Martyrs

sometimes called

Childermas Day

Double of II Class with simple Octave

All as in Common of Several Martyrs, except the following

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents at Second Vespers of St. John

Oremus.
Deus, cujus hodiérna die præcónium Innocéntes Mártyres non loquéndo, sed moriéndo conféssi sunt : ómnia in nobis vitiórum mala mortífica ; ut fidem tuam, quam lingua nostra lóquitur, étiam móribus vita fateátur.  (Per Dóminum.)

Let us pray.
O God, whose praise the martyred Innocents did this day proclaim, not be speaking but by dying, do to death in us all the malice of sinfulness, that our lives may also proclaim thy faith, which our tongues profess.  (Through.)

Ant:  Hódie Christus natus est : hódie Salvátor appáruit : hódie in terra canunt Angeli, lætántur Archángeli  : hódie exsúltant justi, dicéntes : Glória in excélsis Deo, allelúja.

Ant:  This is the time * when the Christ was born ; this is the time when a Saviour appeared ; this is the time when on earth Angels were singing, Archangels rejoicing ; this is the time when the righteous should exult and say: Glory to God in the highest, alleluia.

Oremus.
Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut nos Unigéniti tui nova per carnem Natívitas líberet; quos sub peccáti jugo vetústa sérvitus tenet.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that the new birth, in the flesh, of thine only-begotten Son, may deliver us whom slavery from of old doth keep under the yoke of sin.  Through the same.

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

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.

Audit tyránnus ánxius
Adésse regum Príncipem,
Qui nomen Israël regat,
Teneátque David régiam.

Exclámat amens núntio :
Succéssor instat, péllimur :
Satélles, i, ferrum rape,
Perfúnde cunas sánguine.

Quid próficit tantum nefas?
Quid crimen Heródem juvat?
Unus tot inter fúnera
Impúne Christus tóllitur.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

The anxious tyrant hears aghast
That Christ, the King of kings, at last
Hath come his royal throne to claim,
And Israel rule in David's name.

The rumour stirs his frantic cry
That One who'd drive him forth is nigh ;
Cries he : Go, soldiers! take the sword!
Each cradled infant's blood be poured!

But what avails his wicked way?
What mortal can God's purpose stay?
Though many die, all innocent,
Christ safely far away is sent.

Doxology
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

First Nocturn

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 Jeremía Prophéta

The Lesson is taken from Jeremiah the Prophet

Hæc dicit Dóminus : Vox in excélso audíta est lamentatiónis, luctus, et fletus Rachel plorántis fílios suos, et noléntis consolári super eis, quia non sunt.  Hæc dicit Dóminus : Quiéscat vox tua a plorátu, et óculi tui a lácrimis : quia est merces operi tuo, ait Dóminus : et reverténtur de terra inimíci.  Et est spes novíssimis tuis, ait Dóminus : et reverténtur fílii ad términos suos.

Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.  Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.  And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border.

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

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

R.  Céntum quadragínta quátuor millia, qui empti sunt de terra, hi sunt qui cum muliéribus non sunt coinquináti :  * Vírgines enim permansérunt, ídeo regnant cum Deo, et Agnus Dei cum illis.
V.  Isti sunt qui venérunt ex magna tribulatióne, et lavárunt stolas suas in sánguine Agni.
R.  Vírgines enim permansérunt, ídeo regnant cum Deo, et Agnus Dei cum illis.

R.  Among the hundred and forty thousand which were redeemed  from the earth, are these which were not defiled with women : * For they are virgins, and therefore they reign with God, and the Lamb of God with them.
V.  These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
R.  For they are virgins, and therefore they reign with God, and the Lamb of God with them.

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.

Audiens audívi Ephraim transmigrántem : Castigásti me, et erudítus sum, quasi juvénculus indómitus : convérte me, et convértar : quia tu Dóminus Deus meus.  Postquam enim convertísti me, egi pœniténtiam : et postquam ostendísti mihi, percússi femur meum.  Confúsus sum, et erúbui : quóniam sustínui oppróbrium adolescéntiæ meæ.  Si fílius honorábilis mihi Ephraim, si puer delicátus : quia ex quo locútus sum de eo, adhuc recordábor ejus.

I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God.  Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.  Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord.

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

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

R.  Sub altáre Dei audívi voces occisórum dicéntium : * Quare non deféndis sánguinem nostrum?  Et accepérunt divínum respónsum : Adhuc sustinéte módicum tempus, donec impleátur númerus fratrum vestrórum.
V.  Vidi sub altáre Dei ánimas interfectórum propter verbum Dei, et propter testimónium quod habébant, et clamábant voce magna, dicéntes.
R.  Quare non deféndis sánguinem nostrum?  Et accepérunt divínum respónsum : Adhuc sustinéte módicum tempus, donec impleátur númerus fratrum vestrórum.

R.  I heard under the altar of God the voices of them that were slain, that said : *  How long before thou dost avenge our blood?  And they received an answer from the Lord : Wait ye a little while until the number of your brethren be fulfilled.
V.  I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held, and they cried with a loud voice, saying.
R.  How long before thou dost avenge our blood?  And they received an answer from the Lord : Wait ye a little while until the number of your brethren be fulfilled.

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.

Státue tibi spéculam, pone tibi amaritúdines : dírige cor tuum in viam rectam, in qua ambulásti : revértere, virgo Israël, revértere ad civitátes tuas istas.  Usquequo delíciis dissólveris, fília vaga? quia creávit Dóminus novum super terram : Fémina circúmdabit virum.  Hæc dicit Dóminus exercítuum Deus Israël : Adhuc dicent verbum istud in terra Juda, et in úrbibus ejus, cum convértero captivitátem eórum : Benedícat tibi Dóminus, pulchritúdo justítiæ, mons sanctus.

Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.  How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the Lord hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.  Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The Lord bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.

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

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

R.  Adoravérunt vivéntem in sæcula sæculórum, * Mitténtes corónas suas ante thronum Dómini Dei sui.
V.  Et cecidérunt in conspéctu throni in fácies suas : et benedixérunt vivéntem in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Mitténtes corónas suas ante thronum Dómini Dei sui.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Mitténtes corónas suas ante thronum Dómini Dei sui.

R.  Now they do worship him that liveth for ever and ever, * And they do cast their crowns before the throne of the Lord their God.
V.  And they fall before the throne on their faces, and bless him that liveth for ever and ever.
R.  And they do cast their crowns before the throne of the Lord their God.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And they do cast their crowns before the throne of the Lord their God.

After the conclusion of the First Nocturn, The Second Nocturn is begun from the Common of several Martyrs.

Second Nocturn

The Psalms and Antiphons for the Second Nocturn are taken from the Common of several Martyrs.

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.

Hódie, fratres caríssimi, natálem illórum infántium cólimus, quos ab Heróde crudelíssimo rege interféctos esse, Evangélii textus elóquitur.  Et ídeo cum summa exsultatióne gáudeat terra, cæléstium mílitum et tantárum parens fœcúnda virtútum.  Ecce profánus hostis numquam beátis párvulis tantum prodésse potuísset obséquio, quantum prófuit ódio.  Nam, sicut sacratíssimum præséntis diéi festum maniféstat, quantum in beátos párvulos iníquitas abundávit, tantum in eis grátia benedictiónis refúdit.

Dearly beloved, today we keep the birth of these children, who, as we are informed by the Gospel were put to death by cruel King Herod.  Therefore let earth rejoice with exceeding joy, for she is the fruitful mother of this great host of heavenly soldiers.  The favour of vile Herod could never have done such service to these blessed ones as hath his hatred.  For the Church testifieth by this holy solemnity, that whereas iniquity did specially abound against these little Saints, so much the more were heavenly blessings poured out upon them.

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

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

R.  Effudérunt sánguinem Sanctórum velut aquam in circúitu Jerúsalem : * Et non erat qui sepelíret.
V.  Posuérunt mortália servórum tuórum escas volatílibus cæli, carnes sanctórum tuórum béstiis terræ.
R.  Et non erat qui sepelíret.

R.  The blood of thy Saints have they shed like water on every side of Jerusalem : * And there was no man to bury them.
V.  The dead bodies of thy servants have they given unto the beasts of the land.
R.  And there was no man to bury them.

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.

Beáta es, o Béthlehem terra Juda, quæ Heródis regis immanitátem in puerórum exstinctióne perpéssa es : quæ sub uno témpore candidátam plebem imbéllis infántiæ Deo offérre meruísti.  Digne tamen natálem illórum cólimus, quos beátius ætérnæ vitæ mundus édidit, quam quos maternórum víscerum partus effúdit.  Síquidem ante vitæ perpétuæ adépti sunt dignitátem, quam usúram præséntis accéperint

Blessed art thou, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, which hath suffered the cruelty of King Herod in the slaughter of thy children.  For thou wast found worthy to offer to God, and that all at one time, an entire white-robed army of guileless Martyrs.  Surely we do well to keep this day whereon they were borne from earth into heaven, which is so much more blessed to them than the day that brought them out of their mother's womb.  Scarcely had they entered on the life that now is, than they obtained that glorious life which is to come.

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

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

R.  Isti sunt Sancti, qui passi sunt propter te, Dómine : víndica eos, * Quia clamant ad te quotídie.
V.  Víndica, Dómine, sánguinem Sanctórum tuórum, qui effúsus est.
R.  Quia clamant ad te quotídie.

R.  These are the Saints who did suffer for thy sake, O Lord : do thou avenge them : * Who all the day long do make their cry unto thee.
V.  Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy Saints, that is shed.
R.  Who all the day long do make their cry unto thee.

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.

Aliórum quidem pretiósa mors Mártyrum laudem in confessióne proméruit, horum in consummatióne complácuit ; quia incipiéntis vitæ primórdiis, ipse eis occásus inítium glóriæ dedit, qui præséntis términum impósuit.  Quos Heródis impíetas lactántes matrum ubéribus abstráxit ; qui jure dicúntur Mártyrum flores, quos in médio frígore infidelitátis exórtos, velut primas erumpéntes Ecclésiæ gemmas, quædam persecutiónis pruína decóxit.

We esteem as precious the death of those Martyrs who have deserved praise for the confession which they made during their lifetime ; but these little Martyrs delight us by their death-time alone.  Scarcely had life dawned upon them, when the very destruction which brought it to a close became for them the beginning of glory.  They, whom the wickedness of Herod tore from their mothers' breasts, are rightly called the Flowers of the Martyrs.  Hardly had these early buds of the Church pushed above the ground in the winter of unbelief, than the frost of persecution destroyed them.

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

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

R.  Isti sunt, qui non inquinavérunt vestiménta sua : * Ambulábunt mecum in albis, quia digni sunt.
V.  Hi sunt, qui cum muliéribus non sunt coinquináti : vírgines enim sunt.
R.  Ambulábunt mecum in albis, quia digni sunt.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ambulábunt mecum in albis, quia digni sunt.

R.  These are they which have not defiled their garments : * And they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
V.  These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.
R.  And they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

After the conclusion of the Second Nocturn, The Third Nocturn is begun from the Common of several Martyrs.  The Antiphons of the Common are said, except for the second Antiphon of this Nocturn, which is as given below.

Third Nocturn

The Psalms and Antiphons for the Third Nocturn are taken from the Common of a Martyr.

Ant.    Justi autem * in perpétuum vivent, et apud Dóminum est merces eórum.

Ant.    The righteous * live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 32.  Exsultate, justi

Exsultáte, justi in Dómino: * rectos decet collaudátio.
2  Confitémini Dómino in cíthara: * in psaltério decem chordárum psállite illi.
3  Cantáte ei cánticum novum: * bene psállite ei in vociferatióne.
4  Quia rectum est verbum Dómini, * et ómnia ópera ejus in fide.
5  Díligit misericórdiam et judícium: * misericórdia Dómini plena est terra.
6  Verbo Dómini cæli firmáti sunt: * et spíritu oris ejus omnis virtus eórum.
7  Cóngregans sicut in utre aquas maris: * ponens in thesáuris abyssos.
8  Tímeat Dóminum omnis terra: * ab eo autem commoveántur omnes inhabitántes orbem.
9  Quóniam ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt.
10  Dóminus díssipat consília Géntium: * réprobat autem cogitatiónes populórum et réprobat consília príncipum.
11  Consílium autem Dómini in ætérnum manet: * cogitatiónes cordis ejus in generatióne et generatiónem.
12  Beáta gens, cujus est Dóminus, Deus ejus: * pópulus, quem elégit in hereditátem sibi.
13  De cælo respéxit Dóminus: * vidit omnes fílios hóminum.
14  De præparáto habitáculo suo * respéxit super omnes, qui hábitant terram.
15  Qui finxit sigillátim corda eórum: * qui intélligit ómnia ópera eórum.
16  Non salvátur rex per multam virtútem: * et gigas non salvábitur in multitúdine virtútis suæ.
17  Fallax equus ad salútem: * in abundántia autem virtútis suæ non salvábitur.
18  Ecce óculi Dómini super metuéntes eum: * et in eis, qui sperant super misericórdia ejus :
19  Ut éruat a morte ánimas eórum: * et alat eos in fame.
20  Anima nostra sústinet Dóminum: * quóniam adjútor et protéctor noster est.
21  Quia in eo lætábitur cor nostrum: * et in nómine sancto ejus sperávimus.
22  Fiat misericórdia tua, Dómine, super nos: * quemádmodum sperávimus in te.

Psalm 32.  Exsultate, justi

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; * for it becometh well the just to be thankful.
2  Praise the Lord with harp; * sing praises unto him with the lute, and instrument of ten strings.
3  Sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing praises well unto him with a loud noise.
4  For the word of the Lord is true; * and all his works are faithful.
5  He loveth mercy and judgment; * the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
6  By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; * and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7  He gathereth the waters of the sea together, as it were upon an heap; * and layeth up the deep, as in a treasure-house.
8  Let all the earth fear the Lord: * stand in awe of him, all ye that dwell in the world.
9  For he spake, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created.
10  The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought, * and maketh the devices of the people to be of none effect, and casteth out the counsels of princes.
11  But the counsel of the Lord shall endure for ever, * and the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation.
12  Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord; * and blessed are the folk that he hath chosen to him, to be his inheritance.
13  The Lord looketh down from heaven, * and beholdeth all the children of men.
14  From the habitation of his dwelling, * he considereth all them that dwell on the earth.
15  He who hath fashioned all the hearts of them, * and understandeth all their works.
16  The king is not saved by the multitude of an host; * neither is the mighty man delivered by his great strength.
17  A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man; * neither shall he be delivered by the abundance of his strength.
18  Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, * and upon them that put their trust in his mercy;
19  To deliver their soul from death, * and to feed them in the time of dearth.
20  Our soul hath patiently tarried for the Lord; * for he is our help and our protector.
21  For our heart shall rejoice in him; * because we have hoped in his holy Name.
22  O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, * as our trust is in thee.

Ant.    Justi autem in perpétuum vivent, et apud Dóminum est merces eórum.

Ant.    The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.

Ant.    Isti sunt qui venérunt * ex magna tribulatióne, et lavérunt stolas suas in sánguine Agni.

Ant.    These are they which came * out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 33. Benedicam Dominum

Benedícam Dóminum in omni témpore : * semper laus ejus in ore meo.
2  In Dómino laudábitur ánima mea : * áudiant mansuéti, et læténtur.
3  Magnificáte Dóminum mecum : * et exaltémus nomen ejus in idípsum.
4  Exquisívi Dóminum, et exaudívit me : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus meis erípuit me.
5  Accédite ad eum, et illuminámini : * et fácies vestræ non confundéntur.
6  Iste pauper clamávit, et Dóminus exaudívit eum : * et de ómnibus tribulatiónibus ejus salvávit eum.
7  Immíttet Angelus Dómini in circúitu timéntium eum : * et erípiet eos.
8  Gustáte, et vidéte quóniam suávis est Dóminus : * beátus vir, qui sperat in eo.
9  Timéte Dóminum, omnes sancti ejus : * quóniam non est inópia timéntibus eum.
10  Dívites eguérunt et esuriérunt : * inquiréntes autem Dóminum non minuéntur omni bono.
11  Veníte, fílii, audíte me : * timórem Dómini docébo vos.
12  Quis est homo qui vult vitam : * díligit dies vidére bonos?
13  Próhibe linguam tuam a malo : * et lábia tua ne loquántur dolum.
14  Divérte a malo, et fac bonum : * inquire pacem, et perséquere eam.
15  Oculi Dómini super justos : * et aures ejus in preces eórum.
16  Vultus autem Dómini super faciéntes mala : * ut perdat de terra memóriam eórum.
17  Clamavérunt justi, et Dóminus exaudívit eos : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus eórum liberávit eos.
18  Juxta est Dóminus iis, qui tribuláto sunt corde : * et húmiles spíritu salvábit.
19  Multæ tribulatiónes justórum : * et de ómnibus his liberávit eos Dóminus.
20  Custódit Dóminus ómnia ossa eórum : * unum ex his non conterétur.
21  Mors peccatórum péssima : * et qui odérunt justum, delínquent.
22  Redimet Dóminus ánimas servórum suórum : * et non delínquent omnes qui sperant in eo.

Psalm 33. Benedicam Dominum

I will bless the Lord alway; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2  My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; * the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3  O praise the Lord with me, * and let us magnify his Name together.
4  I sought the Lord, and he heard me; * yea, he delivered me out of all my troubles.
5  Come ye unto him, and be enlightened; * and your faces shall not be ashamed.
6  Lo, the poor hath cried out, and the Lord heard him; * yea, and hath saved him out of all his troubles.
7  The angel of the Lord shall tarry round about them that fear him, * and he shall deliver them.
8  O taste, and see that the Lord is gracious: * blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9  O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints; * for they that fear him lack nothing.
10  The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger; * but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.
11  Come, ye children, and hearken unto me; * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12  What man is he that lusteth to live, * and would fain see good days?
13  Keep thy tongue from evil, * and thy lips, that they speak no guile.
14  Eschew evil, and do good; * seek peace, and ensue it.
15  The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, * and his ears are open unto their prayers.
16  The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17  The righteous have cried out, and the Lord heard them, * and hath delivered them out of all their troubles.
18  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, * and will save such as be of an humble spirit.
19  Great are the troubles of the righteous; * but the Lord delivereth him out of all.
20  He keepeth all his bones, * so that not one of them is broken.
21  But the death of the ungodly is most evil; * and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22  The Lord shall redeem the souls of his servants; * and all they that put their trust in him shall not be destitute.

Ant.    Isti sunt qui venérunt ex magna tribulatióne, et lavérunt stolas suas in sánguine Agni.

Ant.    These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb.

Ant.    Ecce merces * Sanctórum copiósa est apud Deum ; ipsi vero mórtui sunt pro Christo, et vivent in ætérnum.

Ant.    Behold, how great * with God is the reward of his Saints; yea, all that die for Christ do live for ever and ever.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 45.  Deus noster refugium

Deus noster refúgium, et virtus: * adjútor in tribulatiónibus, quæ invenérunt nos nimis.
2  Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.
3  Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.
4  Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.
5  Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.
6  Conturbátæ sunt Gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.
7  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.
8  Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.
9  Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.
10  Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in Géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.
11  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

Psalm 45.  Deus noster refugium

God is our hope and strength, * a very present help in trouble, which hath found us exceedingly.
2  Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, * and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
3  Though the waters thereof rage and swell, * and though the mountains shake at the strength of the same.
4  The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God; * the Most Highest hath made holy his tabernacle.
5  God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed; * God shall help her, and that right early.
6  The nations were troubled, and the kingdoms were bowed down; * but he hath shewed his voice, and the earth hath been moved..
7  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8  O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord : what wonders he hath brought upon the earth : * he maketh wars to cease even to the end of the earth.
9  He shall break the bow, and break the spear in sunder, * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.
10  Be still then, and know that I am God: * I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.
11  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Ant.    Ecce merces Sanctórum copiósa est apud Deum ; ipsi vero mórtui sunt pro Christo, et vivent in ætérnum.

Ant.    Behold, how great with God is the reward of his Saints; yea, all that die for Christ do live for ever and ever.

STAND

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

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

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

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

In illo témpore : Angelus Dómini appáruit in somnis Joseph, dicens : Surge, et áccipe Puerum et Matrem ejus, et fuge in Ægyptum, et esto ibi usque dum dicam tibi.  Et réliqua.

At that time : The Angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young Child, and his Mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Quando tulit Púerum et Matrem ejus, ut in Ægyptum  tránseat, nocte tulit, et in ténebris : quia noctem ignorántiæ his, a quibus ipse recéssit, relíquit incrédulis.  Quando vero revértitur in Judæam, nec nox, nec ténebræ ponúntur in Evangélio : quia in fine mundi Judæi fidem, tamquam Christum ab Ægypto reverténtem suscipiéntes, illuminabúntur.

Joseph took the young Child and his Mother, and fled into Egypt, during the night and in the dark.  And the darkness of that night was a figure of the darkness of ignorance in which they left the unbelievers from whom they fled.  But no mention is made in the Gospel either of night or of the dark on their return into Judaea, and thereby we are put in mind of that light which will lighten the Jews, when, at the end of the world, they shall receive back the Faith which now lighteneth the Gentiles, even as Judaea received Christ returning from Egypt.

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

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

R.  Cantábant Sancti cánticum novum ante sedem Dei et Agni : * Et resonábat terra in voces eórum.
V.  Hi empti sunt ex homínibus primítiæ Deo et Agno, et in ore ipsórum non est invéntum mendácium.
R.  Et resonábat terra in voces eórum.

R.  These little Saints do sing a new song before the throne of God and of the Lamb, *  And the whole earth resoundeth with their voices.
V.  These are the redeemed from among men, the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb : and in their mouth was found no guile.
R.  And the whole earth resoundeth with their voices.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 8:  Cujus festum cólimus, ipse intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 8:  May he whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate with God.
R.  Amen.

Ut adimplerétur quod dictum est a Dómino per prophétam dicéntem : Ex Ægypto vocávi Fílium meum.  Respóndeant, qui Hebræórum volúminum dénegant veritátem, ubi hoc in Septuagínta legátur interprétibus.  Quod cum non invénerint, nos eis dicémus, in Osée prophéta scriptum, sicut et exemplária probáre possunt, quæ nuper edídimus.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying : Out of Egypt have I called my Son.  Let those who deny the authority of the Hebrew Scriptures, tell us where any such passage is to be found in the Septuagint.  And since they will not find it there, I tell them that the fact of its being written in the Prophet Hosea can be proved by the texts which I have lately published.

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

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

R.  Vidi sub altáre Dei ánimas interfectórum propter verbum Dei quod habébant, et clara voce dicébant : * Víndica, Dómine, sánguinem Sanctórum tuórum, qui effúsus est.
V.  Sub throno Dei omnes Sancti clamant.
R.  Víndica, Dómine, sánguinem Sanctórum tuórum, qui effúsus est.

R.  I saw under the altar of God the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God which they held, and they cried with a loud voice : * Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy Saints, which hath been shed.
V.  Under the throne of God all the Saints do cry aloud.
R.  Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy Saints, which hath been shed.

And here is added Glória Patri and Víndica, Dómine, as follows, when this Feast occurs on Sunday or is kept as a I Class Double.

V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Víndica, Dómine, sánguinem Sanctórum tuórum, qui effúsus est.

V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy Saints, which hath been shed.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven.
R.  Amen.

Tunc adimplétum est, quod dictum est per Jeremíam prophétam dicéntem : Vox in Rama audíta est, plorátus et ululátus multus, Rachel plorans fílios suos.  De Rachel natus est Bénjamin, in cujus tribu non est Béthlehem.  Quæritur ergo, quómodo Rachel fílios Judæ, id est Béthlehem, quasi suos ploret.  Respondébimus bréviter, quia sepúlta sit juxta Béthlehem in Ephrata ; et ex matérno corpúsculi hospítio matris nomen accéperit ; sive quóniam Juda et Bénjamin duæ tribus junctæ erant, et Heródes præcéperat non solum in Béthlehem intérfici púeros, sed et in ómnibus fínibus ejus.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the Prophet, saying, In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning ; Rachel weeping for her children.  Rachel was the mother of Benjamin, and Bethlehem is not a town belonging to his tribe.  We must therefore seek another reason why Rachel should weep for the children of Judah, to whom Bethlehem belongeth, as for her own.  The plain answer is that she is buried at Ephratah close to Bethlehem ; and because it was there that a resting-place was found for this mother, the place became known by her name ; or it is possible that the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were joined together, and Herod slew not only all the children that were in Bethlehem, but also in all the borders or coasts thereof.

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

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

When this Feast occurs on Sunday, or is kept as a I Class Double, the Ninth Respond is omitted, and the Te Deum is said.  Otherwise, the Ninth Respond is said as follows :

R.  Isti, qui amícti sunt stolis albis, qui sunt, et unde venérunt?  Et dixit mihi : * Hi sunt, qui venérunt de tribulatióne magna, et lavérunt stolas suas, et dealbavérunt eas in sánguine Agni.
V.  Vidi sub altáre Dei ánimas interfectórum propter verbum Dei, et propter testimónium quod habébant.
R.  Hi sunt, qui venérunt de tribulatióne magna, et lavérunt stolas suas, et dealbavérunt eas in sánguine Agni.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Hi sunt, qui venérunt de tribulatióne magna, et lavérunt stolas suas, et dealbavérunt eas in sánguine Agni.

R.  What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?  And he said unto me, * These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.
V.  I saw under the altar of God the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held.
R.  These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.

After the Ninth Respond, the Te Deum is not said, but instead, Lauds follows immediately, beginning with the Opening Versicles.  However, in the private recitation of the Office, Matins may, by present custom, be separated from Lauds, in which case, after the Ninth Respond, is said the Salutation with the Collect of the Day as given above.  But in public recitation of the Office, it is not in accordance with the received custom to separate Matins from Lauds in Choir.

Lauds

The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary

Psalmus 92.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se.
2  Etenim firmávit orbem terræ, * qui non commovébitur.
3  Paráta sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu es.
4  Elevavérunt flúmina, Dómine: * elevavérunt flúmina vocem suam.
5  Elevavérunt flúmina fluctus suos, * a vócibus aquárum multárum.
6  Mirábiles elatiónes maris: * mirábilis in altis Dóminus.
7  Testimónia tua credibília facta sunt nimis: * domum tuam decet sanctitúdo, Dómine, in longitúdinem diérum.

The Lord hath reigned, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength.
2  For he hath stablished the round world, * that it cannot be moved.
3  Thy throne is prepared from of old : * thou art from everlasting.
4  The floods have lift up, O Lord, * yea, the floods have lift up their voice.
5  The floods have lift up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
6  The waves of the sea are mighty, * glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on high.
7  Thy testimonies are become exceeding credible: * holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever and ever.

Psalmus 99.  Jubilate

Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * servíte Dómino in lætítia.
2  Introíte in conspéctu ejus, * in exsultatióne.
3  Scitóte quóniam Dóminus ipse est Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos.
4  Pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus: * introíte portas ejus in confessióne, átria ejus in hymnis: confitémini illi.
5  Laudáte nomen ejus: quóniam suávis est Dóminus, in ætérnum misericórdia ejus, * et usque in generatiónem et generatiónem véritas ejus.

Psalm 99.  Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness.
2  Come before his presence * with exceeding great joy.
3  Know ye that the Lord he is God; * it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.
4  We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture : * O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be ye thankful unto him.
5  Give praises unto his Name: for the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Psalmus 62.  Deus, Deus meus

Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce vígilo.
2  Sitívit in te ánima mea, * quam multiplíciter tibi caro mea.
3  In terra desérta, et ínvia, et inaquósa: * sic in sancto appárui tibi, ut vidérem virtútem tuam, et glóriam tuam.
4  Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas: * lábia mea laudábunt te.
5  Sic benedícam te in vita mea: * et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas.
6  Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea: * et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum.
7  Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in matutínis meditábor in te: * quia fuísti adjútor meus.
8  Et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo, adhæsit ánima mea post te: * me suscépit déxtera tua.
9  Ipsi vero in vanum quæsiérunt ánimam meam, introíbunt in inferióra terræ: * tradéntur in manus gládii, partes vúlpium erunt.
10  Rex vero lætábitur in Deo, laudabúntur omnes qui jurant in eo: * quia obstrúctum est os loquéntium iníqua.

Psalm 62.  Deus, Deus meus

O God, thou art my God; * to thee do I watch at break of day.
2  My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my flesh also in many different ways.
3  In a barren and dry land where no water is: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, that I might behold thy power and thy glory.
4  For thy mercy is better than the life itself : * my lips shall praise thee.
5  Thus will I bless thee as long as I live : * and I will lift up my hands in thy Name.
6  My soul shall be filled as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.
7  If I have remembered thee in my bed, I will think upon thee in the morning : * because thou hast been my helper.
8  And under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me.
9  But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go down into the nether parts of the earth : * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be a portion for foxes.
10  But the king shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak wicked things shall be stopped.

Canticum trium Puerorum
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 et 56

Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.

2    Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino.

3    Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino.

4    Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino.

5    Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino.

6    Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino.

7    Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino.

8    Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino.

9    Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino.

10  Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

11  Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino.

12  Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino.

13  Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino.

14    Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino.

15    Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

16    Benedícite, sacerdótes Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, serv