Common of a Doctor not a Bishop

In medio

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.

O right excellent Teacher * Light of the Holy Church, N., blessed lover of the Divine Law, pray for us to the Son of God.

O God, who didst give blessed N. to be thy people’s minister in eternal salvation; grant, we pray, that we who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in heaven, to have him for an advocate. 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.

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Sir 39:1-5

1 The wise men will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients, and will be occupied in the prophets. 2 He will keep the sayings of renowned men, and will enter withal into the subtilties of parables. 3 He will search out the hidden meanings of proverbs, and will be conversant in the secrets of parables. 4 He shall serve among great men, and: appear before the governor. 5 He shall pass into strange countries: for he shall try good and evil among men.

Sir 39:6-10

6 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. 7 He will open his mouth in prayer, and will make supplication for his sins. 8 For if it shall please the great Lord, he will fill him with the spirit of understanding: 9 And he will pour forth the words of his wisdom as showers, and in his prayer he will confess to the Lord. 10 And he shall direct his counsel, and his knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate.

Sir 39:11-14

11 He shall show forth the discipline he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord. 12 Many shall praise his wisdom, and it shall never be forgotten. 13 The memory of him shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation to generation. 14 Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the church shall show forth his praise.

From the Book of Moral Reflection on Job, written by Pope St. Gregory the Great.

Bk. ix. ch. vi.

In the Book of Job (ix. 9), it is written that it is God which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Hyades. Now if by the constellation Orion be mystically signified the spiritual constellation of the holy Martyrs, whom can we understand to be named after them under the title of the Hyades, but the Doctors of the Holy Church? When the glorious constellation of the Martyrs had set, and the light of the faith grew stronger, then appeared the constellation of the Doctors in the firmament of the Church, even in that spring-time when the winter of unbelief was past, and the Sun of truth rose higher to shine on the hearts of His faithful ones. The storms of persecution were gone, and the long nights of unbelief were over then rose the Doctors to shine on the Church, when the springtime of belief promised her a brighter year.

Nec immérito Doctóres sancti Hýadum nuncupatióne signántur. Græco quippe elóquio hýetos plúvia vocátur, et Hýades nomen a plúviis accepérunt, quia ortæ procul dúbio imbres ferunt. Bene ergo Hýadum appellatióne expréssi sunt, qui, ad statum universális Ecclésiæ quasi in cæli fáciem dedúcti, super aréntem terram humáni péctoris, sanctæ prædicatiónis imbres fudérunt. Si enim prædicatiónis sermo plúvia non esset, Móyses mínime dixísset: Exspectétur sicut plúvia elóquium meum; et nequáquam per Isaíam Véritas díceret: Mandábo núbibus meis, ne pluant super eam imbrem; atque hoc, quod paulo ante protúlimus: Quam ob rem prohíbitæ sunt stellæ pluviárum.

Dum ergo Hýades cum plúviis véniunt, ad cæli spátia altióra sol dúcitur: quia, apparénte Doctórum sciéntia, dum mens nostra imbre prædicatiónis infúnditur, fídei calor augétur. Et perfúsa terra ad fructum próficit, cum lumen ætheris ignéscit: quia ubérius frugem boni óperis réddimus, dum per sacræ eruditiónis flammam in corde clárius ardémus. Dumque per eos diébus síngulis magis magísque sciéntia cæléstis osténditur, quasi intérni nobis lúminis vernum tempus aperítur; ut novus sol nostris méntibus rútilet, et, eórum verbis nobis cógnitus, seípso quotídie clárior micet. Urgénte étenim mundi fine, supérna sciéntia próficit, et lárgius cum témpore excréscit.

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 5:13-19

At that time: Jesus said unto his disciples: Ye are the salt of the earth: But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? And so on, and that which followeth.

A Homily by St. Augustine the Bishop

Lib. 1 de Sermóne Dómini in monte, cap. 6

The Lord would have us understand how that men do lose their power of savouring others with righteousness when they are willing to place their eternal welfare in jeopardy for the sake of any témporal advantage, like as attainment of ease or luxury, or escape from suffering or toil. For that which is eternal, unlike things of this world, can neither be bestowed by men, nor by them taken away. Hence, when he asketh: If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? he would have us understand the question to be: If ye, by whom mankind is preserved from corruption, be willing to lose the kingdom of heaven so as to escape trials or persecutions in this world, who is there to preserve you from corruption, seeing ye are they that God hath chosen to preserve all others from corruption?

Those that should be the salt of the earth, but have lost their savour, are thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. But no one that suffereth persecution is truly said to be trodden under foot of men. Rather, that one is truly trodden under foot of men who through fear of persecution hath lost the savour of righteousness. For no one can be trodden upon, unless he be beneath him which treadeth upon him. And certainly no one who hath his heart in heaven, no matter how grievously he doth suffer in his body on earth, is rightly said to be beneath anyone who misuseth him.

R. In the midst of the congregation did the Lord open his mouth. * And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding. V. He made him rich with joy and gladness. R. And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding. 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 filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding.

Ye are the light of the world. And we are to understand the word World in the same sense as the word Earth when he spoke above of the salt of the earth, that is, not that earth whereupon we walk with our bodily feet, but the men which dwell upon the earth; in other words, sinners, for the sweetening and correction of whose corruption, the Lord hath sent his Apostles, as it were, as so much salt. And so by the world we are to understand, not the heaven and the earth, but the men who are in the world and love the world, for the enlightening of whom the Apostles have been sent. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid: that is, what is founded upon the heights of righteousness, whereof the mountain upon which the Lord gave this discourse was itself a figure, is magnificent in the eyes of all men. 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.

O right excellent Teacher * Light of the Holy Church, N., blessed lover of the Divine Law, pray for us to the Son of God.

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.

Sir 15:5

v. In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Ps 91:2

v. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, Most High. 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. In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Lesson from the second letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timothy

2 Tim 4:1-8

v. Dearly beloved: I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming, and his kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming.

Ps 36:30-31

v. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgment. V. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be supplanted. Allelúja, allelúja

Sir 45:9

v. And he girded him about with a glorious girdle, and clothed him with a robe of glory, Allelúja.

Allelúja, allelúja.

Eccli 45:9

The Lord loved him and decorated him: He hath clothed him in a stole of glory.

Osee 14:6.

The just man shall flourish like the lily: and will bear fruit in eternity before the Lord. Allelúja.

Ps 36:30-31

v. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom : V. And his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be supplanted.

Ps 111:1-3

v. 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 5:13-19

v. In that time Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Ps 91:13

v. The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus. (Allelúja.)

May the pious prayer of holy N. thy Confessor and illustrious Doctor be not wanting to us, O Lord, but make our offerings acceptable to thee and ever win for us thy mercy. 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 12:42

The faithful and prudent servant whom the master will set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time. (Allelúja.)

May blessed N. thy Confessor and illustrious Doctor intercede for us, O Lord, that this thy sacrifice may obtain for 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.

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Ecclus 39:6-14

The just man will give his heart to resort early to the Lord his Maker, and he will pray in the sight of the Most High. He will open his mouth in prayer, and will ask pardon for his sins. Then, if it pleases the Lord Almighty, He will fill him with the spirit of understanding; and he will pour forth his words of wisdom as showers, and in prayer give thanks to the Lord, Who will direct his knowledge and his counsel, as he meditates upon His mysteries. He will show the wisdom of what he has learned and glory in the Law of the Lord’s covenant. Many will praise his understanding; his fame can never be effaced; unfading will be his memory, through all generations his name will live; peoples will speak of his wisdom, the assembly will sing his praises.

Lord, Thou deliverest unto me five talents * behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. Well done, thou good servant, * thou hast been faithful in a very little, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. A faithful and wise servant * whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household. Blessed is that servant * whom his Lord, when He cometh and knocketh at the door, shall find watching. Thou good and faithful servant, * enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

V. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom. R. And his tongue talketh judgment.

V. The law of his God is in his heart. R. None of his steps shall slide.

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.

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.

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.

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. This is he which did according unto all that God commanded him; and God said unto him: Enter thou into My rest, * For thee have I seen righteous before Me among all people. V. This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom. R. For thee have I seen righteous before Me among all people. 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 thee have I seen righteous before Me among all people.

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.

Lord, Thou deliverest unto me five talents * behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. Well done, thou good servant, * thou hast been faithful in a very little, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. A faithful and wise servant * whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household. Blessed is that servant * whom his Lord, when He cometh and knocketh at the door, shall find watching. Thou good and faithful servant, * enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Sir 31:8-9

v. Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life. R. Thanks be to God.

v. Jesu, eternal truth sublime, Through endless years the same! Thou crown of those who through all time Confess thy holy name:

Thy suppliant people, through the prayer Of thy blest saint, forgive; For his dear sake, thy wrath forbear, And bid our spirits live.

Again returns the sacred day, With heavenly glory bright, Which saw him go upon his way Into the realms of light.

All objects of our vain desire, All earthly joys and gains, To him were but as filthy mire; And now with thee he reigns.

Thee, Jesu, his all-gracious Lord, Confessing to the last, He trod beneath him Satan's fraud, And stood forever fast.

In holy deeds of faith and love, In fastings and in prayers, His days were spent; and now above Thy heavenly feast he shares.

Then, for his sake thy wrath lay by, And hear us while we pray; And pardon us, O thou most high, On this his festal day.

* All glory to the Father be; And sole Incarnate Son; Praise, holy Paraclete, to thee; While endless ages run. Amen.

v. Jesu coróna célsior, Et véritas sublímior, Qui confiténti sérvulo Reddis perénne prǽmium:

Da supplicánti cœ́tui, Obténtu hujus óptimi, Remissiónem críminum Rumpéndo nexum vínculi.

Anni recúrso témpore, Dies illúxit lúmine, Quo Sanctus hic de córpore Polum migrávit prǽpotens.

Hic vana terræ gáudia Et luculénta prǽdia, Pollúta sorde députans, Ovans tenet cæléstia.

Te, Christe Rex piíssime, Hic confiténdo júgiter, Calcávit hostem fórtiter, Supérbum ac satéllitem.

Virtútum actu et fide, Confessiónis órdine, Jejúna membra déferens, Dapes supérnas óbtinet.

Proínde te, piíssime, Precámur omnes súpplices, Ut hujus almi grátia Nobis remíttas débita.

Glória Patri Dómino, Glória Unigénito, Una cum Sancto Spíritu, In sempitérna sǽcula. Amen.

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.

Wis 10:10

v. She conducted the just, when he fled from his brother's wrath, through the right ways, and showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours.

Sir 39:6

v. The righteous 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. The mouth of the righteous * speaketh wisdom. R. The mouth of the righteous * speaketh wisdom. V. And his tongue talketh judgment. R. The righteous speaketh wisdom. 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 mouth of the righteous * speaketh wisdom.

Wis 10:10

v. She conducted the just, when he fled from his brother's wrath, through the right ways, and showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. The law of his God * is in his heart. R. The law of his God * is in his heart. V. None of his steps shall slide. R. In his heart. 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 law of his God * is in his heart.

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

Lesson from the book of Wisdom

Wis 4:7-14

7 But the just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest. 8 For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years: but the understanding of a man is grey hairs. 9 And a spotless life is old age. 10 He pleased God and was beloved, and living among sinners he was translated. 11 He was taken away lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. 12 For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind. 13 Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time: 14 For his soul pleased God: therefore he hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities:

Wis 4:14-19

14 but the people see this, and understand not, nor lay up such things in their hearts: 15 That the grace of God, and his mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect to his chosen. 16 But the just that is dead, condemneth the wicked that are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the unjust. 17 For they shall see the end of the wise man, and shall not understand what God hath designed for him, and why the Lord hath set him in safety. 18 They shall see him, and shall despise him: but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn. 19 And they shall fall after this without honour, and be a reproach among the dead for ever: for he shall burst them puffed up and speechless, and shall shake them from the foundations, and they shall be utterly laid waste:

Wis 4:19-20; 5:1-5

19 they shall be in sorrow, and their memory shall perish. 20 They shall come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them. 1 Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours. 2 These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation. 3 Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: These are they, whom we had some time in derision, and for a parable of reproach. 4 We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour. 5 Behold how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints.

Ex libro Moralium sancti Gregorii Papæ

Lib. 10. cap. 16. in cap. 12. Job.

Deridétur justi simplícitas. Hujus mundi sapiéntia est, cor machinatiónibus tégere, sensum verbis veláre: quæ falsa sunt, vera osténdere; quæ vera sunt, falsa demonstráre. Hæc nimírum prudéntia usu a juvénibus scitur hæc a púeris prétio díscitur; hanc qui sciunt, céteros despiciéndo supérbiunt: hanc qui nésciunt, subjécti et tímidi in áliis mirántur: quia ab eis hæc éadem duplicitátis iníquitas nómine palliáta dilígitur, dum mentis pervérsitas urbánitas vocátur. Hæc sibi obsequéntibus præcipit honórum cúlmina quærere, adépta temporális glóriæ vanitáte gaudére, irrogáta ab áliis mala multiplícius réddere: cum vires súppetunt, nullis resisténtibus cédere: cum virtútis possibílitas deest, quidquid explére per malítiam non valent, hoc in pacífica bonitáte simuláre.

At contra, sapiéntia justórum est: nil per ostensiónem fíngere, sensum verbis aperíre, vera ut sunt dilígere, falsa devitáre; bona gratis exhibére, mala libéntius toleráre quam fácere; nullam injúriæ ultiónem quærere, pro veritáte contuméliam lucrum putáre. Sed hæc justórum simplícitas deridétur; quia ab hujus mundi sapiéntibus puritátis virtus fatúitas créditur. Omne enim quod innocénter ágitur, ab eis proculdúbio stultum putátur; et quidquid in ópere véritas ápprobat, carnáli sapiéntiæ fátuum sonat. Quid namque stúltius vidétur mundo, quam mentem verbis osténdere, nil cállida machinatióne simuláre, nullas injúriis contumélias réddere, pro maledicéntibus oráre, paupertátem quærere, posséssa relínquere, rapiénti non resístere, percutiénti álteram maxíllam præbére?

Cap. 17 post init.

Lampas contémpta apud cogitatiónes dívitum. Sæpe contíngit, ut eléctus quisque, qui ad ætérnam felicitátem dúcitur, contínua hic adversitáte deprimátur; non hunc rerum abundántia fúlciat, non dignitátum glória honorábilem osténdat, nulla ei obsequéntium frequéntia súppetat, nulla hunc humánis óculis véstium pompa compónat. A cunctis vero despicábilis cérnitur, et hujus mundi grátia indígnus æstimátur; sed tamen ante occúlti júdicis óculos virtútibus émicat, vitæ méritis corúscat: honorári métuit, déspici non réfugit: corpus continéntia áfficit, sola in ánimo dilectióne pinguéscit: mentem semper ad patiéntiam præparat, er, eréctus pro justítia, de percéptis contuméliis exsúltat: afflíctis ex corde compátitur, de bonórum prosperitátibus quasi de própriis lætátur, sacri verbi pábula in mente sollícitus rúminat, et, inquisítus, quódlibet éloqui duplíciter ignórat.

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke

Luke 12:32-34

At that time, Jesus said unto His disciples: Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. And so on.

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

Bk. iv. Ch. 54 on Luke xii.

The elect are called a little flock, perchance because the reprobate are far more in number than they, but, more probably, because they love to be lowly, since it is God's will that however much His Church should grow in numbers, she should grow with lowliness even unto the end of the world, and should enter lowly into that kingdom which is hers by His promise. That kingdom He promiseth to her here, when He biddeth her to seek only the kingdom of God, and, to comfort her in her travail, He doth so sweetly and so graciously say that her Father will give it to her.

Sell what ye have and give alms. Fear not, He saith, lest, while ye fight for the kingdom of God, ye should lack such things as are needful for this life, nay rather, sell even that which ye have, and give alms. This doth, whosoever for the Lord's sake leaveth all that he hath, and then worketh with his hands, that so he may have to eat, and withal to give alms. In this doth the Apostle boast himself, saying I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, as ye yourselves know for these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak. (Acts xx. 33, 34, 35.)

Provide yourselves bags which wax not old that is to say, by almsgiving, the reward thereof remaineth for ever. Nevertheless, we must not think here that this commandment forbiddeth the Saints to keep money for their own use, and for helping of the poor. The Lord Himself, to Whom Angels ministered, had a bag, and kept therein that which the faithful people gave unto Him (John xii. 6,) to relieve therewith the need of His disciples, and other poor folk. But we are commanded not to serve God for gain, nor to work unrighteousness for fear of poverty. 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.

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke

Luke 19:12-26

At that time, Jesus spoke this parable unto His disciples: A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. And so on.

Homily by St. Ambrose, Bishop (of Milan.)

Book viii. on Luke.

It is well ordered that, being about to call the Gentiles, and to command the destruction of those Jews, who would not have Christ to reign over them, He should put forth first this parable; lest it should be said He had given the Jews no means of becoming better. How can they be asked to repay who have received nothing? That is not a piece of silver of little worth, which, when the woman before mentioned in this Gospel (xv. 8) hath lost, she lighteth a candle, and sweepeth the house, and searcheth diligently until she findeth it.

A single pound one gained ten and another five pounds. Perchance by him which had the five pounds is signified he which practiseth well, since the body hath five senses, and by him which had the ten, that is, double the other, he which is learned and orthodox in the deep things of doctrine, as well as upright in his practical life. Hence also in Matthew we have five talents and two talents the five talents signifying good practice, and the two talents precept and practice together. So that that which counteth as the greater number is but a fraction of the lesser number.

And here we may also understand by the ten pounds the ten words, that is, the Commandments, and by the five pounds, the enforcement of their teaching. But I would that a lawyer should be in all things perfect. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. (1 Cor. iv. 20.) Meet also is it, that, in speaking of Jews, Christ should represent only two as bringing in increased capital, for these talents are talents not of money but of grace, and to increase money by usury is a very different thing from improving heavenly revelation by the like means. 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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.