as those of hinds
and enables me to go upon the heights.
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. You go forth to save your people, to save your anointed one, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Zion, give praise to your God; he has brought peace to your borders, alleluia.
Psalm 147:12-20
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Zion praise your God!
He has strengthened the bars of your gates
he has blessed the children within you.
He established peace on your borders,
he feeds you with finest wheat.
He sends out his word to the earth
and swiftly runs his command.
He showers down snow white as wool,
he scatters hoar-frost like ashes.
He hurls down hailstones like crumbs.
The waters are frozen at his touch;
he sends forth his word and it melts them:
at the breath of his mouth the waters flow.
He makes his word known to Jacob,
to Israel his laws and decrees.
He has not dealt thus with other nations;
he has not taught them his decrees.
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
Lord, you established peace within the borders of Jerusalem. Give the fullness of peace now to your faithful people. May peace rule us in this life and possess us in eternal life. You are about to fill us with the best of wheat: grant that what we see dimly now as in a mirror, we may come to perceive clearly in the brightness of your truth.
Ant. Zion, give praise to your God; he has brought peace to your borders, alleluia.
READING Wisdom 7:13-14
Simply I learned about Wisdom, and ungrudgingly do I share –
her riches I do not hide away;
For to men she is an unfailing treasure;
those who gain this treasure win the friendship of God,
to whom the gifts they have from discipline commend them.
RESPONSORY
Let the peoples proclaim the wisdom of the saints, alleluia, alleluia.
— Let the peoples proclaim the wisdom of the saints, alleluia, alleluia.
With joyful praise let the Church tell forth
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— Let the peoples proclaim the wisdom of the saints, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. The holy virgin Catherine steadfastly begged the Lord to restore peace to his holy Church, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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 holy virgin Catherine steadfastly begged the Lord to restore peace to his holy Church, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Let us praise and thank him as we pray:
Nourish your people, Lord.
Christ, you decided to show your merciful love through your holy shepherds,
— let your mercy always reach us through them.
Nourish your people, Lord.
Through your vicars you continue to perform the ministry of shepherd of souls,
— direct us always through our leaders.
Nourish your people, Lord.
Through your holy ones, the leaders of your people, you served as physician of our bodies and our spirits,
— continue to fulfill your ministry of life and holiness in us.
Nourish your people, Lord.
You taught your flock through the prudence and love of your saints,
— grant us continual growth in holiness under the direction of our pastors.
Nourish your people, Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who set Saint Catherine of Siena on fire
with divine love in her contemplation of the Lord’s Passion
and her service of your Church,
grant, through her intercession,
that your people, participating in the mystery of Christ,
may ever exult in the revelation of his glory.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Sunday Evening Prayer I
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
The Lord has rescued my life from the grasp of hell, alleluia.
Psalm 116:1-9
I love the Lord for he has heard
the cry of my appeal;
for he turned his ear to me
in the day when I called him.
They surrounded me, the snares of death,
with the anguish of the tomb;
they caught me, sorrow and distress.
I called on the Lord’s name.
O Lord, my God, deliver me!
How gracious is the Lord, and just;
our God has compassion.
The Lord protects the simple hearts;
I was helpless so he saved me.
Turn back, my soul, to your rest
for the Lord has been good;
he has kept my soul from death,
my eyes from tears
and my feet from stumbling.
I will walk in the presence of the Lord
in the land of the living.
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
God of power and mercy, through your Son’s passion and resurrection you have freed us from the bonds of death and the anguish of separation from you. Be ever with us on our pilgrimage; then we shall sing rather than weep. Keep our feet from stumbling, so that we may be able to follow you until we come to eternal rest.
Ant. The Lord has rescued my life from the grasp of hell, alleluia.
Ant. 2 The Lord watches over his people, and protects them as the apple of his eye, alleluia.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel’s guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever.
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
Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared a quiet place for us in your Father’s eternal home. Watch over our welfare on this perilous journey, shade us from the burning heat of day, and keep our lives free of evil until the end.
Ant. The Lord watches over his people, and protects them as the apple of his eye, alleluia.
Ant. 3 The Lord is my strength, I shall always praise him, for he has become my Savior, alleluia.
Canticle – Revelation 15:3-4
Mighty and wonderful are your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who would dare refuse you honor,
or the glory due your name, O Lord?
Since you alone are holy,
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence.
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.
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 is my strength, I shall always praise him, for he has become my Savior, alleluia.
READING James 3:17-18
Wisdom from above is first of all innocent. It is also peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and the kindly deeds that are its fruits, impartial and sincere. The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
RESPONSORY
In the midst of the Church she spoke with eloquence, alleluia, alleluia.
— In the midst of the Church she spoke with eloquence, alleluia, alleluia.
The Lord filled her with the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— In the midst of the Church she spoke with eloquence, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. Always and everywhere Catherine sought and found God. Through the strength of her love she entered into union with him, alleluia.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. Always and everywhere Catherine sought and found God. Through the strength of her love she entered into union with him, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
Jesus Christ is worthy of all praise, for he was appointed high priest among men and their representative before God. We honor him and in our weakness we pray:
Bring salvation to your people, Lord.
You marvelously illuminated your Church through distinguished leaders and holy men and women,
— let Christians rejoice always in such splendor.
Bring salvation to your people, Lord.
You forgave the sins of your people when their holy leaders like Moses sought your compassion,
— through their intercession continue to purify and sanctify your holy people.
Bring salvation to your people, Lord.
In the midst of their brothers and sisters you anointed your holy ones and filled them with the Holy Spirit,
— fill all the leaders of your people with the same Spirit.
Bring salvation to your people, Lord.
You yourself are the only visible possession of our holy pastors,
— let none of them, won at the price of your blood, remain far from you.
Bring salvation to your people, Lord.
The shepherds of your Church keep your flock from being snatched out of your hand. Through them you give your flock eternal life,
— save those who have died, those for whom you gave up your life.
Bring salvation to your people, Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
O God,
who set Saint Catherine of Siena on fire
with divine love in her contemplation of the Lord’s Passion
and her service of your Church,
grant, through her intercession,
that your people, participating in the mystery of Christ,
may ever exult in the revelation of his glory.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
April 30
Morning Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 I shall not die but live and proclaim the works of the Lord, alleluia.
Psalm 118.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
for his love endures for ever.
Let the sons of Israel say:
“His love endures for ever.”
Let the sons of Aaron say:
“His love endures for ever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say:
“His love endures for ever.”
I called to the Lord in my distress;
he answered and freed me.
The Lord is at my side; I do not fear.
What can man do against me?
The Lord is at my side as my helper:
I shall look down on my foes.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in men:
it is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
The nations all encompassed me;
in the Lord’s name I crushed them.
They compassed me, compassed me about;
in the Lord’s name I crushed them.
They compassed me about like bees;
they blazed like a fire among thorns.
In the Lord’s name I crushed them.
I was hard-pressed and was falling
but the Lord came to help me.
The Lord is my strength and my song;
he is my savior.
There are shouts of joy and victory
in the tents of the just.
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;
his right hand raised me.
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;
I shall not die, I shall live
and recount his deeds.
I was punished, I was punished by the Lord,
but not doomed to die.
Open to me the gates of holiness:
I will enter and give thanks.
This is the Lord’s own gate
where the just may enter.
I will thank you for you have answered
and you are my savior.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the corner stone.
This is the work of the Lord,
a marvel in our eyes.
This day was made by the Lord;
we rejoice and are glad.
O Lord, grant us salvation;
O Lord, grant success.
Blessed in the name of the Lord
is he who comes.
We bless you from the house of the Lord;
the Lord God is our light.
Go forward in procession with branches
even to the altar.
You are my God, I thank you.
My God, I praise you.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good;
for his love endures for ever.
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
Lord God, you have given us the great day of rejoicing: Jesus Christ, the stone rejected by the builders, has become the cornerstone of the Church, our spiritual home. Shed upon your Church the rays of your glory, that it may be seen as the gate of salvation open to all nations. Let cries of joy and exultation ring out from its tents, to celebrate the wonder of Christ’s resurrection.
Ant. I shall not die but live and proclaim the works of the Lord, alleluia.
Ant. 2 Blessed be your holy and glorious name, O Lord, alleluia.
Canticle – Daniel 3:52-57
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
And blessed is your holy and glorious name,
praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.
Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory,
praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you who look into the depths
from your throne upon the cherubim,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven,
praiseworthy and glorious forever.
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord,
praise and exalt him above all forever.
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. Blessed be your holy and glorious name, O Lord, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Give honor and praise to our God; all that he does is perfect and all his ways are true, alleluia.
Psalm 150
Praise God in his holy place,
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his powerful deeds,
praise his surpassing greatness.
O praise him with sound of trumpet,
praise him with lute and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipes.
O praise him with resounding cymbals,
praise him with clashing of cymbals.
Let everything that lives and that breathes
give praise to the Lord.
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
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and of all created things, you make your just ones holy and you justify sinners who confess your name. Hear us as we humbly pray to you: give us eternal joy with your saints.
Ant. Give honor and praise to our God; all that he does is perfect and all his ways are true, alleluia.
READING Acts 10:40-43
God raised up Jesus on the third day and granted that he be seen, not by all, but only by such witnesses as had been chosen beforehand by God—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and to bear witness that he is the one set apart by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets testify, saying that everyone who believes in him has forgiveness of sins through his name.
RESPONSORY
Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, alleluia, alleluia.
— Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, alleluia, alleluia.
You have risen from the dead,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. I am the shepherd of the sheep; I am the way, the truth and the life: I know my sheep, and my sheep know me, alleluia.
Luke 1:68 – 79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. I am the shepherd of the sheep; I am the way, the truth and the life: I know my sheep, and my sheep know me, alleluia.
INTERCESSIONS
God the almighty Father raised Jesus as the firstborn from the dead, and made him our Savior. Let us call upon him, saying.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
All-holy Father, you brought your beloved Son Jesus from the darkness of death into the splendor of your glory,
— bring us also into your marvelous light.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
You have given us faith to save us,
— may we live today by the faith of our baptism.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
You command us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at your right hand,
— do not let us be deceived by the allurements of sin.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
May our life, hidden with Christ in you, our Father, shine before the world,
— foreshadowing a new heaven and a new earth.
Give us, Lord, the glory of your Son.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
lead us to a share in the joys of heaven,
so that the humble flock may reach
where the brave Shepherd has gone before.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer II
God, come to my assistance.
— Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Hymn
PSALMODY
Seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at God’s right hand, alleluia.
Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right:
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”
The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power:
rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains;
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever,
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”
The Master standing at your right hand
will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside
and therefore he shall lift up his head.
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, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.
Ant. Seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at God’s right hand, alleluia.
Ant. 2 In the darkness he dawns: a light for upright hearts, alleluia.
Psalm 112
Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons shall be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed.
Riches and wealth are in his house;
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just.
The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.
The wicked man sees and is angry,
grinds his teeth and fades away;
the desire of the wicked leads to doom.
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
Lord God, you are the eternal light which illumines the hearts of good people. Help us to love you, to rejoice in your glory, and so to live in this world as to avoid harsh judgment in the next. May we come to see the light of your countenance.
Ant. In the darkness he dawns: a light for upright hearts, alleluia.
Ant. 3 Alleluia, salvation, glory and power to our God, alleluia.
Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7
Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God:
— Alleluia.
his judgments are honest and true.
— Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants,
— Alleluia.
all who worship him reverently, great and small.
— Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King;
— Alleluia.
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory.
— Alleluia (alleluia).
Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun,
— Alleluia.
and his bride is prepared to welcome him.
— Alleluia (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. Alleluia, salvation, glory and power to our God, alleluia.
READING Hebrews 10:12-14
Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are placed beneath his feet. By one offering he has forever perfected those who are being sanctified.
RESPONSORY
The Lord is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
— The Lord is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
He has appeared to Simon,
— alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
— The Lord is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. My sheep will hear my voice. I, their Lord, know them.
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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. My sheep will hear my voice. I, their Lord, know them.
INTERCESSIONS
God the Father raised Christ from the dead and exalted him at his right hand. Let us pray to the Father, saying:
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Righteous Father, you lifted Jesus above the earth through the triumph of the cross,
— may all things be lifted up in him.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Through your Son in glory send the Holy Spirit upon the Church,
— that it may be the sacrament of unity for the whole human race.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
You have brought a new family into being through water and the Holy Spirit,
— keep them faithful to their baptism, and bring them to everlasting life.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Through your exalted Son help those in distress, free those in captivity, heal the sick,
— and by your blessings give joy to the world.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
You nourished our deceased brothers and sisters with the body and blood of the risen Christ,
— raise them up at the last day.
Through Christ in glory, watch over your people, Lord.
Our Father …
Concluding Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
lead us to a share in the joys of heaven,
so that the humble flock may reach
where the brave Shepherd has gone before.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. — Amen.
Blessing:
May the Lord Bless and keep us. Amen
May his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us. Amen
May he look upon us with kindness and give us, His peace. Amen
May the Lord Bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen