Common of a Single Martyr Bishop

Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed N. thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

O God, who dost rescue thy Church, built on the solid Apostolic rock, from terror of the gates of hell, grant we pray, that through the intercession of blessed N. Thy martyr and Supreme Pontiff, it may continue in thy truth and may be fortified by continued security. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

John 21:15-17

v. If thou lovest me, Simon Peter, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Ps 29:2

v. I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me: and hast not made my enemies to rejoice over me. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. v. If thou lovest me, Simon Peter, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Lesson from the first letter of St Peter the Apostle

1 Pet 5:1-4; 5:10-11.

Dearly beloved brethren: The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake, but voluntarily: Neither as lording it over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

Ps 106:32; 106:31

v. And let them exalt him in the church of the people: and praise him in the chair of the ancients. V. Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him, and his wonderful works to the children of men. Allelúja, allelúja.

Matt 16:18

And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church. Allelúja.

Allelúja, allelúja.

Matt 16:18

And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church. Allelúja.

Ps 44:17-18.

Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth. They shall remember thy name throughout all generations. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, for ever and ever. Allelúja.

Ps 106:32; 106:31

v. And let them exalt him in the church of the people: and praise him in the chair of the ancients. V. Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him, and his wonderful works to the children of men.

Ps 39:10-11

v. I have declared thy justice in a great church, lo, I will not restrain my lips : O Lord, thou knowest it. V. I have not hid thy justice within my heart : I have declared thy truth and thy salvation. V. I have not concealed thy mercy and thy truth from a great council.

Continuation ++ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 16:13-19

v. In that time: Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

Jer 1:9-10

v. Behold I have given my words in thy mouth: Lo, I have set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to root up, and pull down, and to waste, and to destroy, and to build, and to plant. (Allelúja.)

By the offered gifts we beseech thee, O Lord, that thou kindly enlighten thy Church, so that thy flock may everywhere progress and prosper, and thy shepherds, under thy guidance may be pleasing to thy name. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

In thy kindness, O Lord, receive the gifts which we have joyfully offered thee, and grant through the intercession of blessed N., that thy Church may rejoice in soundness of faith, and ever be gladdened by days of peacefulness. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

Matt 16:18

v. Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Allelúja.)

Being appeased, O Lord, guide thy Church, which has been nourished by holy refreshment, that under thy direction and powerful rule it may receive increase of liberty and may continue in religious integrity. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

Multiply, we beseech thee, O Lord, in thy Church the spirit of grace which thou hast bestowed, that by intercession of blessed N. Thy martyr and Supreme Pontiff, the obedience of the flock shall not fail the shepherd, nor the care of the shepherd be wanting to the flock. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

Sacerdotes Dei

Whosoever shall confess Me * before men, him will I confess also before My Father. He that followeth Me * walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life, saith the Lord. If any man serve Me, * let him follow Me and where I am, there shall also My servant be. If any man serve Me, * him will My Father, who is in heaven, honour. Father, I will * that where I am, there shall also My servant be.

v. O God, of those that fought thy fight, Portion, and prize, and crown of light, Break every bond of sin and shame As now we praise thy martyr's name.

He recked not of the world's allure, But sin and pomp of sin forswore: Knew all their gall, and passed them by, And reached the throne prepared on high.

Bravely the course of pain he ran, And bare his torments as a man: For love of thee his blood outpoured, And thus obtained the great reward.

With humble voice and suppliant word We pray thee therefore, holy Lord, While we thy martyr's feast-day keep, Forgive thy loved and erring sheep.

* Glory and praise for aye be done To God the Father, and the Son, And Holy Ghost, who reign on high, One God, to all eternity. Amen.

v. O God, of those that fought thy fight, Portion, and prize, and crown of light, Break every bond of sin and shame As now we praise thy martyr's name.

He recked not of the world's allure, But sin and pomp of sin forswore: Knew all their gall, and passed them by, And reached the throne prepared on high.

Bravely the course of pain he ran, And bare his torments as a man: For love of thee his blood outpoured, And thus obtained the great reward.

With humble voice and suppliant word We pray thee therefore, holy Lord, While we thy martyr's feast-day keep, Forgive thy loved and erring sheep.

* Glory and praise for aye be done To God the Father, and the Son, And Holy Ghost, who reign on high, One God, to all eternity. Amen.

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

This man is holy * for he hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; For he had his foundation upon a strong rock.

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

v. O God, of those that fought thy fight, Portion, and prize, and crown of light, Break every bond of sin and shame As now we praise thy martyr's name.

He recked not of the world's allure, But sin and pomp of sin forswore: Knew all their gall, and passed them by, And reached the throne prepared on high.

Bravely the course of pain he ran, And bare his torments as a man: For love of thee his blood outpoured, And thus obtained the great reward.

With humble voice and suppliant word We pray thee therefore, holy Lord, While we thy martyr's feast-day keep, Forgive thy loved and erring sheep.

* Glory and praise for aye be done To God the Father, and the Son, And Holy Ghost, who reign on high, One God, to all eternity. Amen.

v. O God, of those that fought thy fight, Portion, and prize, and crown of light, Break every bond of sin and shame As now we praise thy martyr's name.

He recked not of the world's allure, But sin and pomp of sin forswore: Knew all their gall, and passed them by, And reached the throne prepared on high.

Bravely the course of pain he ran, And bare his torments as a man: For love of thee his blood outpoured, And thus obtained the great reward.

With humble voice and suppliant word We pray thee therefore, holy Lord, While we thy martyr's feast-day keep, Forgive thy loved and erring sheep.

* Glory and praise for aye be done To God the Father, and the Son, And Holy Ghost, who reign on high, One God, to all eternity. Amen.

His delight * was in the law of the Lord day and night.;;1 The Lord hath set him * upon His holy hill, to declare His decree.;;2 I cried unto the Lord * with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill.;;3 O ye sons of men, * know that the Lord hath set apart him that is holy for Himself.;;4 O Lord, Thou hast compassed him * with thy favour as with a shield.;;5 Thou hast crowned him * with glory and honour in all the earth.;;8 The righteous Lord * loveth righteousness; His countenance doth behold uprightness.;;10 He shall dwell * in thy tabernacle, He shall rest upon thy holy hill.;;14 O Lord, Thou hast set a crown * of precious stones upon his head.;;20

V. O Lord, Thou hast set a crown of precious stones. R. Upon his head.

V. His glory is great in thy salvation. R. Honour and great majesty shalt Thou lay upon him.

Lesson from the Acts of Apostles

Acts 20:17-24

17 And sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called the ancients of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, and were together, he said to them: You know from the first day that I came into Asia, in what manner I have been with you, for all the time, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility, and with tears, and temptations which befell me by the conspiracies of the Jews; 20 How I have kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have preached it to you, and taught you publicly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, being bound in the spirit, I go to Jerusalem: not knowing the things which shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesseth to me, saying: That bands and afflictions wait for me at Jerusalem. 24 But I fear none of these things, neither do I count my life more precious than myself, so that I may consummate my course and the ministry of the word which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

R. This man is holy, for he hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; * For he had his foundation upon a strong rock. V. This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom. R. For he had his foundation upon a strong rock.

Acts 20:25-31

25 And now behold, I know that all you, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men; 27 For I have not spared to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 I know that, after my departure, ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 And of your own selves shall arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, keeping in memory, that for three years I ceased not, with tears to admonish every one of you night and day.

R. The righteous shall grow as the lily * Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever. V. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God. R. Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever.

Acts 20:32-38

32 And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up, and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified. 33 I have not coveted any man's silver, gold, or apparel, as 34 You yourselves know: for such things as were needful for me and them that are with me, these hands have furnished. 35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive. 36 And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping among them all; and falling on the neck of Paul, they kissed him, 38 Being grieved most of all for the word which he had said, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him on his way to the ship.

R. This is he which knew righteousness, and saw great wonders, and made his prayer unto the Most High * And he is numbered among the Saints. V. This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom. R. And he is numbered among the Saints. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. And he is numbered among the Saints.

From the Sermons of St Augustine, Bishop (of Hippo.)

44 on the Saints.

The illustrious day whereon the blessed Martyr N. conquered, doth this day come round to us again and as the Church doth rejoice with him in his glory, so doth she set before us his footsteps to be followed. For if we suffer, we shall also reign with him. In his glorious battle we have two things chiefly to consider the hardened cruelty of the tormentor, and the unconquered patience of the Martyr the cruelty of the tormentor, that we may abhor it; the patience of the Martyr, that we may imitate it. Hear what the Psalmist saith, complaining against sin: “Fret not thyself because of the evil-doers, for they shall soon dry up like the grass.” (xxxvi. 1.) But touching the patience which is to be shown against the evil-doers, hear the word wherewith the Apostle moveth us Ye have need of patience, that ye may receive the promise. (Heb. x. 36.)

R. The Lord made him honourable, and defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait for him, * And gave him perpetual glory. V. He went down with him into the pit, and left him not in bonds. R. And gave him perpetual glory.

So the patience of the blessed Martyr was crowned, and the unchastened spite of the tormentor is given over to everlasting torture. Christ's glorious champion looked for this during his battle, and shrank not from prison. Like his Head, he bore reproach, underwent mocking, and feared not for scourges and as many sufferings as for Christ's sake he bore before he died, so many offerings did he make unto Him of himself. He had drunk in the Apostles' word and kept it deep in I him: “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” (Rom. viii. 18.) “for our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Cor. iv. 17.) Being lifted up above earthly things by the love of this promise, andj tasting beforehand the sweetness of the heavenly peace, he was unspeakably moved, and said with the Psalmist “What have I in heaven, and what is there upon earth that desire beside thee My flesh and my heart faileth Thou art the God of my heart, and God is my portion for ever.” (lxxii. 26.)

R. Lord, Thou hast given him his heart's desire. * And hast not withholden the request of his lips. V. For Thou hast prevented him with the blessings of sweetness: Thou hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head. R. And hast not withholden the request of his lips.

For he considered, as far as man's weakness is able, through this darkness, to fix the eyes of his mind upon the eternal things, what is the gladness of the city above and being not able to tell it, he cried out wondering “What have I in heaven?” As though he would have said “It passeth my strength, it passeth the power of my utterance, it goeth beyond the reach of my understanding, what is that beauty, what is that glory, what is that exaltation, wherein, when He hath hidden us from the troubling of men, in the secret of His presence, our Lord Jesus Christ shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious Body” (Ps. xxx. 21, Phil. iii. 21.) In sight of this perfect liberty he shrank from no danger, and quailed before no suffering and if he could have died a thousand times, he would not have thought himself to have bought it at a price high enough.

R. The Lord hath put on him a robe of honour, * And put about his head a crown of joy. V. With the bread of life and understanding hath the Lord fed him, and given him the water of health and wisdom to drink. R. And put about his head a crown of joy. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. And put about his head a crown of joy.

R. A crown of gold upon his head, * Wherein is engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work. V. For Thou hast prevented him with the blessings of sweetness, Thou hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head. R. Wherein is engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work.

R. This is a Martyr indeed, who shed his blood for Christ's Name's sake * Who feared not for the threats of judges, nor sought to be great with the glory of this world, but pressed on unto the kingdom of heaven. V. The Lord guided the righteous in right paths, and showed him the kingdom of God. R. Who feared not for the threats of judges, nor sought to be great with the glory of this world, but pressed on unto the kingdom of heaven. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. Who feared not for the threats of judges, nor sought to be great with the glory of this world, but pressed on unto the kingdom of heaven.

R. O Lord, thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: * Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. V. He asked life of thee: and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever. R. Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.

V. Ora pro nobis, beáte N.. R. Ut digni efficiámur promissiónibus Christi.

Whosoever shall confess Me * before men, him will I confess also before My Father. He that followeth Me * walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life, saith the Lord. If any man serve Me, * let him follow Me and where I am, there shall also My servant be. If any man serve Me, * him will My Father, who is in heaven, honour. Father, I will * that where I am, there shall also My servant be.

Jas 1:12

v. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive a crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him. R. Thanks be to God.

v. Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled To follow close God's only Son, Well didst thou brave thy battlefield, And well thy heavenly bliss was won!

Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray That God may pardon us and bless; For prayer keeps evil's plague away, And draws from life its weariness.

Long, long ago, were loosed the chains That held thy body once in thrall; For us how many a bond remains! O love of God release us all.

All praise to God the Father be, All praise to thee, Eternal Son; All praise, O Holy Ghost, to thee, While never-ending ages run. Amen.

v. Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled To follow close God's only Son, Well didst thou brave thy battlefield, And well thy heavenly bliss was won!

Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray That God may pardon us and bless; For prayer keeps evil's plague away, And draws from life its weariness.

Long, long ago, were loosed the chains That held thy body once in thrall; For us how many a bond remains! O love of God release us all.

All praise to God the Father be, All praise to thee, Eternal Son; All praise, O Holy Ghost, to thee, While never-ending ages run. Amen.

V. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree. R. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

He that hateth his life * in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal.

Sir 39:6

v. He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High.

R.br. Thou hast crowned him * with glory and honour, O Lord. R. Thou hast crowned him * with glory and honour, O Lord. V. And madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands. R. Thou hast crowned him. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. Thou hast crowned him * with glory and honour, O Lord.

Sir 15:3

v. With the bread of life and understanding, she shall feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink: and she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. O Lord, Thou hast set * Upon his head. R. O Lord, Thou hast set * Upon his head. V. A Crown of precious stones. R. Upon his head. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. O Lord, Thou hast set * Upon his head.

Sir 39:6

v. He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. His glory is great * in thy salvation. R. His glory is great * in thy salvation. V. Honour and great majesty shalt Thou lay upon him. R. In thy salvation. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. His glory is great * in thy salvation.

V. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree. R. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

If any man will come after me, * let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

De Expositióne sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi in Psalmum centésimum décimum octávum

Sermo 21, n. 7 et 8

Príncipes persecúti sunt me gratis: et a verbis tuis trepidávit cor meum. Bene hoc Martyr dicit, quod injúste persecutiónum torménta sustineat; qui nihil rapúerit, nullum violentus oppresserit, nullius sánguinem fuderit, nullius torum putaverit esse violándum; qui nihil légibus debeat, et gravióra latronum sustinere cogátur supplícia; qui loquátur juste, et non audiátur; qui loquátur plena salútis, et impugnétur, ut possit dicere: Cum loquébar illis, impugnábant me gratis. Gratis ígitur persecutiónem pátitur, qui impugnátur sine crimine; impugnátur ut noxius cum sit in tali confessióne laudábilis; impugnátur quasi veneficus, qui in nómine Dómini gloriátur, cum pietas virtútum ómnium fundaméntum sit.

Vere frustra impugnátur, qui apud ímpios et infidos impietátis arcessitur, cum fidei sit magister. Verum, qui gratis impugnátur, fortis debet esse et constans; quómodo ergo subtexuit: Et a verbis tuis trepidávit cor meum? Trepidare infirmitátis est, timoris atque formidinis. Sed est étiam infirmitas ad salútem, est étiam timor sanctórum: Timéte Dóminum, omnes sancti ejus; et, Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum. Qua ratióne beatus? Quia in mandatis ejus cupit nimis.

Pone ergo Mártyrem inter perícula constitútum, cum inde immánitas bestiárum ad incutiéndum terrórem ínfremat, aliúnde stridor candéntium laminárum et flamma fornácis ardéntis exæstuet; ex parte ália pérsonent tractus grávium catenárum, hinc cárnifex cruéntus assístat: Pone, inquam, circumspectántem ómnia plena supplíciis, deínde cogitántem mandáta divína, illum ignem perpétuum, illud sine fine incéndium perfidórum, illam pœnæ recrudescéntis ærúmnam; trepidáre corde, ne, dum præséntibus cedat, perpétuis se dedat exítiis; perturbári ánimo, dum futúri judícii rhomphæam illam terríbilem quadam conspéctus spécie contuétur. Nonne ad hanc trepidatiónem fidúciæ viri constántis, æquális in eúmdem concúrrit efféctum confidéntia cupiéntis ætérna, et divína trepidántis?

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 16:24-27

At that time, Jesus said unto His disciples: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. And so on.

Homily by Pope St. Gregory (the Great.)

32nd on the Gospels

Our Lord and Redeemer came into the world a new Man, and gave the world new commandments. For against the ways of our old life, brought and bred up in sin, He set the contrast of His new life. It was the old way, according to the knowledge of the carnal man, for every man to keep his own goods, and, if he were able to do it, to take his neighbour's goods also, and, if he were not able to take them, at least to lust after them. But the Heavenly Physician hath medicines wherewith to meet all the diseases of sin. For, even, as by the art of the physician, things hot are healed by things cold, and things cold by things hot, so doth our Lord set against sin holiness, ordaining for the lecherous purity, for the miserly munificence, for the hot-tempered meekness, and for the proud lowliness.

So the Lord, when He would give a new commandment unto them that came to Him, said Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple, (Luke xiv. 33,) as though He had said openly: All ye that according to the old man lust after your neighbour's goods, must, according to the zeal of the new man, give away even that which is your own. But let us hear again what He saith in this place If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself. First He saith that we must deny to ourselves that which is our own, and now that we must even deny ourselves to ourselves. Perchance it is not hard for a man to give up that which is his own, but it is exceeding hard to give up himself. To deny himself his possessions is little but to deny himself himself is a denial exceeding great.

Let when we come unto Him the Lord will have us deny to ourselves even ourselves, since as many of us as are entered into the battle of faith, are entered into a contention against evil spirits. But the evil spirits have nothing of their own in this world, and therefore must we wrestle with them, naked with naked. For if he that is clothed, wrestle with him that is naked, he faileth swiftly, because he hath whereon he that is naked taketh hold. And what are all things earthly but things wherewith the soul is clothed upon? whosoever therefore will wrestle with Satan, let him cast away his clothes, lest he be thereby endangered. v. We praise thee, O God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting. To thee all Angels cry aloud the Heavens, and all the Powers therein. To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory. The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee. The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee; The Father of an infinite Majesty; Thine honourable, true and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.

Kneel for the following verse

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy Saints in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up for ever.

Day by day we magnify thee; And we worship thy Name ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted let me never be confounded.

The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 10:26-32

At that time, Jesus said unto His disciples: There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed, and hid, that shall not be known. And so on.

Homily by St Hilary, Bishop (of Poitiers.)

Comm. on Matt Chap. 10

The Lord pointeth to the day of judgment, that day wherein the hidden counsels of the hearts shall be made manifest, and those things which are dark now shall be the subject of all men's knowledge. Therefore He warneth us not to fear threats, nor persuasions, nor the power of such as fight against us since in the day of judgment it will be manifest that all these things are null and void. “And what I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the house-tops.” We read not that the Lord's use was to speak by night, or to tell His doctrine in darkness, but that to the carnal all His words were darkness, and to the unbelieving all His discourse night.

Therefore willeth He that that which He hath spoken, should be freely proclaimed in faith and in confession. Therefore commandeth He that that which He hath told in darkness shall be spoken in light, and that that which He hath made to be heard in the ear should be preached upon the house-tops, that is, with loud and high words. For it behoveth us ever to make God known, and to speak in the light of Apostolic preaching the dark things of the Gospel message, having no fear of them which have power over bodies, but none over our souls, but rather fearing God, Which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell.

Fear not them which kill the body. Therefore we need fear nothing which may chance to our bodies, nor sorrow because of the destruction of the flesh, when, according to the laws of our nature and that from whence we are taken, we are unclothed upon, and become a pure spirit. And, since it behoveth us who are rooted in such a doctrine, freely and constantly to confess God, even were it only because of the alternative whereby we are bound, He saith further: “Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father, Which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father, Which is in heaven.” Such witnesses as He hath seen us to have been here to His name before men, such a Witness shall we find Him to be hereafter to our names before His Father Which is in heaven. v. We praise thee, O God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting. To thee all Angels cry aloud the Heavens, and all the Powers therein. To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory. The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee. The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee; The Father of an infinite Majesty; Thine honourable, true and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.

Kneel for the following verse

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy Saints in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up for ever.

Day by day we magnify thee; And we worship thy Name ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted let me never be confounded.