The Commemoration of the
Most Holy Body and Blood
of our Lord Jesus Christ

Commonly Called

The Feast of Corpus Christi

Double of I Class with privileged Octave of the Second Order

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Sacérdos in ætérnum * Christus Dóminus secúndum órdinem Melchísedech, panem et vinum óbtulit.

Ant.    Christ the Lord, * a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech, offered bread and wine.

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.    Sacérdos in ætérnum Christus Dóminus secúndum órdinem Melchísedech, panem et vinum óbtulit.

Ant.    Christ the Lord, a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech, offered bread and wine.

Ant.    Miserátor Dóminus * escam dedit timéntibus se in memóriam suórum mirabílium.

Ant.    The merciful Lord * hath given Meat unto them that fear him; he hath made his wonderful works to be remembered.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Domini: * 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.    Miserátor Dóminus escam dedit timéntibus se in memóriam suórum mirabílium.

Ant.    The merciful Lord hath given Meat unto them that fear him; he hath made his wonderful works to be remembered.

Ant.    Cálicem salutáris * accípiam : et sacrificábo hóstiam laudis.

Ant.    I will receive the Cup of Salvation, * and offer the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.

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.    Cálicem salutáris accípiam : et sacrificábo hóstiam laudis.

Ant.    I will receive the Cup of Salvation, and offer the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.

Ant.    Sicut novéllæ olivárum, * Ecclésiæ fílii sint in circúitu mensæ Dómini.

Ant.    The children of the Church * shall be like the olive-branches, round about the Table of the Lord.

Psalmus 127.  Beati omnes

Beáti omnes, qui timent Dóminum, * qui ámbulant in viis ejus.
2  Labóres mánuum tuárum quia manducábis: * beátus es, et bene tibi erit.
3  Uxor tua sicut vitis abúndans: * in latéribus domus tuæ.
4  Fílii tui sicut novéllæ olivárum: * in circúitu mensæ tuæ.
5  Ecce sic benedicétur homo, * qui timet Dóminum.
6  Benedícat tibi Dóminus ex Sion: *  et vídeas bona Jerúsalem ómnibus diébus vitæ tuæ.
7  Et vídeas fílios filiórum tuórum: * pacem super Israël.

Blessed are all they that fear the Lord, * and walk in his ways.
2  For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands: * blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee.
3  Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine * upon the walls of thine house;
4  Thy children like the olive-branches * round about thy table.
5  Lo, thus shall the man be blessed * that feareth the Lord.
6  The Lord bless thee out of Sion, * that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all the days of thy life.
7  Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children, * and peace upon Israel.

Ant.    Sicut novéllæ olivárum, Ecclésiæ fílii sint in circúitu mensæ Dómini.

Ant.    The children of the Church shall be like the olive-branches, round about the Table of the Lord.

Ant.    Qui pacem * ponit fines Ecclésiæ, fruménti ádipe sátiat nos Dóminus.

Ant.    He that maketh peace * in the Church's borders is the Lord that filleth us with the flour of wheat.

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.    Qui pacem ponit fines Ecclésiæ, fruménti ádipe sátiat nos Dóminus.

Ant.    He that maketh peace in the Church's borders is the Lord that filleth us with the flour of wheat.

Capitulum           1 Cor. 11. 23-24.
Fratres : Ego enim accépi a Dómino quod et trádidi vobis, quóniam Dóminus Jesus, in qua nocte tradebátur, accépit panem, et grátias agens fregit, et dixit : Accípite et manducáte : hoc est corpus meum, quod pro vobis tradétur : hoc fácite in meam commemoratiónem.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        1 Cor. 11. 23-24.
Brethren : I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread : and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat : this is my Body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Pange, lingua, gloriósi
Córporis mystérium,
Sanguinísque pretiósi,
Quem in mundi prétium
Fructus ventris generósi
Rex effúdit Géntium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus
Ex intácta Vírgine,
Et in mundo conversátus,
Sparso verbi sémine,
Sui moras incolátus
Miro clausit órdine.

In suprémæ nocte cœnæ
Recúmbens cum frátribus,
Observáta lege plene
Cibis in legálibus,
Cibum turbæ duodénæ
Se dat suis mánibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum
Verbo carnem éfficit;
Fitque sanguis Christi merum:
Et si sensus déficit,
Ad firmándum cor sincérum
Sola fides súfficit.

Of the glorious Body telling,
O my tongue, its mysteries sing,
And the Blood, all price excelling,
Which the Gentiles' Lord and King,
In a noble womb once dwelling,
Shed for this world's ransoming.

Given for us, for us descending
Of a Virgin to proceed,
Man with man in converse blending,
Scattered he the Gospel seed,
Till his sojourn drew to ending,
Which he closed in wondrous deed.

At the last great Supper lying,
Circled by his brethren's band,
Meekly with the law complying,
First he finished its command,
Then, immortal Food supplying,
Gave himself with his own hand.

Word-made-Flesh, by word he maketh
Very bread his Flesh to be;
Man in wine Christ's Blood partaketh,
And if senses fail to see,
Faith alone the true heart waketh
To behold the mystery.

If the Office be recited in the presence of the exposed Sacrament, the following stanza is said kneeling.

Genitóri, Genitóque
Laus et jubilátio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedíctio:
Procedénti ab utróque
Compar sit laudátio.  Amen.

Glory, let us give, and blessing,
To the Father, and the Son;
Honour, might, and praise addressing,
While eternal ages run;
Ever too his Love confessing,
Who from Both, with Both, is One.  Amen.

V.  Panem de cælo præstitísti eis, allelúja.
R.  Omne delectaméntum in se habéntem, allelúja.

V.  Thou gavest them Bread from heaven, alleluia.
R.  Containing within itself all sweetness, alleluia.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  O quam suávis est, * Dómine, spíritus tuus, qui, ut dulcédinem tuam in fílios demonstráres, pane suavíssimo de cælo præstito, esuriéntes reples bonis, fastidiósos dívites dimíttens inánes.

Ant. on Magnif:  O how sweet * is thy spirit, O Lord, who, to shew thy loving-kindness to thy children, doest feed them with that sweetest Bread which came down from heaven; filling the hungry with good things, and sending the rich and disdainful empty away.

Oremus.
Deus, qui nobis sub Sacraménto mirábili passiónis tuæ memóriam reliquísti : tríbue, quæsumus, ita nos córporis, et sánguinis tui sacra mystéria venerári ; ut redemptiónis tuæ fructum in nobis júgiter sentiámus : Qui vivis et regnas.

Let us pray.
O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament hast ordained unto us a memorial of thy Passion : grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever know within ourselves the fruits of thy redemption.  Who livest and reignest with the Father.

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

Christum Regem adorémus dominántem Géntibus : * Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Let us worship Christ the King, Lord of all the nations of the earth : * Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

Christum Regem adorémus dominántem Géntibus : * Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Let us worship Christ the King, Lord of all the nations of the earth : * Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Christum Regem adorémus dominántem Géntibus : * Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Let us worship Christ the King, Lord of all the nations of the earth : * Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

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.

Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Christum Regem adorémus dominántem Géntibus : * Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Let us worship Christ the King, Lord of all the nations of the earth : * Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

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.

Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Christum Regem adorémus dominántem Géntibus : * Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Let us worship Christ the King, Lord of all the nations of the earth : * Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

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.

Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

Christum Regem adorémus dominántem Géntibus : * Qui se manducántibus dat spíritus pinguédinem.

Let us worship Christ the King, Lord of all the nations of the earth : * Who feedeth men's souls on himself, the living Bread from heaven.

Sacris solémniis juncta sint gáudia,
Et ex præcórdiis sonent præcónia ;
Recédant vétera, nova sint ómnia,
Corda, voces, et ópera.

At this our solemn Feast let holy joys abound ;
And from the inmost breast let songs of praise resound ;
Let ancient rites depart, and all be new around,
In every deed, in voice, in heart.

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

First Nocturn

Ant.    Fructum salutíferum * gustándum dedit Dóminus mortis suæ témpore.

Ant.    The Lord brought forth his fruit * in the season of his death, even that fruit wherefrom we are to eat unto salvation.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 1.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, et in via peccatórum non stetit, * et in cáthedra pestiléntiæ non sedit :
2  Sed in lege Dómini volúntas ejus, * et in lege ejus meditábitur die ac nocte.
3  Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:
4  Et fólium ejus non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.
5  Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem prójicit ventus a fácie terræ.
6  Ideo non resúrgent ímpii in judício: * neque peccatóres in concílio justórum.
7  Quóniam novit Dóminus viam justórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.
8  Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.
9  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * and hath not sat in the seat of pestilence.
2  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; * and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side, * that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4  His leaf also shall not wither; * and all whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
5  As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; * but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
6  Therefore the ungodly shall not rise again in judgment; * neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7  For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; * and the way of the ungodly shall perish.
8  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, *  and to the Holy Ghost:
9  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end.  Amen.

Ant.    Fructum salutíferum gustándum dedit Dóminus mortis suæ témpore.

Ant.    The Lord brought forth his fruit in the season of his death, even that fruit wherefrom we are to eat unto salvation.

Ant.    A fructu fruménti * et vini multiplicáti fidéles in pace Christi requiéscunt.

Ant.    Since the time of Christ, * their corn and wine increased unto the faithful, and they lay them down in peace and take their rest. 

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 4. Cum invocarem

Cum invocárem exaudívit me Deus justítiæ meæ: *  in tribulatióne dilatásti mihi.
2  Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.
3  Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? *  ut quid dilígitis vanitátem et quæritis mendácium?
4  Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.
5  Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: * quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, in cubílibus vestris compungímini.
6  Sacrificáte sacrifícium justítiæ, et speráte in Dómino, * multi dicunt quis osténdit nobis bona?
7  Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: *  dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.
8  A fructu fruménti, vini et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.
9  In pace in idípsum * dórmiam et requiéscam;
10  Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

He hath heard me when I call, the God of my righteousness: * thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble.
2  Have mercy upon me, * and hearken unto my prayer.
3  O ye sons of men, how long will ye be dull of heart? * and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after leasing?
4  Know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly; * when I call upon the Lord he will hear me.
5  Be ye angry, and sin not; * the things that ye say in your hearts, repent ye them upon your beds.
6  Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord, * there be many that say, who will shew us any good?
7  The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is sealed upon us, * thou hast put gladness in my heart.
8  By the fruit of their corn and wine and oil * have they been multiplied.
9  I will lay me down in peace, * and take my rest;
10  For it is thou, Lord, only, * that makest me dwell in safety.

Ant.    A fructu fruménti et vini multiplicáti fidéles in pace Christi requiéscunt.

Ant.    Since the time of Christ, their corn and wine increased unto the faithful, and they lay them down in peace and take their rest. 

Ant.    Communióne cálicis, * quo Deus ipse súmitur, non vitulórum sánguine, congregávit nos Dóminus.

Ant.    By partaking of the chalice, * in which God himself is received, and not by the blood of calves, hath the Lord brought us together.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 15.  Conserva me, Domine

Consérva me, Dómine, quóniam sperávi in te. * Dixi Dómino : Deus meus es tu, quóniam bonórum meórum non eges.
2  Sanctis, qui sunt in terra ejus, * mirificávit omnes voluntátes meas in eis.
3  Multiplicátæ sunt infirmitátes eórum : * póstea acceleravérunt.
4  Non congregábo conventícula eórum de sanguínibus, *  nec memor ero nóminum eórum per lábia mea.
5  Dóminus pars hereditátis meæ, et cálicis mei : * tu es, qui restítues hereditátem meam mihi.
6  Funes cecidérunt mihi in præcláris : * étenim heréditas mea præclára est mihi.
7  Benedícam Dóminum, qui tríbuit mihi intelléctum : * ínsuper et usque ad noctem increpuérunt me renes mei.
8  Providébam Dóminum in conspéctu meo semper : * quóniam a dextris est mihi, ne commóvear.
9  Propter hoc lætátum est cor meum, et exsultávit lingua mea : * ínsuper et caro mea requiéscet in spe.
10  Quóniam non derelínques ánimam meam in inférno : * nec dabis sanctum tuum vidére corruptiónem.
11  Notas mihi fecísti vias vitæ, adimplébis me lætítia cum vultu tuo : * delectatiónes in déxtera tua usque in finem.

Psalm 15.  Conserva me, Domine

Preserve me, O God, for in thee have I put my trust. *  I have said unto the Lord, thou art my God; for thou hast no need of my goods.
2  To the saints that are in his land, * he hath exalted in them all my desires.
3  Their infirmities were multiplied : * they made haste thereafter.
4  Their meetings for blood-offerings will I not gather together, * neither be mindful of their names within my lips.
5  The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; * it is thou that shalt restore mine inheritance.
6  The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground; * yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7  I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding; * my reins also have chastened me in the night season.
8  I have set the Lord alway before me; * for he is on my right hand, therefore shall I not fall.
9  Wherefore my heart is glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: * my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10  Because thou shalt not leave my soul in hell; * neither shalt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.
11  Thou hast shewn me the paths of life: thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance, * and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.

Ant.    Communióne cálicis, quo Deus ipse súmitur, non vitulórum sánguine, congregávit nos Dóminus.

Ant.    By partaking of the chalice, in which God himself is received, and not by the blood of calves, hath the Lord brought us together.

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 prima beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios

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

Conveniéntibus vobis in unum, jam non est Domínicam cœnam manducáre.  Unusquísque enim suam cœnam præsúmit ad manducándum.  Et álius quidem ésurit, álius autem ébrius est.  Numquid domos non habétis ad manducándum et bibéndum? aut Ecclésiam Dei contémnitis, et confúnditis eos, qui non habent?  Quid dicam vobis?  Laudo vos?  In hoc non laudo.

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.  For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.  What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

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

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

R.  Immolábit hædum multitúdo filiórum Israël ad vésperam Paschæ : * Et edent carnes et ázymos panes.
V.  Pascha nostrum immolátus est Christus : ítaque epulémur in ázymis sinceritátis et veritátis.
R.  Et edent carnes et ázymos panes.

R.  The whole assembly of the children of Israel shall kill the lamb toward the evening of the Passover : * And they shall eat the flesh and the unleavened bread.
V.  Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us, therefore let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
R.  And they shall eat the flesh and the unleavened bread.

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.

Ego enim accépi a Dómino quod et trádidi vobis, quóniam Dóminus Jesus, in qua nocte tradebátur, accépit panem, et grátias agens fregit, et dixit : Accípite et manducáte : hoc est corpus meum, quod pro vobis tradétur : hoc fácite in meam commemoratiónem.  Simíliter et cálicem, postquam cœnávit, dicens : Hic calix novum testaméntum est in meo sánguine : hoc fácite, quotiescúmque bibétis, in meam commemoratiónem.  Quotiescúmque enim manducábitis panem hunc, et cálicem bibétis, mortem Dómini annuntiábitis, donec véniat.

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

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

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

R.  Comedétis carnes, et saturabímini pánibus : * Iste est panis, quem dedit vobis Dóminus ad vescéndum.
V.  Non Móyses dedit vobis panem de cælo, sed Pater meus dat vobis panem de cælo verum.
R.  Iste est panis, quem dedit vobis Dóminus ad vescéndum.

R.  Ye shall eat flesh, and ye shall be filled with bread : * This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.
V.  Moses gave you not that bread from heaven, but my Father giveth you that true Bread from heaven.
R.  This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.

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.

Itaque quicúmque manducáverit panem hunc, vel bíberit cálicem Dómini indígne, reus erit córporis et sánguinis Dómini.  Probet autem seípsum homo : et sic de pane illo edat, et de cálice bibat.  Qui enim mandúcat et bibit indígne, judícium sibi mandúcat et bibit, non dijúdicans corpus Dómini.  Ideo inter vos multi infírmi et imbecílles, et dórmiunt multi.  Quod, si nosmetípsos dijudicarémus, non útique judicarémur.  Dum judicámur autem, a Dómino corrípimur, ut non cum hoc mundo damnémur.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

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

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

R.  Respéxit Elías ad caput suum subcinerícium panem : qui surgens comédit et bibit : * Et ambulávit in fortitúdine cibi illíus usque ad montem Dei.
V.  Si quis manducáverit ex hoc pane, vivet in ætérnum.
R.  Et ambulávit in fortitúdine cibi illíus usque ad montem Dei.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et ambulávit in fortitúdine cibi illíus usque ad montem Dei.

R.  Elijah looked, and behold, there was a cake baken on the coals at his head : and he arose, and did eat and drink : * And went in the strength of that meat even unto the Mount of God.
V.  If any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever.
R.  And went in the strength of that meat even unto the Mount of God.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And went in the strength of that meat even unto the Mount of God.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Memor sit Dóminus * sacrifícii nostri : et holocáustum nostrum pingue fiat.

Ant.    May the Lord remember * our offering : and accept our burnt-sacrifice.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 19.  Exaudiat te Dominus

Exáudiat te Dóminus in die tribulatiónis: * prótegat te nomen Dei Jacob.
2  Mittat tibi auxílium de sancto: * et de Sion tueátur te.
3  Memor sit omnis sacrifícii tui: * et holocáustum tuum pingue fiat.
4  Tríbuat tibi secúndum cor tuum: * et omne consílium tuum confírmet.
5  Lætábimur in salutári tuo: * et in nómine Dei nostri magnificábimur.
6  Impleat Dóminus omnes petitiónes tuas: * nunc cognóvi quóniam salvum fecit Dóminus Christum suum.
7  Exáudiet illum de cælo sancto suo: * in potentátibus salus déxteræ ejus.
8  Hi in cúrribus, et hi in equis: * nos autem in nómine Dómini, Dei nostri invocábimus.
9  Ipsi obligáti sunt, et cecidérunt: * nos autem surréximus et erécti sumus.
10  Dómine salvum fac regem: * et exáudi nos in die, qua invocavérimus te.

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; * the Name of the God of Jacob defend thee :
2  May he send thee help from the sanctuary, * and strengthen thee out of Sion :
3  May he remember all thy offerings, * and may thy whole burnt-sacrifice be made fat.
4  May he grant thee thy heart's desire, * and confirm all thy counsels.
5  We will rejoice in thy salvation, * and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God.
6  May the Lord fulfil all thy petitions : * now have I known that the Lord hath saved his Anointed.
7  He will hear him from his holy heaven, * with wholesome strength is the salvation of his right hand.
8  Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses: * but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God.
9  They are brought down, and fallen; * but we are risen, and stand upright.
10  O Lord, save the king, * and hear us in the day that we shall call upon thee.

Ant.    Memor sit Dóminus sacrifícii nostri : et holocáustum nostrum pingue fiat.

Ant.    May the Lord remember our offering : and accept our burnt-sacrifice.

Ant.    Parátur * nobis mensa Dómini advérsus omnes, qui tríbulant nos.

Ant.    The Lord prepareth * a table before us, in the presence of all them that trouble us.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 22.  Dominus regit me

Dóminus regit me, et nihil mihi déerit: *  in loco páscuæ ibi me collocávit.
2  Super aquam refectiónis educávit me: * ánimam meam convértit.
3  Dedúxit me super sémitas justítiæ: * propter nomen suum.
4  Nam, et si ambulávero in médio umbræ mortis, non timébo mala: * quóniam tu mecum es.
5  Virga tua, et báculus tuus: * ipsa me consoláta sunt.
6  Parásti in conspéctu meo mensam, * advérsus eos, qui tríbulant me.
7  Impinguásti in óleo caput meum: * et calix meus inébrians quam præclárus est!
8  Et misericórdia tua subsequétur me * ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ. 
9  Et ut inhábitem in domo Dómini, * in longitúdinem diérum.

Psalm 22.  Dominus regit me

The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall want nothing : * he hath set me in a green pasture.
2  He hath led me forth beside the waters of comfort : * he hath converted my soul.
3  He hath brought me forth in the paths of righteousness * for his Name's sake.
4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me.
5  Thy rod and thy staff, * they have comforted me.
6  Thou hast prepared a table before me * in the presence of them that trouble me.
7  Thou hast anointed my head with oil : * and my cup which inebriateth me, how goodly it is.
8  And thy mercy shall follow me * all the days of my life.
9  And I will dwell in the house of the Lord * unto length of days.

Ant.    Parátur nobis mensa Dómini advérsus omnes, qui tríbulant nos.

Ant.    The Lord prepareth a table before us, in the presence of all them that trouble us.

Ant.    In voce exsultatiónis * résonent epulántes in mensa Dómini.

Ant.    In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, * among such as keep holy-day, let us banquet at the table of the Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 41. Quemadmodum

Quemádmodum desíderat cervus ad fontes aquárum: * ita desíderat ánima mea ad te, Deus.
2  Sitívit ánima mea ad Deum fortem vivum: * quando véniam, et apparébo ante fáciem Dei?
3  Fuérunt mihi lácrimæ meæ panes die ac nocte: * dum dícitur mihi quotídie: Ubi est Deus tuus?
4  Hæc recordátus sum, et effúdi in me ánimam meam: * quóniam transíbo in locum tabernáculi admirábilis, usque ad domum Dei.
5  In voce exsultatiónis, et confessiónis: * sonus epulántis.
6  Quare tristis es, ánima mea? * et quare contúrbas me?
7  Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi: * salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.
8  Ad meípsum ánima mea conturbáta est : * proptérea memor ero tui de terra Jordánis, et Hermóniim a monte módico.
9  Abyssus abyssum ínvocat, * in voce cataractárum tuárum.
10  Omnia excélsa tua, et fluctus tui * super me transiérunt.
11  In die mandávit Dóminus misericórdiam suam : * et nocte cánticum ejus.
12  Apud me orátio Deo vitæ meæ, * dicam Deo : Suscéptor meus es.
13  Quare oblítus es mei? * et quare contristátus incédo, dum afflígit me inimícus?
14  Dum confringúntur ossa mea, * exprobravérunt mihi qui tríbulant me inimíci mei.
15  Dum dicunt mihi per síngulos dies : Ubi est Deus tuus? * quare tristis es, ánima mea? et quare contúrbas me?
16  Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi : * salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.

Psalm 41. Quemadmodum

Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, * so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
2  My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the strong, living God: * when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3  My tears have been my meat day and night, * while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
4  These things I remembered, and poured out my soul within me; * for I shall go over into the place of the wondrous tabernacle, even unto the house of God.
5  In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, * the sound of one keeping holy-day.
6  Why art thou sad, O my soul? * and why dost thou trouble me?
7  O put thy trust in God, for I will yet praise him, * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
8  My soul is vexed within me; * therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, from Hermon and the little hill.
9  The deep calleth on the deep, * at the noise of thy water-floods.
10  All thy waves and storms * are gone over me.
11  The Lord hath commanded his mercy in the daytime; * and a canticle to him in the night season.
12  The prayer to the God of my life is with me, * I will say unto God : Thou dost uphold me.
13  Why hast thou forgotten me? * and why go I mourning, whilst the enemy oppresseth me?
14  Whilst my bones are smitten asunder, * mine enemies that trouble me have reproached me.
15  While they say daily unto me: Where is now thy God? * why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me?
16  O put thy trust in God, for I will yet praise him, * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.

Ant.    In voce exsultatiónis résonent epulántes in mensa Dómini.

Ant.    In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, among such as keep holy-day, let us banquet at the table of the Lord.

STAND

V.  He fed them with the finest wheat-flour, alleluia.
R.  And with honey from the Rock did he satisfy them, alleluia.

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.

Imménsa divínæ largitátis benefícia, exhíbita pópulo christiáno, inæstimábilem ei cónferunt dignitátem.  Neque enim est, aut fuit aliquándo tam grandis nátio, quæ hábeat deos appropinquántes sibi, sicut adest nobis Deus noster.  Unigénitus síquidem Dei Fílius, suæ divinitátis volens nos esse partícipes, natúram nostram assúmpsit, ut hómines deos fáceret factus homo.  Et hoc ínsuper, quod de nostro assúmpsit, totum nobis cóntulit ad salútem.  Corpus namque suum pro nostra reconcilatióne in ara crucis hóstiam óbtulit Deo Patri, sánguinem suum fudit in prétium simul et lavácrum ; ut redémpti a miserábili servitúte, a peccátis ómnibus mundarémur.  Ut autem tanti benefícii jugis in nobis manéret memória, corpus suum in cibum, et sánguinem suum in potum, sub spécie panis et vini suméndum fidélibus derelíquit.

Among the immeasurable benefits, which the goodness of God hath bestowed on the Christian people, is a dignity beyond all price.  For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is unto us?  The only-begotten Son of God was pleased to make us partakers of his divine nature ; that is, he took our nature upon him, being himself made man that he might, as it were, make men into gods.  And this body, which he took from us, he gave wholly unto our salvation.  For, on the Altar of the Cross, he offered up his body to God the Father, as a sacrifice for our reconciliation, and thereon he shed his own blood for our redemption ; that is, his blood is the price whereby he redeemeth us from wretchedness and bondage, and the washing whereby he cleanseth us from all sin.  And for a noble and abiding Memórial of this his so great work of goodness, he hath left unto his faithful ones the same his very Body for Meat, and the same his very Blood for Drink, with which we are fed under the forms of Bread and Wine.

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

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

R.  Cœnántibus illis, accépit Jesus panem, et benedíxit, ac fregit, dedítque discípulis suis, et ait : * Accípite et comédite : hoc est corpus meum.
V.  Dixérunt viri tabernáculi mei : Quis det de cárnibus ejus, ut saturémur?
R.  Accípite et comédite : hoc est corpus meum.

R.  As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blest it, and brake it and gave it to his disciples, and said : *  Take, eat, this is my Body.
V.  The men of my tabernacle said : O that we had of his flesh, that we may be satisfied.
R.  Take, eat, this is my Body.

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.

O pretiósum et admirándum convívium, salutíferum et omni suavitáte replétum !  Quid enim hoc convívio pretiósius esse potest? in quo non carnes vitulórum et hircórum, ut olim in lege, sed nobis Christus suméndus propónitur verus Deus.  Quid hoc Sacraménto mirabílius?  In ipso namque panis et vinum in Christi corpus et sánguinem substantiáliter convertúntur ; ideóque Christus, Deus et homo perféctus, sub módici panis et vini spécie continétur.  Manducátur ítaque a fidélibus, sed mínime lacerátur ; quinímmo, divíso Sacraménto, sub quálibet divisiónis partícula ínteger persevérat.  Accidéntia autem sine subjécto in eódem subsístunt, ut fides locum hábeat, dum visíbile invisibíliter súmitur aliéna spécie occultátum ; et sensus a deceptióne reddántur immúnes, qui de accidéntibus júdicant sibi notis.

O how precious a thing then, how marvellous, how health-giving, yielding royal dainties, is the Supper of the Lord.  Than this Supper can anything be more precious?  Therein there is put before us for meat, not as of old time, the flesh of bulls and of goats, but Christ himself, our very God.  Than this Sacrament can anything be more marvellous?  Therein it is that Bread and Wine become unto us the very Body and and Blood of Christ ; that is to say, perfect God and perfect Man, Christ himself, is there under the veils of a little bread and wine.  His faithful ones eat him, but he is not mangled ; nay, when the veil which shroudeth him in the Sacrament is broken, in each broken fragment thereof remaineth the whole Christ himself, perfect God and perfect Man.  All that the senses can reach in this Sacrament, all these abide of bread and wine, but the Thing is not bread and wine.  And thus room is left for faith.  For Christ, who hath a Form that can be seen, is herein taken and received not only unseen, but seeming to be bread and wine, and the senses, which judge by the wonted look, are warranted against error.

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

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

R.  Accépit Jesus cálicem, postquam cœnávit, dicens : Hic calix novum testaméntum est in meo sánguine : * Hoc fácite in meam commemoratiónem.
V.  Memória memor ero, et tabéscet in me ánima mea.
R.  Hoc fácite in meam commemoratiónem.

R.  Jesus took the cup, after supper, saying : This cup is the new testament in my blood : * Do this in remembrance of me.
V.  My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled within me.
R.  Do this in remembrance of me.

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.

Nullum étiam sacraméntum est isto salúbrius, quo purgántur peccáta, virtútes augéntur, et mens ómnium spirituálium charísmatum abundántia impinguátur.  Offértur in Ecclésia pro vivis et mórtuis, ut ómnibus prosit, quod est pro salúte ómnium institútum.  Suavitátem dénique hujus Sacraménti nullus exprímere súfficit, per quod spirituális dulcédo in suo fonte gustátur ; et recólitur memória illíus, quam in sua passióne Christus monstrávit, excellentíssimæ caritátis.  Unde, ut árctius hujus caritátis imménsitas fidélium córdibus infigerétur, in última cœna, quando Pascha cum discípulis celebráto, transitúrus erat de hoc mundo ad Patrem, hoc Sacraméntum instítuit, tamquam passiónis suæ memoriále perénne, figurárum véterum impletívum, miraculórum ab ipso factórum máximum ; et de sua contristátis abséntia solátium singuláre relíquit.

Than this Sacrament can anything be more health-giving?  Thereby are sins purged away, strength is renewed, and the soul fed upon the fatness of spiritual gifts.  This Supper is offered up in the Church, both for the quick and the dead ; it was ordained to the health of all, all get the good of it.  Than this Sacrament can anything yield more of royal dainties?  The glorious sweetness thereof is of a truth such that no man can fully tell it.  Therein ghostly comfort is sucked from its very well-head.  Therein a Memorial is made of that exceeding great love which Christ shewed in time of his sufferings.  It was in order that the boundless goodness of that his great love might be driven home into the hearts of his faithful ones, that when he had celebrated the Passover with his disciples, and the Last Supper was ended, then, knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end, and instituted this Sacrament.  For this Sacrament is the everlasting forth-shewing of his death until he come again ; this Sacrament is the embodied fulfilment of all the ancient types and figures ; this Sacrament is is the greatest wonder which ever he wrought, and the one mighty joy of them that now have sorrow, till he shall come again ; and thereby their heart shall rejoice, and their joy no man take from them.

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

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

R.  Ego sum panis vitæ ; patres vestri manducavérunt manna in desérto, et mórtui sunt : * Hic est panis de cælo descéndens, ut, si quis ex ipso mandúcet, non moriátur.
V.  Ego sum panis vivus, qui de cælo descéndi : si quis manducáverit ex hoc pane, vivet in ætérnum.
R.  Hic est panis de cælo descéndens, ut, si quis ex ipso mandúcet, non moriátur.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Hic est panis de cælo descéndens, ut, si quis ex ipso mandúcet, non moriátur.

R.  I am the Bread of life ; your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead : * This is the Bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die.
V.  I am the living Bread which came down from heaven, whereof, if any man eat, he shall live for ever.
R.  This is the Bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  This is the Bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Introíbo * ad altáre Dei : sumam Christum, qui rénovat juventútem meam.

Ant.    I will go * unto the altar of God : where I shall receive Christ, which same is the renewer of my youth.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 42.  Judica me, Deus

Júdica me, Deus, et discérne causam meam de gente non sancta, * ab hómine iníquo, et dolóso érue me.
2  Quia tu es, Deus, fortitúdo mea: * quare me repulísti? et quare tristis incédo, dum afflígit me inimícus?
3  Emítte lucem tuam et veritátem tuam: * ipsa me deduxérunt, et adduxérunt in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernácula tua.
4  Et introíbo ad altáre Dei: * ad Deum, qui lætíficat juventútem meam.
5  Confitébor tibi in cíthara, Deus, Deus meus: * quare tristis es, ánima mea? et quare contúrbas me?
6  Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi: * salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.

Psalm 42.  Judica me, Deus

Judge me, O God, and defend my cause from the ungodly people; * O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
2  For thou art the God of my strength; * why hast thou put me from thee? and why go I mourning, whilst the enemy oppresseth me?
3  O send out thy light and thy truth, * they have led me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy dwelling.
4  I will go unto the altar of God, * even to God that giveth joy to my youth.
5  And upon the harp will I give thanks unto thee, O God, my God : * why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me?
6  O put thy trust in God, for I will yet praise him, * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.

Ant.    Introíbo ad altáre Dei : sumam Christum, qui rénovat juventútem meam.

Ant.    I will go unto the altar of God : where I shall receive Christ, which same is the renewer of my youth.

Ant.    Cibávit nos Dóminus * ex ádipe fruménti : et de petra, melle saturávit nos.

Ant.    The Lord doth feed us * with the finest wheat-flour, and with honey from the Rock doth he satisfy us.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 80.  Exsultate Deo

Exsultáte Deo, adjutóri nostro: * jubiláte Deo Jacob.
2  Súmite psalmum, et date tympanum: * psaltérium jucúndum cum cíthara.
3  Buccináte in Neoménia tuba, * in insígni die solemnitátis vestræ.
4  Quia præcéptum in Israël est: * et judícium Dei Jacob.
5  Testimónium in Joseph pósuit illud, cum exíret de terra Ægypti: * linguam, quam non nóverat, audívit.
6  Divértit ab onéribus dorsum ejus: * manus ejus in cóphino serviérunt.
7  In tribulatióne invocásti me, et liberávi te: * exaudívi te in abscóndito tempestátis: probávi te apud aquam contradictiónis.
8  Audi, pópulus meus, et contestábor te: * Israël, si audíeris me, non erit in te deus recens, neque adorábis deum aliénum.
9  Ego enim sum Dóminus Deus tuus, qui edúxi te de terra Ægypti: * diláta os tuum, et implébo illud.
10  Et non audívit pópulus meus vocem meam: * et Israël non inténdit mihi.
11  Et dimísi eos secúndum desidéria cordis eórum: * ibunt in adinventiónibus suis.
12  Si pópulus meus audísset me: * Israël si in viis meis ambulásset:
13  Pro níhilo fórsitan inimícos eórum humiliássem: * et super tribulántes eos misíssem manum meam.
14  Inimíci Dómini mentíti sunt ei: * et erit tempus eórum in sæcula.
15  Et cibávit eos ex ádipe fruménti: * et de petra, melle saturávit eos.

Psalm 80.  Exsultate Deo

Rejoice unto God our helper; * sing aloud unto the God of Jacob.
2  Take the psalm, bring hither the tabret, * the merry psaltery with the harp.
3  Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, * even in your appointed solemn feast-day.
4  For it has been made a statute in Israel, * and a judgment of the God of Jacob.
5  This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he came out of the land of Egypt, * he heard a tongue which he knew not.
6  He removed his back from the burden, * and his hands were a slave unto the baskets.
7  Thou calledst upon me in affliction, and I delivered thee; * I heard thee in the secret place of tempest: I proved thee at the waters of strife.
8  Hear, O my people; and I will testify unto thee, * O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me, there shall no new god be in thee, neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
9  I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt: * open thy mouth wide, and I shall fill it.
10  But my people would not hear my voice; * and Israel hearkened not unto me.
11  So I gave them up unto the desires of their hearts:  * they shall walk in their own imaginations.
12  If my people had hearkened unto me : * if Israel had walked in my ways :
13  I should soon have put down their enemies, * and turned my hand against their adversaries.
14  The enemies of the Lord have lied unto him; * and their time shall be for ever.
15  And he fed them with the fat of wheat; * and filled them with honey out of the rock.

Ant.    Cibávit nos Dóminus ex ádipe fruménti : et de petra, melle saturávit nos.

Ant.    The Lord doth feed us with the finest wheat-flour, and with honey from the Rock doth he satisfy us.

Ant.    Ex altári tuo, * Dómine, Christum súmimus : in quem cor et caro nostra exsúltant.

Ant.    It is at thine altar, * O Lord, that we receive the living Christ, in whom our heart and our flesh rejoice.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 83. Quam dilecta !

Quam dilécta tabernácula tua, Dómine virtútum: * concupíscit, et déficit ánima mea in átria Dómini.
2  Cor meum, et caro mea: * exsultavérunt in Deum vivum.
3  Etenim passer invénit sibi domum: * et turtur nidum sibi, ubi ponat pullos suos.
4  Altária tua, Dómine virtútum: * Rex meus, et Deus meus.
5  Beáti, qui hábitant in domo tua, Dómine: * in sæcula sæculórum laudábunt te.
6  Beátus vir, cujus est auxílium abs te: * ascensiónes in corde suo dispósuit, in valle lacrimárum in loco, quem pósuit.
7  Etenim benedictiónem dabit legislátor, ibunt de virtúte in virtútem: * vidébitur Deus deórum in Sion.
8  Dómine, Deus virtútum, exáudi oratiónem meam: * áuribus pércipe, Deus Jacob.
9  Protéctor noster, áspice, Deus: * et respice in fáciem Christi tui.
10  Quia mélior est dies una in átriis tuis: * super míllia.
11  Elégi abjéctus esse in domo Dei mei: * magis quam habitáre in tabernáculis peccatórum.
12  Quia misericórdiam et veritátem díligit Deus: * grátiam et glóriam dabit Dóminus.
13  Non privábit bonis eos, qui ámbulant in innocéntia: * Dómine virtútum, beátus homo, qui sperat in te.

How lovely is thy dwelling place O Lord of hosts : * my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.
2  My heart and my flesh * have rejoiced in the living God.
3  Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, * and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young.
4  Even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, * my King and my God.
5  Blessed are they, O Lord, that dwell in thy house; * they shall praise thee for ever and ever.
6  Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; * he hath appointed in his heart to advance upwards, in the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set.
7  For the lawgiver shall give a blessing, they shall go from strength to strength, * and the God of gods shall be beholden in Sion.
8  O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; * hearken, O God of Jacob.
9  Behold, O God our defender, * and look upon the face of thy Christ.
10  For one day in thy courts is better * than a thousand.
11  I had rather be cast down in the house of my God, * rather than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
12  For God loveth mercy and truth; * the Lord will give grace and worship.
13  And no good thing shall he withhold from them that walk in innocency: * O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that putteth his trust in thee.

Ant.    Ex altári tuo, Dómine, Christum súmimus : in quem cor et caro nostra exsúltant.

Ant.    It is at thine altar, O Lord, that we receive the living Christ, in whom our heart and our flesh rejoice.

STAND