Common of a Virgin Martyr

Me exspectaverunt

May blessed N., Virgin and Martyr, who was ever pleasing to You by the merit of her chastity and by her trust in Your power, implore for us Your forgiveness, we beseech You, O Lord. 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.

Ps 118:95-96.

v. Sinners wait to destroy me, but I pay heed to Your decrees, O Lord. I see that all fulfillment has its limits; broad indeed is Your command. (Alleluja, alleluja.)

Ps 118:1

Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. 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. Sinners wait to destroy me, but I pay heed to Your decrees, O Lord. I see that all fulfillment has its limits; broad indeed is Your command. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Sir 51:13-17.

O Lord, my God, You have exalted my dwelling place upon the earth, and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that He would not abandon me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. I will ever praise Your name, and will praise it with thanksgiving; and my prayer was heard. And You saved me from destruction, and delivered me from the evil time. For this reason I thank You and I praise You, O Lord, our God.

Ps 45:6, 5

God will help her with His countenance. God is in her midst; she shall not be disturbed. V. There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God; the Most High has sanctified His dwelling. Alleluia, alleluia. V. This is a wise virgin, and one of the number of the prudent. Alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. This is a wise virgin, and one of the number of the prudent. Alleluia.

Wis 4:1

V. Oh, how beautiful is the chaste generation with glory! Alleluia.

Ps 45:6, 5

God will help her with His countenance. God is in her midst; she shall not be disturbed. V. There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God; the Most High has sanctified His dwelling.

Tractus

Come spouse of Christ, receive the crown, which the Lord has prepared for you forever: for the love of Whom you shed your blood. Ps 44:8; 44:5 You love justice and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows. V. In your splendor and your beauty ride on triumphant, and reign.

Continuation ++ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 13:44-52.

At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field; he who finds it hides it, and in his joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he finds a single pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea that gathered in fish of every kind. When it was filled, they hauled it out, and sitting down on the beach, they gathered the good fish into vessels, but threw away the bad. So will it be at the end of the world. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from among the just, and will cast them into the furnace of fire, where there will be the weeping, and the gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things? They said to Him, Yes. And He said to them, So then, every Scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings forth from his storeroom things new and old.

Ps 44:3

Grace is poured out upon your lips; thus God has blessed you forever, and for ages of ages. (Alleluja.)

Graciously accept the sacrificial gifts offered You, O Lord, through the merits of blessed N., Your Virgin and Martyr, and grant they may prove an unfailing aid for us. 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.

Ps 118:121-122; 118:128

I have fulfilled just ordinances, O Lord; let not the proud oppress me. For in all Your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate. (Alleluja.)

We who have been refreshed by the richness of Your divine sacrament beseech You, O Lord our God, that through the intercession of blessed N., Your Virgin and Martyr, we may forevermore abide in its participation. 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.

Continuation ++ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 19:3-12.

At that time, there came to Jesus some Pharisees, testing Him, and saying, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for any cause? But He answered and said to them, Have you not read that the Creator, from the beginning, made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? Therefore now they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder. They said to Him, Why then did Moses command to give a written notice of dismissal, and to put her away? He said to them, Because Moses, by reason of the hardness of your heart, permitted you to put away your wives; but it was not so from the beginning. And I say to you, that whoever puts away his wife, except for immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries a woman who has been put away commits adultery. His disciples said to Him, If the case of a man with his wife is so, it is not expedient to marry. And He said, Not all can accept this teaching; but those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born so from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves so for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him accept it who can.

This is one of the wise virgins, * one chosen out of the number of the careful.;;109 This is one of the wise virgins, * whom the Lord found watching.;;112 This, is one which hath not known the sinful bed, * she shall have fruit in the visitation of holy souls.;;121 Come, O my chosen one, * and I will establish My throne in thee.;;126 She is beautiful * among the daughters of Jerusalem.;;147

v. Jesu, the virgins' crown, do thou Accept us as in prayer we bow; Born of that Virgin, whom alone The mother and the maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed, By virgin choirs accompanied; With glory decked, the spotless brides Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend, With hymns and praises still attend: In blessèd troops they follow thee, With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray thee therefore to bestow Upon our senses here below Thy grace, that so we may endure From taint of all corruption pure.

* All laud to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to thee; All glory as is ever meet, To God, the holy Paraclete. Amen.

v. Jesu, the virgins' crown, do thou Accept us as in prayer we bow; Born of that Virgin, whom alone The mother and the maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed, By virgin choirs accompanied; With glory decked, the spotless brides Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend, With hymns and praises still attend: In blessèd troops they follow thee, With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray thee therefore to bestow Upon our senses here below Thy grace, that so we may endure From taint of all corruption pure.

* All laud to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to thee; All glory as is ever meet, To God, the holy Paraclete. Amen.

V. In thy comeliness and thy beauty. R. Go forward, fare prosperously, and reign.

Come, Bride of Christ, and take the everlasting crown * which the Lord hath prepared for thee.

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

v. Son of a virgin, maker of thy mother, Thou, rod and blossom from a stem unstainèd, While we a Virgin's triumphs are rehearsing, Hear our petition!

Lo, on thy handmaid fell a two-fold blessing, Who, in her body vanquishing the weakness, In that same body, grace from heaven obtaining, Bore the world witness.

Death, nor the rending pains of death appalled her; Bondage and torment found her undefeated: So by the shedding of her blood attained she Heavenly guerdon.

Fountain of mercy, hear the prayers she offers; Purge our offences, pardon our transgressions, So that hereafter we to thee may render Praise with thanksgiving.

Thou, the All-Father, thou, the One-Begotten, Thou, Holy Spirit, Three in One co-equal, Glory be henceforth thine through all the ages, World without ending. Amen.

v. Vírginis Proles, Opiféxque Matris, Virgo quem gessit, peperítque Virgo: Vírginis festum cánimus trophǽum Accipe votum.

Hæc tua Virgo dúplici beáta Sorte, dum gestit frágilem domáre Córporis sexum, dómuit cruéntum Corpóre sæclum.

Unde nec mortem, nec amíca mortis Sæva pœnárum génera pavéscens, Sánguine fuso méruit sacrátum Scándere cælum.

Hujus obténtu, Deus alme, nostris Parce jam culpis, vítia remíttens, Quo tibi puri resonémus almum Péctoris hymnum.

Glória Patri genitǽque Proli, Et tibi compar utriúsque semper Spíritus alme, Deus unus, omni Témpore sæcli. Amen.

O how lovely and glorious * is the generation of the chaste.;;8 Sing for us again and again before this maiden's bed * the tender idylls of the play.;;18 Return, return, O Shulammith * Return, return, that we may look upon thee.;;23 In thy comeliness and thy beauty, * go forward, fare prosperously, and reign.;;44 God shall help * her with His countenance: God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.;;45 Many waters cannot * quench love.;;47 I am black but comely, * O ye daughters of Jerusalem; therefore hath the King loved me, and brought me into his chamber.;;95 Draw me after thee * we will run after the savour of thy good ointments; thy name is as oil poured forth.;;96 Come, Bride of Christ, * and take the everlasting crown which the Lord hath prepared for thee.;;97

V. God shall help her with His countenance. R. God is in the midst of her she shall not be moved.

V. God hath chosen her, and fore-chosen her. R. He hath made her to dwell in His tabernacle.

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

1 Cor 7:25-31

25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord; but I give counsel, as having obtained mercy of the Lord, to be faithful. 26 I think therefore that this is good for the present necessity, that it is good for a man so to be. 27 Art thou bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28 But if thou take a wife, thou hast not sinned. And if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned: nevertheless, such shall have tribulation of the flesh. But I spare you. 29 This therefore I say, brethren; the time is short; it remaineth, that they also who have wives, be as if they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as if they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as if they used it not: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

R.br. Come, Bride of Christ, and take the everlasting crown, which the Lord hath prepared for thee, even for thee who for the love of Him hast shed thy blood; * And art entered with Angels into His garden. V. Come, O My chosen one, and I will establish My throne in thee, for the King hath reatly desired thy beauty R. And art entered with Angels into His garden.

1 Cor 7:32-35

32 But I would have you to be without solicitude. He that is without a wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please God. 33 But he that is with a wife, is solicitous for the things of the world, how he may please his wife: and he is divided. 34 And the unmarried woman and the virgin thinketh on the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she that is married thinketh on the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 And this I speak for your profit: not to cast a snare upon you; but for that which is decent, and which may give you power to attend upon the Lord, without impediment.

R. Grace is poured into thy lips, therefore; * God hath blessed thee for ever. V. In thy comeliness and thy beauty, go forward, fare prosperously, and reign. R. God hath blessed thee for ever.

1 Cor 7:36-40

36 But if any man think that he seemeth dishonoured, with regard to his virgin, for that she is above the age, and it must so be: let him do what he will; he sinneth not, if she marry. 37 For he that hath determined being steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but having power of his own will; and hath judged this in his heart, to keep his virgin, doth well. 38 Therefore, both he that giveth his virgin in marriage, doth well; and he that giveth her not, doth better. 39 A woman is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband die, she is at liberty: let her marry to whom she will; only in the Lord. 40 But more blessed shall she be, if she so remain, according to my counsel; and I think that I also have the spirit of God.

R. In thy comeliness and thy beauty; * Go forward, fare prosperously, and reign. V. Grace is poured into thy lips, therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. R. Go forward, fare prosperously, and reign. 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. Go forward, fare prosperously, and reign.

From the Sermons of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan.

Book. I. on Virgins

This day is a maiden's Birthday. The love of virginity provoketh us to say somewhat touching maidenhood, lest, if we pass thereby, we should seem to cast a slur on that which was her chief strength. Virginity is not to be praised because it is a grace which is poured forth in Martyrs, but because it is a grace which maketh Martyrs. But what understanding of man can rightly grasp this excellency which riseth above the laws of nature herself? What natural voice can portray a thing which is supernaturally noble? It is a reflection on earth of a glory whose home is in heaven. And it is but that which we may justly look for, when we see her who hath her Husband in heaven, live a life whose model is the life of heaven.

R. Because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness; * And thy right hand shall lead thee wonderfully. V. In thy comeliness, and thy beauty, go forward, fare prosperously, and reign. R. And thy right hand shall lead thee wonderfully.

It was maidenhood that pierced beyond the clouds, the atmosphere, the Angels, and the stars, and came upon the Word of God in the very bosom of the Father, and sucked Him into her heart. For who, that hath once found such blessedness, would leave it again “For thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee,” and draw thee after them. (Cant. i. 3.) Lastly, it is not I, but the Lord by Whom it is said that they which neither marry nor are given in marriage are as the angels of God in heaven. (Matth. xxii. 30.) Let no man therefore marvel that they which be married unto the Lord of angels should be likened themselves to angels.

R. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness. V. Because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness. R. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.

Who would deny that this is a life which hath come down from heaven, seeing it is a life whereof it is not easy to find an example before God came down to dwell in a Body of clay? Then was it a virgin which conceived Him in her womb, and the Word was made Flesh, that Flesh might be made God. Some will say Concerning Elias also, we find not that he shared in the lusting after a bodily coming-together. Yea and therefore it is that he was carried up in a fiery chariot into heaven therefore is it that he is seen with the Lord amid all the glory of the Transfiguration therefore it is that he is to come as a Forerunner of the Lord's coming again.

R. After her shall virgins be brought unto the King, her fellows * They shall be brought unto thee with gladness and rejoicing. V. In thy comeliness and thy beauty, go forward, fare prosperously, and reign. R. They shall be brought unto thee with gladness and rejoicing. 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. They shall be brought unto thee with gladness and rejoicing.

From the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew

Matt 25:1-13

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: The Kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom and the Bride. And so on.

Homily by Pope St. Gregory the Great

12th on the Gospels

Dearly beloved brethren oftentimes do I warn you to fly corrupt conversation, and to keep yourselves unspotted from the world. But the portion which is this day read from the Holy Gospel doth oblige me to say that even to these good things which ye do, ye must needs take all careful heed. Look ye well to it, that, when ye work righteousness, ye do it not as seeking the praise and admiration of men, for if the lust of praise do once creep in, that which seemeth so fair without, loseth its reward within. Behold how the Redeemer speaketh of these ten virgins. He calleth them all virgins, yet entered not all of them into the door of blessedness, for there were some of them who sought outwardly the honour of virginity, but would take no oil within their vessels with their lamps.

R. This is one of those wise virgins, whom the Lord found watching, for when she took her lamp, she took oil with her. * And when the Lord came, she went in with him to the marriage. V. At midnight there was a cry made: Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. R. And when the Lord came, she went in with him to the marriage.

First of all, it is for us to ask What is the kingdom of Heaven? And wherefore shall the same be likened unto ten virgins, whereof, albeit five were wise, yet five were foolish For if the kingdom of heaven be such that there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie, (Apoc. xxi. 27,) how can it be like unto five virgins which were foolish? But we must know that, in the word of God, the kingdom of heaven doth oftentimes signify the Church as she now is, touching the which the Lord saith in another place “The Son of Man shall send forth His Angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend.” (Matth. xiii. 41.) In that kingdom of Blessedness, wherein peace shall have her perfect reign, there shall be nothing found that offendeth for the angels to gather out.

R. At midnight there was a cry made: * Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. V. Trim your lamps, O ye wise virgins. R. Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet 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. Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.

The body of every man doth consist of five senses, and five being doubled, is ten. Forasmuch, therefore, as the whole body of the faithful doth consist of two sexes, the Holy Church is likened unto ten virgins. And forasmuch as in the Church the good are for the present mingled with the bad, and the reprobate with the elect, it is rightly said that, of the ten virgins, five are wise and five are foolish. There are many who have self-control, which do keep themselves from lusting after things outward, whose hope beareth them to things inward, who chastise the flesh, who long with intense home-sickness for their Fatherland which is in heaven, who seek an eternal reward, and who will not to receive for their labours the praise of men. These are they who reckon their glory, not in the mouths of men, but in the testimony of their own conscience. And many there be likewise who afflict the body by self-control, and yet who seek for their self-control applause from 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.

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

This is one of the wise virgins, * one chosen out of the number of the careful. This is one of the wise virgins, * whom the Lord found watching. This, is one which hath not known the sinful bed, * she shall have fruit in the visitation of holy souls. Come, O my chosen one, * and I will establish My throne in thee. She is beautiful * among the daughters of Jerusalem.

2 Cor 10:17-18

v. Brothers: But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commendeth himself, is approved, but he, whom God commendeth. R. Thanks be to God.

v. Jesu, the virgins' crown, do thou Accept us as in prayer we bow; Born of that Virgin, whom alone The mother and the maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed, By virgin choirs accompanied; With glory decked, the spotless brides Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend, With hymns and praises still attend: In blessèd troops they follow thee, With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray thee therefore to bestow Upon our senses here below Thy grace, that so we may endure From taint of all corruption pure.

* All laud to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to thee; All glory as is ever meet, To God, the holy Paraclete. Amen.

v. Jesu, the virgins' crown, do thou Accept us as in prayer we bow; Born of that Virgin, whom alone The mother and the maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed, By virgin choirs accompanied; With glory decked, the spotless brides Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend, With hymns and praises still attend: In blessèd troops they follow thee, With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray thee therefore to bestow Upon our senses here below Thy grace, that so we may endure From taint of all corruption pure.

* All laud to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to thee; All glory as is ever meet, To God, the holy Paraclete. Amen.

V. Grace is poured into thy lips. R. Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman * seeking goodly pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Sir 51:13-14

v. O Lord, my God thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help.

R.br. In thy comeliness * and in thy beauty. R. In thy comeliness * and in thy beauty. V. Go forward, fare prosperously, and reign. R. In thy beauty. 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. In thy comeliness * and in thy beauty.

2 Cor 11:2

v. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. God shall help her * with His countenance. R. God shall help her * with His countenance. V. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. R. With His countenance. 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. God shall help her * with His countenance.

Sir 51:13-14

v. O Lord, my God thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. God hath chosen her, * and fore-chosen her. R. God hath chosen her, * and fore-chosen her. V. He hath made her to dwell in His tabernacle. R. And fore-chosen her. 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. God hath chosen her, * and fore-chosen her.

V. Grace is poured into thy lips. R. Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Come, Bride of Christ, and take the everlasting crown * which the Lord hath prepared for thee.

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Sir 51:1-7

1 A prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach. I will give glory to thee, O Lord, O King, and I will praise thee, O God my Saviour. 2 I will give glory to thy name: for thou hast been a helper and protector to me. 3 And hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them that stood by, thou hast been my helper. 4 And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour. 5 Out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions, which compassed me about: 6 From the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt. 7 From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue:

Sir 51:8-12

8 My soul shall praise the Lord even to death. 9 And my life was drawing near to hell beneath. 10 They compassed me on every side, and there was no one that would help me. I looked for the succour of men, and there was none. 11 I remembered thy mercy, O Lord, and thy works, which are from the beginning of the world. 12 How thou deliverest them that wait for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations.

Sir 51:13-17

13 Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away. 14 I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. 15 I will praise thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. 16 And thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. 17 Therefore I will give thanks, and praise thee, and bless the name of the Lord.

Ex libro S. Cypriáni, Epíscopi et Mártyris, de disciplína et hábitu Vírginum

Lib. de hab. Virg. n. 3-5

Nunc nobis ad vírgines sermo est, quarum quo sublímior glória est, major et cura est. Flos est ille ecclesiástici gérminis, decus atque ornaméntum grátiæ spiritális, læta índoles, laudis et honóris opus íntegrum atque incorrúptum, Dei imágo respóndens ad sanctimóniam Dómini, illústrior pórtio gregis Christi. Gaudet per illas atque in illis lárgiter floret Ecclésiæ matris gloriósa fœcúnditas: quantóque plus copiósa virgínitas número suo addit, tanto plus gáudium matris augéscit. Ad has lóquimur, has adhortámur affectióne pótius quam potestáte: non quod, extrémi et mínimi et humilitátis nostræ ádmodum cónscii, áliquid ad censúram licéntiæ vindicémus; sed quod ad sollicitúdinem magis cauti, plus de diáboli infestatióne timeámus.

Neque enim inánis hæc cáutio est, et vana formído, quæ ad salútis viam cónsulit, quæ domínica et vitália præcépta custódit, ut quæ se Christo dicáverint, et a carnáli concupiscéntia recedéntes tam carne, quam mente se Deo vóverint, consúmment opus suum magno prǽmio destinátum, nec ornári jam, aut placére cuíquam, nisi Dómino suo, stúdeant, a quo et mercédem virginitátis expéctant, dicénte ipso: Non omnes cápiunt verbum, sed illi quibus datum est. Sunt enim spadónes, qui ex útero matris sic nati sunt: et sunt spadónes, qui coácti sunt ab homínibus; et sunt spadónes, qui seípsos castravérunt propter regnum cœlórum.

Dénuo quoque per hanc Angeli vocem continéntiæ munus osténditur, virgínitas prædicátur. Hi sunt, qui cum muliéribus se non coinquinavérunt: vírgines enim permansérunt: hi sunt qui sequúntur Agnum quocúmque íerit. Neque enim tantum másculis continéntiæ grátiam Dóminus repromíttit, et féminas prǽterit: sed quóniam fémina viri pórtio est, et ex eo sumpta atque formáta est, in Scriptúris fere ómnibus ad protoplástum Deus lóquitur, quia sunt duo in carne una, et in másculo simul significátur et fémina. Quod si Christum continéntia séquitur, et regno Dei virgínitas destinátur: quid est illis cum terréno cultu, et cum ornaméntis, quibus dum homínibus placére géstiunt, Deum offéndunt?

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 13:44-52

At that time Jesus spake unto His disciples this parable The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field. And so on.

Homily by Pope St Gregory the Great

11th on the Gospels

Dearly beloved brethren, the kingdom of heaven is likened unto the things of earth, to the end that by the mean of things which we know, our mind may rise to the contemplation of the things which we know not by the example of things which are seen, may fix her gaze on things which are not seen by the touch of things which she useth, may be warmed towards the things which she useth not; by things which she knoweth and loveth, to love also the things which she knoweth not. For, behold, “the kingdom of heaven is likened unto treasure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and, for joy thereof, goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field.”

And herein we must remark that the treasure, when once it hath been found, is hidden to keep it safe. He whose intimate yearnings after God are not hidden from the praise of men, is open thereby to the attacks of evil spirits. In this life we are, as it were, journeying homewards on a road beset by evil spirits who are like highwaymen. He therefore inviteth robbery who carrieth his treasure ostentatiously. Doubtless our neighbour should be able to see our good works, as it is written: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” But this is not to be understood to mean that we are to seek the praise of men by what we do. Rather, let us in such wise work in the open that the inner intention of devotion is not advertised. So we shall give an example to our neighbour, and yet keep hidden, except from the sight of God, our purpose of pleasing him.

The treasure is the desire for heaven, the field wherein it is hidden is the earnest observance wherewith this desire is surrounded. Whosoever turneth his back upon the enjoyments of the flesh, and by earnest striving heavenward, putteth all earthly lusts under the feet of discipline, so that he smileth back no more when the flesh smileth at him, and shuddereth no more at anything that can only kill the body whosoever doth thus, hath sold all that he had, and bought that field. 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 Matthew

Matt 19:3-12

In that time, there came to him the Pharisees tempting him, and saying: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And so on.

Homily by St. John Chrysostom, Patriarch of (Constantinople.)

63th on Matthew.

Seeing that directly to exhort them unto virginity was well-nigh more than they could bear, our Lord seeketh to draw them to the desire thereof, taking occasion by the needfulness of a law against divorce. Then He showeth that virginity is possible, saying There are some eunuchs which were so born from their mother's womb; and there are some eunuchs which were made eunuchs of men; and there be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. In these words He persuadeth them indirectly to choose virginity, while He teacheth them that such a gift is not so good as to be impossible.

This doctrine He establisheth somewhat thus. Supposing that thou hadst been born a eunuch by nature, or hadst been made a eunuch by the cruelty of men, so that thou hadst no sexual enjoyment, and hadst no credit for having none, what wouldest thou do? Give God thanks therefore, that thou dost, for a reward and a crown, what such others suffer with no reward and no crown yea, and that, rather a lighter burden than the same, and that not only because thou hast the joy of hope, and of knowing that thou doest well, but also because thou art not so battered by storms of desire as they are.

When, therefore, He had spoken of such as are eunuchs by nature, or by mutilation, and are eunuchs vainly and uselessly, unless they also bridle their thoughts, and of such as deny themselves for the kingdom of heaven's sake, He added He that is able to receive it, let him receive it, that He might make them the readier by showing the very sternness of the work, and, in His unspeakable goodness, He would not include any such precept within the requirements of the law, and, by saying this, showeth it to be the more possible, that He might increase the desire of freely choosing it. 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.