sometimes called Holy Rood Day

Greater Double

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    O magnum pietátis opus : * mors mórtua tunc est, in ligno quando mórtua Vita fuit.

Ant.    O mighty work of mercy! * Death then died when Life died on the Tree.

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.    O magnum pietátis opus : mors mórtua tunc est, in ligno quando mórtua Vita fuit.

Ant.    O mighty work of mercy! Death then died when Life died on the Tree.

Ant.    Salva nos, * Christe Salvátor, per virtútem Crucis : qui salvásti Petrum in mari, miserére nobis.

Ant.    Save us, * O Christ our Saviour, by the virtue of the Cross: thou who savedst Peter perishing in the sea, have mercy upon us.

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.    Salva nos, Christe Salvátor, per virtútem Crucis : qui salvásti Petrum in mari, miserére nobis.

Ant.    Save us, O Christ our Saviour, by the virtue of the Cross: thou who savedst Peter perishing in the sea, have mercy upon us.

Ant.    Ecce Crucem Dómini, * fúgite, partes advérsæ, vicit leo de tribu Juda, radix David, allelúja.

Ant.    Behold the Cross of the Lord, * flee ye of the contrary part: the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed, 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.    Ecce Crucem Dómini, fúgite, partes advérsæ, vicit leo de tribu Juda, radix David, allelúja.

Ant.    Behold the Cross of the Lord, flee ye of the contrary part: the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed, alleluia.

Ant.    Nos autem gloriári * opórtet in Cruce Dómini nostri Jesu Christi.

Ant.    But as for us, * it behoveth us to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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.    Nos autem gloriári opórtet in Cruce Dómini nostri Jesu Christi.

Ant.    But as for us, it behoveth us to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ant.    Per signum Crucis * de inimícis nostris líbera nos, Deus noster.

Ant.    By the Sign of the Cross, * deliver us from our enemies, O Lord our God.

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.    Per signum Crucis de inimícis nostris líbera nos, Deus noster.

Ant.    By the Sign of the Cross, deliver us from our enemies, O Lord our God.

STAND

Capitulum           Philipp. 2. 5-7.
Fratres : Hoc enim sentíte in vobis, quod et in Christo Jesu : qui, cum in forma Dei esset, non rapínam arbitrátus est esse se æquálem Deo : sed semetípsum exinanívit, formam servi accípiens, in similitúdinem hóminum factus, et hábitu invéntus ut homo.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Philip. 2. 5-7.
Brethren : let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and was found in fashion as a man.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Vexílla Regis pródeunt :
Fulget Crucis mystérium,
Qua vita mortem pértulit,
Et morte vitam prótulit.

Quæ, vulneráta lánceæ
Mucróne diro, críminum
Ut nos laváret sórdibus,
Manávit unda et sánguine.

Impléta sunt quæ cóncinit
David fidéli cármine,
Dicéndo natiónibus :
Regnávit a ligno Deus.

Arbor decóra et fúlgida,
Ornáta Regis púrpura,
Elécta digno stípite
Tam sancta membra tángere.

Beáta, cujus bráchiis
Prétium pepéndit sæculi,
Statéra facta córporis,
Tulítque prædam tártari.

Sequens stropha dícitur fléxis genibus ; et ultima numquam mutátur.
O Crux, ave, spes única,
In hac triúmphi glória,
Piis adáuge grátiam,
Reísque dele crímina.

Te, fons salútis, Trínitas,
Colláudet omnis spíritus :
Quibus Crucis victóriam
Largíris, adde præmium.  Amen.

The royal banners forward go:
The Cross shines forth in mystic glow,
Where he in flesh, our flesh who made,
Our sentence bore, our ransom paid :

Where deep for us the spear was dyed,
Life's torrent rushing from his side,
To wash us in that precious flood,
Where mingled Water flowed and Blood.

Fulfilled is all that David told
In true prophetic song of old:
Amidst the nations, God, saith he,
Hath reigned and triumphed from the Tree.

O Tree of beauty!  Tree of light!
O Tree with royal purple dight!
Elect on whose triumphal breast
Those holy limbs should find their rest :

On whose dear arms, so widely flung,
The weight of this world's ransom hung,
The price of humankind to pay,
And spoil the spoiler of his prey.

During this stanza all kneel, and the final stanza is never changed.
O Cross, our one reliance, hail!
On this triumphant feast, avail
To give fresh merit to the saint
And pardon to the penitent.

To thee, eternal Three in One,
Let homage meet by all be done:
Whom by the Cross thou dost restore,
Preserve and govern evermore.  Amen.

V.  Hoc signum Crucis erit in cælo.
R.  Cum Dóminus ad judicándum vénerit.

V.  This Sign of the Cross shall appear in heaven.
R.  When the Lord shall come to judgment.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  O Crux, * splendídior cunctis astris, mundo célebris, homínibus multum amábilis, sánctior univérsis : quæ sola fuísti digna portáre taléntum mundi, dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dúlcia ferens póndera; salva præséntem catérvam in tuis hódie láudibus congregátam.

Ant. on Magnif:  O Cross, * surpassing all the stars in splendour, exceeding dear to all Christian people and world-renowned, holiest of earth's treaures: which only wast counted worthy to hold aloft the Price of our Redemption: sweet is thy wood and sweet thine iron, but sweetest of all the Burthen that hung on thee!  O that all who come this day to celebrate thy praises may find in thee salvation.

MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Deus, qui nos hodiérna die Exaltatiónis sanctæ Crucis ánnua solemnitáte lætíficas : præsta, quæsumus ; ut, cujus mystérium in terra cognóvimus, ejus redemptiónis præmia in cælo mereámur.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who dost gladden us upon this day by the festival of the Exaltation of the holy Cross : grant that we who have acknowledged the mystery of redemption here on earth, may rejoice in the everlasting fruits thereof in heaven.  Through.

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

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

Invitatory and Hymn

Christum Regem, pro nobis in Cruce exaltátum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Christ the King, him that was uplifted on the Cross for us, * O come, let us worship.

Christum Regem, pro nobis in Cruce exaltátum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Christ the King, him that was uplifted on the Cross for us, * O come, let us worship.

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.

Christum Regem, pro nobis in Cruce exaltátum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Christ the King, him that was uplifted on the Cross for us, * O come, let us worship.

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.

 Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

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.

Christum Regem, pro nobis in Cruce exaltátum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Christ the King, him that was uplifted on the Cross for us, * O come, let us worship.

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.

 Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

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.

Christum Regem, pro nobis in Cruce exaltátum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Christ the King, him that was uplifted on the Cross for us, * O come, let us worship.

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.

 Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Christum Regem, pro nobis in Cruce exaltátum, * Veníte, adorémus.

Christ the King, him that was uplifted on the Cross for us, * O come, let us worship.

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

First Nocturn

Ant.    Nobile lignum * exaltátur, Christi fides rútilat, dum Crux ab ómnibus venerátur.

Ant.    In the noble tree's uplifting * and the nations bending low, see a proof that Christ hath triumphed o'er the legions of the foe.

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.

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.

Ant.    Nobile lignum exaltátur, Christi fides rútilat, dum Crux ab ómnibus venerátur.

Ant.    In the noble tree's uplifting and the nations bending low, see a proof that Christ hath triumphed o'er the legions of the foe.

Ant.    Sancta Crux * extóllitur a cunctis régibus, virga régia erígitur, in qua Salvátor triumphávit.

Ant.    The Holy Cross * is exalted above all kings, the rod of power is uplifted wherewithal the Saviour triumphed.

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.

Ant.    Sancta Crux extóllitur a cunctis régibus, virga régia erígitur, in qua Salvátor triumphávit.

Ant.    The Holy Cross is exalted above all kings, the rod of power is uplifted wherewithal the Saviour triumphed.

Ant.    O Crux venerábilis, * quæ salútem attulísti míseris, quibus te éfferam præcóniis, quóniam vitam nobis cælitem præparásti?

Ant.    O Cross most gracious, * from whose aspect health to sickly souls is given, with what praises shall I praise thee, who hast brought us life from heaven?

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.    O Crux venerábilis, quæ salútem attulísti míseris, quibus te éfferam præcóniis, quóniam vitam nobis cælitem præparásti?

Ant.    O Cross most gracious, from whose aspect health to sickly souls is given, with what praises shall I praise thee, who hast brought us life from heaven?

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.

De libro Númeri

The Lesson is taken from the Book of Numbers

Cum audísset Chananæus rex Arad, qui habitábat ad merídiem, venísse scílicet Israël per exploratórum viam, pugnávit contra illum et victor exsístens duxit ex eo prædam.  At Israël, voto se Dómino óbligans, ait : Si tradíderis pópulum istum in manu mea, delébo urbes ejus.  Exaudivítque Dóminus preces Israël, et trádidit Chananæum, quem ille interfécit, subvérsis úrbibus ejus, et vocávit nomen loci illíus Horma, id est, anáthema.

And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.  And Israel vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.  And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah., that is, Curse.

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

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

R.  Gloriósum diem sacra venerátur Ecclésia, dum triumphále exaltátur lignum : * In quo Redémptor noster, mortis víncula rumpens, cállidum áspidem superávit.
V.  In ligno péndens nostræ salútis sémitam Verbum Patris invénit.
R.  In quo Redémptor noster, mortis víncula rumpens, cállidum áspidem superávit.

R.  Lo, the Church with solemn gladness, haileth the day for ever glorious  when in Kingly pomp was lifted up that dread tree of mystic triumph  * On whose boughs her dying Saviour shattered death and crushed the serpent.
V.  He the Word of God Eternal, on those stately branches hanging hath for us a new way opened.
R.  On whose boughs her dying Saviour shattered death and crushed the serpent.

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.

Profécti sunt autem et monte Hor per viam quæ ducit ad Mare Rubrum, ut circumírent terram Edom.  Et tædére cœpit pópulum itíneris ac labóris.  Locutúsque contra Deum et Móysen ait : Cur eduxísti nos de Ægypto ut morerémur in solitúdine?  Deest panis, non sunt aquæ, ánima nostra jam náuseat super cibo isto levíssimo.  Quam ob rem misit Dóminus in pópulum ignítos serpéntes.

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.  And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.  And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people.

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

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

R.  Crux fidélis, inter omnes arbor una nóbilis : nulla silva talem profert, fronde, flore, gérmine : * Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustínuit.
V.  Super ómnia ligna cedrórum tu sola excélsior.
R.  Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustínuit.

R.  Faithful Cross, above all other, one and only noble tree!  None in foliage, none in blossom, none in fruit thy peers may be. * Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, sweetest Weight is hung on thee.
V.  Thou , O Cross, above all cedars shall on earth exalted be.
R.  Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, sweetest Weight is hung on thee.

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.

Ad quorum plagas et mortes plurimórum venérunt ad Móysen atque dixérunt : Peccávimus, quia locúti sumus contra Dóminum et te : ora ut tollat a nobis serpéntes.  Oravítque Móyses pro pópulo.  Et locútus est Dóminus ad eum : Fac serpéntem æneum et pone eum pro signo : qui percússus aspéxerit eum, vivet.  Fecit ergo Móyses serpéntem æneum et pósuit eum pro signo ; quem cum percússi aspícerent, sanabántur.

And the serpents bit the people; and much people of Israel died.  Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.  And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a brazen serpent, and set it for an ensign ; and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.  And Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it up for an ensign, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

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

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

R.  Hæc est arbor digníssima, in paradísi médio situáta, * In qua salútis auctor própria morte mortem ómnium superávit.
V.  Crux præcellénti decóre fúlgida, quam Heraclíus imperátor concupiscénti ánimo recuperávit.
R.  In qua salútis auctor própria morte mortem ómnium superávit.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  In qua salútis auctor própria morte mortem ómnium superávit.

R.  This is that noble Tree, planted in the midst of the garden, * Whereon the Author of our salvation by his own death did vanquish death for all men.
V.  Even the Cross, whereof the glory is so excellent, and which the Emperor Heraclius did therefore so eagerly rescue.
R.  Whereon the Author of our salvation by his own death did vanquish death for all men.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Whereon the Author of our salvation by his own death did vanquish death for all men.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    O Crucis victória * et admirábile signum, in cælésti cúria fac nos captáre triúmphum.

Ant.    O victory of the Cross * and wonderful ensign, make us to strive after triumph in the court of heaven.

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.

Ant.    O Crucis victória et admirábile signum, in cælésti cúria fac nos captáre triúmphum.

Ant.    O victory of the Cross and wonderful ensign, make us to strive after triumph in the court of heaven.

Ant.    Funéstæ mortis * damnátur supplícium, dum Christus in Cruce nostra destrúxit víncula críminum.

Ant.    When by the Saviour on the Cross * the bonds of sin were riven, we by his chastisement were healed, and death to Death was given.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 10.  In Domino confido

In Dómino confído : quómodo dícitis ánimæ meæ: * Tránsmigra in montem sicut passer?
2  Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.
3  Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * justus autem quid fecit?
4  Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes ejus.
5  Oculi ejus in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ ejus intérrogant fílios hóminum.
6  Dóminus intérrogat justum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.
7  Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.
8  Quóniam justus Dóminus, et justítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

Psalm 10.  In Domino confido

In the Lord do I put my trust : how say ye then to my soul, * that she should flee as a bird unto the hill?
2  For lo, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrows within the quiver, * that they may shoot in the dark at them which are true of heart.
3  For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made : * and what hath the righteous done?
4  The Lord is in his holy temple; * the Lord's seat is in heaven.
5  His eyes consider the poor, * and his eyelids try the children of men.
6  The Lord trieth the righteous and the wicked : * but he that delighteth in wickedness, abhoreth his own soul.
7  Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, * fire and brimstone, storm and tempest shall be their portion to drink.
8  For the Lord is righteous and loveth righteousness; * his countenance hath beholden the thing that is just.

Ant.    Funéstæ mortis damnátur supplícium, dum Christus in Cruce nostra destrúxit víncula críminum.

Ant.    When by the Saviour on the Cross the bonds of sin were riven, we by his chastisement were healed, and death to Death was given.

Ant.    Rex exaltátur * in æthera, cum nóbile trophæum Crucis ab univérsis Christícolis adorátur per sæcula.

Ant.    Before the saving Cross of Christ * all Christians bend in prayer, and thus exalt their heavenly King who dreadly triumphed there.

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.

Ant.    Rex exaltátur in æthera, cum nóbile trophæum Crucis ab univérsis Christícolis adorátur per sæcula.

Ant.    Before the saving Cross of Christ all Christians bend in prayer, and thus exalt their heavenly King who dreadly triumphed there.

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.

Chósroas, Persárum rex, extrémis Phocæ impérii tempóribus, Ægypto et Africa occupáta ac Jerosólyma capta multísque ibi cæsis Christianórum míllibus, Christi Dómini Crucem, quam Hélena in monte Calváriæ collocárat, in Pérsidem ábstulit.  Itaque Heraclíus, qui Phocæ succésserat, multis belli incómmodis et calamitátibus afféctus, pacem petébat ; quam a Chósroa, victóriis insolénte, ne iníquis quidem conditiónibus impetráre póterat.  Quare in summo discrímine se assíduis jejúniis et oratiónibus exércens, opem a Deo veheménter implorábat ; cujus mónitu exércitu comparáto, signa cum hoste cóntulit, ac tres duces Chósroæ cum tribus exercítibus superávit.

Chosroës, King of Persia, having, in the last days of the reign of the Emperor Phocas, overrun Egypt and Africa, took Jerusalem, where he slaughtered thousands of Christians and carried off to Persia the Cross of the Lord, which Helen had put upon Mount Calvary.  Heraclius, the successor of Phocas, moved by the thought of the hardships and horrid outrages of war, sought for peace, but Chosroës, drunken with conquest, would not allow of it even upon unfair terms.  Heraclius therefore, being set in this uttermost strait, earnestly sought help from God by constant fasting and prayer, and through his good inspiration gathered an army, joined battle with the enemy, and prevailed against three of Chosroës his chief captains, and three armies.

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

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

R.  Nos autem gloriári opórtet in Cruce Dómini nostri Jesu Christi, in quo est salus, vita, et resurréctio nostra : * Per quem salváti et liberáti sumus.
V.  Tuam Crucem adorámus, Dómine, et recólimus tuam gloriósam passiónem.
R.  Per quem salváti et liberáti sumus.

R.  But as for us, it behoveth us to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ ; in whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection : * By whom we were saved and obtained our freedom.
V.  O Lord, we venerate thy holy Cross, and celebrate the memorial of thy glorious Passion.
R.  By whom we were saved and obtained our freedom.

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.

Quibus cládibus fractus Chósroas, in fuga, qua trajícere Tigrim parábat, Medársen fílium sócium regni desígnat.  Sed eam contuméliam cum Síroës, Chósroæ major natu fílius, ferret atróciter, patri simul et fratri necem machinátur ; quam paulo post utríque ex fuga retrácto áttulit, regnúmque ab Heraclío impetrávit quibúsdam accéptis conditiónibus, quarum ea prima fuit, ut Crucem Christi Dómini restitúeret.  Ergo Crux, quatuórdecim annis postquam vénerat in potestátem Persárum, recépta est.  Quam rédiens Jerosólymam Heraclíus solémni celebritáte suis húmeris rétulit in eum montem, quo eam Salvátor túlerat.

Chosroës was broken by these defeats, and when in his flight, he was about crossing the Tigris, he proclaimed his son Medarses partner in his kingdom.  Chosroës' eldest son Siroës took this slight to heart, and formed a plot to murder his father and brother, which plot he brought to effect soon after they had come home.  Then he got the kingdom from Heraclius upon certain terms, whereof the first was that he should give back the Cross of the Lord Christ.  The Cross therefore was received back after that it had been fourteen years in the power of the Persians, and Heraclius came to Jerusalem and bore it with solemn pomp unto the Mount whereunto the Saviour had borne it.

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

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

R.  Dum sacrum pignus cælitus exaltátur, Christi fides roborátur : * Adsunt prodígia divína in virga Móysi prímitus figuráta.
V.  Ad Crucis contáctum resúrgunt mórtui, et Dei magnália reserántur.
R.  Adsunt prodígia divína in virga Móysi prímitus figuráta.

R.  The Relick true from heaven revealed hath mankind's faith in Christ now sealed. * Like the serpent Moses lifted was the Cross with virtue gifted.
V.  When the dead touch the Cross they arise, and the wonderful works of God are made manifest.
R.  Like the serpent Moses lifted was the Cross with virtue gifted.

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.

Heraclius and St. Helena

Quod factum illústri miráculo commendátum est.  Nam Heraclíus, ut erat auro et gemmis ornátus, insístere coáctus est in porta, quæ ad Calváriæ montem ducébat.  Quo enim magis prógredi conabátur, eo magis retinéri videbátur.  Cumque ea re et ipse Heraclíus et réliqui omnes obstupéscerent ; Zacharías, Jerosolymórum antístes, Vide, inquit, imperátor, ne isto triumpháli ornátu, in Cruce ferénda parum Jesu Christi paupertátem et humilitátem imitére.  Tum Heraclíus, abjécto amplíssimo vestítu detractísque cálceis ac plebéjo amíctu indútus, réliquum viæ fácile confécit, et in eódem Calváriæ loco Crucem státuit, unde fúerat a Persis asportáta.  Itaque Exaltatiónis sanctæ Crucis solémnitas, quæ hac die quotánnis celebrabátur, illústrior habéri cœpit ob ejus rei memóriam, quod ibídem fúerit repósita ab Heraclío, ubi Salvatóri primum fúerat constitúta.

This event was marked by a famous miracle.  Heraclius, who was adorned with gold and jewels, stayed perforce at the gateway which leadeth unto Mount Calvary, and the harder he strove to go forward, the harder he seemed to be held back, whereat both himself and all they that stood by were sore amazed.  Then spake Zacharias, Patriarch of Jerusalem, saying : See,  O Emperor, that it be not that in carrying the Cross attired in the guise of a Conqueror thou shewest too little of the poverty and lowliness of Jesus Christ.  Then Heraclius cast away his princely raiment and took off his shoes from his feet, and in the garb of a countryman easily finished his journey, and set up the Cross once more in the same place upon Calvary whence the Persians had carried it away.  That the Cross had been put by Heraclius in the same place wherein it had first been planted by the Saviour caused the yearly Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross to become the more famous thenceforward.

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

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

R.  Hoc signum Crucis erit in cælo, cum Dóminus ad judicándum vénerit : * Tunc manifésta erunt abscóndita cordis nostri.
V.  Cum séderit Fílius hóminis in sede majestátis suæ, et cœperit judicáre sæculum per ignem.
R.  Tunc manifésta erunt abscóndita cordis nostri.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Tunc manifésta erunt abscóndita cordis nostri.

R.  This sign of the Cross shall appear in heaven when the Lord shall come to judgment. * Then shall the secrets of our hearts be made manifest.
V.  When the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of his glory, and shall begin to judge the world by fire.
R.  Then shall the secrets of our hearts be made manifest.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Then shall the secrets of our hearts be made manifest.

If this Feast be reduced to the rank of Simple, and Lesson IX of this Feast is to be said according to the Rubrics, the following abbreviated version may be used.

Sancta Crux Dómini, ab Hélena in monte Calváriæ collocáta índeque a Chósroa Persárum rege abláta, ab Heraclío imperatóre, post trinam victóriam in Persas obténtam, recépta est, et suis húmeris in eum montem reláta, quo eam Salvátor túlerat.  Quod factum illústri miráculo commendátum est.  Nam Heraclíus, ut erat auro et gemmis ornátus, insístere coáctus est in porta, quæ ad Calváriæ montem ducébat.  Quo enim magis prógredi conabátur, eo magis retinéri videbátur.  Cumque ea re et ipse Heraclíus et réliqui omnes obstupéscerent, Zacharías, Jerosolymórum antístes, Vide, inquit, imperátor, ne isto triumpháli ornátu in Cruce ferénda parum Jesu Christi paupertátem et humilitátem imitére.  Tunc Heraclíus, abjécto amplíssimo vestítu detractísque cálceis ac plebéjo amíctu indútus, réliquum viæ fácile confécit.  Itaque Exaltatiónis sanctæ Crucis solémnitas, quæ hac die quotánnis celebrabátur, ob ejus rei memóriam illústrior habéri cœpit.

The holy Cross of the Lord, which Helen had put upon Mount Calvary, and which was carried off to Persia  by Chosroës, King of Persia, was taken back by the Emperor Heraclius, after a threefold victory over the Persians, and borne with solemn pomp unto the Mount whereunto the Saviour had borne it.  This event was marked by a famous miracle.  Heraclius, who was adorned with gold and jewels, stayed perforce at the gateway which leadeth unto Mount Calvary, and the harder he strove to go forward, the harder he seemed to be held back, whereat both himself and all they that stood by were sore amazed.  Then spake Zacharias, Patriarch of Jerusalem, saying : See,  O Emperor, that it be not that in carrying the Cross attired in the guise of a Conqueror thou shewest too little of the poverty and lowliness of Jesus Christ.  Then Heraclius cast away his princely raiment and took off his shoes from his feet, and in the garb of a countryman easily finished his journey.  And thus the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross began to be celebrated annually on this day in memorial of these events.

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

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

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Adorámus te, Christe, * et benedícimus tibi, quia per Crucem tuam redemísti mundum.

Ant.    We adore thee, O Christ, * and we bless thee, because by thy holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 95.  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * cantáte Dómino, omnis terra.
2  Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.
3  Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.
4  Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.
5  Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.
6  Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.
7  Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.
8  Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.
9  Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.
10  Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.
11  Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.
12  Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.
13  Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.
2  Sing unto the Lord, and bless ye his Name; * be telling of his salvation from day to day.
3  Declare his glory among the heathen, * and his wonders among all peoples.
4  For the Lord is great, and exceeding worthy to be praised; * he is to be feared above all gods.
5  For all the gods of the heathen, they are but devils; * but it is the Lord that made the heavens.
6  Praise and beauty are before him; * holiness and majesty are in his sanctuary.
7  Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the nations, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour : * bring ye to the Lord the honour due unto his Name.
8  Bring ye sacrifices, and come into his courts : * O worship the Lord in his holy court.
9  Let the whole earth be moved at his presence : * tell it out among the heathen, that the Lord is King.
10  For he hath corrected the round world, which shall not be moved; * he shall judge the peoples with justice.
11  Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved and all the fulness thereof : * the fields shall be joyful, and all that is in them.
12  Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh : * yea, he cometh to judge the earth..
13  He shall judge the world with justice, * and the peoples with his truth.

Ant.    Adorámus te, Christe, et benedícimus tibi, quia per Crucem tuam redemísti mundum.

Ant.    We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee, because by thy holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world.

Ant.    Per lignum * servi facti sumus, et per sanctam Crucem liberáti sumus : fructus árboris sedúxit nos, Fílius Dei redémit nos, allelúja.

Ant.    By a tree * were we brought into bondage, and by the holy Cross were we set free : the fruit of a tree beguiled us ; the Son of God hath redeemed us, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.
2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.
3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.
4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.
5  Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.
6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.
7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.
8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.
9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:
10  Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.
11  Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.
12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.
13  Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

The Lord hath reigned, may the earth be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles shall be joyful.
2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.
4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and trembled.
5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * the whole earth at the presence of the Lord.
6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in their vain gods.
8  Worship him, all ye his Angels : * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.
9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
10  For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.
11  O ye that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joy for such as are true-hearted.
13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Ant.    Per lignum servi facti sumus, et per sanctam Crucem liberáti sumus : fructus árboris sedúxit nos, Fílius Dei redémit nos, allelúja.

Ant.    By a tree were we brought into bondage, and by the holy Cross were we set free : the fruit of a tree beguiled us ; the Son of God hath redeemed us, alleluia.

Ant.    Salvátor mundi, * salva nos : qui per Crucem et sánguinem tuum redemísti nos, auxiliáre nobis, te deprecámur, Deus noster.

Ant.    O Saviour of the world, * who by thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us, save us and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord our God.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 97.  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * quia mirabília fecit.
2  Salvávit sibi déxtera ejus: * et bráchium sanctum ejus.
3  Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit justítiam suam.
4  Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.
5  Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.
6  Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite.
7  Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.
8  Jubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini: * moveátur mare, et plenitúdo ejus: orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.
9  Flúmina plaudent manu, simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.
10  Judicábit orbem terrárum in justítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.
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