Saturday Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Ferial Office

Proper Office

Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath

Common Office as in Table below

Ferial Invitatory and Hymn

The following Invitatory and Hymn are said in the ferial Office as given below for Saturday, if the Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath is not to be said; as well as in the Office of anticipated Sundays after Epiphany and Pentecost.

Pópulus Dómini, et oves páscuæ ejus: * Veníte, adorémus.

O come, all ye people of the Lord, ye sheep of his pasture, * O come, let us worship.

Pópulus Dómini, et oves páscuæ ejus: * Veníte, adorémus.

O come, all ye people of the Lord, ye sheep of his pasture, * 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 strength of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Pópulus Dómini, et oves páscuæ ejus: * Veníte, adorémus.

O come, all ye people of the Lord, ye sheep of his pasture, * 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.

Pópulus Dómini, et oves páscuæ ejus: * Veníte, adorémus.

O come, all ye people of the Lord, ye sheep of his pasture, * 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.

Pópulus Dómini, et oves páscuæ ejus: * Veníte, adorémus.

O come, all ye people of the Lord, ye sheep of his pasture, * 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.

Pópulus Dómini, et oves páscuæ ejus: * Veníte, adorémus.

O come, all ye people of the Lord, ye sheep of his pasture, * O come, let us worship.

Summæ Parens cleméntiæ,
Mundi regis qui máchinam,
Uníus et substántiæ,
Trinúsque persónis Deus :

Nostros pius cum cánticis
Fletus benígne súscipe :
Ut corde puro sórdium
Te perfruámur lárgius.

Lumbos jecúrque mórbidum
Flammis adúre cóngruis,
Accíncti ut artus éxcubent,
Luxu remóto péssimo.

Quicúmque ut horas nóctium
Nunc concinéndo rúmpimus,
Ditémur omnes áffatim
Donis beátæ pátriæ.

*  Præsta, Pater piíssime,
Patríque compar Unice,
Cum Spíritu Paráclito
Regnans per omne sæculum.  Amen.

O God of mercy passing thought,
Who hast the world contrived and wrought:
In might, essential Unity;
In Persons, blessed Trinity:

Do thou in love accept our lays
Of mingled penitence and praise;
And set our hearts from error free,
More fully to rejoice in thee.

Our reins and hearts in pity heal,
And with thy chastening fire anneal;
Gird thou our loins, each passion quell,
And every harmful lust expel.

May we each wakeful hour of night
With prayer and praise put time to flight;
And thou, with thine abundant hand,
Give grace from our blest fatherland.

O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son,
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Shall live and reign eternally.  Amen.

First Nocturn

COMMENTARY

Ant.    Memor fuit in sæculum * testaménti sui Dóminus Deus noster.

Ant.    The Lord our God * hath been alway mindful of his covenant.

Psalmus 104. i.  Confitemini Domino

Confitémini Dómino, et invocáte nomen ejus: * annuntiáte inter Gentes ópera ejus.
2  Cantáte ei, et psállite ei: * narráte ómnia mirabília ejus.
3  Laudámini in nómine sancto ejus: * lætétur cor quæréntium Dóminum.
4  Quærite Dóminum, et confírmámini: * quærite fáciem ejus semper.
5  Mementóte mirabílium ejus, quæ fecit: * prodígia ejus, et judícia oris ejus.
6  Semen Abraham, servi ejus: * fílii Jacob, elécti ejus.
7  Ipse Dóminus Deus noster: * in univérsa terra judícia ejus.
8  Memor fuit in sæculum testaménti sui: * verbi, quod mandávit in mille generatiónes:
9  Quod dispósuit ad Abraham: * et juraménti sui ad Isaac:
10  Et státuit illud Jacob in præcéptum: * et Israël in testaméntum ætérnum:
11  Dicens: Tibi dabo terram Chánaan, * funículum hereditátis vestræ.
12  Cum essent número brevi, * paucíssimi et íncolæ ejus:
13  Et pertransiérunt de gente in gentem, * et de regno ad pópulum álterum.
14  Non relíquit hóminem nocére eis: * et corrípuit pro eis reges.
15  Nolíte tángere christos meos: * et in prophétis meis nolíte malignári.

O give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his Name; * declare his deeds among the heathen.
2  Sing unto him, yea, sing him praises, * declare ye all his wondrous works.
3  Rejoice in his holy Name; * let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4  Seek the Lord and be strengthened; * seek his face evermore.
5  Remember the marvellous works that he hath done; * his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.
6  O ye seed of Abraham his servant; * ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7  He is the Lord our God; * his judgments are in all the world.
8  He hath been alway mindful of his covenant : * the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
9  Even the covenant that he made with Abraham; * and the oath that he sware unto Isaac;
10  And he appointed the same unto Jacob for a law, * and to Israel for an everlasting testament;
11  Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, * the lot of your inheritance:
12  When there were yet but a few of them, * yea, very few, and they strangers in the land;
13  And they went from one nation to another, * from one kingdom to another people;
14  He suffered no man to do them wrong, * and reproved even kings for their sakes:
15  Touch ye not mine anointed, * and do my prophets no harm.

Ant.    Memor fuit in sæculum testaménti sui Dóminus Deus noster.

Ant.    The Lord our God hath been alway mindful of his covenant.

Ant.    Auxit Dóminus * pópulum suum: et firmávit eum super inimícos ejus.

Ant.    And the Lord increased his people, *  and strengthened them over their enemies.

Psalmus 104. ii.  Et vocavit

16  Et vocávit famem super terram: * et omne firmaméntum panis contrívit.
17  Misit ante eos virum: * in servum venúmdatus est Joseph.
18  Humiliavérunt in compédibus pedes ejus,  ferrum pertránsiit ánimam ejus * donec veníret verbum ejus.
19  Elóquium Dómini inflammávit eum: * misit rex, et solvit eum; princeps populórum, et dimísit eum.
20  Constítuit eum dóminum domus suæ: * et príncipem omnis possessiónis suæ:
21  Ut erudíret príncipes ejus sicut semetípsum: * et senes ejus prudéntiam docéret.
22  Et intrávit Israël in Ægyptum: * et Jacob áccola fuit in terra Cham.
23  Et auxit pópulum suum veheménter: * et firmávit eum super inimícos ejus.
24  Convértit cor eórum ut odírent pópulum ejus: * et dolum fácerent in servos ejus.
25  Misit Móysen, servum suum: * Aaron, quem elégit ipsum.
26  Pósuit in eis verba signórum suórum: * et prodigiórum in terra Cham.

Psalm 104. ii.  Et vocavit

16  And he called for a dearth upon the land, * and destroyed all the provision of bread.
17  He sent a man before them, * even Joseph, who was sold to be a slave.
18  They humbled his feet in fetters, the iron entered into his soul; * until the coming of his word.
19  The word of the Lord inflamed him : * the king sent, and delivered him; the prince of the people, and he set him at liberty.
20  He made him master of his house, * and ruler of all his possession.
21  That he might instruct his princes as himself, * and teach his ancients wisdom.
22  And Israel came into Egypt, * and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham.
23  And he increased his people exceedingly, * and strengthened them over their enemies.
24  He turned their heart to hate his people, * and to deal untruly with his servants.
25  Then sent he Moses his servant, * and Aaron whom he had chosen.
26  He gave them power to shew his signs among them, * and his wonders in the land of Ham.

Ant.    Auxit Dóminus pópulum suum: et firmávit eum super inimícos ejus.

Ant.    And the Lord increased his people, and strengthened them over their enemies.

Ant.    Edúxit Deus * pópulum suum in exsultatióne, et eléctos suos in lætítia.

Ant.    And God brought forth * his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness.

Psalmus 104. iii.  Misit tenebras

27  Misit ténebras, et obscurávit: * et non exacerbávit sermónes suos.
28  Convértit aquas eórum in sánguinem: * et occídit pisces eórum.
29  Edidit terra eórum ranas: * in penetrálibus regum ipsórum.
30  Dixit, et venit cœnomyía: * et cínifes in ómnibus fínibus eórum.
31  Pósuit plúvias eórum grándinem: * ignem comburéntem in terra ipsórum.
32  Et percússit víneas eórum, et ficúlneas eórum: * et contrívit lignum fínium eórum.
33  Dixit, et venit locústa, et bruchus, * cujus non erat númerus:
34  Et comédit omne fœnum in terra eórum: * et comédit omnem fructum terræ eórum.
35  Et percússit omne primogénitum in terra eórum: * primítias omnis labóris eórum.
36  Et edúxit eos cum argénto et auro: * et non erat in tríbubus eórum infírmus.
37  Lætáta est Ægyptus in profectióne eórum: * quia incúbuit timor eórum super eos.
38  Expándit nubem in protectiónem eórum: * et ignem ut lucéret eis per noctem.
39  Petiérunt, et venit cotúrnix: * et panem cæli saturávit eos.
40  Dirúpit petram et fluxérunt aquæ: * abiérunt in sicco flúmina;
41  Quóniam memor fuit verbi sancti sui: * quod hábuit ad Abraham, púerum suum.
42  Et edúxit pópulum suum in exsultatióne, * et eléctos suos in lætítia.
43  Et dedit illis regiónes Géntium: * et labóres populórum possedérunt:
44  Ut custódiant justificatiónes ejus, * et legem ejus requírant.

Psalm 104. iii.  Misit tenebras

27  He sent darkness, and it was dark; * and grieved not his word.
28  He turned their waters into blood, * and slew their fish.
29  Their land brought forth frogs; * yea, even in the inner chambers of their kings.
30  He spake the word, and there came all manner of flies, * and sciniphs in all their coasts.
31  He gave them hailstones for rain; * and flames of fire in their land.
32  And he smote their vineyards and their fig-trees; * and he destroyed the trees that were in their coasts.
33  He spake the word, and the locust came, * and caterpillars innumerable.
34  And they did eat up all the grass in their land : * and devoured all the fruit of their ground.
35  And he smote all the first-born in their land; * even the firstfruits of all their labour.
36  And he brought them out with silver and gold; * and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
37  Egypt was glad at their departing; * for the fear of them lay upon them.
38  He spread out a cloud for their protection, * and fire to give them light in the night season.
39  They asked, and the quail came forth; * and he filled them with the bread of heaven.
40  He opened the rock of stone, and the waters flowed out, * rivers ran in the dry places.
41  For he remembered his holy word; * which he had spoken to his servant Abraham.
42  And he brought forth his people with joy, * and his chosen with gladness;
43  And gave them the lands of the heathen; * and they took the labours of the people in possession;
44  That they might keep his statutes, * and seek after his law.

Ant.    Edúxit Deus pópulum suum in exsultatióne, et eléctos suos in lætítia.

Ant.    And God brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness.

In Offices of three Lessons, the next Antiphon is intoned as given below.

In Offices of nine Lessons, the First Nocturn continues as follows:

STAND

The Lessons for the First Nocturn are taken either from the Proper, or from the Common, as given in their proper place, or from the occurrent Scripture.

Proper Lessons

Common Lessons

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.

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.

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.

Second Nocturn

COMMENTARY

Ant.    Salvávit eos Dóminus * propter nomen suum.

Ant.    The Lord saved them * for his Name's sake.

Psalmus 105. i.  Confitemini Domino

Confitémini Dómino, quóniam bonus: * quóniam in sæculum misericórdia ejus.
2  Quis loquétur poténtias Dómini, * audítas fáciet omnes laudes ejus?
3  Beáti, qui custódiunt judícium, * et fáciunt justítiam in omni témpore.
4  Meménto nostri, Dómine, in beneplácito pópuli tui: * vísita nos in salutári tuo:
5  Ad vidéndum in bonitáte electórum tuórum, ad lætándum in lætítia gentis tuæ: * ut laudéris cum hereditáte tua.
6  Peccávimus cum pátribus nostris: * injúste égimus, iniquitátem fécimus.
7  Patres nostri in Ægypto non intellexérunt mirabília tua: * non fuérunt mémores multitúdinis misericórdiæ tuæ.
8  Et irritavérunt ascendéntes in mare, * Mare Rubrum.
9  Et salvávit eos propter nomen suum: * ut notam fáceret poténtiam suam.
10  Et incrépuit Mare Rubrum, et exsiccátum est, * et dedúxit eos in abyssis sicut in desérto.
11  Et salvávit eos de manu odiéntium: * et redémit eos de manu inimíci.
12  Et opéruit aqua tribulántes eos: * unus ex eis non remánsit.
13  Et credidérunt verbis ejus: * et laudavérunt laudem ejus.
14  Cito fecérunt, oblíti sunt óperum ejus: * et non sustinuérunt consílium ejus.
15  Et concupiérunt concupiscéntiam in desérto: * et tentavérunt Deum in inaquóso.
16  Et dedit eis petitiónem ipsórum: * et misit saturitátem in ánimas eórum.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is gracious, * for his mercy endureth for ever.
2  Who shall declare the powers of the Lord, * or shew forth all his praise?
3  Blessed are they that keep judgment, * and do justice at all times.
4  Remember us, O Lord, according to the favour that thou bearest unto thy people; * O visit us with thy salvation;
5  That we may see the good of thy chosen, and rejoice in the gladness of thy people, * that thou mayest be praised with thine inheritance.
6  We have sinned with our fathers; * we have acted unjustly, we have wrought iniquity.
7  Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt, * neither kept they the multitude of thy mercies in remembrance.
8  And they provoked to wrath going up to the sea, * even to the Red Sea.
9  And he saved them for his Name's sake, * that he might make his power to be known.
10  He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; * and he led them through the deep, as through a wilderness.
11  And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them, * and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
12  And the waters overwhelmed them that afflicted them : *  there was not one of them left.
13  Then believed they his words, * and sang praise unto him.
14  But within a while they forgat his works, * and would not abide his counsel.
15  And they coveted their desire in the wilderness, * and they tempted God in the desert.
16  And he gave them their desire, * and sent fulness withal into their soul.

Ant.    Salvávit eos Dóminus propter nomen suum.

Ant.    The Lord saved them for his Name's sake.

Ant.    Oblíti sunt Deum, * qui salvávit eos.

Ant.    And they forgat God * their Saviour.

Psalmus 105. ii.  Et irritaverunt Moysen

17  Et irritavérunt Móysen in castris: * Aaron, sanctum Dómini.
18  Apérta est terra, et deglutívit Dathan: * et opéruit super congregatiónem Abíron.
19  Et exársit ignis in synagóga eórum: * flamma combússit peccatóres.
20  Et fecérunt vítulum in Horeb: * et adoravérunt scúlptile.
21  Et mutavérunt glóriam suam * in similitúdine vítuli comedéntis fœnum.
22  Oblíti sunt Deum, qui salvávit eos, * qui fecit magnália in Ægypto, mirabília in terra Cham: terribília in Mari Rubro.
23  Et dixit ut dispérderet eos: * si non Móyses, eléctus ejus, stetísset in confractióne in conspéctu ejus:
24  Ut avérteret iram ejus ne dispérderet eos: * et pro níhilo habuérunt terram desiderábilem:
25  Non credidérunt verbo ejus, et murmuravérunt in tabernáculis suis: * non exaudiérunt vocem Dómini.
26  Et elevávit manum suam super eos: * ut prostérneret eos in desérto:
27  Et ut dejíceret semen eórum in natiónibus: * et dispérgeret eos in regiónibus.
28  Et initiáti sunt Beélphegor: * et comedérunt sacrifícia mortuórum.
29  Et irritavérunt eum in adinventiónibus suis: * et multiplicáta est in eis ruína.
30  Et stetit Phínees, et placávit: * et cessávit quassátio.
31  Et reputátum est ei in justítiam: * in generatiónem et generatiónem usque in sempitérnum.

Psalm 105. ii.  Et irritaverunt Moysen

17  They angered Moses also in the camp, * and Aaron the saint of the Lord.
18  The earth opened, and swallowed up Dathan, * and covered the congregation of Abiram.
19  And a fire was kindled in their company; * the flame burnt up the ungodly.
20  They made a calf in Horeb, * and worshipped the graven image.
21  Thus they turned their glory * into the similitude of a calf that eateth grass.
22  And they forgat God their Saviour, * who had done so great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and fearful things by the Red Sea.
23  And he said that he would destroy them, * had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach:
24  To turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them * and they set at nought the pleasant land.
25  They gave no credence unto his word, and murmured in their tents : * they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.
26  Then lift he up his hand against them, * to overthrow them in the wilderness;
27  And to cast out their seed among the nations, * and to scatter them in the lands.
28  They joined themselves unto Beelphegor, * and ate the offerings of the dead.
29  And they provoked him to anger with their own inventions; * and destruction was great among them.
30  Then stood up Phinees, and prayed; * and so the slaughter ceased.
31  And that was counted unto him for righteousness, * among all posterities for evermore.

Ant.    Oblíti sunt Deum, qui salvávit eos.

Ant.    And they forgat God their Saviour.

Ant.    Cum tribularéntur, * vidit Dóminus: et audívit oratiónem eórum.

Ant.    The Lord saw, * when they were in adversity, and he heard their prayer.

Psalmus 105. iii.  Et irritaverunt eum

32  Et irritavérunt eum ad Aquas contradictiónis: * et vexátus est Móyses propter eos: quia exacerbavérunt spíritum ejus.
33  Et distínxit in lábiis suis: * non disperdidérunt Gentes, quas dixit Dóminus illis.
34  Et commísti sunt inter Gentes, et didicérunt ópera eórum: et serviérunt sculptílibus eórum: * et factum est illis in scándalum.
35  Et immolavérunt fílios suos, * et filias suas dæmóniis.
36  Et effudérunt sánguinem innocéntem: * sánguinem filiórum suórum et filiárum suárum, quas sacrificavérunt sculptílibus Chánaan.
37  Et infécta est terra in sanguínibus, et contamináta est in opéribus eórum: * et fornicáti sunt in adinventiónibus suis.
38  Et irátus est furóre Dóminus in pópulum suum: * et abominátus est hereditátem suam.
39  Et trádidit eos in manus Géntium: * et domináti sunt eórum qui odérunt eos.
40  Et tribulavérunt eos inimíci eórum, et humiliáti sunt sub mánibus eórum: * sæpe liberávit eos.
41  Ipsi autem exacerbavérunt eum in consílio suo: * et humiliáti sunt in iniquitátibus suis.
42  Et vidit, cum tribularéntur: * et audívit oratiónem eórum.
43  Et memor fuit testaménti sui: * et pœnítuit eum secúndum multitúdinem misericórdiæ suæ.
44  Et dedit eos in misericórdias * in conspéctu ómnium qui céperant eos.
45  Salvos nos fac, Dómine, Deus noster: * et cóngrega nos de natiónibus:
46  Ut confiteámur nómini sancto tuo: * et gloriémur in laude tua.
47  Benedíctus Dóminus, Deus Israël, a sæculo et usque in sæculum: * et dicet omnis pópulus: Fiat, fiat.

Psalm 105. iii.  Et irritaverunt eum

32  They angered him also at the waters of strife, * so that Moses was afflicted for their sakes; because they provoked his spirit.
33  And he distinguished with his lips : * they did not destroy the heathen, as the Lord commanded them.
34  But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works; and they served their idols : * and it became unto them a stumbling block.
35  And they offered their sons * and their daughters unto devils.
36  And they shed innocent blood, * even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they offered unto the idols of Canaan.
37  And the land was defiled with blood, and was polluted with their own works, * and went a whoring with their own inventions.
38  And the wrath of the Lord was kindled against his people, * and he abhorred his own inheritance.
39  And he gave them over into the hand of the heathen; * and they that hated them were lords over them.
40  And their enemies afflicted them, and they were had in subjection beneath their hands : * many a time did he deliver them.
41  But they provoked him with their counsel : * and they were brought down by their wickedness.
42  And he saw when they were in adversity, * and he heard their prayer.
43  And he was mindful of his covenant, * and repented, according unto the multitude of his mercies.
44  And he gave them unto mercies * in the sight of all those that had made them captive.
45  Save us, O Lord our God, * and gather us from among the nations.
46  That we may give thanks unto thy holy Name, * and may glory in thy praise.
47  Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting, and world without end. * And let all the people say, Amen, Amen.

Ant.    Cum tribularéntur, vidit Dóminus: et audívit oratiónem eórum.

Ant.    The Lord saw, when they were in adversity, and he heard their prayer.

In Offices of three Lessons, the next Antiphon is intoned as given below.

In Offices of nine Lessons, the Second Nocturn continues as follows:

STAND

The Lessons for the Second Nocturn are taken from the Proper or the Common, as given in their proper place.

Second Nocturn Lessons

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.

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.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

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.

Third Nocturn

COMMENTARY

Ant.    Clamavérunt ad Dóminum: * et de necessitátibus eórum liberávit eos.

Ant.    They cried unto the Lord * in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress.

Psalmus 106. i.  Confitemini Domino

Confitémini Dómino quóniam bonus: * quóniam in sæculum misericórdia ejus.
2  Dicant qui redémpti sunt a Dómino, quos redémit de manu inimíci: * et de regiónibus congregávit eos:
3  A solis ortu, et occásu: * ab aquilóne, et mari.
4  Erravérunt in solitúdine in inaquóso: * viam civitátis habitáculi non invenérunt.
5  Esuriéntes, et sitiéntes: * ánima eórum in ipsis defécit.
6  Et clamavérunt ad Dóminum cum tribularéntur: * et de necessitátibus eórum erípuit eos.
7  Et dedúxit eos in viam rectam: * ut irent in civitátem habitatiónis.
8  Confiteántur Dómino misericórdiæ ejus: * et mirabília ejus fíliis hóminum.
9  Quia satiávit ánimam inánem: * et ánimam esuriéntem satiávit bonis.
10  Sedéntes in ténebris, et umbra mortis: * vinctos in mendicitáte et ferro.
11  Quia exacerbavérunt elóquia Dei: * et consílium Altíssimi irritavérunt.
12  Et humiliátum est in labóribus cor eórum: * infirmáti sunt, nec fuit qui adjuváret.
13  Et clamavérunt ad Dóminum cum tribularéntur: * et de necessitátibus eórum liberávit eos.
14  Et edúxit eos de ténebris, et umbra mortis: * et víncula eórum disrúpit.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, * for his mercy endureth for ever.
2  Let them declare whom the Lord hath redeemed, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy : * and gathered them out of the lands.
3  From the rising and from the setting of the sun : * from the north, and from the sea.
4  They went astray in the wilderness, in the place without water, * they found not the way of a city for their dwelling.
5  They were hungry and thirsty, * their soul fainted in them.
6  And they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress.
7  He led them forth by the right way, * that they might go to the city where they dwelt.
8  O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his mercies; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.
9  For he hath satisfied the empty soul, * and hath filled the hungry soul with goodness.
10  Such as sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, * being fast bound in misery and iron;
11  For they rebelled against the words of the Lord, * and provoked the counsel of the Most Highest;
12  And their heart was brought down with labours: * they were weakened, and there was none to help them.
13  And they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them out of their distress.
14  And he brought them out of darkness, and out of the shadow of death, * and brake their bonds in sunder.

Ant.    Clamavérunt ad Dóminum: et de necessitátibus eórum liberávit eos.

Ant.    They cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

Ant.    Ipsi vidérunt * ópera Dei, et mirabília ejus.

Ant.    These men have seen * the works of the Lord, and his wonders.

Psalmus 106. ii.  Confiteantur Domino

15  Confiteántur Dómino misericórdiæ ejus: * et mirabília ejus fíliis hóminum.
16  Quia contrívit portas æreas: * et vectes férreos confrégit.
17  Suscépit eos de via iniquitátis eórum: * propter injustítias enim suas humiliáti sunt.
18  Omnem escam abomináta est ánima eórum: * et appropinquavérunt usque ad portas mortis.
19  Et clamavérunt ad Dóminum cum tribularéntur: * et de necessitátibus eórum liberávit eos.
20  Misit verbum suum, et sanávit eos: * et erípuit eos de interitiónibus eórum.
21  Confiteántur Dómino misericórdiæ ejus: * et mirabília ejus fíliis hóminum.
22  Et sacríficent sacrifícium laudis: * et annúntient ópera ejus in exsultatióne.
23  Qui descéndunt mare in návibus, * faciéntes operatiónem in aquis multis.
24  Ipsi vidérunt ópera Dómini, * et mirabília ejus in profúndo.
25  Dixit, et stetit spíritus procéllæ: * et exaltáti sunt fluctus ejus.
26  Ascéndunt usque ad cælos, et descéndunt usque ad abyssos: * ánima eórum in malis tabescébat.
27  Turbáti sunt, et moti sunt sicut ébrius: * et omnis sapiéntia eórum devoráta est.
28  Et clamavérunt ad Dóminum cum tribularéntur: * et de necessitátibus eórum edúxit eos.
29  Et státuit procéllam ejus in auram: * et siluérunt fluctus ejus.
30  Et lætáti sunt quia siluérunt: * et dedúxit eos in portum voluntátis eórum.

Psalm 106. ii.  Confiteantur Domino

15  O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his mercies; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.
16  For he hath broken the gates of brass, * and smitten the bars of iron in sunder.
17  He took them out of the way of their wickedness : * they were brought low because of their injustice.
18  Their soul abhorred all manner of meat, * and they drew nigh even unto the gates of death.
19  And they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them out of their distress.
20  He sent his word, and healed them; * and saved them from their destruction.
21 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his mercies; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.
22  And they shall offer unto him the sacrifice of praise, * and tell out his works with gladness.
23  They that go down to the sea in ships, * and occupy their business in great waters;
24  These men have seen the works of the Lord, * and his wonders in the deep.
25  He said the word, and there arose a stormy wind, * and the waves thereof were lifted up.
26  They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep; * their soul melted away with evils.
27  They were troubled, and reeled like a drunken man, * and all their wisdom was swallowed up.
28  And they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them out of their distress.
29  And he turned the storm into a breeze, * so that the waves thereof were still.
30  Then were they glad, because they were at rest; * and so he brought them unto the haven where they would be.

Ant.    Ipsi vidérunt ópera Dei, et mirabília ejus.

Ant.    These men have seen the works of the Lord, and his wonders.

Ant.    Vidébunt recti, * et lætabúntur, et intélligent misericórdias Dómini.

Ant.    The righteous shall behold, * and rejoice, and understand the mercies of the Lord.

Psalmus 106. iii.  Confiteantur Domino

31  Confiteántur Dómino misericórdiæ ejus: * et mirabília ejus fíliis hóminum.
32  Et exáltent eum in ecclésia plebis: * et in cáthedra seniórum laudent eum.
33  Pósuit flúmina in desértum: * et éxitus aquárum in sitim.
34  Terram fructíferam in salsúginem: * a malítia inhabitántium in ea.
35  Pósuit desértum in stagna aquárum: * et terram sine aqua in éxitus aquárum.
36  Et collocávit illic esuriéntes: * et constituérunt civitátem habitatiónis.
37  Et seminavérunt agros, et plantavérunt víneas: * et fecérunt fructum nativitátis.
38  Et benedíxit eis, et multiplicáti sunt nimis: * et juménta eórum non minorávit.
39  Et pauci facti sunt: * et vexáti sunt a tribulatióne malórum, et dolóre.
40  Effúsa est contémptio super príncipes: * et erráre fecit eos in ínvio, et non in via.
41  Et adjúvit páuperem de inópia: * et pósuit sicut oves famílias.
42  Vidébunt recti, et lætabúntur: * et omnis iníquitas oppilábit os suum.
43  Quis sápiens et custódiet hæc? * et intélliget misericórdias Dómini.

31  O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his mercies; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.
32  And let them exalt him in the congregation of the people, * and praise him in the seat of the ancients.
33  He hath turned the rivers into a wilderness, * and the water springs into dry land.
34  A fruitful land made he barren, * for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35  He hath turned the wilderness into pools of water, * and a dry land into water springs.
36  And there he setteth the hungry, * and they builded them a city to dwell in.
37  And they sowed the fields, and planted vineyards, * and they yielded fruits of increase.
38  And he blessed them, and they were multiplied exceedingly; * and he suffered not their cattle to decrease.
39  Then were they minished : * and they were afflicted through the tribulation of evils and sorrow.
40  Contempt was poured forth upon their princes : * and he caused them to wander out of the way in the wilderness.
41  And he helped the poor out of misery, * and made him households like a flock of sheep.
42  The righteous shall behold, and rejoice; * and the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped.
43  Whoso is wise, and will keep these things? * and he shall understand the mercies of the Lord.

Ant.    Vidébunt recti, et lætabúntur, et intélligent misericórdias Dómini.

Ant.    The righteous shall behold, and rejoice, and understand the mercies of the Lord.

STAND

The Lessons for the Third Nocturn are taken from the Proper or the Common, as given in their proper place.

Third Nocturn Lessons

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

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

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

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

Benedíctio 8 In Festis Dómini:  Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 8 on Feasts of our Lord:  May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding.
R.  Amen.

In Festis B.M.V.  Cujus festum cólimus, ipsa Virgo vírginum intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

On Feasts of BVM:  May she whose feast day we are keeping, Mary, blessed Maid of maidens, be our Advocate with God.
R.  Amen.

In Festis Sanctórum:  Cujus (vel Quorum aut Quarum) festum cólimus, ipse (vel ipsa aut ipsi vel ipsæ) intercédat (vel intercédant) pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

On Saints' Days:  May he [she or they] whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate(s) with God.
R.  Amen.

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

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

Si autem legenda sit Léctio IX de Homilia:  Per evangélica dicta deleántur nostra delícta.
R.  Amen.

If Lesson IX be the reading of a Gospel Homily:  By the Gospel words today may our sins be done away.
R.  Amen.

IN OFFICES OF THREE LESSONS
(other than in the Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath)

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

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

In Ferial Office when the Homily is read

The Lessons for the Nocturn are taken from the Proper, as given in their proper place.  If, however, they are to be taken from the Common, the appropriate links are given in the table below.

Proper Lessons

Benedíctio 1: Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1: May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 2: Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 3: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven.
R.  Amen.

In simple Octaves

Lessons i and ii  are taken from the occurrent Scripture, as given in their proper place.

Benedíctio 1: Ille nos benedícat, qui sine fine vivit et regnat.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1: May he who ever liveth and reigneth bestow upon us his gracious blessing.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 2: Cujus (vel Quorum aut Quarum) festum cólimus, ipse (vel ipsa aut ipsi vel ipsæ) intercédat (vel intercédant) pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May he [she or they] whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate(s) with God.
R.  Amen.

Lesson iii is taken from the Proper, as given in its proper place.

Proper Lesson

Benedíctio 3: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven.
R.  Amen.

In the Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath

Absolutio: Précibus et méritis beátæ Maríæ semper Vírginis et ómnium Sanctórum, perdúcat nos Dóminus ad regna cælórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  At the prayers of the blessed Ever-Virgin Mary and all Saints : for her sake and their sakes ; lead us onward, O Lord, unto the kingdom of heaven.
R.  Amen.

Lessons i and ii  are taken from the occurrent Scripture, as given in their proper place.

Benedíctio 1: Nos cum prole pia benedícat Virgo María.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1: Bless us, Mary, Maiden mild ; bless us, Jesu, Mary's Child.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 2: Ipsa Virgo Vírginum intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: Virgin of virgins, vouchsafe to plead to thy Son our Lord for every need.
R.  Amen.

Lesson iii is taken from the Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath, as given in its proper place.

Lesson of St. Mary on the Sabbath

Benedíctio 3: Per Vírginem matrem concédat nobis Dóminus salútem et pacem.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: At the prayer of his Virgin Mother, may the Lord increase in all his people both health and peace.
R.  Amen.