Commune Plurimorum Martyrum

Sapientiam Sanctorum

O God, Who permits us to celebrate the anniversary of the death of Your holy Martyrs, N. and N., grant that we may enjoy their companionship in everlasting happiness. 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.

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke

Luke 6:17-23

At that time, Jesus came down from the mountain, and stood in the plain, and the company of His disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea, and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon. And so on.

Homily by St Ambrose, Bishop (of Milan.)

Bk. v. on Luke vi.

Mark well how Jesus goeth upward with His disciples, and downward to the multitude. How should the multitude behold Christ, save in a lower place? Such go not up to the things which are above; such attain not to the things which are high. And when Jesus cometh down, He findeth such as are diseased for such like go not up to the heights. Hence also Matthew saith that there were there all sick people, (iv. 23.) Of these every man had need of healing, that, when he had received strength, by and by, he might go up into the mountain. And therefore, being Himself come down, He healeth them in the plain, that is to say, He calleth them away from their lust, and freeth them of their blindness. He cometh down to our wounds, to the end that by a certain use of His nature, and by the abundance thereof, He might make us joint-heirs of the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed be ye poor, for your's is the kingdom of God. Saint Luke giveth us but four of the Lord's Beatitudes, and Saint Matthew eight but in those eight are contained these four, and in these four those eight. For in these four are embraced the cardinal virtues and in those eight they are set forth in a number full of mystery. It is written at the head of more than one of the Psalms that they are for the octave, and thou hast received the commandment Give a portion to seven, and also to eight to seven or eight what? Perchance degrees of blessedness. For as this eighth Beatitude doth name the most glorious realization of our hope the kingdom of Heaven so doth it also name the most royal exertion of our strength blessed are they which are persecuted.

But let us first consider the fuller of the forms of these Beatitudes. Blessed be ye poor, for your's is the kingdom of God. Both of the Evangelists give to this Beatitude the first place. Yea, surely, for poorness, at least in spirit, is the first in order, the mother, and procreatrix of virtues; since he that setteth no store by temporal things, winneth toward eternal things; neither is any man able to gain the kingdom of heaven, on whom the love of this present world doth so press, that he cannot rid himself thereof. 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.

Sir 44:15; 44:14

v. Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise. Their name liveth unto generation and generation.

Ps 32:1

v. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright. 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. Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise. Their name liveth unto generation and generation.

Lesson from the book of Wisdom

Wis 5:16-20

v. But the just shall live for evermore: and their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the most High. Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with his right hand he will cover them, and with his holy arm he will defend them. And his zeal will take armour, and he will arm the creature for the revenge of his enemies. He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will take true judgment instead of a helmet. He will take equity for an invincible shield:

Ps 123:7-8

v. Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the followers. The snare is broken, and we are delivered. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Alleluja, alleluja.

Ps 67:4

v. And let the just feast, and rejoice before God: and be delighted with gladness. Alleluja.

Ps 123:7-8

v. Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the followers. The snare is broken, and we are delivered. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Ps 125:5-6

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. V. Going they went and wept, casting their seeds. V. They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.

Continuation ++ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

Luke 6:17-23

v. And coming down with them, he stood in a plain place, and the company of his disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast both of Tyre and Sidon, Who were come to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits, were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch him, for virtue went out from him, and healed all. And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets.

Ps 149:5-6

v. The saints shall rejoice in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds. The high praise of God shall be in their mouth, alleluia.

We offer You, O Lord, the gifts of our service; may they be pleasing to You for the honor of Your just ones and, through Your mercy, bring us salvation. 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.

Luke 12:4

v. And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body.

Grant, we beseech You, O almighty and merciful God, that through the intercession of Your holy Martyrs, N. et N. what we take into our mouths we may eat with pure heart. 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 how many torments have all the Saints suffered, * that they might attain safely unto the palm of martyrdom. The Saints have attained unto the kingdom, * with palms in their hands; they have earned crowns of Majesty from the Lord's hand. The bodies of the Saints are buried in peace, * and their name liveth for evermore. O all ye Martyrs of the Lord, bless ye the Lord * for ever. O ye Martyrs, * praise ye the Lord from the heavens, praise Him with the dance, alleluia.

v. Sing, O sons of the Church sounding the martyrs' praise! God's true soldiers applaud, who, in their weary days, Won bright trophies of good, glad be the voice ye raise, While these heroes of Christ ye sing!

They, while yet in the world were by the world abhorred; Felt how fading the joys, fleeting the wealth it stored; Spurned all pleasure for thee, and at thy call, O Lord, Came forth strong in thy name, as King.

Lord, how bravely they bore fury and pain for thee! Scourge, rod, sword, and the rack strongly endured; but free Sang out, bold in thy love, longing on high to be; Earth's might never their souls could bend.

While they, shedding their blood, victims for Jesus fell, No sound out of their lips came of their throes to tell; Bowed low, patient and meek, loving the Lord so well, Turned they still to the Christ, their friend.

What joys, bright with the blood shed for thy love they share, Those brave martyrs of thine crowned with thy laurels rare; Man's tongue never can tell, never can half declare, How pure now is their bliss above!

Yet we, Father on high, God of eternal might, Lift weak voices in prayer asking for peace and light; Cleanse thou out of our hearts every stain and blight, So our songs may be songs of love. Amen.

v. Sanctórum méritis ínclyta gáudia Pangámus, sócii, géstaque fórtia: Nam gliscit ánimus prómere cántibus Victórum genus óptimum.

Hi sunt quos rétinens mundus inhórruit: Ipsum nam stérili flore peráridum Sprevére pénitus, teque secúti sunt, Rex Christe bone cǽlitus.

Hi pro te fúrias atque ferócia Calcárunt hóminum, sǽvaque vérbera: Cessit his lácerans fórtiter úngula, Nec carpsit penetrália.

Cædúntur gládiis more bidéntium: Non murmur résonat, non querimónia: Sed corde tácito mens bene cónscia Consérvat patiéntiam.

Quæ vox, quæ póterit lingua retéxere, Quæ tu Martyribus múnera prǽparas? Rubri nam flúido sánguine láureis Ditántur bene fúlgidis.

Te summa Déitas únaque póscimus, Ut culpas ábluas, nóxia súbtrahas, Des pacem fámulis, nos quoque glóriam Per cuncta tibi sǽcula. Amen.

V. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, R. And glory, all ye right of heart.

For theirs is the Kingdom of heaven * who love not their lives in this world, and have attained unto the reward of the Kingdom, and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

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

v. The martyrs' triumphs let us sing, Their blood poured forth for Christ the King, And while due hymns of praise we pay, Our thankful hearts cast grief away.

The world its terrors urged in vain; They recked not of the body's pain; One step, and holy death made sure The life that ever shall endure.

To flames the martyr saints are hailed; By teeth of savage beasts assailed; Against them, armed with ruthless brand And hooks of steel, their torturers stand.

The mangled frame is tortured sore, The holy life-drops freshly pour; They stand unmoved amidst the strife, By grace of everlasting life.

Redeemer, hear us of thy love, That, with the martyr host above, Hereafter, of thine endless grace, thy servants also may have place. Amen.

v. The martyrs' triumphs let us sing, Their blood poured forth for Christ the King, And while due hymns of praise we pay, Our thankful hearts cast grief away.

The world its terrors urged in vain; They recked not of the body's pain; One step, and holy death made sure The life that ever shall endure.

To flames the martyr saints are hailed; By teeth of savage beasts assailed; Against them, armed with ruthless brand And hooks of steel, their torturers stand.

The mangled frame is tortured sore, The holy life-drops freshly pour; They stand unmoved amidst the strife, By grace of everlasting life.

Redeemer, hear us of thy love, That, with the martyr host above, Hereafter, of thine endless grace, thy servants also may have place. Amen.

By the rivers of water * hath the Lord planted the vineyard of the righteous, and in His Law do they meditate day and night.;;1 As gold in the furnace * hath the Lord tried His chosen ones, and received them for ever as a burnt-offering.;;2 Though the elect be punished * in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality for ever.;;3 I will give unto My Saints a place * in the kingdom of My Father, every one by his own name, saith the Lord.;;14 To the Saints that are in the earth * Thou hast made all my counsels admirable.;;15 The Saints that wait upon the Lord * shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall fly and not faint.;;23 The righteous live * for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.;;32 They gave up their bodies unto death * rather than serve idols and therefore have they crowns on their heads and palms in their hands.;;33 Behold, how great with God is the reward * of His Saints; yea, they who died for Christ's sake shall live for ever and ever.;;45

V. Let the righteous rejoice before God. R. Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

V. The righteous live for evermore. R. Their reward also is with the Lord.

Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Romans

Rom 8:12-19

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. 14 For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear; but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba, Father. 16 For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. 17 And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us. 19 For the expectation of the creature waiteth for the revelation of the sons of God

R. God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of His Saints, and there shall be no more sorrow, there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; * For the former things are passed away. V. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. R. For the former things are passed away.

Rom 8:28-34

28 And we know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good, to such as, according to his purpose, are called to be saints. 29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be made conformable to the image of his Son; that he might be the firstborn amongst many brethren. 30 And whom he predestinated, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified. And whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who is against us? 32 He that spared not even his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how hath he not also, with him, given us all things? 33 Who shall accuse against the elect of God? God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that shall condemn? Christ Jesus that died, yea that is risen also again; who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

R. These men are holy, who have gloriously shed their blood for the Lord's sake, yea, who loved Christ in their lives, and were made like unto Him in their flesh, * And therefore they have earned crowns of victory. V. One spirit, and one faith was in them. R. And therefore they have earned crowns of victory.

Rom 8:35-39

35 Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation? or distress? or famine? or nakedness? or danger? or persecution? or the sword? 36 As it is written: For thy sake we are put to death all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 But in all these things we overcome, because of him that hath loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

R. They gave their bodies for God’s sake to death * And gained the everlasting crown. V. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb. R. And gained the everlasting crown. 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 gained the everlasting crown.

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

Serm. 47. of the Saints.

Dearly beloved brethren, as often as we keep the Feasts of the holy Martyrs, we look to obtain of the Lord, by their intercession, such good things in this life that thereby we, following them, may gain better in that which is to come. For they only do truly keep Holiday on the Feasts of the Martyrs, who follow after the Martyrs' example. These Feasts of the Martyrs are the Martyrs' preaching, whereby to stir us up to imitate what we are not loath to honour.

R. thy Saints, O Lord, have passed a wonderful way, serving thy commandments, that they might be found without hurt in the midst of the mighty waters. * Dry land appeared, and, out of the Red Sea, a way without impediment. V. He smote the rock, and the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. R. Dry land appeared, and, out of the Red Sea, a way without impediment.

But we, who would fain rejoice with the Saints, would fail not share with them the persecution of the world. Whosoever will not take example of the holy Martyrs, as far as lieth in him, such an one cannot attain unto their blessedness. Thus preacheth the Apostle Paul, when he saith “As ye are partakers of the suffering: so shall ye be also of the consolation.” (2 Cor. i. 7.) Yea, the Lord Himself saith in the Gospel: “If the world hate you, ye know the it hated Me before it hated you (John xv. 18.) He will not be in the body, who will not be hated with the Head.

R. The Saints of God shrank not from the stripes of the executioners, but died for Christ's Name's sake * That they might be made joint-heirs in the house of the Lord. V. They gave their bodies for God's sake to death. R. That they might be made joint-heirs in the house of the Lord.

But some man will say: And who is he that can tread in the footsteps of the blessed Martyrs? To such an one I answer that, by the Lord's help, we are able, if we so will, to tread in the footsteps, not of the blessed Martyrs only, but even of the same Lord Himself. Hearken, not to me, but to the same Lord, Who crieth unto all men: “Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” (Matth. xi. 29.) Hear also with what words the Apostle Peter warneth us: “Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps.” (1 Pet. ii. 21.)

R. As gold in the furnace hath the Lord tried His chosen ones, and received them as a burnt-offering, and yet a while, and they shall be regarded; * For the grace of God, and His peace, are with His chosen. V. They that put their trust in Him shall understand the truth and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him. R. For the grace of God, and His peace, are with His chosen. 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. For the grace of God, and His peace, are with His chosen.

R. Because of the covenant of the Lord, and the laws of their fathers, the Saints of God abode in brotherly love, * For one spirit and one faith was ever in them. V. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. R. For one spirit and one faith was ever in them.

R. O ye My Saints, who, being in the flesh, didst have striving * I will render unto you a reward of your labours. V. Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom R. I will render unto you a reward of your labours. 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. I will render unto you a reward of your labours.

V. The saints shall rejoice in glory: R. They shall be joyful in their beds.

O how many torments have all the Saints suffered, * that they might attain safely unto the palm of martyrdom. The Saints have attained unto the kingdom, * with palms in their hands; they have earned crowns of Majesty from the Lord's hand. The bodies of the Saints are buried in peace, * and their name liveth for evermore. O all ye Martyrs of the Lord, bless ye the Lord * for ever. O ye Martyrs, * praise ye the Lord from the heavens, praise Him with the dance, alleluia.

Wis 3:1-3

v. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, but they are in peace. R. Thanks be to God.

v. O glorious King of martyr hosts, Thou crown that each confessor boasts, Who leadest to celestial day Those who have cast earth's joys away:

Thine ear in mercy, Saviour, lend, While unto thee our prayers ascend; And as we count their triumphs won, Forgive the sins that we have done.

Martyrs in thee their triumphs gain, From thee confessors grace obtain; O'ercome in us the lust of sin, That we thy pardoning love may win.

To thee who, dead, again dost live, All glory, Lord, thy people give; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

v. O glorious King of martyr hosts, Thou crown that each confessor boasts, Who leadest to celestial day Those who have cast earth's joys away:

Thine ear in mercy, Saviour, lend, While unto thee our prayers ascend; And as we count their triumphs won, Forgive the sins that we have done.

Martyrs in thee their triumphs gain, From thee confessors grace obtain; O'ercome in us the lust of sin, That we thy pardoning love may win.

To thee who, dead, again dost live, All glory, Lord, thy people give; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

V. The saints shall rejoice in glory: R. They shall be joyful in their beds.

Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered: * fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Wis 3:7-8

v. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.

R.br. Be glad in the Lord, * and rejoice, ye righteous. R. Be glad in the Lord, * and rejoice, ye righteous. V. And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. R. And rejoice, ye righteous. 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. Be glad in the Lord, * and rejoice, ye righteous.

Wis 10:17

v. And she rendered to the just the wages of their labours, and conducted them in a wonderful way: and she was to them for a covert by day, and for the light of stars by night. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. Let the righteous rejoice * before God. R. Let the righteous rejoice * before God. V. Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. R. Before God. 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. Let the righteous rejoice * before God.

Wis 3:7-8

v. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. The righteous live * for evermore. R. The righteous live * for evermore. V. Their reward also is with the Lord. R. For evermore. 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. The righteous live * for evermore.

These men are holy, * for they have given up their bodies unto death for the sake of the covenant of their God, and have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb.;;109 The Saints through faith subdued kingdoms, * wrought righteousness, obtained promises.;;110 The youth of the Saints shall be renewed * like the eagle's they shall grow as the lily in the city of the Lord.;;111 God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of His Saints * and there shall be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.;;112 In the heavenly kingdoms, * there is the dwelling of the Saints there shall be their rest for ever and ever.;;115

V. The saints shall rejoice in glory: R. They shall be joyful in their beds.

In heaven do rejoice the souls of the Saints * who have followed the steps of Christ; and because they shed their blood for the love of Christ, therefore shall they be made glad for ever with Christ.

Da, quǽsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, qui beatórum Mártyrum tuórum N. et N. solémnia cólimus, eórum apud te intercessiónibus adjuvémur. 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.

Sermo sancti Joánnis Chrysóstomi

Sermo 1 de Martyribus, tom. 3.

Nemo est, qui nésciat, Mártyrum glórias ad hoc divíno consílio a Dei pópulis frequentári, ut et illis débitus honor dicétur, et nobis virtútis exémpla, favénte Christo, monstréntur; ut, dum hæc ita celebrári perspícimus, cognoscámus quanta eos glória máneat in cælis, quorum natalítia táliter celebrántur in terris; quo possímus, étiam ipsi, tálibus provocári exémplis, virtúte pari, devotióne consímili ac fide; ut, Christo præstánte, dimicáre et víncere hostem possímus, ut, parta victória, cum iísdem Sanctis in regnis cæléstibus triumphémus.

Quis est enim, qui eórum volens mérito copulári, nisi prius constántiam eórum téneat, sectétur fidem, imitétur virtútem passiónis; eórum glóriam páribus vitæ lineaméntis aut invéniat aut exquírat? Qui, etsi martýrio par esse non possit, tamen múneris tanti dignitáte se quisque bonis áctibus dignum præbeat. Adest enim clementíssimus Deus, qui desiderántibus suis aut martýrium præbeat, aut, sine martýrio, cum Sanctis præmia divína retríbuat.

Ut enim infirmátur peccátor advérsis, ita justus tentatiónibus roborátur. Sic dimicárunt advérsus peccátum Sancti; sic, et laborándo fortióres, et moriéndo victóres effécti sunt. Nullus athlétes sine certámine fórtior dici, nullus sine victória póterit coronári. Nemo miles sine prœlio hostem subjécit; nemo sine bello imperatórem proméruit. Habes, christiáne, competéntia arma, quibus hostem expúgnes; habes fortíssima tela, quibus inimícum debelles.

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke

Luke 6:17-23

At that time, Jesus came down from the mountain, and stood in the plain, and the company of His disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea, and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon. And so on.

Homily by St Ambrose, Bishop (of Milan.)

Bk. v. on Luke vi.

Mark well how Jesus goeth upward with His disciples, and downward to the multitude. How should the multitude behold Christ, save in a lower place? Such go not up to the things which are above; such attain not to the things which are high. And when Jesus cometh down, He findeth such as are diseased for such like go not up to the heights. Hence also Matthew saith that there were there all sick people, (iv. 23.) Of these every man had need of healing, that, when he had received strength, by and by, he might go up into the mountain. And therefore, being Himself come down, He healeth them in the plain, that is to say, He calleth them away from their lust, and freeth them of their blindness. He cometh down to our wounds, to the end that by a certain use of His nature, and by the abundance thereof, He might make us joint-heirs of the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed be ye poor, for your's is the kingdom of God. Saint Luke giveth us but four of the Lord's Beatitudes, and Saint Matthew eight but in those eight are contained these four, and in these four those eight. For in these four are embraced the cardinal virtues and in those eight they are set forth in a number full of mystery. It is written at the head of more than one of the Psalms that they are for the octave, and thou hast received the commandment Give a portion to seven, and also to eight to seven or eight what? Perchance degrees of blessedness. For as this eighth Beatitude doth name the most glorious realization of our hope the kingdom of Heaven so doth it also name the most royal exertion of our strength blessed are they which are persecuted.

R. Theirs is a brotherhood indeed, whose tie no storms availed to sever together they followed the Lord in the shedding of their blood. * Together they set at nought the Royal Palace; together they attained unto the kingdom of heaven. V. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. R. Together they set at nought the Royal Palace; together they attained 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. Together they set at nought the Royal Palace; together they attained unto the kingdom of heaven.

But let us first consider the fuller of the forms of these Beatitudes. Blessed be ye poor, for your's is the kingdom of God. Both of the Evangelists give to this Beatitude the first place. Yea, surely, for poorness, at least in spirit, is the first in order, the mother, and procreatrix of virtues; since he that setteth no store by temporal things, winneth toward eternal things; neither is any man able to gain the kingdom of heaven, on whom the love of this present world doth so press, that he cannot rid himself thereof. 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.