Common of a Confessor Bishop

Sacerdotes

Hear, we beseech You, O Lord, our prayers which we offer You on the feast of blessed N., Your Bishop and Confessor, and absolve us from all our sins by the merits and prayers of him who had the grace to serve You worthily. 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.

The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (xxiv, 42) At that time, Jesus said unto His disciples: Watch, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. And so on.

Homily by St. Hilary, Bishop (of Poitiers)

Comment. on Matth. chap. 26

To the end that we may know that our ignorance of that day whereof no man knoweth is not without use, the Lord moveth us to watch for the coming of the thief, to be ever instant in prayer, and ever busy in such works as He commandeth. He showeth how that the devil is that thief who watcheth ever how he may spoil our goods, breaking into the house of our body; that, while we are dwelling therein careless and heavy with sleep, he may dig through our walls with the arms of his craft and temptations. Us, therefore, it behoveth to be ready, who have ever our ignorance concerning that day to be unto us a reason of watchfulness.

Chap. 27

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household?” Although the Lord doth move us all in common to weary not in carefulness and watching, He layeth more especially upon the rulers of His people, that is, the Bishops, this duty, to look always for His coming. For such an one is that faithful and wise servant, made ruler over his Lord's household, who ever seeketh such things as be convenient and useful for the people unto him committed. Such an one, if he hear this word, and do that which he is commanded, that is, if he strengthen by seasonable and sound doctrine such things as be weak, if he bind together that which is sundered, if he make straight again what is become crooked, and give to the household the lively Word which is able to feed them unto life eternal, if such an one do thus, and meanwhile the hour which he knoweth not come upon him, he shall obtain glory of the Lord, as a faithful steward and an useful overseer: that is, he shall have glory with God, for in all things he shall have of that which is best.

Quod, si cóntuens longam Dei patiéntiam, quæ in proféctum humánæ salútis exténditur, advérsum consérvos insoléscet, et sæculi malus vitiísque se tradet, præséntium tantum curam in cultu ventris exércens; desperáta die Dóminus advéniet, eúmque a bonis, quæ spopónderat, dívidet, portionémque ejus cum hypócritis in pœnæ æternitáte constítuet: quia advéntum desperávit, quia mandátis non obtemperáverit, quia præséntibus studúerit, quia vita Géntium víxerit, quia desperatióne judícii commíssam sibi famíliam fame, siti, cæde vexáverit.

Ps 131:9-10

v. May Your priests, O Lord, be clothed with justice; let Your faithful ones shout merrily for joy. For the sake of David, Your servant, reject not the plea of Your anointed. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Ps 131:1

Remember, O Lord, David and all his meekness. 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. May Your priests, O Lord, be clothed with justice; let Your faithful ones shout merrily for joy. For the sake of David, Your servant, reject not the plea of Your anointed. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

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

Heb 7:23-27

Brethren: The priests were numerous, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but Jesus, because he continues forever, has an everlasting priesthood. Therefore He is able at all times to save those who come to God through Him, since He lives always to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and become higher than the heavens. He does not need to offer sacrifices daily - as the other priests did - first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people; for this latter He did once for all in offering up Himself, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ps 131:16-17

Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her faithful ones shall shout merrily for joy. V. In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for My anointed. Alleluia, alleluia.

Ps 109:4

The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec. Alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Ps 109:4.

The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec. Alleluia.

Eccli 45:9

V. The Lord loved him, and beautified him: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Alleluia.

Ps 111:1-3

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments. V. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed. V. Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.

Continuation ++ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 24:42-47.

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, “Watch, for you do not know at what hour your Lord is to come. But of this be assured, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would certainly have watched, and not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, because at an hour that you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. Who, do you think, is the faithful and prudent servant whom his master has set over his household to give them their food in due time? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, shall find so doing. Amen I say to you, he will set him over all his goods.”

Ps 88:25

My faithfulness and My kindness shall be with him, and through My name shall his horn be exalted. (Alleluia.)

May the annual festival of blessed N., Your Confessor and Bishop, we beseech You, O Lord, render us pleasing to Your loving kindness, so that this service of sacred propitiation may be a blessed recompense for him and secure for us the gifts of Your grace. 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 24:46-47

Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will set him over all his goods. (Alleluia.)

O God, Who rewards faithful souls, grant that, through the prayers of blessed N., Your Confessor and Bishop, whose hallowed feast we are keeping, we may obtain pardon for our sins. 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.

Behold an high priest, * who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous. None was found like unto him, * to keep the Law of the Most High. Therefore the Lord assured him * by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people. O all ye Priests of God, * bless ye the Lord O all ye servants of the Lord, sing praises unto our God. Good and faithful servant, * enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness Erst on this feast-day merited to enter Into his glory.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness On this feast day year by year receiveth Merited honors.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hac die lætus méruit suprémos Laudis honóres.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hódie lætus méruit secréta Scándere cæli.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

V. The Lord loved him and beautified him. R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

O thou Priest and Bishop, * thou worker of mighty works, thou good shepherd over God’s people, pray for us unto the Lord.

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

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness Erst on this feast-day merited to enter Into his glory.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness On this feast day year by year receiveth Merited honors.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hac die lætus méruit suprémos Laudis honóres.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hódie lætus méruit secréta Scándere cæli.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

Blessed is the man * that doth meditate in the law of the Lord; his delight is therein day and night, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.;;1 Blessed and holy is he * that putteth his trust in the Lord, that declareth the decree of the Lord, and is set upon His holy hill.;;2 Thou, O Lord, art my glory, * Thou art a shield for me; Thou art the Lifter-up of mine head, and Thou hast heard me out of thy holy hill.;;3 When His holy one called, * the Lord heard him, yea, the Lord heard him, and gave him peace.;;4 Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice, O Lord, for Thou hast blessed the righteous; * Thou hast compassed him with thy favour as with a shield.;;5 O Lord, our Ruler, * how excellent is thy Name in all the earth, Who hast crowned thine holy one with glory and honour, and made him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.;;8 Lord, this thy Saint * shall dwell in thy tabernacle, and this that hath worked righteousness shall abide upon thy holy hill.;;14 He asked life of thee, * and Thou, O Lord, gavest it; honour and great majesty hast Thou laid upon him; Thou hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.;;20 He shall receive * a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from the God of his salvation, for this is the generation of them that seek the Lord.;;23

V. The Lord hath chosen him for a Priest unto Himself. R. To offer up unto Him the sacrifice of praise.

V. Thou art a Priest for ever. R. After the order of Melchisedek.

Lesson from the first letter of St. Paul the Apostle to Timothy

1 Tim 3:1-7

1 A faithful saying: if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 It behoveth therefore a bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, of good behaviour, chaste, given to hospitality, a teacher, 3 Not given to wine, no striker, but modest, not quarrelsome, not covetous, but 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all chastity. 5 But if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? 6 Not a neophyte: lest being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony of them who are without: lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

R. Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things: * Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. V. Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. R. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

From the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to Titus

Titus 1:7-11

7 For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre: 8 But given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent: 9 Embracing that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine, and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are also many disobedient, vain talkers, and seducers: especially they who are of the circumcision: 11 Who must be reproved, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

R. Behold an high priest, who in his days pleased God * Therefore the Lord assured him by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people. V. He hath made him a blessing unto all nations, and hath established His covenant upon his head. R. Therefore the Lord assured him by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people

Titus 2:1-8

1 But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, chaste, prudent, sound in faith, in love, in patience. 3 The aged women, in like manner, in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well: 4 That they may teach the young women to be wise, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, sober, having a care of the house, gentle, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men, in like manner, exhort that they be sober. 7 In all things shew thyself an example of good works, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity, 8 The sound word that can not be blamed: that he, who is on the contrary part, may be afraid, having no evil to say of us.

R. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent * Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek. V. The Lord said unto my Lord Sit Thou at My right hand. R.* Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek. 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 art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek.

From the Sermons of St Maximus, Bishop [of Turin.]

Homilia 59, being the 2nd on St Eusebius of Vercelli.

It is idle to strive to add anything to the praise of our holy and most blessed Father N. whose Feast is this day kept. The beauty of his life oughtnot to be the subject of panegyrics, so much as the object of imitation. The Scripture saith “A wise son is the glory of his father,” truly then will he be honoured by such as, by doing after his en sample, show themselves to be his children for in Christ Jesus hath he begotten us through the Gospel.(1 Cor. iv. 15.)

R. I have found David My servant, with My holy oil have I anointed him * For My hand shall help him. V. The enemy shall prevail nothing against him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him. R. For My hand shall help him.

Whatsover, therefore, of virtue and grace there may be in this holy people, all the bright streams thereof do flow from him, as from a most clear fountain. By his manly chastity, by his sternly noble temperance, by the graceful courtesy which marked him, he drew all men’s love to God and by his eminent ministry in his Bishopric he hath left behind him in his disciples, many heirs of his priesthood.

R. I have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one chosen out of My people * For My hand shall help him. V. I have found David My servant, with My holy oil have I anointed him. R. For My hand shall help him.

It is very meet and right that upon this day, which is made a joyful day for us because it is the day whereon our blessed Father N., passed away to heaven, I say it is very meet and right that on this day we should sing that verse of the Psalms “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” (cxi. 7.) His memory is rightly honoured among men who is at this present making glad among Angels. The word of God saith “Judge none blessed before his death,” (Ecclus. xi. 30,) as though it were said, “Judge him blessed when life is ended, praise him when he is made perfect.” For there are two main reasons why it is better to praise a dead man than a living, since, if thou call him holy and worthy after his death, thou dost it when neither canst thou be corrupted by being a flatterer, nor he by being nattered.

R. This is he which wrought great wonders before God, and the whole earth is full of his teaching * May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them V. This is he which loved not his life in this world, and hath attained unto the kingdom of heaven. R. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them 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. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them

R. The Lord loved him and beautified him He clothed him with a robe of glory * And crowned him at the gates of Paradise. V. The Lord hath put on him the breast-plate of faith, and hath adorned him. R. And crowned him at the gates of Paradise.

R. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; * And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding. V. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. R. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding. 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 ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.

Behold an high priest, * who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous. None was found like unto him, * to keep the Law of the Most High. Therefore the Lord assured him * by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people. O all ye Priests of God, * bless ye the Lord O all ye servants of the Lord, sing praises unto our God. Good and faithful servant, * enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Sir 44:16-17

v. Behold an high priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous, and in the time of wrath he was made a propitiation. R. Thanks be to God.

v. Jesu, the world’s Redeemer, O hear; thy bishops’ fadeless crown, draw near: Accept with gentlest love today The prayers and praises that we pay.

The meek confessor of thy name Today attained a glorious fame; Whose yearly feast, in solemn state, Thy faithful people celebrate.

The world and all its boasted good, As vain and passing, he eschewed; And therefore with angelic bands, In endless joy forever stands.

Grant then that we, most gracious God, May follow in the steps he trod: And, at his prayer, thy servants free From stain of all iniquity.

* To thee, O Christ, our loving King, All glory, praise, and thanks we bring: All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

v. Jesu, the world’s Redeemer, O hear; thy bishops’ fadeless crown, draw near: Accept with gentlest love today The prayers and praises that we pay.

The meek confessor of thy name Today attained a glorious fame; Whose yearly feast, in solemn state, Thy faithful people celebrate.

The world and all its boasted good, As vain and passing, he eschewed; And therefore with angelic bands, In endless joy forever stands.

Grant then that we, most gracious God, May follow in the steps he trod: And, at his prayer, thy servants free From stain of all iniquity.

* To thee, O Christ, our loving King, All glory, praise, and thanks we bring: All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

V. The Lord guided the just in right paths. R. And showed him the kingdom of God.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant * thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, saith the Lord.

Sir 45:19-20

v. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise, and to glorify his people in his name. He chose him out of all men living, to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savour.

R.br. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him. R. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him. V. He clothed him with a robe of glory. R. And beautified 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. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him.

Sir 44:20; 44:22

v. There was not found the like to him in glory, who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him. Therefore by an oath he gave him glory in his posterity, that he should increase in his people. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself. R. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself. V. To offer up unto Him the sacrifice of praise. R. For a Priest unto Himself. 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 Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself.

Sir 45:19-20

v. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise, and to glorify his people in his name. He chose him out of all men living, to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savour. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. Thou art a Priest * for ever. R. Thou art a Priest * for ever. V. After the order of Melchisedek. R. For ever. 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 art a Priest * for ever.

V. The Lord guided the just in right paths. R. And showed him the kingdom of God.

The Lord loved him * and beautified him. He clothed him with a robe of glory, and crowned him at the gates of Paradise.

While he was supreme Pontiff, * he feared not earthly powers, but gloriously went his way to the heavenly kingdom.

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Sir 44:1-5

1 Let us now praise men of renown, and our fathers in their generation. 2 The Lord hath wrought great glory through his magnificence from the beginning. 3 Such as have borne rule in their dominions, men of great power, and endued with their wisdom, shewing forth in the prophets the dignity of prophets, 4 And ruling over the present people, and by the strength of wisdom instructing the people in most holy words. 5 Such as by their skill sought out musical tunes, and published canticles of the scriptures.

Sir 44:6-9

6 Rich men in virtue, studying beautifulness: living at peace in their houses. 7 All these have gained glory in their generations, and were praised in their days. 8 They that were born of them have left a name behind them, that their praises might be related: 9 And there are some, of whom there is no memorial: who are perished, as if they had never been: and are become as if they had never been born, and their children with them.

Sir 44:10-15

10 But these were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed: 11 Good things continue with their seed, 12 Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood in the covenants. 13 And their children for their sakes remain for ever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken. 14 Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation. 15 Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise.

Sermo sancti Maxími Epíscopi

Homilía 78, de S. Eusebio 2, circa medio

Beáti Patris N. mérita, jam in tuto pósita, secúri magnificémus; qui, gubernáculum fídei viríliter tenens, ánchoram spei tranquílla jam in statióne compósuit, et plenam cæléstibus divítiis et ætérnis mércibus navem, optáto in líttore, collocávit; qui contra omnes adversários scutum timóris Dei támdiu infatigabíliter ténuit, donec ad victóriam perveníret. Quid enim fuit totus vitæ illíus cursus, nisi uníus cum vígili hoste conflíctus?

Quantis hic cæcis, a via veritátis errántibus et de summa jam in profúndum rupe pendéntibus, amíssum réddidit visum; et illum, quo Christus viderétur, reparávit intúitum? Quantórum áuribus surdis et infidelitátis obturatióne damnátis, ad percipiéndam vocem cæléstium mandatórum, pretiósum infúdit audítum; ut, vocánti Deo ad misericórdiam, respondérent per obediéntiam? Quantos intrínsecus vulnerátos, angélici oris arte et oratiónum, ab infirmitáte curávit?

Quantos, per longam incúriam peccáto labe resolútos et quadam lepræ contgióne perfúsos, castigatiónibus et exhortatiónibus expiándo, Deo in se operánte, mundávit? Quantórum ánimas, vivéntes in córpore jam defúnctas et delictórum mole óbrutas ac sepúltas, ad emendatiónem tamquam ad lucem vocándo, Deo esuscitávit; ut, Dómini sui admirándus imitátor, jam mórtuas Deo, e contrário mortíficet, vitáli morte, peccáto?

The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (xxiv, 42) At that time, Jesus said unto His disciples: Watch, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. And so on.

Homily by St. Hilary, Bishop (of Poitiers)

Comment. on Matth. chap. 26

To the end that we may know that our ignorance of that day whereof no man knoweth is not without use, the Lord moveth us to watch for the coming of the thief, to be ever instant in prayer, and ever busy in such works as He commandeth. He showeth how that the devil is that thief who watcheth ever how he may spoil our goods, breaking into the house of our body; that, while we are dwelling therein careless and heavy with sleep, he may dig through our walls with the arms of his craft and temptations. Us, therefore, it behoveth to be ready, who have ever our ignorance concerning that day to be unto us a reason of watchfulness.

Chap. 27

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household?” Although the Lord doth move us all in common to weary not in carefulness and watching, He layeth more especially upon the rulers of His people, that is, the Bishops, this duty, to look always for His coming. For such an one is that faithful and wise servant, made ruler over his Lord's household, who ever seeketh such things as be convenient and useful for the people unto him committed. Such an one, if he hear this word, and do that which he is commanded, that is, if he strengthen by seasonable and sound doctrine such things as be weak, if he bind together that which is sundered, if he make straight again what is become crooked, and give to the household the lively Word which is able to feed them unto life eternal, if such an one do thus, and meanwhile the hour which he knoweth not come upon him, he shall obtain glory of the Lord, as a faithful steward and an useful overseer: that is, he shall have glory with God, for in all things he shall have of that which is best.

Quod, si cóntuens longam Dei patiéntiam, quæ in proféctum humánæ salútis exténditur, advérsum consérvos insoléscet, et sæculi malus vitiísque se tradet, præséntium tantum curam in cultu ventris exércens; desperáta die Dóminus advéniet, eúmque a bonis, quæ spopónderat, dívidet, portionémque ejus cum hypócritis in pœnæ æternitáte constítuet: quia advéntum desperávit, quia mandátis non obtemperáverit, quia præséntibus studúerit, quia vita Géntium víxerit, quia desperatióne judícii commíssam sibi famíliam fame, siti, cæde vexáverit.

The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 19:27-29

At that time: Peter said unto Jesus: Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee: what shall we have therefore? And so on.

Homily by the Venerable Bede, Priest (at Jarrow and Doctor of the Church).

For St Benedict’s Birthday.

In the judgment to come, the elect will be in two classes. One class are they who have forsaken all, and followed the Lord: and these shall judge along with Him. The other class are they who have not equally forsaken all that they had, but who have been careful daily to give alms of their goods to the poor of Christ: these shall be the subjects of judgment, and these are they who shall then hear these words: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink.” (Matth. xxv. 34, 35.)

R. This is he which wrought great wonders before God, and praised the Lord with all his heart. * May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them. V. Behold a man without blame, a worshipper of God in truth, keeping himself clean from every evil work, and abiding still in his innocency. R. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them.

Of the reprobate also we gather, from the words of the Lord, that there will be two classes. One class are they who, being made partakers in the mystery of Christian faith, have neglected to show their faith by their works: these are they to whom it will be said at the judgment: “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an-hungered, and ye gave Me no meat.” The other class are they who either have never received the faith and mysteries of Christ, or who, having received, have apostatised, and abandoned it: and touching these it is said: “But he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” (John iii. 18.)

R. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; * And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding. V. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. R. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding. 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 ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.

And now that we have touched for a moment, with fear and just dread, upon these things, let us rather turn our hearing to the right joyful promises of our Lord and Saviour. Let us look what His so great, beautiful, and fatherly love will give to such as follow Him; not the reward of life everlasting only, but gifts exceeding precious in this life also. “Every one,” saith He, that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” For every one that shall forsake earthly affections and goods, to go and be Christ’s disciple, the further he goeth on in Christ’s love, the more shall he find who will rejoice to give him a place in their hearts, and to minister to him of their substance. 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.