Commune plurium Confessorum non Pontificum

Be mindful, O Lord, of our humble prayers in this commemoration of Your Saints, so that we, who have no confidence in our own righteousness, may be helped by the merits of those who have been pleasing to You. 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 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.

From the Sermons of St. John Chrysostom, Patriarch (of Constantinople.)

On St Philogonius, Tom. iii.

The blessed N., whose Feast we are this day keeping, doth justly call on our tongue to tell what great deeds he wrought. To-day did that blessed servant of God pass into that higher life, which is a life of peace, a life where there is no trouble. To-day his ship reached that harbour whereafter wreck is to be dreaded no more. He hath felt trouble and anguish of spirit for the last time. And wherefore marvel we that that place is one where the mind is vexed no more, when we remember that Paul saith, even to men living here in this life: Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing? (1 Thess. v. 16, 17.)

Justus

Ps 91:13-14

v. The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. (Alleluia, alleluia.)

Ps 91:2

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. The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. (Alleluia, alleluia.)

Lesson from the first letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

1 Cor. 4:9-14

Brethren: We have been made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, but we are without honor! To this very hour we hunger and thirst, and we are naked and buffeted, and have no fixed abode. And we toil, working with our own hands. We are reviled and we bless, we are persecuted and we bear with it, we are maligned and we entreat, we have become as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now! I write these things not to put you to shame, but to admonish you as my dearest children, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ps 36:30-31

The mouth of the just tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. V. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter. Alleluia, alleluia.

Ps 111:1

Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands. Alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Ps 111:1

V. Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands. Alleluia.

Osee 14:6

V. The just man shall blossom like the lily, and flourish forever before the Lord. Alleluia.

Ps 36:30-31

The mouth of the just tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. V. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter.

Ps 111:1-3

Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands. V. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. V. Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever.

Continuation ++ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

Luke 12:32-34

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms. Make for yourselves purses that do not grow old, a treasure unfailing in heaven, where neither thief draws near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

Ps 20:2-3

O Lord, in Your strength the just man is glad; in Your victory how greatly he rejoices! You have granted him his heart’s desire. (Alleluia.)

Grant us, we beseech You, almighty God, that the offering of our lowliness may be pleasing to You in honor of Your Saints and may purify us in both body and mind. 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 19:28-29

Amen I say to you that you, who have left all things and followed Me, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting. (Alleluia.)

We pray You, almighty God, that we who have received heavenly nourishment may thereby, through the intercession of blessed N., Your Confessor, be sustained against all harm and danger. 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.

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.

I will liken him unto a wise man, * which built his house upon a rock.

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.

Here there are sicknesses, here there are strivings, here there are untimely deaths, here there are lies, here there are jealousies, here there are troubles, here there is anger, here there are lustings, here there are pit-falls unnumbered, here there are daily cares, here one evil followeth after another, and all bring vexation. And yet Paul hath it that even here a man may rejoice evermore, if he will but raise his head above the flood of earthly things, and order his life aright. How much better shall we fare when we have passed away from all these things, and all these things are taken away from us, when we shall have no illhealth, nor disease, nor matter wherein to sin, when that hard thing, right of property, shall exist no more, whereby all unrighteousness cometh into this life, and strifes unnumbered are begotten.

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.

In this verily do I most chiefly rejoice, for the happiness of that holy servant of God, in that, being taken away hence, and having found here no abiding city, he is become a citizen of that other city, which is the city of the living God from the Church here he is gone, but hie is come unto the Church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, (Heb. xii. 22, 23); he keepeth holiday with us no more, but he is passed to where he holdeth high festival with Angels. And what be that city, and that Church, and that festival above, Paul biddeth us know, saying Ye are come unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and unto the Church of the first-born which are written in heaven, and to an innumerable company of Angels.

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.

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke

Luke 12:35-40

At that time, Jesus said unto His disciples: Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. And so on.

Homily by Pope St. Gregory (the Great.)

13th on the Gospels.

Dearly beloved brethren, the words of the Holy Gospel, which have just been read, lie open before you, and, lest their very plainness should make them seem to some to be hard, we will go through them with such shortness as that neither may they which understand not remain unenlightened, nor they which understand be wearied. The Lord saith Let your loins be girded about. Now, we gird our loins about, when by continency we master the lustful inclination of the flesh. But, forasmuch as it sufficeth not for a man to abstain from evil deeds, if he strive not to join thereto the earnest doing of good works, it is immediately added And your lights burning. Our lights burn when, by good works, we give bright example to our neighbour; concerning which works the Lord saith Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Which is in heaven. (Matth. v. 16.)

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.

Here, then, are two commandments, to gird our loins about, and to keep our lights burning the cleanness of purity in our body, and the light of the truth in our works. Whoso hath the one and not the other, pleaseth not thereby our Redeemer; that is, he pleaseth Him not which doth good works, but bridleth not himself from the pollutions of lust, neither he which is eminent in chastity, but exerciseth not himself in good works. Neither is chastity a great thing without good works, nor good works anything without chastity. And if any man do both, it remaineth that he must look by hope toward our Fatherland above, and not have for his reason wherethrough he turneth himself away from vice, the love of honour in this present world.

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. The Lord cometh at the hour of judgment He knocketh when, by the pains of sickness, He biddeth us know that death is nigh. To Him open we immediately, if we receive Him in love. Whoso feareth to leave this body, will not open to the Judge when He knocketh, for he dreadeth to see that Judge, Whom he knoweth that he hath despised. But whosoever knoweth that his hope and works are built upon a good foundation, when he heareth the Judge knock, openeth to Him immediately, for to such an one that coming is blessed, yea, when the hour of death is at hand, such an one haileth with gladness a glorious reward. 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.

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.

Lo, a servant of God * who esteemed but little things earthly. And by word and work laid him up treasure in heaven.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.