1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    O admirábile commércium.

Ant.    O wondrous interchange!

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

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

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

Ant.    O admirábile commércium : Creátor géneris humáni, animátum corpus sumens, de Vírgine nasci dignátus est; et procédens homo sine sémine, largítus est nobis suam Deitátem.

Ant.    O wondrous interchange! the Creator of mankind, taking upon him a living body, vouchsafed to be born of a pure Virgin: and by his Humanity, which was begotten in no earthly wise, hath made us partakers of his Divinity.

Ant.    Quando natus es.

Ant.    When thou wast born.

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.    Quando natus es ineffabíliter ex Vírgine, tunc implétæ sunt Scriptúræ : sicut plúvia in vellus descendísti, ut salvum fáceres genus humánum  : te laudámus, Deus noster.

Ant.    When thou wast born all ineffably of a Virgin, then were the Scriptures fulfilled; thou camest down like the dew upon the fleece of wool, to bring salvation unto all mankind ; we praise thee, O our God.

Ant.    Rubum, quem víderat Móyses.

Ant.    In the bush which Moses saw.

Psalmus 121.  Lætatus sum

Lætátus sum in his, quæ dicta sunt mihi: * In domum Dómini íbimus.
2  Stantes erant pedes nostri, * in átriis tuis, Jerúsalem.
3  Jerúsalem, quæ ædificátur ut cívitas: * cujus participátio ejus in idípsum.
4  Illuc enim ascendérunt tribus, tribus Dómini: * testimónium Israël ad confiténdum nómini Dómini.
5  Quia illic sedérunt sedes in judício, * sedes super domum David.
6  Rogáte quæ ad pacem sunt Jerúsalem: * et abundántia diligéntibus te:
7  Fiat pax in virtúte tua: * et abundántia in túrribus tuis.
8  Propter fratres meos, et próximos meos, * loquébar pacem de te:
9  Propter domum Dómini, Dei nostri, * quæsívi bona tibi.

Psalm 121.  Lætatus sum

I was glad when they said unto me, * We will go into the house of the Lord.
2  Our feet shall stand * in thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3  Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at unity in itself.
4  For thither did the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord, * to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.
5  For their seats have sat in judgment, * even the seats upon the house of David.
6  O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; * they shall prosper that love thee.
7  Peace be within thy walls, * and plenteousness within thy palaces.
8  For my brethren and companions' sakes, * I spake peace of thee.
9  Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God, * I have sought to do thee good.

Ant.    Rubum, quem víderat Móyses incombústum, conservátam agnóvimus tuam laudábilem virginitátem : Dei Génitrix, intercéde pro nobis.

Ant.    In the bush which Moses saw unconsumed, we recognize the preservation of thy glorious virginity: holy Mother of God, intercede for us.

Ant.    Germinávit radix Jesse.

Ant.    The Root of Jesse hath budded.

Psalmus 126.  Nisi Dominus

Nisi Dóminus ædificáverit domum, * in vanum laboravérunt qui ædíficant eam.
2  Nisi Dóminus custodíerit civitátem, * frustra vígilat qui custódit eam.
3  Vanum est vobis ante lucem súrgere: * súrgite postquam sedéritis, qui manducátis panem dolóris.
4  Cum déderit diléctis suis somnum: * ecce heréditas Dómini fílii : merces, fructus ventris.
5  Sicut sagíttæ in manu poténtis: * ita fílii excussórum.
6  Beátus vir qui implévit desidérium suum ex ipsis: * non confundétur cum loquétur inimícis suis in porta.

Psalm 126.  Nisi Dominus

Except the Lord build the house, * they labour in vain that build it.
2  Except the Lord keep the city, * the watchman waketh but in vain.
3  It is vain for you to rise up before the light : * rise ye after ye have sitten, ye that eat the bread of sorrow.
4  When he giveth his beloved sleep : * behold, children are the heritage of the Lord: the reward, and the fruit of the womb.
5  Like as the arrows in the hand of the mighty, * even so are the children of them that have been shaken.
6  Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; * he shall not be confounded when he shall speak with his enemies in the gate.

Ant.    Germinávit radix Jesse, orta est stella ex Jacob : Virgo péperit Salvatórem ; te laudámus, Deus noster.

Ant.    The Root of Jesse hath budded, the Star hath come out of Jacob, the Virgin hath borne the Saviour: we praise thee, O our God.

Ant.    Ecce María génuit.

Ant.    Lo, Mary hath brought forth.

Psalmus 147.  Lauda, Jerusalem

Lauda, Jerúsalem, Dóminum: * lauda Deum tuum, Sion.
2  Quóniam confortávit seras portárum tuárum: * benedíxit fíliis tuis in te.
3  Qui pósuit fines tuos pacem: * et ádipe fruménti sátiat te.
4  Qui emíttit elóquium suum terræ: * velóciter currit sermo ejus.
5  Qui dat nivem sicut lanam: * nébulam sicut cínerem spargit.
6  Mittit crystállum suum sicut buccéllas: * ante fáciem frígoris ejus quis sustinébit?
7  Emíttet verbum suum, et liquefáciet ea: * flabit spíritus ejus, et fluent aquæ.
8  Qui annúntiat verbum suum Jacob: * justítias, et judícia sua Israël.
9  Non fecit táliter omni natióni: * et judícia sua non manifestávit eis.

Psalm 147.  Lauda, Jerusalem

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; *  praise thy God, O Sion.
2  For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates, * and hath blessed thy children within thee.
3  Who hath placed peace in thy borders, * and filleth thee with the fat of the crops.
4  Who sendeth forth his commandment upon earth, * and his word runneth swiftly.
5  Who giveth snow like wool, * and scattereth the mist like ashes.
6  He sendeth his ice like morsels: * who is able to abide before the face of his frost?
7  He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: * his spirit shall breathe forth, and the waters shall flow.
8  Who declareth his word unto Jacob, * his statutes and judgments unto Israel.
9  He hath not dealt so with every nation; * neither hath he given them knowledge of his judgments.

Ant.    Ecce María génuit nobis Salvatórem, quem Joánnes videns, exclamávit, dicens : Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi, allelúja.

Ant.    Lo, Mary hath brought forth the Saviour of whom when John saw him, he did proclaim, Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, alleluia.

STAND

Capitulum           Gal. 4. 1.
Fratres : Quanto témpore heres párvulus est, nihil differt a servo, cum sit dóminus ómnium : sed sub tutóribus et actóribus est usque ad præfinítum tempus a patre.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Gal. 4. 1.
Brethren : The heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governours until the time appointed of the father.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Jesu, Redémptor ómnium,
Quem lucis ante oríginem
Parem patérnæ glóriæ
Pater suprémus édidit.

Tu lumen, et splendor Patris,
Tu spes perénnis ómnium,
Inténde quas fundunt preces
Tui per orbem sérvuli.

Meménto, rerum Cónditor,
Nostri quod olim córporis,
Sacráta ab alvo Vírginis
Nascéndo, formam súmpseris.

Testátur hoc præsens dies,
Currens per anni círculum,
Quod solus e sinu Patris
Mundi salus advéneris.

Hunc astra, tellus, æquora,
Hunc omne, quod cælo subest,
Salútis auctórem novæ
Novo salútat cántico.

Et nos, beáta quos sacri
Rigávit unda sánguinis,
Natális ob diem tui
Hymni tribútum sólvimus.

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

Jesu, the Ransomer of man,
Who, ere created light began,
Didst from the sovereign Father spring,
His power and glory equaling.

The Father's Light and Splendour thou,
Their endless Hope to thee that bow:
Accept the prayers and praise today
That through the world thy servants pay.

Salvation's Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled
Thou in man's flesh becam'st a Child.

Thus testifies the present day
Through every year in long array,
That thou, salvation's source alone,
Proceedest from the Father's Throne.

Whence sky, and stars, and sea's abyss,
And earth, and all that therein is,
Shall still, with laud and carol meet,
The Author of thine Advent greet.

And we who, by thy precious Blood
From sin redeemed, are marked for God,
On this, the day that saw thy Birth,
Sing the new song of ransomed earth.

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.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Puer Jesus * proficiébat ætáte et sapiéntia coram Deo et homínibus.

Ant. on Magnif:  The Child Jesus * increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, dírige actus nostros in beneplácito tuo : ut in nómine dilécti Fílii tui mereámur bonis opéribus abundáre : Qui tecum vivit et regnat.
R.  Amen.

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to govern us in all our doings in the way of thy good pleasure : that we, faithfully serving thee in the Name of thy well-beloved Son, may worthily abound in all good works.  Who liveth and reigneth with thee.
R.  Amen.

Ant:  Iste Sanctus pro lege Dei sui certávit usque ad mortem, et a verbis impiórum non tímuit ; fundátus enim erat supra firmam petram.

Ant:  This is a Saint who strove for the truth, even unto death, and feared not the words of sinful men, forasmuch as he was founded upon a sure foundation.

V.  Glória et honóre coronásti eum, Dómine.
R.  Et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

V.  Thou hast crowned him with glory and worship, O Lord.
R.  And hast made him to have dominion of the works of thy hands.

Oremus.
Gregem tuum, Pastor ætérne, placátus inténde : et per beátum Telésphorum Mártyrem tuum atque Summum Pontíficem, perpétua protectióne custódi; quem totíus Ecclésiæ præstitísti esse pastórem.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O eternal Shepherd, do thou look favourably upon thy flock, which we beseech thee to guard and keep for evermore, through the blessed Telesphorus, thy Martyr and Supreme Pontiff, whom thou didst choose to be the chief shepherd of the whole Church.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

Invitatory and Hymn

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * 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.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * 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.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * 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.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * 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.

Christus natus est nobis : * Veníte, adorémus.

Unto us a Christ is born : * O come, let us worship.

Salvation's Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled
Thou in man's flesh becam'st a Child.

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

First Nocturn

Ant.    Dóminus dixit.

Ant.    The Lord hath said.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

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

Psalm 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

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

Ant.    Dóminus dixit ad me : Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

Ant.    The Lord hath said unto me : Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Ant.    In sole pósuit.

Ant.    In the sun hath he set.

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 sole pósuit tabernáculum suum : et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

Ant.    In the sun hath he set his tabernacle : and he is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.

Ant.    Elevámini.

Ant.    Be ye lift up.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 23. Domini est terra

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

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

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

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

STAND

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

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

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

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

De Epístola ad Romános

The Lesson is taken from the Epistle to the Romans

Nihil ergo nunc damnatiónis est iis, qui sunt in Christo Jesu, qui non secúndum carnem ámbulant.  Lex enim spíritus vitæ in Christo Jesu liberávit me a lege peccáti et mortis.  Nam quod impossíbile erat legi, in quo infirmabátur per carnem : Deus Fílium suum mittens in similitúdinem carnis peccáti, et de peccáto damnávit peccátum in carne, ut justificátio legis implerétur in nobis, qui non secúndum carnem ambulámus, sed secúndum spíritum.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

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

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

R.  Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi : ecce de quo dicébam vobis : Qui post me venit, ante me factus est : * Cujus non sum dignus corrígiam calceaménti sólvere.
V.  Qui de terra est, de terra lóquitur : qui de cælo venit, super omnes est.
R.  Cujus non sum dignus corrígiam calceaménti sólvere.

R.  Behold the Lamb of God, behold him which taketh away the sins of the world ; he it is, of whom I said unto you : he that cometh after me is preferred before me ; *  The latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose.
V.  He that is of the earth speaketh of the earth ; he that cometh from heaven is above all.
R.  The latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose.

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.

Qui enim secúndum carnem sunt : quæ carnis sunt, sápiunt.  Qui vero secúndum spíritum sunt, quæ sunt spíritus, séntiunt.  Nam prudéntia carnis, mors est : prudéntia autem spíritus, vita et pax.  Quóniam sapiéntia carnis inimíca est Deo : legi enim Dei non est subjécta : nec enim potest.  Qui autem in carne sunt, Deo placére non possunt.  Vos autem in carne non estis, sed in spíritu : si tamen Spíritus Dei hábitat in vobis.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

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

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

R.  Dies sanctificátus illúxit nobis : veníte, Gentes, et adoráte Dóminum : * Quia hódie descéndit lux magna in terris.
V.  Hæc dies quam fecit Dóminus, exsultémus et lætémur in ea.
R.  Quia hódie descéndit lux magna in terris.

R.  Holy is the day that is dawning for us : come, all ye nations, and worship the Lord : * For as on this day a great light hath descended upon the earth.
V.  This is the day which the Lord hath made : let us rejoice and be glad therein.
R.  For as on this day a great light hath descended upon the earth.

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.

Si quis autem Spíritum Christi non habet : hic non est ejus.  Si autem Christus in vobis est : corpus quidem mórtuum est propter peccátum, spíritus vero vivit propter justificatiónem.  Quod si Spíritus ejus, qui suscitávit Jesum a mórtuis, hábitat in vobis : qui suscitávit Jesum Christum a mórtuis, vivificábit, et mortália córpora vestra, propter inhabitántem Spíritum ejus in vobis.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

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

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

R.  Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini, Deus Dóminus, et illúxit nobis : * Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Hæc dies quam fecit Dóminus, exsultémus et lætémur in ea.
R.  Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Allelúja, allelúja.

R.  Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord ; God is the Lord, who hath shewed us light : * Alleluia, alleluia.
V.  This is the day which the Lord hath made : let us rejoice and be glad therein.
R.  Alleluia, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Alleluia, alleluia.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Speciósus forma.

Ant.    Thou art fairer.

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.    Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.

Ant.    Thou art fairer than the children of men : full of grace are thy lips.

Ant.    Homo natus est.

Ant.    This man was born.

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.    Homo natus est in ea, et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus.

Ant.    This man was born in her, and the Most High shall stablish her.

Ant.    Exsultábunt ómnia ligna.

Ant.    All the trees of the wood shall rejoice.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 95.  Cantate Domino

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

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

Ant.    Exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum ante fáciem Dómini, quóniam venit.

Ant.    All the trees of the wood shall rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh.

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.

Dóminus noster Jesus Christus, fratres caríssimi, qui in ætérnum est cunctórum Creátor, hódie de matre nascéndo factus est nobis Salvátor.  Natus est nobis hódie in témpore per voluntátem, ut nos perdúcat ad Patris æternitátem.  Factus est Deus homo, ut homo fíeret Deus : ut panem Angelórum manducáret homo, Dóminus Angelórum hódie factus est homo.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, dearest brethren, who in eternity is the Creator of all things, was as at this time born of a mother and became our Saviour.  It was as at this time that he willed to be born for us in earthly time, so as to lead us to the Father's eternity.  God is made man, that man may be made as God.  That man may eat Angels' food, the Lord of Angels was as on this day made man. 

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

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

R.  Congratulámini mihi, omnes qui dilígitis Dóminum : * Quia, cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo, et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem.
V.  Beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes, quia ancíllam húmilem respéxit Deus.
R.  Quia, cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo, et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem.

R.  Rejoice with me, all ye that love the Lord : * For while I was yet little I pleased the Most High, and from my womb have I brought forth God and man.
V.  All generations shall call me blessed, for God hath regarded the lowliness of his hand-maiden.
R.  For while I was yet little I pleased the Most High, and from my womb have I brought forth God and man.

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.

Hódie impléta est prophetía illa, quæ dicit : Roráte, cæli, désuper, et nubes pluant justum : aperiátur terra, et gérminet Salvatórem.  Factus est ígitur qui fécerat, ut invenirétur qui períerat.  Sic enim in Psalmis homo confitétur : Priúsquam humiliárer, ego peccávi.  Peccávit homo, et factus est reus : natus est homo Deus, ut liberarétur reus.  Homo ígitur cécidit, sed Deus descéndit.  Cécidit homo miserabíliter, descéndit Deus misericórditer ; cécidit homo per supérbiam, descéndit Deus cum grátia.

Now is fulfilled that prophecy : Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness : let the earth open, and bring forth a Saviour.  He who made all things is therefore himself made, that those who are lost may be found.  It is even as man is made to testify of himself in the Psalms : Before I was humbled, I went wrong.  Man sinned and became guilty.  God is born man, that the guilty may be delivered.  Man fell, but God descended.  Man fell miserably, God descended mercifully.  Man fell by pride, God descended with grace.

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

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

R.  Confirmátum est cor Vírginis, in quo divína mystéria, Angelo nuntiánte, concépit : tunc speciósum forma præ fíliis hóminum castis suscépit viscéribus : * Et benedícta in ætérnum, Deum nobis prótulit et hóminem.
V.  Dóminus pudíci péctoris templum repénte fit Dei : intácta nésciens virum, verbo concépit Fílium.
R.  Et benedícta in ætérnum, Deum nobis prótulit et hóminem.

R.  The Maiden's heart was established in God, when the Angel declared unto her the mystery of God and she conceived : then did she receive in her pure womb him that is fairer than the children of men : * And she that is blessed for ever, brought forth for us God and man.
V.  The mansion of the modest breast becometh a shrine where God shall rest : the pure and undefiled one within her womb conceived the Son.
R.  And she that is blessed for ever, brought forth for us God and man.

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.

O mirácula, o prodígia, fratres mei! Natúræ jura mutántur in hómine ; Deus náscitur, virgo sine viro gravidátur, viri nésciam sermo Dei marítat : simul facta est mater et virgo ; mater facta, sed incorrúpta ; virgo habens fílium, nésciens virum ; semper clausa, sed non infœcúnda.  Solus enim sine peccáto est natus, quem sine viríli compléxu non concupiscéntia carnis, sed obediéntia génuit mentis.

O my brethren, what a miracle! what a wonder!  The laws of nature are changed concerning man : God is born, a Virgin conceiveth without an husband ; the Word of God is wedded to one who knoweth no man ; she is at once Mother and Virgin.  A Mother, yet ínviolate : a Virgin having a Son ; knowing no man, ever sealed, yet not unfruitful.  For he alone was born without sin.  He alone was born without human embrace, begotten not of the will of the flesh, but of the obedience of the mind.

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

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

R.  Benedícta et venerábilis es, Virgo María, quæ sine tactu pudóris invénta es Mater Salvatóris : * Jacébat in præsépio et fulgébat in cælo.
V.  Dómine, audívi audítum tuum, et tímui : considerávi ópera tua, et expávi : in médio duórum animálium.
R.  Jacébat in præsépio et fulgébat in cælo.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Jacébat in præsépio et fulgébat in cælo.

R.  Blessed and worshipful art thou, O Virgin Mary, from thee, still maiden undefiled, the Saviour came, a little Child : * He whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger.
V.  O Lord, I have heard the report concerning thee and am afraid ; I have considered thy wondrous works and am overcome with awe : O thou that dwellest between the two beasts.
R.  He whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  He whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    In princípio.

Ant.    In the beginning.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

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

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

Ant.    In princípio, et ante sæcula Deus erat Verbum, et ipse natus est hódie Salvátor mundi.

Ant.    In the beginning, yea, before time began, the Word was God, and the same is born, as at this time, to be the Saviour of the world.

Ant.    Ante lucíferum génitus.

Ant.    Before the morning star begotten.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 97.  Cantate Domino

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

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.
2  His right hand hath wrought for him salvation : * and his arm is holy.
3  The Lord hath made known his salvation; * his righteousness hath he revealed in the sight of the heathen.
4  He hath remembered his mercy, * and his truth toward the house of Israel.
5  All the ends of the world have seen * the salvation of our God.
6  Be ye joyful unto God, all the earth : * make melody, rejoice, and sing.
7  Sing praise unto the Lord upon the harp, yea, upon the harp and with the voice of a psalm : * with long trumpets, and with the sound of the shawm.
8  O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord, the King : * let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: the round world, and they that dwell therein.
9  Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; * for he is come to judge the earth.
10  With righteousness shall he judge the world, * and the peoples with equity.

Ant.    Ante lucíferum génitus, et ante sæcula, Dóminus Salvátor noster hódie nasci dignátus est.

Ant.    Before the morning star begotten, yea, before all ages ; the Lord our Saviour as on this day did vouchsafe to be born.

Ant.    Nato Dómino.

Ant.    When the Lord was born.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 98.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, irascántur pópuli: * qui sedet super Chérubim, moveátur terra.
2  Dóminus in Sion magnus: * et excélsus super omnes pópulos.
3  (fit reverentia) Confiteántur nómini tuo magno : quóniam terríbile, et sanctum est : * et honor regis judícium díligit.
4  Tu parásti directiónes: * judícium et justítiam in Jacob tu fecísti.
5  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte scabéllum pedum ejus: * quóniam sanctum est.
6  Móyses et Aaron in sacerdótibus ejus: * et Sámuel inter eos, qui ínvocant nomen ejus:
7  Invocábant Dóminum, et ipse exaudiébat eos: * in colúmna nubis loquebátur ad eos.
8  Custodiébant testimónia ejus: * et præcéptum quod dedit illis.
9  Dómine, Deus noster, tu exaudiébas eos: * Deus, tu propítius fuísti eis, et ulcíscens in omnes adinventiónes eórum.
10  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte in monte sancto ejus: * quóniam sanctus Dóminus Deus noster.

The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry : * he that sitteth upon the Cherubim, let the earth be moved.
2  The Lord is great in Sion, * and high above all people.
3  (all bow) Let them give thanks unto thy great Name, for it is terrible, and holy : * and the King's honour loveth judgment.
4  Thou hast prepared equity, * thou hast executed judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
5  O magnify the Lord our God, and worship his footstool; * for it is holy.
6  Moses and Aaron among his priests, * and Samuel among such as call upon his Name:
7  These called upon the Lord, and he heard them: * he spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar
8  They kept his testimonies, * and the law that he gave them.
9  Thou heardest them, O Lord our God; * thou wast to them a merciful God, and taking vengeance against all their inventions.
10  O magnify the Lord our God, and worship in his holy mountain; * for the Lord our God is holy.

Ant.    Nato Dómino, Angelórum chorus canébat, dicens : Salus Deo nostro, sedénti super thronum, et Agno.

Ant.    When the Lord was born, the choirs of Angels sang, saying : Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb.

STAND