The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Double of II Class

This Feast is kept on the Sunday which occurs between the Feasts of the Circumcision and Epiphany, that is on the Sunday which occurs on January 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th, or when no Sunday occurs on these days, on January 2nd.  That is to say, it is kept on the II Sunday after Christmas except when that Sunday occurs with a Double or Semidouble, such as January 1st, 6th or 7th (the last named being the latest date for II Christmas and the earliest for I Epiphany), in which case it is kept on January 2nd.  The various modifications which may be necessary in the Office are listed below in connection with each date on which it may occur:

January 2nd: On January 1st, II Vespers of Circumcision with no Commemoration, and the Office of the Holy Name is begun at Matins; at Lauds, Commemoration of Octave Day of St. Stephen; at II Vespers, no Commemoration.

January 3rd:  At I and II Vespers, no Commemoration, but at Lauds, Commemoration of Octave Day of St. John.

January 4th:  At I Vespers, no Commemoration; at Lauds, Commemoration of Octave Day of Holy Innocents; at II Vespers, Commemoration of II Sunday after Christmas from the Office of the Vigil of Epiphany.

January 5th:  At I Vespers, Commemoration of II Sunday after Christmas from the Office of the Vigil; at Lauds, Commemorations of Sunday and St. Telesphorus; but instead of II Vespers of Holy Name, I Vespers of Epiphany is said, with Commemoration of the Holy Name.

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

When this Feast is celebrated on January 2nd, II Vespers is said of the preceding day (Circumcision), and there is no Commemoration of the Holy Name.

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Omnis * qui invocáverit nomen Dómini, salvus erit.

Ant.    Whosoever * shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

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

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

Ant.    Omnis qui invocáverit nomen Dómini, salvus erit.

Ant.    Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

Ant.    Sanctum et terríbile * nomen ejus, inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.

Ant.    Holy and reverend * is his Name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

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

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

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

Ant.    Sanctum et terríbile nomen ejus, inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.

Ant.    Holy and reverend is his Name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Ant.    Ego autem * in Dómino gaudébo, et exsultábo in Deo Jesu meo.

Ant.    Yet I will rejoice * in the Lord, I will joy in Jesus the God of my salvation.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

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

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

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

Ant.    Ego autem in Dómino gaudébo, et exsultábo in Deo Jesu meo.

Ant.    Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in Jesus the God of my salvation.

Ant.    A solis ortu * usque ad occásum laudábile nomen Dómini.

Ant.    From the rising up of the sun * unto the going down of the same, the Lord's Name shall be praised.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

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

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

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

Ant.    A solis ortu usque ad occásum laudábile nomen Dómini.

Ant.    From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord's Name shall be praised.

Ant.    Sacrificábo * hóstiam laudis, et nomen Dómini invocábo.

Ant.    I will offer * to thee the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and will call upon the Name of the Lord.

Psalmus 115.  Credidi

Crédidi, propter quod locútus sum: * ego autem humiliátus sum nimis.
2  Ego dixi in excéssu meo: * Omnis homo mendax.
3  Quid retríbuam Dómino, * pro ómnibus, quæ retríbuit mihi?
4  Cálicem salutáris accípiam: * et nomen Dómini invocábo.
5  Vota mea Dómino reddam coram omni pópulo ejus: * pretiósa in conspéctu Dómini mors sanctórum ejus:
6  O Dómine, quia ego servus tuus: * ego servus tuus, et fílius ancíllæ tuæ.
7  Dirupísti víncula mea: * tibi sacrificábo hóstiam laudis, et nomen Dómini invocábo.
8  Vota mea Dómino reddam in conspéctu omnis pópuli ejus: * in átriis domus Dómini, in médio tui, Jerúsalem.

Psalm 115.  Credidi

I believed, and therefore have I spoken; * but I was sore afflicted.
2  I said in my haste, * All men are liars.
3  What shall I render unto the Lord * for all the benefits that he hath rendered unto me?
4  I will take the chalice of salvation, * and call upon the Name of the Lord.
5  I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the presence of all his people: * right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
6  Behold, O Lord, how that I am thy servant; * I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid.
7  Thou hast broken my bonds in sunder : * I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
8  I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people, * in the courts of the house of the Lord; even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.

Ant.    Sacrificábo hóstiam laudis, et nomen Dómini invocábo.

Ant.    I will offer to thee the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and will call upon the Name of the Lord.

STAND

Capitulum           Philipp. 2. 8.
Fratres : Christus humiliávit semetípsum, factus obédiens usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis.  Propter quod et Deus exaltávit illum, et donávit illi nomen, quod est super omne nomen, ut in nómine Jesu omne genu flectátur.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Philipp. 2. 8.
Brethren : Christ humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.  Wherefore God also hath high exalted him, and given him a Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Jesu, dulcis memória,
Dans vera cordis gáudia :
Sed super mel, et ómnia,
Ejus dulcis præséntia.

Nil cánitur suávius,
Nil audítur jucúndius,
Nil cogitátur dúlcius,
Quam Jesus Dei Fílius.

Jesu, spes pœniténtibus,
Quam pius es peténtibus!
Quam bonus te quæréntibus!
Sed quid inveniéntibus?

Nec lingua valet dícere,
Nec líttera exprímere :
Expértus potest crédere,
Quid sit Jesum dilígere.

Sequens Conclusio numquam mutátur:
Sis, Jesu, nostrum gáudium,
Qui es futúrus præmium :
Sit nostra in te glória,
Per cuncta semper sæcula.  Amen.

Jesu, the very thought is sweet;
In that dear Name all heart-joys meet:
But sweeter than the honey far
The glimpses of his presence are.

No word is sung more sweet than this,
No name is heard more full of bliss,
No thought brings sweeter comfort nigh
Than Jesus, Son of God Most High.

Jesu! the hope of souls forlorn,
How good to them for sin that mourn!
To them that seek thee, O how kind!
But what art thou to them that find?

No tongue of mortal can express,
No letters write its blessedness:
Alone who hath thee in his heart
Knows, love of Jesus, what thou art.

This Ending is never changed:
Be thou our joy, and thou our guard
Who art to be our great reward:
Our glory and our boast in thee
For ever and for ever be.  Amen.

V.  Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, allelúja.
R.  Ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum, allelúja.

V.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord, alleluia.
R.  From this time forth for evermore, alleluia.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Fecit * mihi magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus, allelúja.

Ant. on Magnif:  For he that is mighty * hath magnified me, and holy is his Name, alleluia.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Deus, qui unigénitum Fílium tuum constituísti humáni géneris Salvatórem, et Jesum vocári jussísti : concéde propítius ; ut, cujus sanctum nomen venerámur in terris, ejus quoque aspéctu perfruámur in cælis.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

Let us pray.
O God, who didst ordain that thine only-begotten Son should be the Saviour of the world, and didst command that his Name should be called Jesus : mercifully grant, that we who worship his holy Name on earth, may at length behold him face to face in heaven.  Where he liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of ...
R.  Amen.

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

Admirábile nomen Jesu, quod est super omne nomen, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Name which shall be called wonderful, even the Name of Jesus which is above every name, * O come, let us worship.

Admirábile nomen Jesu, quod est super omne nomen, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Name which shall be called wonderful, even the Name of Jesus which is above every name, * 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.

Admirábile nomen Jesu, quod est super omne nomen, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Name which shall be called wonderful, even the Name of Jesus which is above every name, * 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.

Admirábile nomen Jesu, quod est super omne nomen, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Name which shall be called wonderful, even the Name of Jesus which is above every name, * 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.

Admirábile nomen Jesu, quod est super omne nomen, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Name which shall be called wonderful, even the Name of Jesus which is above every name, * 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.

Admirábile nomen Jesu, quod est super omne nomen, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Name which shall be called wonderful, even the Name of Jesus which is above every name, * O come, let us worship.

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

First Nocturn

Ant.    Dómine, Dóminus noster, * † quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra! ††

Ant.    O Lord our Governour, * † how excellent is thy Name in all the world. ††

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

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

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

Ant.    Dómine, Dóminus noster, quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

Ant.    O Lord our Governour, how excellent is thy Name in all the world.

Ant.    In nómine Jesu * omne genu flectátur cæléstium, terréstrium, et infernórum.

Ant.    At the Name of Jesus * every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18.  Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cæli egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18.  Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    In nómine Jesu omne genu flectátur cæléstium, terréstrium, et infernórum.

Ant.    At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

Ant.    Confitémini * Dómino, et invocáte nomen ejus : mementóte, quóniam excélsum est nomen ejus.

Ant.    Praise the Lord ; * call upon his Name ; make mention that his Name is exalted.

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

Ant.    Confitémini Dómino, et invocáte nomen ejus : mementóte, quóniam excélsum est nomen ejus.

Ant.    Praise the Lord ; call upon his Name ; make mention that his Name is exalted.

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 Actibus Apostolórum

The Lesson is taken from the Acts of the Apostles

Petrus autem et Joánnes ascendébant in templum ad horam oratiónis nonam.  Et quidam vir, qui erat claudus ex útero matris suæ, bajulabátur ; quem ponébant quotídie ad portam templi, quæ dícitur Speciósa, ut péteret eleemósynam ab introëúntibus in templum.  Is, cum vidísset Petrum et Joánnem incipiéntes introíre in templum, rogábat ut eleemósynam accíperet.  Intuens autem in eum Petrus cum Joánne, dixit : Réspice in nos.  At ille intendébat in eos, sperans se áliquid acceptúrum ab eis.  Petrus autem dixit : Argéntum et aurum non est mihi : quod autem hábeo, hoc tibi do : In nómine Jesu Christi Nazaréni surge, et ámbula.  Et, apprehénsa manu ejus déxtera, allevávit eum, et prótinus consolidátæ sunt bases ejus, et plantæ.  Et exsíliens stetit, et ambulábat ; et intrávit cum illis in templum ámbulans, et exsíliens, et laudans Deum. 

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 

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

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

R.  Ecce concípies, et páries fílium, et vocábis nomen ejus Jesum : * Ipse enim salvum fáciet pópulum suum a peccátis eórum.
V.  Vocátum est nomen ejus Jesus, quod vocátum est ab Angelo, priúsquam in útero conciperétur.
R.  Ipse enim salvum fáciet pópulum suum a peccátis eórum.

R.  Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call his Name Jesus : *  For he shall save his people from their sins.
V.  His Name was called Jesus, which was so named of the Angel before he was conceived in the womb.
R.  For he shall save his people from their sins.

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.

Et vidit omnis pópulus eum ambulántem, et laudántem Deum.  Cognoscébant autem illum, quod ipse erat, qui ad eleemósynam sedébat ad Speciósam portam templi ; et impléti sunt stupóre et éxtasi in eo, quod contígerat illi.  Cum tenéret autem Petrum et Joánnem, cucúrrit omnis pópulus ad eos ad pórticum, quæ appellátur Salomónis, stupéntes.  Videns autem Petrus, respóndit ad pópulum : Viri Israëlítæ, quid mirámini in hoc, aut nos quid intuémini, quasi nostra virtúte aut potestáte fecérimus hunc ambuláre?  Deus Abraham, et Deus Isaac, et Deus Jacob, Deus patrum nostrórum glorificávit Fílium suum Jesum, quem vos quidem tradidístis et negástis ante fáciem Piláti, judicánte illo dimítti.  Vos autem Sanctum et Justum negástis, et petístis virum homicídam donári vobis : Auctórem vero vitæ interfecístis, quem Deus suscitávit a mórtuis, cujus nos testes sumus.  Et in fide nóminis ejus, hunc, quem vos vidístis et nostis, confirmávit nomen ejus : et fides, quæ per eum est, dedit íntegram sanitátem istam in conspéctu ómnium vestrum.

And all the people saw him walking and praising God: and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.  And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.  And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?  The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.  But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

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

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

R.  Benedíctum est nomen tuum, Deus patrum nostrórum, qui cum irátus fúeris, misericórdiæ recordáberis, * Et in témpore tribulatiónis peccáta dimíttis.
V.  Et benedíctum nomen majestátis tuæ in ætérnum, qui facis mirabília solus.
R.  Et in témpore tribulatiónis peccáta dimíttis.

R.  Blessed be thy Name, O God of our fathers, for in thy wrath shalt thou remember mercy,  * And thou shalt forgive us our sins in the day of trouble.
V.  And blessed be the Name of thy majesty for ever, which only doeth wondrous things.
R.  And thou shalt forgive us our sins in the day of trouble.

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.

Factum est autem in crástinum, ut congregaréntur príncipes eórum, et senióres, et scribæ in Jerúsalem  : et Annas princeps sacerdótum, et Cáiphas, et Joánnes, et Alexánder, et quotquot erant de génere sacerdotáli.  Et statuéntes eos in médio, interrogábant  : In qua virtúte, aut in quo nómine fecístis hoc vos?  Tunc replétus Spíritu Sancto Petrus, dixit ad eos  : Príncipes pópuli, et senióres, audíte : Si nos hódie dijudicámur in benefácto hóminis infírmi, in quo iste salvus factus est, notum sit ómnibus vobis, et omni plebi Israël : quia in nómine Dómini nostri Jesu Christi Nazaréni, quem vos crucifixístis, quem Deus suscitávit a mórtuis, in hoc iste adstat coram vobis sanus.  Hic est lapis, qui reprobátus est a vobis ædificántibus, qui factus est in caput ánguli : et non est in álio áliquo salus.  Nec enim áliud nomen est sub cælo datum homínibus, in quo opórtet nos salvos fíeri.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

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

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

R.  Laudábo nomen tuum assídue, * Et collaudábo illud in confessióne.
V.  Lætábor et exsultábo in te : psallam nómini tuo, Altíssime.
R.  Et collaudábo illud in confessióne.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et collaudábo illud in confessióne.

R.  I will praise thy Name continually, * I will sing praise with thanksgiving.
V.  I will be glad and rejoice in thee : yea, my songs will I make of thy Name, O thou most Highest.
R.  I will sing praise with thanksgiving.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  I will sing praise with thanksgiving.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Mémores erunt * nóminis tui, Dómine, in omni generatióne et generatiónem.

Ant.    They shall remember * thy Name, O Lord, from one generation to another.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 44.  Eructavit 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 my works unto the King.
2  My tongue is the pen of a writer : * that writeth swiftly.
3  Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, * therefore hath God hath blessed thee for ever.
4  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou Most Mighty.
5  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty : * go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.
6  Because of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; * and thy right hand shall wondrously lead thee.
7  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the hearts of the King's enemies.
8  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, * whereby the daughters of kings have made thee glad in thy glory.
11  Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, * wrought about with divers colours.
12  Hearken, O daughter, consider, and incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father's house.
13  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and they shall worship him.
14  And the daughters of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * yea, all the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
15  The King's daughter is all glorious within; * in wrought gold clothed round about with divers colours.
16  Virgins shall be brought after her unto the King : * her neighbours shall be brought unto thee.
17  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * they shall be brought into the King's temple.
18  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou shalt make princes over all the earth..
19  They shall remember thy Name * throughout all generations.
20  Therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee for ever, * yea, and for ever, and world without end.

Ant.    Mémores erunt nóminis tui, Dómine, in omni generatióne et generatiónem.

Ant.    They shall remember thy Name, O Lord, from one generation to another.

Ant.    Magnificáte * Dóminum mecum, et exaltémus nomen ejus in idípsum.

Ant.    O praise * the Lord with me, and let us magnify his Name together.

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.    Magnificáte Dóminum mecum, et exaltémus nomen ejus in idípsum.

Ant.    O praise the Lord with me, and let us magnify his Name together.

Ant.    Omnes gentes, * quascúmque fecísti, vénient, et adorábunt coram te, Dómine, et glorificábunt nomen tuum.

Ant.    All nations * whom thou hast made shall come and worship thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy Name.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 86.  Fundamenta ejus

Fundaménta ejus in móntibus sanctis: * díligit Dóminus portas Sion super ómnia tabernácula Jacob.
2  Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, * cívitas Dei.
3  Memor ero Rahab, et Babylónis * sciéntium me.
4  Ecce alienígenæ, et Tyrus, et pópulus Æthíopum, * hi fuérunt illic.
5  Numquid Sion dicet: Homo, et homo natus est in ea: * et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus?
6  Dóminus narrábit in scriptúris populórum, et príncipum: * horum, qui fuérunt in ea.
7  Sicut lætántium ómnium: * habitátio est in te.

Psalm 86.  Fundamenta ejus

The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains : * the Lord loveth the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2  Glorious things of thee are spoken, * thou city of God.
3  I will be mindful of Rahab and Babylon, * with them that know me.
4  Behold ye the Philistines also; and they of Tyre, with the people of the Ethiopians; * lo, these were there.
5  Shall not Sion say: Man, by man is born in her : * and the Most High himself hath stablished her.
6  The Lord shall write in the scriptures of the people and of the princes; * of them that have been born in her.
7  As it were of all rejoicing : * the dwelling is in thee.

Ant.    Omnes gentes, quascúmque fecísti, vénient, et adorábunt coram te, Dómine, et glorificábunt nomen tuum.

Ant.    All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy Name.

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.

Non otióse Spíritus Sanctus nomen Sponsi óleo cómparat, cum ita dóceat sponsam ad Sponsum clamáre : Oleum effúsum nomen tuum.  Oleum enim lucet, pascit et ungit.  Fovet ignem, nutrit carnem, lenit dolórem  : lux, cibus, medicína.  Vide idem nunc et de Sponsi nómine : Lucet prædicátum, pascit recogitátum, invocátum lenit et ungit.  Et percurrámus síngula.  Unde putas in toto orbe tanta et tam súbita fídei lux, nisi de prædicáto nómine Jesu?  Nonne in hujus nóminis luce Deus nos vocávit in admirábile lumen suum  ; quibus illuminátis, et in lúmine isto vidéntibus lumen, dicat mérito Paulus  : Fuístis aliquándo ténebræ, nunc autem lux in Dómino?

When the Holy Ghost maketh the Bride to say unto the Bridegroom : Thy Name is as ointment poured forth : he likeneth that Name to the oil of anointing ; and his figure of speech is not an idle one.  For, verily, oil giveth illumination, nourishment, and unction, in that it doth burn as fire, doth feed the flesh, and doth soothe pain.  Thus, as oil is unto us as light, food, and healing, so also is the Name of the Bridegroom.  For to preach the Name of Jesus, is to give light ; to think on it, is to feed the soul ; to call on it, is to win grace and unction.  Let us consider this point by point.  First, as to illumination, what (thinkest thou) hath made the light of the Faith so suddenly and so brightly to shine throughout the whole world but the preaching of the Name of Jesus?  Is it not by the light of this Name that God hath called us into his own marvellous light?  For in the light thereof we are enlightened ; and in his light we do see the light, of which Paul speaketh, when he so truly saith of us : Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in 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.  Sperent in te, qui novérunt nomen tuum : * Quóniam non dereliquísti quæréntes te, Dómine.
V.  Exsúrge, Dómine, ádjuva nos, et líbera nos propter nomen tuum.
R.  Quóniam non dereliquísti quæréntes te, Dómine.

R.  They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee ; * For thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek thee.
V.  Arise, and help us, and deliver us for thy mercy's sake.
R.  For thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek thee.

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.

Hoc dénique nomen coram régibus, et Géntibus, et fíliis Israël portáre jussus est idem Apóstolus  ; et portábat nomen tamquam lumen, et illuminábat pátriam, et clamábat útique  : Nox præcéssit, dies autem appropinquávit.  Abjiciámus ergo ópera tenebrárum, et induámur arma lucis, sicut in die honéste ambulémus.  Et monstrábat ómnibus lucérnam super candelábrum, annúntians in omni loco Jesum, et hunc crucifíxum.  Quómodo lux ista resplénduit ac perstrínxit cunctórum intuéntium óculos, quando de ore Petri, tamquam fulgur egrédiens, claudi uníus corporáles plantas solidávit et bases, multósque spirituáliter cæcos illuminávit?  Numquid non ignem sparsit, cum ait  : In nómine Jesu Christi Nazaréni surge et ámbula?

This is the Name which the Apostle was commanded to bear before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel, the Name which he bore as a light to enlighten his people, crying everywhere : The night is far spent, the day is at hand ; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light ; let us walk honestly as in the day.  To all men he pointed out this Name as a candle set upon a candlestick, preaching in every place Jesus and him crucified.  Yea, that Name shone forth and dazzled every eye that beheld it.  Did it not come like lightning out of the mouth of Peter to give bodily strength to the feet of the lame man, and to clear the sight of many a blind soul?  Cast he not fire when he said : In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk?

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

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

R.  Confiteámur nómini tuo magno, * Quóniam terríbile et sanctum est.
V.  Hi in cúrribus, et hi in equis, nos autem in nómine Dómini, Dei nostri, invocábimus.
R.  Quóniam terríbile et sanctum est.

R.  Let us give thanks unto thy Name which is great,  * For it is wonderful and holy.
V.  Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God.
R.  For it is wonderful and holy.

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.

Nec tantum lux est nomen Jesu, sed est et cibus.  An non tóties confortáris, quóties recordáris?  Quid æque mentem cogitántis impínguat?  Quid ita exercitátos réparat sensus, virtútes róborat, végetat mores bonos atque honéstos, castas fovet affectiónes?  Aridus est omnis ánimæ cibus, si non óleo isto infúnditur  ; insípidus est, si non hoc sale condítur.  Si scribas, non sapit mihi, nisi légero ibi Jesum.  Si dísputes aut cónferas, non sapit mihi, nisi sonúerit ibi Jesus.  Jesus mel in ore, in aure melos, in corde júbilus.  Sed est et medicína.  Tristátur áliquis nostrum?  Véniat in cor ejus Jesus, et inde sáliat in os.  Et ecce ad exórtum nóminis lumen, núbilum omne diffúgit, redit serénum.  Lábitur quis in crimen? currit ínsuper ad láqueum mortis desperándo?  Nonne, si ínvocet nomen vitæ, conféstim respirábit ad vitam?

Secondly, the Name of Jesus is not a Name of light only, but is our meat also.  Dost thou ever call it to mind, and remain unstrengthened?  Is there anything like it to enrich the soul of him that thinketh on it?  What is there like it to restore the fagged senses, to fortify strength, to give nurture unto good lives and pure affections?  The soul is fed on husks if that whereon it feedeth lack seasoning with this Name, which is the very salt of the earth.  If thou writest, thou hast no meaning for me except I read of Jesus there.  If thou dost preach, or dispute, thou hast no meaning for me except I hear of Jesus there.  The mention of Jesus is honey in the mouth, music in the ear, and gladness in the heart.  So far we have been concerned with the Name of Jesus as our spiritual food : now thirdly, let us mention the same as the medicine of our healing.  Is any sorrowful among us?  Let the thought of Jesus come into his heart, and spring into his mouth.  Behold, when the day of that Name beginneth to break, every cloud will flee away, and there will be a great calm.  Doth any fall into sin?  Doth any draw nigh to a hopeless death?  And if he do but call on the life-giving Name of Jesus, will he not draw the breath of a new life again?

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

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

R.  Læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, Dómine, in ætérnum exsultábunt, et habitábis in eis, et gloriabúntur in te omnes, * Qui díligunt nomen tuum.
V.  Dómine, in lúmine vultus tui ambulábunt, et in nómine tuo exsultábunt tota die.
R.  Qui díligunt nomen tuum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Qui díligunt nomen tuum.

R.  Let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice : they shall ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them ; * They that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee.
V.  They shall walk in the light of thy countenance, and their delight shall be daily in thy Name.
R.  They that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  They that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Cantáte Dómino * † et benedícite nómini ejus : annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.

Ant.    O sing unto the Lord * † and praise his Name ; be telling of his salvation from day to day.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 95.  Cantáte Domino

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

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

Ant.    Cantáte