The Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and Patron of the Universal Church

commonly called the
Feast of the Patronage of Saint Joseph

Double of I Class with common Octave

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Jacob autem * génuit Joseph, virum Maríæ, de qua natus est Jesus, qui vocátur Christus, allelúja.

Ant.    And Jacob begat Joseph, * the husband of Mary, of whom was Jesus, who is called the Christ, alleluia.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Ant.    Jacob autem génuit Joseph, virum Maríæ, de qua natus est Jesus, qui vocátur Christus, allelúja.

Ant.    And Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was Jesus, who is called the Christ, alleluia.

Ant.    Missus est * Angelus Gábriel a Deo in civitátem Galilææ, cui nomen Názareth, ad Vírginem desponsátam viro, cui nomen erat Joseph, allelúja.

Ant.    For the Angel Gabriel * was sent from God, unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, alleluia.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Ant.    Missus est Angelus Gábriel a Deo in civitátem Galilææ, cui nomen Názareth, ad Vírginem desponsátam viro, cui nomen erat Joseph, allelúja.

Ant.    For the Angel Gabriel was sent from God, unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, alleluia.

Ant.    Ascéndit autem * Joseph a Galilæa de civitáte Názareth in Judæam, in civitátem David, quæ vocátur Béthlehem, allelúja.

Ant.    And Joseph also went up * from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, alleluia.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Ant.    Ascéndit autem Joseph a Galilæa de civitáte Názareth in Judæam, in civitátem David, quæ vocátur Béthlehem, allelúja.

Ant.    And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, alleluia.

Ant.    Et venérunt festinántes, * et invenérunt Maríam, et Joseph, et Infántem pósitum in præsépio, allelúja.

Ant.    And they came with haste, * and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger, alleluia.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Ant.    Et venérunt festinántes, et invenérunt Maríam, et Joseph, et Infántem pósitum in præsépio, allelúja.

Ant.    And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger, alleluia.

Ant.    Et ipse Jesus * erat incípiens quasi annórum trigínta, ut putabátur, fílius Joseph, allelúja.

Ant.    And Jesus himself * began to be about thirty years of age, being as was supposed the Son of Joseph, alleluia.

Psalmus 116.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum, omnes Gentes: * laudáte eum, omnes pópuli :
2  Quóniam confirmáta est super nos misericórdia ejus: * et véritas Dómini manet in ætérnum.

Psalm 116.  Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; * praise him, all ye peoples.
2  For his mercy is confirmed upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

Ant.    Et ipse Jesus erat incípiens quasi annórum trigínta, ut putabátur, fílius Joseph, allelúja.

Ant.    And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being as was supposed the Son of Joseph, alleluia.

STAND

Capitulum           Gen. 49. 26.
Benedictiónes patris tui confortátæ sunt benedictiónibus patrum ejus, donec veníret Desidérium cóllium æternórum : fiant in cápite Joseph, et in vértice Nazaræi inter fratres suos.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Gen. 49. 26.
The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors, unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Te, Joseph, célebrent ágmina cælitum,
Te cuncti résonent christíadum chori,
Qui clarus méritis, junctus est ínclytæ
Casto fœdere Vírgini.

Almo cum túmidam gérmine cónjugem
Admírans, dúbio tángeris ánxius,
Afflátu súperi Fláminis Angelus
Concéptum Púerum docet.

Tu natum Dóminum stringis, ad éxteras
Ægypti prófugum tu séqueris plagas ;
Amíssum Sólymis quæris, et ínvenis,
Miscens gáudia flétibus.

Post mortem réliquos sors pia cónsecrat,
Palmámque eméritos glória súscipit :
Tu vivens, Súperis par, frúeris Deo,
Mira sorte beátior.

Nobis, summa Trias, parce precántibus,
Da Joseph méritis sídera scándere :
Ut tandem líceat nos tibi pérpetim
Gratum prómere cánticum.  Amen.

O Joseph, spouse so pure of that immortal bride
Whose glory shines secure, midst virgins glorified:
How now on high thy name is ever magnified
Let all of Christendom proclaim;

How once at God's behest an Angel came to bring
Joy to thine anxious breast, and tell of Christ the King—
The Babe foretold of yore that of a maid must spring,
By God the Spirit shadowed o'er.

How with thy new-born Lord and Mary thou didst flee;
How Egypt did afford haven for them and thee;
How in Jerusalem that Son, sought mournfully,
Restored all joy, all grief did stem.

Not till death's hour is past do other men obtain
The blessings that do last, the joys that e'er remain;
Thou, like to Angels blest, on earth didst here attain
To clasp thy God unto thy breast.

O Holy Trinity, thy suppliant servants spare;
Grant us to come to thee, with Joseph's help and prayer;
And then our hearts shall raise, in saintly chorus fair,
Exulting canticles of praise.  Amen.

V.  Constítuit eum dóminum domus suæ, allelúja.
R.  Et príncipem omnis possessiónis suæ, allelúja.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Cum esset desponsáta * Mater Jesu María Joseph, ántequam convenírent, invénta est in útero habens de Spíritu Sancto, allelúja.

Ant. on Magnif:  When as Mary, * the Mother of Jesus, was espoused to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost, alleluia.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Deus, qui ineffábili providéntia beátum Joseph sanctíssimæ Genitrícis tuæ sponsum elígere dignátus es : præsta, quæsumus ; ut, quem protectórem venerámur in terris, intercessórem habére mereámur in cælis : Qui vivis.

Let us pray.
O God, who in thy wondrous providence didst vouchsafe to appoint blessed Joseph to be the spouse of thy most holy Mother : grant, we beseech thee ; that we who reverence him as our patron on earth, may be worthy of his intercession in heaven.  Where thou livest and reignest, with the Father, in the unity.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

Laudémus Deum nostrum * In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

In worshipful remembrance of our blessed protector Joseph, * Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Laudémus Deum nostrum * In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

In worshipful remembrance of our blessed protector Joseph, * Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Laudémus Deum nostrum * In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

In worshipful remembrance of our blessed protector Joseph, * Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

Let us praise our God, alleluia.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Laudémus Deum nostrum * In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

In worshipful remembrance of our blessed protector Joseph, * Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Laudémus Deum nostrum * In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

In worshipful remembrance of our blessed protector Joseph, * Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Laudémus Deum nostrum * In veneratióne beáti Joseph, protectóris nostri, allelúja.

In worshipful remembrance of our blessed protector Joseph, * Let us praise our God, alleluia.

Te, Joseph, célebrent ágmina cælitum,
Te cuncti résonent christíadum chori,
Qui clarus méritis, junctus est ínclytæ
Casto fœdere Vírgini.

Almo cum túmidam gérmine cónjugem
Admírans, dúbio tángeris ánxius,
Afflátu súperi Fláminis Angelus
Concéptum Púerum docet.

Tu natum Dóminum stringis, ad éxteras
Ægypti prófugum tu séqueris plagas ;
Amíssum Sólymis quæris, et ínvenis,
Miscens gáudia flétibus.

Post mortem réliquos sors pia cónsecrat,
Palmámque eméritos glória súscipit :
Tu vivens, Súperis par, frúeris Deo,
Mira sorte beátior.

Nobis, summa Trias, parce precántibus,
Da Joseph méritis sídera scándere :
Ut tandem líceat nos tibi pérpetim
Gratum prómere cánticum.  Amen.

O Joseph, spouse so pure of that immortal bride
Whose glory shines secure, midst virgins glorified:
How now on high thy name is ever magnified
Let all of Christendom proclaim;

How once at God's behest an Angel came to bring
Joy to thine anxious breast, and tell of Christ the King—
The Babe foretold of yore that of a maid must spring,
By God the Spirit shadowed o'er.

How with thy new-born Lord and Mary thou didst flee;
How Egypt did afford haven for them and thee;
How in Jerusalem that Son, sought mournfully,
Restored all joy, all grief did stem.

Not till death's hour is past do other men obtain
The blessings that do last, the joys that e'er remain;
Thou, like to Angels blest, on earth didst here attain
To clasp thy God unto thy breast.

O Holy Trinity, thy suppliant servants spare;
Grant us to come to thee, with Joseph's help and prayer;
And then our hearts shall raise, in saintly chorus fair,
Exulting canticles of praise.  Amen.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn. 

First Nocturn

Ant.    Angelus Dómini * appáruit in somnis Joseph, dicens : Surge, et áccipe Púerum et Matrem ejus, et fuge in Ægyptum ; et esto ibi usque dum dicam tibi, allelúja.

Ant.    The Angel of the Lord * said unto Joseph in a dream : Arise and take the young Child and his Mother, and flee into Egypt ; and be thou there until I bring thee word, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 1.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, et in via peccatórum non stetit, * et in cáthedra pestiléntiæ non sedit :
2  Sed in lege Dómini volúntas ejus, * et in lege ejus meditábitur die ac nocte.
3  Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:
4  Et fólium ejus non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.
5  Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem prójicit ventus a fácie terræ.
6  Ideo non resúrgent ímpii in judício: * neque peccatóres in concílio justórum.
7  Quóniam novit Dóminus viam justórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.
8  Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.
9  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * and hath not sat in the seat of pestilence.
2  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; * and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side, * that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4  His leaf also shall not wither; * and all whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
5  As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; * but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
6  Therefore the ungodly shall not rise again in judgment; * neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7  For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; * and the way of the ungodly shall perish.
8  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, *  and to the Holy Ghost:
9  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end.  Amen.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Quare fremuérunt Gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?
2  Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.
3  Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.
4  Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.
5  Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.
6  Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prædicans præcéptum ejus.
7  Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.
8  Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.
9  Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.
10  Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.
11  Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.
12  Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.
13  Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

Psalm 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Why do the heathen so furiously rage together? * and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
2  The kings of the earth have arisen, and the rulers have taken counsel together * against the Lord, and against his Anointed.
3  Let us break their bonds asunder, * and cast away their cords from us.
4  He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: *  the Lord shall have them in derision.
5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, * and vex them in his sore displeasure :
6  Yet I have been stablished King by him upon his holy hill of Sion, * preaching his commandment.
7  The Lord hath said unto me : * Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
8  Desire of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9  Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; * be learned, ye that are judges of the earth.
11  Serve the Lord in fear, * and rejoice unto him with reverence.
12  Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and so ye perish from the right way.
13  If his wrath be kindled, yea, but in a short time : *  blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 3.  Domine quid multiplicati?

Dómine quid multiplicáti sunt qui tríbulant me? * multi insúrgunt advérsum me.
2  Multi dicunt ánimæ meæ: * Non est salus ipsi in Deo ejus.
3  Tu autem, Dómine, suscéptor meus es, * glória mea, et exáltans caput meum.
4  Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi: * et exaudívit me de monte sancto suo.
5  Ego dormívi, et soporátus sum: * et exsurréxi, quia Dóminus suscépit me.
6  Non timébo míllia pópuli circumdántis me: * exsúrge, Dómine, salvum me fac, Deus meus.
7  Quóniam tu percussísti omnes adversántes mihi sine causa: * dentes peccatórum contrivísti.
8  Dómini est salus: * et super pópulum tuum benedíctio tua.

Psalm 3.  Domine quid multiplicati?

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! * many are they that rise against me.
2  Many one there be that say of my soul, * There is no help for him in his God.
3  But thou, O Lord, art my defender; * thou art my worship, and the lifter up of my head.
4  I did call upon the Lord with my voice, * and he heard me out of his holy hill.
5  I laid me down and slept, * and rose up again, for the Lord sustained me.
6  I will not be afraid for thousands of the people that have set themselves against me round about ; * up, Lord, and help me, O my God.
7  For thou smitest all that are mine enemies without cause ; * thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8  Salvation belongeth unto the Lord; * and thy blessing is upon thy people.

Ant.    Angelus Dómini appáruit in somnis Joseph, dicens : Surge, et áccipe Púerum et Matrem ejus, et fuge in Ægyptum ; et esto ibi usque dum dicam tibi, allelúja.

Ant.    The Angel of the Lord said unto Joseph in a dream : Arise and take the young Child and his Mother, and flee into Egypt ; and be thou there until I bring thee word, alleluia.

STAND

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

Joseph, ígitur ductus est in Ægyptum, emítque eum Pútiphar eunúchus pharaónis, princeps exércitus, vir Ægyptius, de manu Ismaëlitárum, a quibus perdúctus erat.  Fuítque Dóminus cum eo, et erat vir in cunctis próspere agens : habitavítque in domo dómini sui, qui óptime nóverat Dóminum esse cum eo, et ómnia quæ géreret, ab eo dírigi in manu illíus.  Invenítque Joseph grátiam coram dómino suo, et ministrábat ei : a quo præpósitus ómnibus gubernábat créditam sibi domum et univérsa quæ ei trádita fúerant ; benedixítque Dóminus dómui Ægyptii propter Joseph, et multiplicávit tam in ædibus quam in agris cunctam ejus substántiam ; nec quidquam áliud nóverat, nisi panem quo vescebátur.  Erat autem Joseph pulchra fácie et decórus aspéctu.

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.  And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.  And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.  And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.  And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.  And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Clamávit pópulus ad regem, aliménta petens ; * Quibus ille respóndit : Ite ad Joseph, allelúja.
V.  Salus nostra in manu tua est : réspice nos tantum, et læti serviémus regi.
R.  Quibus ille respóndit : Ite ad Joseph, allelúja.

R.  The people cried to the King for bread, *  And he answered them : Go unto Joseph, alleluia.
V.  O thou that dost save our lives, only let us find grace in thy sight, and we will be the King's servants.
R.  And he answered them : Go unto Joseph, alleluia.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Plácuit pharaóni consílium Joseph, et cunctis minístris ejus ; locutúsque est ad eos : Num inveníre potérimus talem virum, qui Spíritu Dei plenus sit?  Dixit ergo ad Joseph : Quia osténdit tibi Deus ómnia quæ locútus es, numquid sapientiórem et consímilem tui inveníre pótero?  Tu eris super domum meam, et ad tui oris impérium cunctus pópulus obédiet ; uno tantum regni sólio te præcédam.  Dixítque rursus phárao ad Joseph : Ecce constítui te super univérsam terram Ægypti.  Tulítque ánulum de manu sua, et dedit eum in manu ejus ; vestivítque eum stola byssina, et collo torquem áuream circumpósuit.  Fecítque eum ascéndere super currum suum secúndum, clamánte præcóne, ut omnes coram eo genuflécterent et præpósitum esse scirent univérsæ terræ Ægypti.

And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.  And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?  And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.  And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.  And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Fecit me Deus quasi patrem regis, et dóminum univérsæ domus ejus : * Exaltávit me, ut salvos fáceret multos pópulos, allelúja.
V.  Veníte ad me, et ego dabo vobis ómnia bona Ægypti, ut comedátis medúllam terræ.
R.  Exaltávit me, ut salvos fáceret multos pópulos, allelúja.

R.  God hath made me as a father unto the King, and lord of all his house : *  He hath made me great, to save much people alive, alleluia.
V.  Come unto me, and I will give you all the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.
R.  He hath made me great, to save much people alive, alleluia.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Dixit quoque rex ad Joseph : Ego sum phárao : absque tuo império non movébit quisquam manum aut pedem in omni terra Ægypti.  Vertítque nomen ejus, et vocávit eum lingua Ægyptíaca Salvatórem mundi.  Dedítque illi uxórem Aseneth, filiam Putipháre sacerdótis Heliopóleos.  Egréssus est ítaque Joseph ad terram Ægypti (trigínta autem annórum erat quando stetit in conspéctu regis pharaónis), et circuívit omnes regiónes Ægypti.  Venítque fertílitas septem annórum : et in manípulos redáctæ séteges congregátæ sunt in hórrea Ægypti.  Omnis étiam frugum abundántia in síngulis úrbibus cóndita est.  Tántaque fuit abundántia trítici, ut arénæ maris coæquarétur, et copia mensúram excéderet.

And Pharaoh said moreover unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.  And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.  And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.  And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.  And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.  And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Jam lætus móriar, quia vidi fáciem tuam, et supérstitem te relínquo.  Non sum fraudátus aspéctu tuo : * Insuper osténdit mihi Dóminus semen tuum, allelúja.
V.  Qui pascit me ab adolescéntia mea, benedícat púeris istis, et invocétur super eos nomen meum.
R.  Insuper osténdit mihi Dóminus semen tuum, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Insuper osténdit mihi Dóminus semen tuum, allelúja.

R.  Now shall I die happy, since I have seen thy face, and do leave thee behind me.  I am not disappointed of seeing thee : * For lo the Lord hath shewed me also thy seed, alleluia.
V.  He that hath fed me from my youth up, bless the young men, and let my name be named upon them.
R.  For lo the Lord hath shewed me also thy seed, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  For lo the Lord hath shewed me also thy seed, alleluia.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Angelus Dómini * appáruit in somnis Joseph, dicens : Surge, et áccipe Púerum et Matrem ejus, et vade in terram Israël ; defúncti sunt enim qui quærébant ánimam Púeri, allelúja.

Ant.    An Angel of the Lord * said in a dream to Joseph : Take the young Child and his Mother, and go into the land of Israel, for they are dead which sought the young Child's life, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 4. Cum invocarem

Cum invocárem exaudívit me Deus justítiæ meæ: *  in tribulatióne dilatásti mihi.
2  Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.
3  Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? *  ut quid dilígitis vanitátem et quæritis mendácium?
4  Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.
5  Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: * quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, in cubílibus vestris compungímini.
6  Sacrificáte sacrifícium justítiæ, et speráte in Dómino, * multi dicunt quis osténdit nobis bona?
7  Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: *  dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.
8  A fructu fruménti, vini et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.
9  In pace in idípsum * dórmiam et requiéscam;
10  Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

He hath heard me when I call, the God of my righteousness: * thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble.
2  Have mercy upon me, * and hearken unto my prayer.
3  O ye sons of men, how long will ye be dull of heart? * and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after leasing?
4  Know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly; * when I call upon the Lord he will hear me.
5  Be ye angry, and sin not; * the things that ye say in your hearts, repent ye them upon your beds.
6  Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord, * there be many that say, who will shew us any good?
7  The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is sealed upon us, * thou hast put gladness in my heart.
8  By the fruit of their corn and wine and oil * have they been multiplied.
9  I will lay me down in peace, * and take my rest;
10  For it is thou, Lord, only, * that makest me dwell in safety.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 5.  Verba mea

Verba mea áuribus pércipe, Dómine, * intéllige clamórem meum.
2  Inténde voci oratiónis meæ: * Rex meus et Deus meus.
3  Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.
4  Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.
5  Neque habitábit juxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt injústi ante óculos tuos.
6  Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.
7  Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.
8  Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.
9  Dómine, deduc me in justítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.
10  Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.
11  Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, linguis suis dolóse agébant, * júdica illos, Deus.
12  Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.
13  Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.
14  Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum: * quóniam tu benedíces justo.
15  Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.

Psalm 5.  Verba mea

Ponder my words, O Lord, * consider my cry.
2  O hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, * my King and my God.
3  For unto thee will I make my prayer : * in the morning shalt thou hear my voice, O Lord.
4  Early in the morning will I stand before thee, and will see : * for thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness.
5  Neither shall any evil dwell with thee : * nor shall the unjust abide before thine eyes.
6  For thou hatest all them that work iniquity : * thou shalt destroy them that speak lies.
7  The Lord will abhor both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man : * but as for me, in the multitude of thy mercy.
8   I will come into thine house; * and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
9  Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, * because of mine enemies make my way plain before thy face.
10  For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; * their heart is vain.
11  Their throat is an open sepulchre, they flatter with their tongue : * judge thou them, O God.
12  Let them perish through their own imaginations; cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness; * for they have rebelled against thee, O Lord.
13  And let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice: * they shall for ever be glad, and thou shalt dwell amongst them.
14  And all they that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee; * for thou, Lord, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous.
15  Thou hast crowned us, O Lord, * as with a shield of thy good will.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!
2  Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.
3  Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.
4  Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.
5  Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?
6  Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.
7  Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas : ínsuper et pécora campi.
8  Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.
9  Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!
2  For thou hast set thy glory * above the heavens.
3  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger.
4  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
5  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6  Thou madest him lower than the Angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and worship : * thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
7  Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet : * all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8  The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
9  O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Ant.    Angelus Dómini appáruit in somnis Joseph, dicens : Surge, et áccipe Púerum et Matrem ejus, et vade in terram Israël ; defúncti sunt enim qui quærébant ánimam Púeri, allelúja.

Ant.    An Angel of the Lord said in a dream to Joseph : Take the young Child and his Mother, and go into the land of Israel, for they are dead which sought the young Child's life, alleluia.

STAND

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Omnium singulárium gratiárum alícui rationábili creatúræ communicatárum generális régula est, quod, quandocúmque divína grátia éligit áliquem ad áliquam grátiam sublímem statum, ómnia charísmata donet, quæ illi persónæ sic eléctæ et ejus offício necessária sunt atque illam copióse décorant.  Quod máxime verificátum est in sancto Joseph, putatívo patre Dómini nostri Jesu Christi, et vero sponso Regínæ mundi et Dóminæ Angelórum ; qui ab ætérno Patre eléctus est fidélis nutrítius atque custos principálium thesaurórum suórum, scílicet Fílii ejus et Sponsæ suæ : quod offícium fidelíssime prosecútus est.  Cui proptérea Dóminus ait : Serve bone et fidélis, intra in gáudium Dómini tui.

Here is what we may call the ordinary rule concerning the bestowal of special favours on natural beings, namely ; whenever divine grace electeth such an one to a particular privilege, or to a vocation of special responsibility, the person so elected receiveth all the gifts of grace which be needful for him in that state of life whereunto he is called, and receiveth them abundantly.  Of this there is an excellent instance in the case of the holy Joseph, the so-called father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the real husband of her who is Queen of the world, and Lady of the Angels.  He had been elected by the eternal Father to be the faithful cherisher and protector of God's two chief treasures, namely, Jesus and Mary, God's own Son and Joseph's own wife.  This duty Joseph faithfully discharged.  Wherefore there hath been said unto Joseph, those words of the Lord : Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Dedísti mihi protectiónem salútis tuæ et déxtera tua suscépit me : * Protéctor meus et cornu salútis meæ et suscéptor meus, allelúja.
V.  Ego protéctor tuus sum et merces tua magna nimis.
R.  Protéctor meus et cornu salútis meæ et suscéptor meus, allelúja.

R.  Thou hast given me the defence of thy salvation ; thy right hand also shall hold me up : *  It is God that girdeth me, my buckler, the horn also of my salvation, and my refuge, alleluia.
V.  I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.
R.  It is God that girdeth me, my buckler, the horn also of my salvation, and my refuge, alleluia.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

Si cómpares eum ad totam Ecclésiam Christi, nonne iste est homo eléctus et speciális, per quem et sub quo Christus est ordináte et honéste introdúctus in mundum?  Si ergo Vírgini Matri tota Ecclésia sancta débitrix est, quia per eam Christum suscípere digna facta est ; sic profécto post eam huic debet grátiam et reveréntiam singulárem.  Ipse enim est clavis véteris Testaménti, in qua patriarchális et prophetális dígnitas promíssum conséquitur fructum.  Porro hic est solus, qui corporáliter possédit, quod eis divína dignátio repromísit.  Mérito ígitur figurátur per illum patriárcham Joseph, qui pópulis fruménta servávit.  Sed et hic illum præcéllit, quia non solum Ægyptiis panem corporális vitæ, sed ómnibus eléctis Panem de cælo, qui cæléstem vitam tríbuit, cum multa solértia enutrívit.

Let us consider this man Joseph in connection with the Universal Church of Christ.  Is he not that elect and chosen one, through whom, and under whom, Christ is orderly and honestly brought into the world?  If, then, the Holy Universal Church be under a debt to the Virgin Mother (because through her the Church hath been made to receive Christ), next to Mary the Church oweth thanks and reverence to Joseph.  He verily is the key which unlocked the treasures of the Church of the Old Testament, for in his person all the excellence of Patriarchs and Prophets cometh to the completion of achievement, seeing that he alone enjoyed in this life the full fruition of what God had been pleased to promise aforetime to them.  It is therefore with good reason that we see a type of him in that Patriarch Joseph who stored up corn for the people.  But the second Joseph hath a more excellent dignity than the first, seeing that the first gave to the Egyptians bread only for the body, but the second was, on behalf of all the elect, the watchful guardian of that Living Bread which came down from heaven, of which whosoever eateth will never die.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Státuet fílios suos sub tégmine illíus et sub ramis ejus morábitur ; protegétur sub tégmine illíus a fervóre : * Et in glória ejus requiéscet, allelúja.
V.  Speráte in eo, omnis congregátio pópuli, effúndite coram illo corda vestra.
R.  Et in glória ejus requiéscet, allelúja.

R.  He shall set his children under his shelter, and shall lodge under his branches ; by him shall he be covered from the heat : * And in his glory shall he dwell, alleluia.
V.  O put your trust in him alway, ye congregation of the people, pour out your hearts before him.
R.  And in his glory shall he dwell, alleluia.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Profécto dubitándum non est, quod Christus familiaritátem, reveréntiam atque sublimíssimam dignitátem, quam illi exhíbuit, dum ágeret in humánis, tamquam fílius patri suo, in cælis útique non negávit, quin pótius complévit et consummávit.  Unde non immérito in verbo propósito a Dómino subinfértur : Intra in gáudium Dómini tui.  Unde, licet gáudium ætérnæ beatitúdinis in cor hóminis intret, máluit tamen Dóminus ei dícere, Intra in gáudium ; ut mystice innuátur, quod gáudium illud non solum in eo sit intra, sed úndique illum circúmdans et absórbens, et ipsum velut abyssus infiníta submérgens.  Meménto ígitur nostri, beáte Joseph, et tuæ oratiónis suffrágio apud tuum putatívum Fílium intercéde ; sed et beatíssimam Vírginem sponsam tuam nobis propítiam redde, quæ Mater est ejus, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat per infiníta sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

No doubt Christ still treateth Joseph in heaven with that familiarity, honour, and most high condescension which he paid, like a son to a father, whilst he walked among men.  Nay, rather, Christ hath now crowned and completed in heaven those habits which he learnt on earth.  Hence it is reasonable to see a particular application to Joseph in those words uttered by Christ : Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.  Note that we think of the joy of eternal blessedness as entering into the heart of men.  But the Lord preferred to say to the man : Enter thou into the joy.  Thus did the Lord mystically set forth a joy which should not only be within man, but outside him also (that is ; above him, and below him, and all round about him, and overflowing him), as it were a great bottomless pit of joy to swallow him up altogether.  In this thy blessedness, O thou blessed Joseph, remember us!  In thy helpful prayers, make intercession for us with him who was supposed to be thy Son!  Likewise, obtain some favour for us from that most blessed Maiden who was thy wife, and the Mother of him who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth one God, world without end.  Amen.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Si consístant advérsum me castra, non timébit cor meum : * Si exsúrgat advérsum me prælium, in hoc ego sperábo, allelúja.
V.  In te cantátio mea semper, quóniam tu adjútor fortis.
R.  Si exsúrgat advérsum me prælium, in hoc ego sperábo, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Si exsúrgat advérsum me prælium, in hoc ego sperábo, allelúja.

R.  Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid, * And though a battle should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him, alleluia.
V.  My mouth shall be alway filled  with thy praise, for thou art my strong refuge.
R.  And though a battle should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And though a battle should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him, alleluia.

Third Nocturn

Nazareth

Ant.    Consúrgens Joseph, * accépit Púerum et Matrem ejus, et venit in terram Israël ; et habitávit in civitáte, quæ vocátur Názareth, allelúja.

Ant.    Joseph arose, * and took the young Child and his Mother, and came into the land of Israel ; and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 14.  Dómine, quis habitabit?

Dómine, quis habitábit in tabernáculo tuo? * aut quis requiéscet in monte sancto tuo?
2  Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur justítiam :
3  Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua :
4  Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.
5  Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu ejus malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat :
6  Qui jurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.
7  Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

Psalm 14.  Dómine, quis habitabit?

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?
2  Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, * and doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart.
3  He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour, * and hath not slandered his neighbour.
4  He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes, * and maketh much of them that fear the Lord.
5  He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not, * though it were to his own hindrance.
6  He that hath not given his money upon usury, * nor taken reward against the innocent.
7  Whoso doeth these things * shall never fall.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

Dómine, in virtúte tua lætábitur rex: * et super salutáre tuum exsultábit veheménter.
2  Desidérium cordis ejus tribuísti ei: * et voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.
3  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis: * posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.
4  Vitam pétiit a te: * et tribuísti ei longitúdinem diérum in sæculum, et in sæculum sæculi.
5  Magna est glória ejus in salutári tuo: * glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eum.
6  Quóniam dabis eum in benedictiónem in sæculum sæculi: * lætificábis eum in gáudio cum vultu tuo.
7  Quóniam rex sperat in Dómino: * et in misericórdia Altíssimi non commovébitur.
8  Inveniátur manus tua ómnibus inimícis tuis: * déxtera tua invéniat omnes, qui te odérunt.
9  Pones eos ut clíbanum ignis in témpore vultus tui: * Dóminus in ira sua conturbábit eos, et devorábit eos ignis.
10  Fructum eórum de terra perdes: * et semen eórum a fíliis hóminum.
11  Quóniam declinavérunt in te mala: * cogitavérunt consília, quæ non potuérunt stabilíre.
12  Quóniam pones eos dorsum: * in relíquiis tuis præparábis vultum eórum.
13  Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua: * cantábimus et psallémus virtútes tuas.

Psalm 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord; * exceeding glad shall he be in thy salvation.
2  Thou hast given him his heart's desire, * and hast not denied him the request of his lips.
3  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, * and hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.
4  He asked life of thee; * and thou gavest him length of days, for ever, even world without end.
5  His honour is great in thy salvation; * glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him.
6  For thou shalt give him to be a blessing for ever and ever, * and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance.
7  For the king putteth his trust in the Lord; * and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not be moved.
8  May all thine enemies find thy hand; * and may thy right hand find out all them that hate thee.
9  Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath: * the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them.
10  Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, * and their seed from among the children of men.
11  For they intended mischief against thee, * and devised counsels such as they were not able to perform.
12  Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, * in thy remnants shalt thou make ready the face of them.
13  Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength; * so will we sing, and praise thy power.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 23. Domini est terra

Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.
2  Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.
3  Quis ascéndit in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?
4  Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.
5  Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.
6  Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.
7  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
8  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens : Dóminus potens in prælio.
9  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras,  et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
10  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

The earth is the Lord's, and all the fulness thereof; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the rivers.
3  Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? * or who shall stand in his holy place?
4  Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor deceitfully sworn to his neighbour.
5  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his saviour.
6  This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8  Who is this King of glory? * It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
9  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
10  Who is this King of glory? * Even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Ant.    Consúrgens Joseph, accépit Púerum et Matrem ejus, et venit in terram Israël ; et habitávit in civitáte, quæ vocátur Názareth, allelúja.

Ant.    Joseph arose, and took the young Child and his Mother, and came into the land of Israel ; and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, alleluia.

STAND

Absolutio: A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 7: Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 7:  May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection.
R.  Amen.

In illo témpore : Factum est autem cum baptizarétur omnis pópulus, et Jesu baptizáto et oránte, apértum est cælum.  Et réliqua.