Christ the King

Last Sunday in October

Double of I Class

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, qui in dilecto Fílio tuo, universórum Rege, ómnia instaurare voluísti : concéde propítius ; ut cunctæ famíliæ Géntium, peccáti vulnere disgregátæ, ejus suavíssimo subdántur imperio : Qui tecum.

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast exalted thy beloved Son to be King over all worlds, and hast willed in him to make all things new : mercifully grant that the kindreds of the earth which are wounded and dispersed by sin : may speedily be knit together under his gracious sovereignty.  Who liveth and reigneth with thee.

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary
 

Ant.    Pacificus * vocábitur, et thronus ejus erit firmíssimus in perpétuum.

Ant.    His Name * is the pledge of peace, and his throne shall be established for evermore.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dóminus

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, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
3  In the day of thy power shall the people offer themselves willingly with an holy worship: * the dew of thy birth is of  the womb of the morning.
4  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
5  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
6  He shall judge among the heathen; * he shall fill the places with the dead bodies, and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
7  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Ant.    Pacificus vocábitur, et thronus ejus erit firmíssimus in perpétuum.

Ant.    His Name is the pledge of peace, and his throne shall be established for evermore.

Ant.    Regnum ejus * regnum sempitérnum est, et omnes reges sérvient ei et obedient.

Ant.    For his kingdom * is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

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, * secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works, * that they ought to be had in remembrance.
5  He hath given meat unto them that fear him; * he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
6  He hath shewed his people the power of his works, * that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; * all his commandments are true.
8  They stand fast for ever and ever, * and are done in truth and equity.
9  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever; (all bow) holy and reverend is his Name.
10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; * a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; his praise endureth for ever.

Ant.    Regnum ejus regnum sempitérnum est, et omnes reges sérvient ei et obedient.

Ant.    For his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Ant.    Ecce Vir Oriens * nomen ejus : sedébit et dominábitur, et loquétur pacem Géntibus.

Ant.    Behold the Man * whose Name is like unto the sunrising; he shall sit and rule upon his throne, and speak peace unto the Gentiles.

Psalmus 111.  Beátus 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.  Beátus 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 faithful shall be blessed.
3  Riches and plenteousness 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  A good man is merciful, and lendeth; * and will guide his words with discretion.
6  For he shall never be moved: * and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.
7  He will not be afraid of any evil tidings; * for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord.
8  His heart is stablished, and will not shrink, * until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, * and his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
10  The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him; * he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Ant.    Ecce Vir Oriens nomen ejus : sedébit et dominábitur, et loquétur pacem Géntibus.

Ant.    Behold the Man whose Name is like unto the sunrising; he shall sit and rule upon his throne, and speak peace unto the Gentiles.

Ant.    Dóminus * judex noster, Dóminus legifer noster : Dóminus Rex noster, ipse salvábit nos.

Ant.    The Lord * our Judge, the Lord our Lawgiver, the Lord our King, it is he that shall save us.

Psalmus 112.  Laudáte, púeri

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.  Laudáte, púeri

PRAISE the Lord, ye 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  The Lord's Name is praised * from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
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 so high, * and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth!
6  He taketh up the simple out of the dust, * and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
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.    Dóminus judex noster, Dóminus legifer noster : Dóminus Rex noster, ipse salvábit nos.

Ant.    The Lord our Judge, the Lord our Lawgiver, the Lord our King, it is he that shall save us.

Ant.    Ecce dedi te * in lucem Géntium, ut sis salus mea usque ad extremum terræ.

Ant.    I will give thee * for a Light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my Salvation unto the end of the earth.

Psalmus 116.  Laudáte Dóminum

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

Psalm 116.  Laudáte Dóminum

O PRAISE the Lord, all ye heathen; * praise him, all ye nations.
2  For his merciful kindness is ever more and more towards us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

Ant.    Ecce dedi te in lucem Géntium, ut sis salus mea usque ad extremum terræ.

Ant.    I will give thee for a Light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my Salvation unto the end of the earth.

STAND

Capitulum           Coloss. 1. 12.
Fratres : Gratias ágimus Deo Patri, qui dignos nos fecit in partem sortis sanctórum in lúmine, qui erípuit nos de potestate tenebrárum, et tránstulit in regnum Fílii dilectiónis suæ.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Col. 1.12.
Brethren : Let us give thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Te sæculórum Príncipem,
Te, Christe, Regem Géntium,
Te méntium te cordium
Unum fatémur arbitrum.

Scelesta turba clamitat :
Regnare Christum nolumus :
Te nos ovántes ómnium
Regem supremum dicimus.

O Christe, Princeps Pacifer,
Mentes rebelles subjice:
Tuoque amóre devios,
Ovile in unum congrega.

Ad hoc cruénta ab arbore
Pendes apértis bráchiis,
Diraque fossum cuspide
Cor igne flagrans exhibes.

Ad hoc in aris abderis
Vini dapisque imagine,
Fundens salútem fíliis
Transverberáto péctore.

Te natiónum Præsides
Honore tollant publico,
Colant magistri, júdices,
Leges et artes exprimant.

Submissa regum fulgeant
Tibi dicáta insígnia:
Mitique sceptro pátriam
Domosque subde civium.

Jesu tibi sit glória,
Qui sceptra mundi temperas,
Cum Patre, et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

Lord of the ages evermore,
Each nation's King, the wide world o'er,
O Christ, our only Judge thou art,
And Searcher of the mind and heart.

Through Sin with rebel voice maintain,
We will not have this Christ to reign,
Far other, Lord, shall be our cry,
Who hail thee King of kings most High.

O thou eternal Prince of peace,
Subdue man's pride, bid error cease,
Permit not sin to wax o'er-bold,
The strayed bring home within the fold.

For this thou hangedst on the Tree
With arms outstretched in loving plea;
For this thou shewedst forth thy Heart,
On fire with love, pierced by the dart.

And yet that wounded side sheds grace
Forth from the altar's holy place,
Where, veiled 'neath humblest bread and wine,
Abides for man the life divine.

Earth's noblest rulers to thee raise
Their homage due of public praise;
Teachers and judges thee confess;
Art, science, law, thy truth express.

Let kings be fain to dedicate
To thee the emblems of their state;
Rule thou each nation from above,
Rule o'er the people's homes in love.

Proper Doxology
All praise, King Jesu, be to thee,
The Lord of all in majesty;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost for evermore.  Amen.

All the Hymns of the foregoing meter are ended with the proper Doxology, as above, in the rest of the Hours.

V.  Data est mihi omnes potéstas.
R.  In cælo et in terra.

V.  All power is given unto me.
R.  In heaven and in earth.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Dabit illi * Dóminus Deus sedem David, patris ejus : et regnábit in domo Jacob in ætérnum, et regni ejus non erit finis, allelúja.

Ant. on Magnif:  The Lord God * shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end, alleluia.

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, qui in dilecto Fílio tuo, universórum Rege, ómnia instaurare voluísti : concéde propítius ; ut cunctæ famíliæ Géntium, peccáti vulnere disgregátæ, ejus suavíssimo subdántur imperio : Qui tecum.

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast exalted thy beloved Son to be King over all worlds, and hast willed in him to make all things new : mercifully grant that the kindreds of the earth which are wounded and dispersed by sin : may speedily be knit together under his gracious sovereignty.  Who liveth and reigneth with thee.

COMMEMORATION OF THE SUNDAY

OTHER COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline
 

Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn
 

Invitatory and Hymn

Jesum Christum, Regem regum : * Veníte adorémus.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, * O come, let us worship.

Jesum Christum, Regem regum : * Veníte adorémus.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, * 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.

Jesum Christum, Regem regum : * Veníte adorémus.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, * 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.

Jesum Christum, Regem regum : * Veníte adorémus.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, * 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.

Jesum Christum, Regem regum : * Veníte adorémus.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, * 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.

Jesum Christum, Regem regum : * Veníte adorémus.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, * O come, let us worship.

Tu solus ante sæcula
Spes atque centrum témporum,
Cui jure sceptrum Géntium
Pater supremum crédidit.

Tu flos pudicæ Vírginis,
Nostræ caput propaginis,
Lapis caducus vértice
Ac mole terras occupans.

Diro tyranno subdita,
Damnáta stirps mortalium,
Per te refregit víncula
Sibique cælum víndicat.

Doctor, Sacérdos, Legifer
Præfers notátum sánguine
In veste « Princeps príncipum
Regumque Rex Altíssimus ».

Tibi voléntes subdimur,
Qui jure cunctis imperas :
Hæc civium beátitas
Tuis subesse légibus.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui sceptra mundi temperas,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

Sole hope of all created things,
Thou art the Lord and King of kings,
Whom God, long ere creation's morn,
Had crowned to rule earth yet unborn.

Fair flower from the Virgin's breast,
Our race's Head for ever blest,
The stone that Daniel saw on high,
Which falling, o'er the world doth lie.

The race of men, condemned to lie
Beneath the direful tyrant's yoke,
By thee at length the shackles broke
And claimed the fatherland on high.

Priest, Teacher, Giver of the law,
Thy Name the rapt Apostle saw
Writ on thy vesture and thy thigh :
THE KING OF KINGS, THE Lord MOST HIGH.

Fain would we own thy blessed sway,
Whose rule all creatures must obey ;
For happy is that state and throne
Whose subjects seek thy will alone.

Proper Doxology
All praise, King Jesu, be to thee,
The Lord of all in majesty;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

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

First Nocturn

Ant.    Ego autem * constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, prædicans præcéptum ejus.

Ant.    But he hath set me King * over his holy hill of Sion, even him who will preach his law.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 2.  Quare fremuérunt 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 fremuérunt 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 set my King * upon my holy hill of Sion.
7  I will preach the law: * whereof 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 bruise 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  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the right way, if his wrath be kindled, yea, but a little. *  Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Ant.    Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, prædicans præcéptum ejus.

Ant.    But he hath set me King over his holy hill of Sion, even him who will preach his law.

Ant.    Glória * et honóre coronásti eum, Dómine : ómnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus.

Ant.    With glory * and worship dost thou crown him, O Lord ; thou hast subjected all things under his feet.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Dómine, Dóminus 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; * thou hast set thy glory above the heavens!
2  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
4  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5  Thou madest him lower than the Angels, *  to crown him with glory and worship.
6  Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands; * and thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet :
7  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.    Glória et honóre coronásti eum, Dómine : ómnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus.

Ant.    With glory and worship dost thou crown him, O Lord ; thou hast subjected all things under his feet.

Ant.    Elevámini, * portæ æternáles, et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

Ant.    Be ye lift up, * ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 23. Dómini 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 that therein is; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the floods.
3  Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? * or who shall rise up in his holy place?
4  Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.
5  He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, * and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6  This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek thy face, O God of Jacob.
7  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; * 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 heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; * 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.    Elevámini, portæ æternáles, et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

Ant.    Be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in.

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 Epistola beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Colossenses

The Lesson is taken from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Colossians

Gratias ágimus Deo, et Patri Dómini nostri Jesu Christi, semper pro vobis orántes, audiéntes fidem vestram in Christo Jesu, et dilectiónem quam habétis in sanctos omnes, propter spem quæ repósita est vobis in cælis, quam audístis in verbo veritátis evangélii, quod pervénit ad vos, sicut et in univérso mundo est, et fructificat, et crescit, sicut in vobis, ex ea die qua audístis et cognovístis grátiam Dei in veritáte, sicut didicístis ab Epaphra, caríssimo conservo nostro, qui est fidélis pro vobis minister Christi Jesu, qui étiam manifestávit nobis dilectiónem vestram in spiritu.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

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

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

R.  Super solium David et super regnum ejus sedébit in ætérnum : * Et vocábitur nomen ejus Deus, Fortis, Princeps pacis.
V.  Multiplicábitur ejus impérium, et pacis non erit finis.
R.  Et vocábitur nomen ejus Deus, Fortis, Princeps pacis.

R.  He shall sit upon the throne of David, and thence he shall rule his kingdom for ever :  *  And his Name shall be called The Mighty God, the Prince of peace.
V.  His empire shall be multiplied continually, for of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.
R.  And his Name shall be called The Mighty God, the Prince of peace.

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.

Ideo et nos ex qua die audívimus, non cessámus pro vobis orántes, et postulántes ut impleámini agnitióne voluntátis ejus, in omni sapiéntia et intelléctu spiritali ; ut ambuletis digne Deo per ómnia placéntes ; in omni ópere bono fructificántes, et crescéntes in sciéntia Dei ; in omni virtúte confortáti secúndum poténtiam claritátis ejus, in omni patiéntia et longanimitáte cum gáudio ; grátias agéntes Deo Patri, qui dignos nos fecit in partem sortis sanctórum in lúmine, qui erípuit nos de potestate tenebrárum, et tránstulit in regnum Fílii dilectiónis suæ, in quo habémus redemptiónem per sánguinem ejus, remissiónem peccatórum.  Qui est imago Dei invisibilis, primogénitus omnis creaturæ ; quóniam in ipso cóndita sunt univérsa in cælis et in terra, visibília et invisibília, sive throni, sive dominatiónes, sive principatus, sive potestátes : ómnia per ipsum et in ipso creáta sunt : et ipse est ante omnes, et ómnia in ipso constant.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principálities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

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

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

R.  Aspiciébam in visu noctis, et ecce in núbibus cæli Fílius hóminis veniébat : et datum est ei regnum et honor : * Et omnis pópulus, tribus et linguæ sérvient ei.
V.  Potestas ejus, potéstas ætérna, quæ non auferétur : et regnum ejus, quod non corrumpétur.
R.  Et omnis pópulus, tribus et linguæ sérvient ei.

R.  I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven ; and there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom, *  That all peoples and nations and languages should serve him.
V.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
R.  That all peoples and nations and languages should serve him.

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.

Et ipse est caput córporis Ecclésiæ, qui est princípium, primogénitus ex mórtuis, ut sit in ómnibus ipse primátum tenens ; quia in ipso complácuit omnem plenitúdinem inhabitáre, et per eum reconciliare ómnia in ipsum, pacíficans per sánguinem crucis ejus sive quæ in terris, sive quæ in cælis sunt.  Et vos, cum essetis aliquándo alienáti, et inimíci sensu in opéribus malis ; nunc autem reconciliávit in córpore carnis ejus per mortem, exhibere vos sanctos, et immaculátos, et irreprehensíbiles coram ipso ; si tamen permanétis in fide fundati, et stábiles, et immóbiles a spe evangélii, quod audistis, quod prædicátum est in univérsa creatura quæ sub cælo est, cujus factus sum ego Paulus minister.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.

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

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

R.  Tu Bethlehem Ephrata, párvulus in míllibus Juda : ex te mihi egrediétur qui sit dominator in Israël : * Et erit iste Pax.
V.  Egréssus ejus ab inítio, a diébus æternitátis : stabit, et pascet in fortitúdine Dómini.
R.  Et erit iste Pax.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et erit iste Pax.

R.  But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel, * And this Man shall be The Peace.
V.  His goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting, and he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord.
R.  And this Man shall be The Peace.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And this Man shall be The Peace.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Sedébit * Dóminus Rex in ætérnum : Dóminus benedícet pópulo suo in pace.

Ant.    The Lord remaineth * a King for ever : the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 28.  Afférte Dómino

Afférte Dómino, fílii Dei: * afférte Dómino fílios aríetum.
2  Afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem, afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.
3  Vox Dómini super aquas, Deus majestátis intónuit: * Dóminus super aquas multas.
4  Vox Dómini in virtúte: * vox Dómini in magnificéntia.
5  Vox Dómini confringéntis cedros: * et confrínget Dóminus cedros Líbani.
6  Et commínuet eas tamquam vítulum Líbani: * et diléctus quemádmodum fílius unicórnium.
7  Vox Dómini intercidéntis flammam ignis: * vox Dómini concutiéntis desértum: et commovébit Dóminus desértum Cades.
8  Vox Dómini præparántis cervos, et revelábit condénsa: * et in templo ejus omnes dicent glóriam.
9  Dóminus dilúvium inhabitáre facit: * et sedébit Dóminus Rex in ætérnum.
10  Dóminus virtútem pópulo suo dabit: * Dóminus benedícet pópulo suo in pace.

Psalm 28.  Afférte Dómino

ASCRIBE unto the Lord, O ye mighty, * ascribe unto the Lord worship and strength.
2  Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto his Name; * worship the Lord with holy worship.
3  The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; * it is the glorious God that maketh the thunder.
4  It is the Lord that ruleth the sea; the voice of the Lord is mighty in operation; * the voice of the Lord is a glorious voice.
5  The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedar-trees; * yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6  He maketh them also to skip like a calf; * Lebanon also, and Sirion, like a young unicorn.
7  The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire; the voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; yea, the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
8  The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to bring forth young, and strippeth bare the forests: * in his temple doth every thing speak of his honour.
9  The Lord sitteth above the water-flood, * and the Lord remaineth a King for ever.
10  The Lord shall give strength unto his people; * the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

Ant.    Sedébit Dóminus Rex in ætérnum : Dóminus benedícet pópulo suo in pace.

Ant.    The Lord remaineth a King for ever : the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

Ant.    Virga directiónis, * virga regni tui : proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi.

Ant.    The sceptre of thy kingdom * is a right sceptre ; therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee, world without end.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 44. Eructávit cor meum

Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego ópera mea Regi.
2  Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.
3  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.
4  Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.
5  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.
6  Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.
7  Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corde inimicórum Regis.
8  Sedes tua, Deus, in sæculum sæculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.
9  Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
10  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.
11  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.
12  Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.
13  Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.
14  Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.
15  Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.
16  Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.
17  Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.
18  Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.
19  Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.
20  Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sæculum sæculi.

MY HEART is inditing of a good matter; I speak of the thing which I have made unto the King. * My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2  Thou art fairer than the children of men; * full of grace are thy lips, because God hath blessed thee for ever.
3  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, O thou Most Mighty, * according to thy worship and renown.
4  Good luck have thou with thine honour : * ride on, because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the midst among the King's enemies.
6  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
7  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia; * out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9  Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women; * upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, wrought about with divers colours.
10  Hearken, O daughter, and consider, incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father's house.
11  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is thy Lord God, and worship thou him.
12  And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * like as the rich also among the people shall make their supplication before thee.
13  The King's daughter is all glorious within; * her clothing is of wrought gold.
14  She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework: * the virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and shall be brought unto thee.
15  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * and shall enter into the King's palace.
16  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou mayest make princes in all lands.
17  I will remember thy Name from one generation to another; * therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee, world without end.

Ant.    Virga directiónis, virga regni tui : proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi.

Ant.    The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre ; therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee, world without end.

Ant.    Psállite * Regi nostro, psállite : quóniam Rex magnus super omnem terram.

Ant.    O sing praises, * sing praises unto our God ; for he is the King of all the earth.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 46.  Omnes Gentes

Omnes Gentes, pláudite mánibus: * jubiláte Deo in voce exsultatiónis.
2  Quóniam Dóminus excélsus, terríbilis: * Rex magnus super omnem terram.
3  Subjécit pópulos nobis: * et Gentes sub pédibus nostris.
4  Elégit nobis hereditátem suam : * spéciem Jacob, quam diléxit.
5  Ascéndit Deus in júbilo: * et Dóminus in voce tubæ.
6  Psállite Deo nostro, psállite: * psállite Regi nostro, psállite.
7  Quóniam Rex omnis terræ Deus: * psállite sapiénter.
8  Regnábit Deus super Gentes: * Deus sedet super sedem sanctam suam.
9  Príncipes populórum congregáti sunt cum Deo Abraham: * quóniam dii fortes terræ veheménter eleváti sunt.

CLAP your hands together, all ye peoples: * O sing unto God with the voice of melody.
2  For the Lord is high, and to be feared; * he is the great King upon all the earth.
3  He shall subdue the peoples under us, * and the nations under our feet.
4  He shall choose out an heritage for us, * even the excellency of Jacob, whom he loved.
5  God is gone up with a merry noise, * and the Lord with the sound of the trump.
6  O sing praises, sing praises unto our God; * O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.
7  For God is the King of all the earth: * sing ye praises with understanding.
8  God reigneth over the nations; * God sitteth upon his holy seat.
9  The princes of the peoples are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham; * for God, which is very high exalted, doth defend the earth, as it were with a shield.

Ant.    Psállite Regi nostro, psállite : quóniam Rex magnus super omnem terram.

Ant.    O sing praises, sing praises unto our God ; for he is the King of all the earth.

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.

Cum Annus sacer non unam ad inlustrándum Christi regnum habúerit opportunitátem, videmur rem facturi Apostolico muneri in primis consentaneam, si, plurimórum Patrum Cardinalium, Episcopórum fideliúmque précibus, ad Nos aut singillatim aut communiter delatis, concedéntes, hunc ipsum Annum peculiári festo Dómini Nostri Jesu Christi Regis in ecclesiásticam liturgíam inducéndo clausérimus.  Ut transláta verbi significatióne Rex appellarétur Christus ob summum excelléntiæ gradum, quo inter omnes res creatas præstat atque eminet, jam diu communiterque usu venit.  Ita enim fit, ut regnare is « in méntibus hóminum » dicátur non tam ob mentis áciem scientiæque suæ amplitúdinem, quam quod ipse est Véritas, et veritátem ab eo mortales haurire atque obediénter accípere necesse est ; « in voluntátibus » item « hóminum », quia non modo sanctitáti in eo voluntátis divínæ perfécta prorsus respondet humanæ integritas atque obtemperátio, sed étiam liberæ voluntáti nostræ id permotióne instinctuque suo subjicit, unde ad nobilíssima quæque exardescamus.  « Cordium » denique « Rex » Christus agnoscitur ob ejus « supereminentem sciéntiæ caritátem » et mansuetúdinem benignitatémque animos alliciéntem : nec enim quemquam usque adeo ab universitáte géntium, ut Christum Jesum, aut amári aliquándo contigit aut amátum iri in posterum continget.  Verum, ut rem pressius ingrediamur, nemo non videt, nomen potestatémque regis, propria quidem verbi significatióne, Christo hómini vindicári oportére ; nam, nisi quátenus homo est, a Patre « potestátem et honórem et regnum » accepísse dici nequit, quandoquidem Dei Verbum, cui eádem est cum Patre substántia, non potest ómnia cum Patre non habére communia, proptereáque ipsum in res creatas univérsas summum atque absolutíssimum impérium.

Since the Holy Year hath provided more than one opportunity to enhance the glory of the kingdom of Christ, we deem it to be in the highest degree in keeping with our Apostolic office to accede to the prayers of many Cardinals, Bishops, and faithful, made known to us both individually and collectively, by closing this very Year with the insertion into the ecclesiastical liturgy of a special feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King.  It is a long-standing and common custom to apply, in a symbolic sense, the title of King to Christ.  That is to say, to refer to him as King because he hath surpassed and excelled every created being by virtue of his sublime perfection in all things.  In this sense he is said to reign in the minds of men.  By which is meant, not only that the keenness of his mind and the extent of his knowledge surpasseth the rest of mankind, but that he is himself the Truth ; and hence that from him the truth is to be discovered, and also obediently received, by all mankind.  Likewise he is said to reign in the wills of men.  For in him not only is the human will in exact and precise accord with the holiness of the divine will, but also from him doth come to us the grace and inspiration to conform our own preferences to the divine will, whereby we are moved to the noblest kind of actions.  Again, Christ is acknowledged to be the King of human hearts, on account of his love which passeth human understanding, and of his mercy and kindness, whereby he draweth all men unto him.  For never hath anyone been loved so much at any time as Jesus Christ is loved, and that by so many different races.  Neither will it happen in time to come that anyone shall be so loved.  But although all this is true, Christ is also King in the proper and strict sense of the word.  For if we ponder this matter more deeply we cannot but see that this title, as well as true kingly power, is rightly claimed for Christ as Man.  As the Word of God he is of the same substance as the Father, and hath all things in common with the Father, and therefore in his divine nature he hath the highest and most absolute dominion over all created things.  Hence it is only as Man that he can be said to have received from the Father the kingdom and the power and the glory.

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

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

R.  Exsulta satis, fília Sion ; jubila, fília Jerusalem : ecce Rex tuus véniet tibi justus et Salvátor : * Et loquétur pacem Géntibus.
V.  Potestas ejus a mari usque ad mare : et a flumínibus usque ad fines terræ.
R.  Et loquétur pacem Géntibus.

R.  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion ; shout for joy, O daughter of Jerusalem ; behold, thy King cometh unto thee, just and having salvation, *  And he shall speak peace unto the nations.
V.  His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R.  And he shall speak peace unto the nations.

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.

Quo autem hæc Dómini nostri dignitas et potéstas fundaménto consistat, apte Cyrillus Alexandrinus animadvértit : « Omnium, ut verbo dicam, creaturam dominátum óbtinet, non per vim extortum, nec aliunde invectum, sed esséntia sua ei natúra » ; scílicet ejus principátus illa nititur unióne mirabili, quam hypostáticam appellant.  Unde consequitur, non modo ut Christus ab angelis et homínibus Deus sit adorandus, sed étiam ut ejus imperio Hóminis, Angeli et hómines pareant et subjecti sint : nempe ut vel solo hypostaticæ uniónis nómine Christus potestátem in univérsas creaturas obtineat.  Jamvero, ut hujus vim et natúram principátus paucis declaremus, dícere vix áttinet tríplici eum potestate contineri, qua si carúerit, principátus vix intellígitur.  Id ipsum deprompta atque alláta ex sacris Litteris de universali Redemptoris nostri imperio testimónia plus quam satis significant, atque est cathólica fide credéndum, Christum Jesum homínibus datum esse útique Redemptórem cui fidant, at una simul legislatórem cui obediant.  Ipsum autem evangelia non tam leges condidísse narrant, quam leges condentem inducunt : quæ quidem præcépta quicúmque servarint, iídem a divino Magistro, alias áliis verbis, et suam in eum caritátem probatúri et in dilectióne ejus mansuri dicúntur.  Judiciariam vero potestátem sibi a Patre attributam ipse Jesus Judæis, de Sábbati requiéte per mirábilem débilis hóminis sanatiónem violáta criminántibus, denúntiat : « Neque enim Pater júdicat quemquam, sed omne judícium dedit Fílio ».  In quo id étiam comprehénditur (quóniam res a judício disjungi nequit) ut præmia et pœnas homínibus adhuc vivéntibus jure suo déferat.  At præterea potéstas illa, quam exsecutiónis vocant, Christo adjudicánda est, útpote cujus imperio parére omnes necesse sit, et ea quidem denuntiáta contumácibus irrogatióne suppliciórum, quæ nemo possit effúgere.

As to the source of our Lord's kingly dignity, it is fittingly indicated by Cyril of Alexandria who saith : He doth possess dominion, if I may use the word, over all creatures ; a dominion not seized by violence, nor usurped from anyone, but possessed by virtue of his very being and nature.  In him there is a marvellous union of the divine and human natures which is known as the hypostatic union, and this very union is a glorious manifestation of his dominion.  That is to say, as a consequence of this hypostatic union, Angels and men do not only adore Christ as God, but are subject to his dominion as Man, and do obey him as such.  For by reason of this hypostatic union, if for no other reason, Christ hath power over all created beings.  And now, to explain the import and nature of this headship of his, let us say briefly that it consisteth in a three-fold power, namely, that of Law-giver, Judge, and Ruler.  For if this power were lacking, we could scarcely discern wherein he hath any such headship.  And, moreover the witness to our Redeemer's universal dominion, which same is not only implied but announced by Holy Scripture, is more than clear, so that it is an article of the Catholic Faith, proceeding from the truth that Christ Jesus was given to mankind as the Saviour of all those who put their faith in him.  But this being so, it is clear that he is also to be the Law-giver for those who obey him.  Thus, the Gospels not only relate that he made laws, but they also shew him in the act of promulgating them.  In several different passages the divine Master is described as announcing in various ways that whosoever keepeth his commandments, doth thereby shew love for him, and the desire to persevere in loving him.  As to his júdiciary power, Jesus himself hath told us that the Father hath conferred this upon him ; for at the time when the Jews accused him of having broken the law of Sabbath-rest by his miraculous cure of a sick man, he said : The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.  Thus he hath authority to confer rewards or punishment upon the living, for authority so to do cannot be separated from his authority as Judge.  From all this, his executive power (that is, his right to govern) is made clear, since all men must needs obey his rule, and those who disobey are subject to penalties from which there is no escape.

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

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

R.  Oportet illum regnare, quóniam ómnia subjécit Deus sub pédibus ejus : * Ut sit Deus ómnia in ómnibus.
V.  Cum subjécta fúerint illi ómnia, tunc et ipse Fílius subjéctus erit Patri.
R.  Ut sit Deus ómnia in ómnibus.

R.  He must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet, * That God may be all in all.
V.  And when all things shall thus be subdued unto him, then shall he as Son also himself be subject unto the Father.
R.  That God may be all in all.

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.

Verúmtamen ejusmodi regnum præcipuo quodam modo et spirituale esse et ad spirituália pertinére, cum ea, quæ ex Bibliis supra protulimus, verba planíssime ostendant, tum Christus Dóminus sua agéndi ratióne confírmat.  Síquidem, non una data occasióne, cum Judæi, immo vel ipsi Apóstoli, per errórem censérent, fore ut Messías pópulum in libertátem vindicáret regnumque Israël restitúret, vanam ipse opiniónem ac spem adímere et convellere ; rex a circumfusa admirántium multitúdine renuntiándus, et nomen et honórem fugiéndo latendóque detrectáre ; coram Præside romano edicere, regnum suum « de hoc mundo » non esse.  Quod quidem regnum tale in evangéliis propónitur, in quod hómines pœniténtiam agéndo íngredi vero nequeant nisi per fidem et baptismum, qui etsi est ritus externus, interiórem tamen regeneratiónem signíficat atque efficit ; oppónitur unice regno Sátanæ et potestáti tenebrárum, et ab ásseclis postulat, non solum ut, abalienáto a divítiis rebusque terrenis animo, morum præferant lenitátem et esuriant sitiantque justítiam, sed étiam ut semet ipsos ábnegent et crucem suam tollant.  Cum autem Christus et Ecclésiam Redémptor sánguine suo acquisíverit et Sacérdos se ipse pro peccátis hóstiam obtulerit perpetuoque offerat, cui non videátur regium ipsum munus utriusque illíus natúram múneris indúere ac participare?  Turpiter, ceteróquin, erret, qui a Christo hómine rerum civílium quarumlibet impérium abjudicet, cum is a Patre jus in res creatas absolutíssimum sic obtineat, ut ómnia in suo arbitrio sint pósita.  Itaque auctoritate Nostra apostolica, festum Dómini Nostri Jesu Christi Regis institúimus, quotannis, postremo mensis Octóbris dominico die, qui scílicet Omnium Sanctórum celebritátem proxime antecedit, ubíque terrárum agéndum.  Item præcípimus, ut eo ipso die generis humani Sacratíssimo Cordi Jesu dedicátio quotannis renovétur.

But, nevertheless, a kingdom such as this hath a special character, namely, that it is a spiritual kingdom, for it hath spiritual ends and purposes.  The words quoted above from the Bible clearly indicate this, and the Lord Christ hath confirmed the same by his actions.  On more than one occasion when the Jews―yea, when even the Apostles themselves―falsely imagined that the Messiah would presently free his people from Roman domination, and restore the Kingdom of Israel, he both dispelled and destroyed that fond hope.  For he disclaimed the title of King when it was pressed upon him by the admiring multitude which thronged him ; he refused both the name and the honour by fleeing from them and concealing himself ; and he declared in the presence of the Roman Governour : My kingdom is not of this world.  According to the Gospels it is a kingdom whose citizenship is prepared for by repentance, and bestowed by Baptism through faith.  Although the latter is an outward rite, it doth both signify and produce an inward regeneration.  Furthermore, this kingdom hath been raised up in direct opposition to the kingdom of Satan and the powers of darkness.  Citizenship therein demandeth detachment from riches and worldly affairs, discipline of character, and hunger and thirst after righteousness ; and even more than this, that every citizen thereof is to deny himself, and take up his Cross.  But since Christ as Redeemer hath purchased the Church with his own blood, and as Priest hath offered himself as a sacrifice for sin, which offering abideth forever, is it not evident that as King he is both our Redeemer and Priest?  On the other hand, it is a wicked error to deny to Christ as Man the authority over civil affairs, since he hath from the Father such complete jurisdiction over created things that he could say : All power is given unto me in heaven and earth.  Therefore, by our apostolic authority, we appoint the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, which same is to be observed annually throughout the entire world, on the last Lord's day in the month of October, that is to say, on the Sunday next before All Saints Day ; and likewise we enjoin, that the dedication of the human race to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be annually renewed upon that selfsame day.

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 nos regnum et sacerdótes Deo et Patri suo : * Ipsi glória et impérium, in sæcula sæculórum.
V.  Ipse est primogénitus mortuórum, et princeps regum terræ.
R.  Ipsi glória et impérium, in sæcula sæculórum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ipsi glória et impérium, in sæcula sæculórum.

R.  He hath made us kings and priests unto God who is his Father : * To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
V.  He is the First-Begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.
R.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Benedicéntur in ipso * omnes tribus terræ ; omnes Gentes magnificábunt eum.

Ant.    In him shall all the tribes of the earth * be blessed ; all nations shall magnify him.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 71.   Deus, judícium tuum

Deus, judícium tuum regi da: * et justítiam tuam fílio regis.
2  Judicáre pópulum tuum in justítia, * et páuperes tuos in judício.
3  Suscípiant montes pacem pópulo: * et colles justítiam.
4  Judicábit páuperes pópuli, et salvos fáciet fílios páuperum: * et humiliábit calumniatórem.
5  Et permanébit cum sole, et ante lunam, * in generatióne et generatiónem.
6  Descéndet sicut plúvia in vellus: * et sicut stillicídia stillántia super terram.
7  Oriétur in diébus ejus justítia, et abundántia pacis: * donec auferátur luna.
8  Et dominábitur a mari usque ad mare: * et a flúmine usque ad términos orbis terrárum.
9  Coram illo prócident Æthíopes: * et inimíci ejus terram lingent.
10  Reges Tharsis, et ínsulæ múnera ófferent: * reges Arabum et Saba dona addúcent.
11  Et adorábunt eum omnes reges terræ: * omnes Gentes sérvient ei:
12  Quia liberábit páuperem a poténte: * et páuperem, cui non erat adjútor.
13  Parcet páuperi et ínopi: * et ánimas páuperum salvas fáciet.
14  Ex usúris et iniquitáte rédimet ánimas eórum: * et honorábile nomen eórum coram illo.
15  Et vivet, et dábitur ei de auro Arábiæ, et adorábunt de ipso semper: * tota die benedícent ei.
16  Et erit firmaméntum