LITURGY PROPERS – TRINITY SEASON | ORTHODOX WESTERN RITE

TRINITY SUNDAY

MATTINS

Ps xxix. Afferte Domino

Bring unto the Lord O ye mighty bring young rams unto the Lord : Ascribe unto the Lord worship and strength.
Give the Lord the honour due unto His Name : Worship the Lord with holy worship.
It is the Lord that commandeth the waters : It is the glorious God that maketh the thunder.
It is the Lord that ruleth the sea the voice of the Lord is mighty in operation : The voice of the Lord is a glorious voice.
The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedar-trees : Yea the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
He maketh them also to skip like a calf : Lebanon also and Syria like a young unicorn.
The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire the voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness : Yea the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Cades.
The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to bring forth young and discovereth the thick bushes : In His temple doth every man speak of His honour.
The Lord sitteth above the water-flood : And the Lord remaineth a King for ever.
The Lord shall give strength unto His people : The Lord shall give His people the blessing of peace.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

Ps. xxxiii. Exultate, justi

Rejoice in the Lord O ye righteous : For it becometh well the just to be thankful.
Praise the Lord with harp : Sing praises unto Him with the lute and instrument of ten strings.
Sing unto the Lord a new song : Sing praises lustily unto Him with a good courage.
For the word of the Lord is true : And all His works are faithful.
He loveth righteousness and judgement : The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
By the word of the Lord were the heavens made : And all the hosts of them by the breath of His mouth.
He gathereth the waters of the sea together as it were upon an heap : And layeth up the deep as in a treasure-house.
Let all the earth fear the Lord : Stand in awe of him all ye that dwell in the world.
For He spake and it was done : He commanded and it stood fast.
The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought : And maketh the devices of the people to be of none effect and casteth out the counsels of princes.
The counsel of the Lord shall endure for ever : And the thoughts of His heart from generation to generation.
Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord Jehovah : And blessed are the folk that He hath chosen to Him to be His inheritance.
The Lord looked down from heaven and beheld all the children of men : From the habitation of His dwelling he considereth all them that dwell on the earth.
He fashioneth all the hearts of them : And understandeth all their works.
There is no king that can be saved by the multitude of an host : Neither is any mighty man delivered by much strength.
A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man : Neither shall he deliver any man by his great strength.
Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him : And upon them that put their trust in His mercy.
To deliver their soul from death : And to feed them in the time of dearth.
Our soul hath patiently tarried for the Lord : For He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him : Because we have hoped in His holy Name.
Let thy merciful kindness O Lord be upon us : Like as we do put our trust in Thee.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the Sixth Chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the First Verse.

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the Seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: The whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: For mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the Altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And He said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And He answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: As a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: So the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in First Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, beginning at the First Verse

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. John did Baptise in the wilderness, and preach the Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all Baptised of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of Whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have Baptised you with water: But He shall Baptise you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was Baptised of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye, and believe the Gospel.
Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given unto us Thy servants grace by the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty, to worship the Unity: We beseech Thee that Thou wouldst keep us steadfast in this faith and evermore defend us from all adversities, Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the Undivided Unity: We will give thanks unto Him because He hath dealt with us according to His mercy. Let us bless the Father and the Son : Together with the Holy Ghost. World without end. Amen.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given unto us Thy servants grace by the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty, to worship the Unity: We beseech Thee that Thou wouldst keep us steadfast in this faith and evermore defend us from all adversities, Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION OF SAINT JOHN THE DIVINE, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

AFTER this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the Spirit: And behold, a Throne was set in Heaven, and One sat on the Throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardius stone: and there was a rainbow round about the Throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the Throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the Throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the Throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the Throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Which Was, and Is, and Is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the Throne, Who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the Throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the Throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
Blessed art Thou O Lord: That beholdest the depths and sittest upon the Cherubim. O bless the God of Heaven : Because He hath shewn His mercy upon us. Alleluia. Blessed art Thou O Lord God of our fathers : To be praised for ever more. Alleluia.
The Lord is King be the people never so unpatient : He sitteth between the cherubims be the earth never so unquiet.
The Lord is great in Sion : And high above all people.
They shall give thanks unto Thy Name : Which is great wonderful and holy.
The King’s power loveth judgement Thou hast prepared equity : Thou hast executed judgement and righteousness in Jacob.
O magnify the Lord our God : And fall down before His footstool for He is holy.
Moses and Aaron among His priests and Samuel among such as call upon His Name : These called upon the Lord and He heard them.
He spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar : For they kept His testimonies and the law that He gave them.
Thou heardest them O Lord our God : Thou forgavest them O God and punishedst their own inventions.
O magnify the Lord our God and worship Him upon His holy hill : For the Lord our God is holy.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRD CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE TO THEE, +++ O LORD.

+ THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: So is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of Heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of Man which is in Heaven. and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
Blessed be God the Father, and the only-begotten Son of God, and the Holy Ghost: Because He hath shewn His mercy upon us.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. lxxx Qui regis Israel

Hear O Thou Shepherd of Israel Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep : Shew Thyself also Thou that sittest upon the cherubims.
Before Ephraim Benjamin and Manasses : Stir up Thy strength, and come and help us.
Turn us again O God : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
O Lord God of hosts : How long wilt Thou be angry with Thy people that prayeth?
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears : And givest them plenteousness of tears to drink.
Thou hast made us a very strife unto our neighbours : And our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Turn us again Thou God of hosts : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt : Thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it.
Thou madest room for it : And when it had taken root it filled the land.
The hills were covered with the shadow of it : And the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedar-trees.
She stretched out her branches unto the sea : And her boughs unto the river.
Why hast Thou then broken down her hedge : That all they that go by pluck off her grapes?
The wild boar out of the wood doth root it up : And the wild beasts of the field devour it.
Turn thee again Thou God of hosts look down from heaven : Behold and visit this vine,
And the place of the vineyard that Thy right hand hath planted : And the branch that Thou madest so strong for Thyself.
It is burnt with fire and cut down : And they shall perish at the rebuke of Thy countenance.
Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand : And upon the son of man whom Thou madest so strong for Thine own self.
And so will not we go back from Thee : O let us live, and we shall call upon Thy Name.
Turn us again O Lord God of hosts : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
We beseech Thee O God, Holy Trinity, that this oblation may be hallowed by the invocation of Thy Name; that by it, we ourselves may be made a perfect sacrifice unto Thee for ever more. Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end. Amen.

THE PROPER PREFACE FOR TRINITY SUNDAY ONLY
Who with Thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost art One God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and unity of substance; For that which we believe of Thy glory O Father, the same we believe of Thy Son and the Holy Ghost, without difference or inequality.

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
We bless the God of Heaven and praise Him in the sight of all that live: Because He hath shewn His mercy upon us.

During the Ablutions: Ps cvii. Confitemini Domino

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is gracious : And His mercy endureth for ever.
Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed : And delivered from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered them out of the lands from the east and from the west : From the north and from the south.
They went astray in the wilderness out of the way : And found no city to dwell in,
Hungry and thirsty : Their soul fainted in them.
So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble : And He delivered them from their distress.
He led them forth by the right way : That they might go to the city where they dwelt.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that He doeth for the children of men.
For He satisfieth the empty soul : And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death : Being fast bound in misery and iron,
Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord : And lightly regarded the counsel of the most Highest,
He also brought down their heart through heaviness : They fell down and there was none to help them.
So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble : He delivered them out of their distress.
For He brought them out of darkness and out of the shadow of death : And brake their bonds in sunder.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that He doeth for the children of men.
For He hath broken the gates of brass : And smitten the bars of iron in sunder.
Foolish men are plagued for their offence : And because of their wickedness.
Their soul abhorred all manner of meat : And they were even hard at death’s door.
So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble : He delivered them out of their distress.
He sent His Word and healed them : And they were saved from their destruction.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that He doeth for the children of men.
That they would offer unto Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving : And tell out His works with gladness.
They that go down to the sea in ships : And occupy their business in great waters,
These men see the works of the Lord : And His wonders in the deep.
For at His word the stormy wind ariseth : Which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They are carried up to the heaven and down again to the deep : Their soul melteth away because of the trouble.
They reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man : And are at their wits’ end.
So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble : He delivereth them out of their distress.
For He maketh the storm to cease : So that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they are at rest : And so He bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.
That they would exalt Him also in the congregation of the people : And praise Him in the seat of the elders.
Who turneth the floods into a wilderness : And drieth up the water-springs.
A fruitful land maketh He barren : For the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
Again He maketh the wilderness a standing water : And water-springs of a dry ground.
And there He setteth the hungry : That they may build them a city to dwell in.
That they may sow their land and plant vineyards : To yield them fruits of increase.
He blesseth them so that they multiply exceedingly : And suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
And again when they are minished and brought low : Through oppression through any plague or trouble,
Though He suffer them to be evil intreated through tyrants : And let them wander out of the way in the wilderness.
Yet helpeth He the poor out of misery : And maketh him households like a flock of sheep.
The righteous will consider this and rejoice : And the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped.
Whoso is wise will ponder these things : And they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
Grant O Lord our God, that we who have partaken of this Holy Mystery and have confessed the Holy and eternal Trinity and the Undivided Unity, may be thereby strengthened both in body and soul. Who livest and reignest Three Persons in One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant O Lord we beseech Thee, that we being refreshed with these so great gifts may attain unto Thy saving promises, and never cease from Thy praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
TRINITY SUNDAY

Today begins the longest season of the Church’s year: Trinity-tide, which lasts until the end of November, almost a full month of Sundays. Today as a special matter however, we celebrate the revelation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
God, we are told repeatedly throughout the Holy Scriptures, is eternal. He has no beginning and He has no end. The Father’s Son is eternal: He is begotten before all ages, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father eternally. Heaven, the eternal Kingdom of God has no time in any earthly sense. It follows that our earthly, physical time has little significance.in Heaven. What then, does this mean for us when we look at the Church? The worship of the Church? The relationship between us and Christ?
From a Heavenly point of view, everything that has happened and will happen is, in a sense, happening “now”. While we are clearly told that some things which are yet to happen are unknown to any but God Himself, nevertheless, from the Heavenly point of view, Christ is God and man, Christ is being born of Mary who becomes thereby the Mother of God’s Incarnation, Christ is teaching and we are milling around Him, He is being tried, beaten and nailed to the Cross, we are consenting to that and we are at the same time crying for it and for ourselves. He is dying for us, He is being buried, visiting Hell, preaching to and leading the righteous sons of Adam out of Hell, He is rising again, He is teaching the Apostles in detail about what the Church is to be, its mission and how to understand His words. He is ascending to the Father, He is requesting the Holy Spirit from the Father, the Apostles are preaching, the Martyrs are dying, It is not some long-ago thing – it is now – the Church is spreading, the Holy Spirit is instructing the Fathers of the great Councils how to build and guide the Church. It is all happening in the present tense: We are an integral part of all that. It is not the past – it is the present for the Orthodox Believer. That is why we ask our friends to pray for us, to plead on our behalf – our friends – whether they be here on earth or reposed before us, great saints of the last millennium or humble friends of our youth, they are all our intimate neighbours who gather around us and pray to God for us. The Orthodox Believer reads the words of the Fathers and he is at the same time there listening to them, they are his friends, his mentors, his neighbours. It is as natural for him to ask them to intercede for him as it is for him to ask his brother-in-this-world to help him. From all this it follows that the Christian Priest serving before God in the Divine Liturgy, does not (cannot) repeat Christ’s Sacrifice of Himself. What the Priest and the Church do is to participate (both as penitents and as joyful recipients) in that original timeless, once-for-all Sacrifice at Calvary. Our worship is the worship of Heaven, we participate shoulder-to-shoulder with the crowd of Saints, Elders, Martyrs and Faithful. We have no time to make worldly observations during the Liturgy, this is truly our “time out” for we are in another place during the liturgy, with those who are our true friends and fellow disciples all over the world and throughout time, there is no differentiation other than that we are still here struggling to perfect ourselves and they are encouraging us and praying for us as we go. And in a sense, we are already there with them in this participation in the worship of Heaven before the Throne of God. The Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, the Triune God is eternal and we are part of the eternality in that we have been given the gift of eternal life in Him.
TRINITY I

MATTINS
Ps. xviii Diligam te, Domine

I will love Thee O Lord my strength the Lord is my stony rock and my defence : My saviour my God and my might in whom I will trust my buckler the horn also of my salvation and my refuge.
I will call upon the Lord which is worthy to be praised : So shall I be safe from mine enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed me : And the overflowings of ungodliness made me afraid.
The pains of hell came about me : The snares of death overtook me.
In my trouble I will call upon the Lord : And complain unto my God.
So shall He hear my voice out of His holy temple : And my complaint shall come before Him it shall enter even into His ears.
The earth trembled and quaked : The very foundations also of the hills shook and were removed because He was wroth.
There went a smoke out in His presence : And a consuming fire out of his mouth so that coals were kindled at it.
He bowed the heavens also and came down : And it was dark under His feet.
He rode upon the cherubins and did fly : He came flying upon the wings of the wind.
He made darkness His secret place : His pavilion round about Him with dark water and thick clouds to cover Him.
At the brightness of His presence His clouds removed : Hail-stones and coals of fire.
The Lord also thundered out of heaven and the Highest gave His thunder : Hail-stones and coals of fire.
He sent out His arrows and scattered them : He cast forth lightnings and destroyed them.
The springs of water were seen and the foundations of the round world were discovered at Thy chiding O Lord : At the blasting of the breath of Thy displeasure.
He shall send down from on high to fetch me : And shall take me out of many waters.
He shall deliver from me my strongest enemy and from them which hate me : For they are too mighty for me.
They prevented me in the day of my trouble : But the Lord was my upholder.
He brought me forth also into a place of liberty : He brought me forth even because He had a favour unto me.
The Lord shall reward me after my righteous dealing : According to the cleanness of my hands shall He recompense me.
Because I have kept the ways of the Lord : And have not forsaken my God as the wicked doth.
For I have an eye unto all His laws : And will not cast out His commandments from me.
I was also uncorrupt before Him : And eschewed mine own wickedness.
Therefore shall the Lord reward me after my righteous dealing : And according unto the cleanness of my hands in His eye-sight.
With the holy thou shalt be holy : And with a perfect man thou shalt be perfect.
With the clean thou shalt be clean : And with the froward thou shalt learn frowardness.
For thou shalt save the people that are in adversity : And shalt bring down the high looks of the proud.
Thou also shalt light my candle : The Lord my God shall make my darkness to be light
For in Thee I shall discomfit an host of men : And with the help of my God I shall leap over the wall.
The way of God is an undefiled way : The word of the Lord also is tried in the fire He is the defender of all them that put their trust in Him.
For who is God but the Lord : Or who hath any strength except our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength of war : And maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like harts’ feet : And setteth me up on high.
He teacheth mine hands to fight : And mine arms shall break even a bow of steel.
Thou hast given me the defence of my salvation : Thy right hand also shall hold me up and Thy loving correction shall make me great.
Thou shalt make room enough under me for to go : That my footsteps shall not slide.
I will follow upon mine enemies and overtake them : Neither will I turn again till I have destroyed them.
I will smite them that they shall not be able to stand : But fall under my feet.
Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle : Thou shalt throw down mine enemies under me.
Thou hast made mine enemies also to turn their backs upon me : And I shall destroy them that hate me.
They shall cry but there shall be none to help them : Yea even unto the Lord shall they cry but He shall not hear them.
I will beat them as small as the dust before the wind : I will cast them out as the clay in the streets.
Thou shalt deliver me from the strivings of the people : And Thou shalt make me the head of the heathen.
A people whom I have not known : Shall serve me.
As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me : But the estranged children shall dissemble with me.
The strange children shall fail : And be afraid out of their prisons.
The Lord liveth and blessed be my strong helper : And praised be the Lord of my salvation.
Even the God that seeth that I be avenged : And subdueth the people unto me.
It is He that delivereth me from my cruel enemies and setteth me up above mine adversaries : Thou shalt rid me from the wicked man.
For this cause will I give thanks unto Thee O Lord among the Gentiles : And sing praises unto Thy Name.
Great prosperity giveth He unto His King : And sheweth loving-kindness unto David His Anointed and unto His seed for evermore.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the First Chapter of the Book of Joshua beginning at the First Verse.

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courag-eous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Then Joshua comm-anded the officers of the people, saying, Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. And to the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to half the tribe of Manasseh spake Joshua saying, Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you saying The Lord your God hath given you rest and hath given you this land. Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Until the Lord have given your brethren rest, as He hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lord your God giveth them: Then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising. And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: Only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: Only be strong and of a good courage. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the Second Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, beginning at the first verse

And again Jesus entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house. And straight-way many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: And He preached the word unto them. And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within them-selves, He said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed Him. And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in His house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and His disciples: For there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, How is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: And they come and say unto Him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bride-groom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: Else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: Else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: But new wine must be put into new bottles.
Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY I
O God, the strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our moral nature we can do no good thing without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace, that in keeping of Thy commandments we may please Thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY I
O Lord, my trust is in Thy mercy and my heart is joyful in Thy Salvation: I will sing of the Lord, because He hath dealt so lovingly with me. How long wilt Thou forget me O Lord, for ever: How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY I
O God, the strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our moral nature we can do no good thing without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace, that in keeping of Thy commandments we may please Thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY I
O hearken Thou unto the voice of my calling : My King and my God; for unto Thee O Lord, will I make my prayer.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. V. Verba mea auribus.

Ponder my words O Lord : Consider my meditation.
O hearken Thou unto the voice of my calling my King and my God : For unto Thee will I make my prayer.
My voice shalt Thou hear betimes O Lord : Early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee and will look up.
For Thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness : Neither shall any devil dwell with Thee.
Such as be foolish shall not stand in Thy sight : For Thou hatest all of them that work vanity.
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing : The Lord will abhor both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
But as for me I will come into thine house even upon the multitude of Thy mercy: And in Thy fear will I worship toward Thy holy Temple.
Lead me O Lord in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies : Make Thy way plain before my face.
For there is no faithfulness in his mouth : Their inward parts are very wickedness.
Their throat is an open sepulchre : They flatter with their tongue.
Destroy Thou them O God let them perish through their own imaginations : Cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness for they have rebelled against Thee.
And let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice : They shall ever be giving of thanks because Thou defendest them they that love Thy Name shall be joyful in Thee,
For Thou Lord wilt give Thy blessing unto the righteous : And with Thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him as with a shield.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : An to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE SEVENTH VERSE.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only be-gotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: Because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: Because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY I
I said Lord be merciful unto me : Heal my soul for I have sinned against Thee. Blessed is he that considereth the poor and needy: The Lord shall deliver him in time of trouble. Alleluia. Ponder my words O Lord: Consider my meditation Alleluia.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor and needy : the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble.
The Lord preserve him and keep him alive that he may be blessed upon earth : and deliver not Thou him into the will of his enemies.
The Lord comfort him when he lieth sick upon his bed : Make Thou all his bed in his sickness.
I said Lord be merciful unto me : Heal my soul for I have sinned against Thee.
Mine enemies speak evil of me : When shall he die and his name perish.
And if he come to see me he speaketh vanity : And his heart conceiveth falsehood within himself and when he cometh forth he telleth it.
All mine enemies whisper together against me : Even against me do they imagine this evil.
Let the sentence of guiltiness proceed against him : And now that he lieth let him rise up no more.
Yea even mine own familiar friend whom I trusted : Who did also eat of my bread hath laid great wait for me.
But be Thou merciful unto me O Lord : Raise Thou me up again and I shall reward them.
By this I know Thou favourest me : That mine enemy doth not triumph against me.
And when I am in my health Thou upholdest me : And shalt set me before Thy face for ever.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel : World without end. Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SIXTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE NINETEENTH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ THERE was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: But now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: So that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray Thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, nay, Father Abraham: But if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY I
O God, Who by Sacraments and commandments dost renew us whom Thou didst fashion in Thine own image; favourably receive the gifts and prayers of Thy servants, and those things which of our own merits we deserve not, vouchsafe to grant unto us for the sake of this acceptable Sacrifice. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY I
I will speak of Thy marvellous works: I will be glad and rejoice in Thee , yea, my songs will I make of Thy Name, O Thou most highest.

During the Ablutions: Ps. ix Confitebor tibi

I will give thanks unto Thee O Lord with my whole heart : I will speak of all Thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in Thee : Yea my songs will I make of Thy Name O Thou most Highest.
While mine enemies are driven back : They shall fall and perish at Thy presence.
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause : Thou art set in the throne that judgest right.
Thou hast rebuked the heathen and destroyed the ungodly : Thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
O Thou enemy destructions are come to a perpetual end : Even as the cities which Thou hast destroyed their memorial is perished with them.
But the Lord shall endure for ever : He hath also prepared His seat for judgement.
For He shall judge the world in righteousness : And minister true judgement unto the people.
The Lord also will be a defence for the oppressed : Even a refuge in due time of trouble.
And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee : For Thou Lord hast never failed them that seek Thee.
O praise the Lord which dwelleth in Sion : Shew the people of His doings.
For when He maketh inquisition for blood He remembereth them : And forgetteth not the complaint of the poor.
Have mercy upon me O Lord consider the trouble which I suffer of them that hate me : Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death.
That I may shew all Thy praises within the ports of the daughter of Sion : I will rejoice in Thy salvation.
The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made : In the same net which they hid privily is their foot taken.
The Lord is known to execute judgement : The ungodly is trapped in the work of his own hands.
The wicked shall be turned into hell : And all the people that forget God.
For the poor shall not always be forgotten : The patient abiding of the meek shall not perish for ever.
Up Lord and let not man have the upper hand : Let the heathen be judged in Thy sight.
Put them in fear O Lord : That the heathen may know themselves to be but men
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY I
Grant O Lord we beseech Thee, that we being refreshed with these so great gifts may attain unto Thy saving promises, and never cease from Thy praise Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant O Lord God, that we who have partaken of this Holy Mystery and have confessed the Holy and eternal Trinity and the Undivided Unity, may be thereby strengthened both in body and soul. Who livest and reignest Three Persons in One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

TRINITY I

We have just last week celebrated the Feast of the Holy Trinity. Vladimir Lossky wrote: “The Trinity is, for the Orthodox Church, the unshakeable foundation of all religious thought, of all piety, of all spiritual life, of all experience. It is the Trinity that we seek in seeking after God, when we search for the fillness of being, for the end and meaning of existence.”
I propose, throughout the season of Trinity (which carries us from here to the beginning of Advent) to return again and again to the Holy Trinity. If Vladimir Lossky’s statement above is true (and it is), then it behoves the Orthodox Believer to understand the Holy Trinity as much as he is able, and his relationship to the Holy Trinity, and the way that the Church has looked at the Holy Trinity.
For many, the Holy Trinity is viewed as one of those unapproachable doctrines of Thye Church, which are best left vague in order not to stray into heresy.
In beginning to address the subject, we must clear our heads of much “normal” thinking which is unhelpful: We are not here dealing with the physical world which we are born into and which is the only yardstick by which we tend to judge things. Christianity is a revelation, not a philosophy: When talking about the Three Persons of the Triunity, we cannot say use this “normal” thinking, for no matter how hard we try, 1+1+1=1 doesn’t work. However we are dealing in the realm of revelation and throughout the Old Testament, and again in the New Testament, we find that Eloahim (the old multiple name for God) is hinted at and then revealed as being the Father, the Word, and the Breath (Spirit) – a Triune God. One God, but a community – a “society” of totally equal Persons through whom is a constant interchange of love, which is, as far as we are concerned, the defining characteristic of God. So we need to understand as far as we can, this One God, which is a community of Persons who are in no way divided, but Who are perfectly united, having the same essence.
Without this doctrine of the Holy Trinity, merely believing in “God”, one is clearly not a Christian, for, no mattter how much one may attend to Christ, without the Trinity, one denies that Christ is God – one with the Father and the Spirit. If one therefore denies the Divinity of Christ, one ceases to be a Christian, and one has denied Christ.

________________________________________________

SAINT JOHN OF SHANGHAI (29 June)

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR ST. JOHN SH-SFR +1966
The Lord made a covenant of peace with him: And made him a prince: That he should have the dignity of the Priesthood for ever. My song shall be alway: Of the loving kindness of the Lord.

THE COLLECTS FOR ST. JOHN SH-SFR +1966
Almighty and everlasting God, Who makest us glad with this day’s remembrance of Thy Bishop John; we humbly beseech Thy mercy, that through his holy prayers, we may obtain the means of eternal life. Through Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O God, Who dost surround us and protect us at the intercession of the most blessed Angels, Archangels, the Principalities, Powers, Dominions, Virtues, Cherubim, Seraphim, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, Anchorites, Monks and of all the Heavenly host: Grant that by Thy use, their intercession, and our imitation of them, we may be guarded by their interposition between us and all dangers, Through Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end. (STOWE)
R: Amen.

O God, the strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our moral nature we can do no good thing without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace, that in keeping of Thy commandments we may please Thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE HEBREWS, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-THIRD VERSE

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: For this He did once, when He offered up Himself.

THE GRADUAL FOR ST. JOHN SH-SFR +1966
Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness: And let Thy saints sing with joyfulness. There shall I make the horn of David to flourish. I have ordained a lantern for mine anointed. Alleluia. The Righteous shall shine: And shall run to and fro like sparks among the stubble for ever. Alleluia.

V: The Lord be with you
R: And with thy spirit

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE TWELFTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-FIFTH VERSE.

R: Glory be to Thee, +++ O Lord.

+ 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; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: For the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
R: Praise be to Thee O Christ.

THE OFFERTORY FOR ST. JOHN SH-SFR +1966
The saints shall be joyful with glory: They shall rejoice in their beds: The praises of God shall be in their mouth.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. lxxx Qui regis Israel

Hear O Thou Shepherd of Israel Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep : Shew Thyself also Thou that sittest upon the cherubims.
Before Ephraim Benjamin and Manasses : Stir up Thy strength, and come and help us.
Turn us again O God : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
O Lord God of hosts : How long wilt Thou be angry with Thy people that prayeth?
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears : And givest them plenteousness of tears to drink.
Thou hast made us a very strife unto our neighbours : And our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Turn us again Thou God of hosts : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt : Thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it.
Thou madest room for it : And when it had taken root it filled the land.
The hills were covered with the shadow of it : And the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedar-trees.
She stretched out her branches unto the sea : And her boughs unto the river.
Why hast Thou then broken down her hedge : That all they that go by pluck off her grapes?
The wild boar out of the wood doth root it up : And the wild beasts of the field devour it.
Turn thee again Thou God of hosts look down from heaven : Behold and visit this vine;
And the place of the vineyard that Thy right hand hath planted : And the branch that Thou madest so strong for Thyself.
It is burnt with fire and cut down : And they shall perish at the rebuke of Thy countenance.
Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand : And upon the son of man whom Thou madest so strong for Thine own self.
And so will not we go back from Thee : O let us live, and we shall call upon Thy Name.
Turn us again O Lord God of hosts : Shew the light of Thy countenance and we shall be whole.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR ST JOHN SH-SFR +1966
A faithful and wise servant whom his Lord made a ruler over his household: To give them their portion of meat in due season

THE SECRET FOR ST. JOHN SH-SFR +1966
Mercifully regard, O Lord, the prayers and gifts of Thy people; and at the intercession of Thy saints, let this oblation of Thy Holy Mysteries be pleasing in Thy sight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.

During the Ablutions: Ps. lxxxiv Quam dilecta!

O how amiable are Thy dwellings : Thou Lord of hosts!
My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord : My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
Yea the sparrow hath found her an house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young : Even Thy altars O Lord of hosts my King and my God.
Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house : They will be alway praising Thee.
Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee : In whose heart are Thy ways.
Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well : And the pools are filled with water.
They will go from strength to strength : And unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.
O Lord God of hosts hear my prayer :Hearken O God of Jacob.
Behold O God our defender : And look upon the face of Thine Anointed.
For one day in Thy courts : Is better than a thousand.
I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God : Than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
For the Lord God is a light and defence : The Lord will give grace and worship and no good thing shall He withhold from them that live a godly life.
O Lord God of hosts : Blessed is the man that putteth his trust in Thee.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR ST. JOHN SH-SFR +1966
We beseech Thee O Lord, refresh Thy faithful people with this Thy Heavenly gift; and let the prayers of Thy holy Saint John gain for us Thy merciful cleansing from our offences. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end
R: Amen.

Almighty and most Merciful God, we pray Thee, look with compassion upon those whom Thou hast received into Thy Church: Strengthen them in faithfulness, guard them from wrong belief, and lead them to eternal life in Thee. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

TRINITY II

MATTINS

Ps. liii. Dixit insipiens

The foolish body hath said in his heart : There is no God.
Corrupt are they and become abominable in their wickedness : There is none that doeth good.
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men : To see if there were any that would understand and seek after God.
But they are all gone out of the way they are altogether become abominable : There is also none that doeth good no not one.
Are not they without understanding that work wickedness : Eating up my people as if they would eat bread they have not called upon God.
They were afraid where no fear was : For God hath broken the bones of him that besieged thee thou hast put them to confusion because God hath despised them.
O that the salvation were given unto Israel out of Sion : O that the Lord would deliver His people out of captivity.
Then should Jacob rejoice : and Israel should be right glad.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. liv Deus, in nomine

Save me O God for Thy Name’s sake : And avenge me in Thy strength.
Hear my prayer O God : And hearken unto the words of my mouth.
For strangers are risen up against me : And tyrants which have not God before their eyes seek after my soul.
Behold God is my helper : The Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies : Destroy Thou them in Thy truth.
An offering of a free heart will I give Thee and praise Thy Name O Lord : Because it is so comfortable.
For He hath delivered me out of all my trouble : And mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. lv. Exaudi, Deus

Hear my prayer O God : And hide not Thyself from my petition.
Take heed unto me and hear me : How I mourn in my prayer and am vexed.
The enemy crieth so and the ungodly cometh on so fast : For they are minded to do me some mischief so maliciously are they set against me
My heart is disquieted within me : And the fear of death is fallen upon me
Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me : And an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.
And I said O that I had wings of a dove : For then would I flee away and be at rest.
Lo then would I get me away far off : And remain in the wilderness.
I would make haste to escape : Because of the stormy wind and tempest.
Destroy their tongues O Lord and divide them : For I have spied unrighteousness and strife in the city.
Day and night they go about within the walls thereof : Mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
Wickedness is therein : Deceit and guile go not out of their streets.
For it is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonour : For then I could have borne it.
Neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me : For then peradventure I would have hid myself from him.
But it was even thou my companion : My guide and mine own familiar friend.
We took sweet counsel together : And walked in the house of God as friends.
Let death come hastily upon them and let them go down quick into hell : For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
As for me I will call upon God : And the Lord shall save me.
In the evening and morning and at noonday will I pray and that instantly : And He shall hear my voice.
It is He that hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me : For there were many with me.
Yea even God that endureth for ever shall hear me and bring them down : For they will not turn nor fear God.
He laid his hands upon such as be at peace with him : And he brake his covenant.
The words of his mouth were softer than butter having war in his heart : His words were smoother than oil and yet be they very swords.
O cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall nourish thee : And shall not suffer the righteous to fall for ever.
And as for them : Thou O God shalt bring them into the pit of destruction.
The blood-thirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days : Nevertheless, my trust shall be in thee, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the Fourth Chapter of the Book of Job, beginning at the First Verse

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways? Remember, I pray thee, Who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?
Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of His nostrils are they consumed.
The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion’s whelps are scattered abroad.
Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.
In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up: It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: An image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,
Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, He put no trust in His servants : And His angels He charged with folly:
How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth? They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it.
Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.
Here endeth the First lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the Second Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, beginning at the Twenty-third verse Verse

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY II
O Lord, Who never failest to help and govern them whom Thou dost bring up in Thy steadfast fear and love: Keep us, we beseech Thee, under the protection of Thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy Holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY II
The Lord, was my upholder He brought me forth also into a place of liberty: He hath delivered me even because He had a favour unto me. I will love Thee, O Lord my strength: The Lord is my stony rock, my fortress and my Saviour: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY II
O Lord, Who never failest to help and govern them whom Thou dost bring up in Thy steadfast fear and love: Keep us, we beseech Thee, under the protection of Thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy Holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRD CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE THIRTEENTH VERSE.

MARVEL NOT, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: And ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his depths of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And what-soever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY II
When I was in trouble I called upon the Lord : And He heard me.
Deliver my soul O Lord from lying lips : And from a deceitful tongue.
Alleluia. God is a righteous judge, strong and patient : And is provoked every day. Alleluia.
When I was in trouble I called upon the Lord : And He heard me.
Deliver my soul O Lord from lying lips : And from a deceitful tongue.
What reward shall be given or done unto thee thou false tongue : Even mighty and sharp arrows with hot burning coals.
Woe is me that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech : And to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar.
My soul hath long dwelt among them : That are enemies unto peace.
I labour for peace but when I speak unto them thereof : They make them ready to battle.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FOUR-TEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE SIXTEENTH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ A certain man, made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, come; for all things are now ready. and they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. so that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY II
Turn Thee O Lord and deliver my soul : O save me for Thy mercy’s sake.

During the Censing: Ps. vi Domine, ne in furore

O Lord rebuke me not in Thine indignation : Neither chasten me in Thy displeasure.
Have mercy upon me O Lord for I am weak : O Lord heal me for my bones are vexed.
My soul also is sore troubled : But Lord how long wilt Thou punish me?
Turn Thee O Lord and deliver my soul : O save me for Thy mercy’s sake.
For in death no man remembereth Thee : And who will give Thee thanks in the pit
I am weary of my groaning every night wash I my bed : And water my couch with my tears.
My beauty is gone for very trouble : And worn away because of all mine enemies.
Away from me all ye that work vanity : For the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
The Lord hath heard my petition : The Lord will receive my prayer.
All mine enemies shall be confounded and sore vexed : They shall be turned back and put to shame suddenly.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY II
Purify us O Lord by this Sacrifice which is offered to the honour of Thy Name; and further us day by day in the leading of a Heavenly life. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY II
I will sing of the Lord, because He hath dealt so lovingly with me : Yea I will praise the Name of the Lord most highest.

During the ablutions Ps. xiii Usque quo, Domine?

How long wilt Thou forget me O Lord for ever : How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?
How long shall I seek counsel in my soul and be so vexed in my heart : How long shall mine enemies triumph over me?
Consider and hear me O Lord my God : Lighten mine eyes that I sleep not in death.
Lest mine enemy say I have prevailed against him : For if I be cast down they that trouble me will rejoice at it.
But my trust is in Thy mercy : And my heart is joyful in Thy salvation.
I will sing of the Lord because He hath dealt so lovingly with me : Yea I will praise the Name of the Lord most Highest.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps xiv Dixit insipiens

The fool hath said in his heart : There is no God.
They are corrupt and become abominable in their doings : There is none that doeth good no not one.
The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men : To see if there were any that would understand and seek after God.
But they are all gone out of the way they are altogether become abominable : There is none that doeth good no not one.
Their throat is an open sepulchre with their tongues have they deceived : The poison of asps is under their lips.
Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness : Their feet are swift to shed blood.
Destruction and unhappiness is in their ways and the way of peace have they not known : There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Have they no knowledge that they are all such workers of mischief : Eating up my people as it were bread and call not upon the Lord?
There were they brought in great fear even where no fear was : For God is in the generation of the righteous.
As for you ye have made a mock at the counsel of the poor : Because he putteth his trust in the Lord.
Who shall give salvation unto Israel out of Sion when the Lord turneth the captivity of his people : Then shall Jacob rejoice and Israel shall be glad.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY II
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that we who have received Thy holy gifts may, by often approaching to this Mystery, effectually work out our own salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Having just worked our way through Lent, Holy Week’s Crucifixion, Easter’s Resurrection, the Ascension and Whitsunday’s coming of the Holy Spirit, we need to return time and time again to that central event of Christianity: The Crucifixion, the Cross, the Resurrection. While we can and ought never to separate these three, nevertheless we should examine aspects of them in detail throughout our lives.
The Orthodox Believer is immersed in the meaning of the death and Resurrection of Jesus the Son of God. Even so, he is always a mere beginner in that subject.
Today, let us look at, and think upon the circumstances and depth of one cf those crucial sentence spoken from the Cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).
Before proceeding further, I want to look briefly at Acts 7:60 where Saint Stephen, the Deacon-Martyr is stoned to death and his words are reported: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” It must be understood that Saint Stephen is undoubtedly repeating or taking direct example from our Lord’s words on the Cross, nevertheless, these two utterances are very different in their import for us and in their meaning. In the first place, Christ’s words were intended to include all of mankind who would accept Him, for all time. The occasion of His trial and Crucifixion and the cause of His death was the all of time record of sin by all of mankind. Caiphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate and Judas Iscariot were mere bit-part players and should not be given greater significance than their walk-on parts deserve, for they are not any more than the rest of us, the consenting causes of Jesus’ trial, Crucifixion and Death. It is for us as much as them, for whom Jesus prayed for forgiveness – it is we who do not know what we are doing. Believers though we are, every hour of every day, we contribute yet again to the cause of His Crucifixion. We try, we fall, we are picked up, we repent, we are forgiven, we try, we fall, we are picked up, we repent, we are forgiven, we try, we fall again …. Those words of Jesus from the Cross are therefore absolutely crucial to us, they are the seal of the forgiveness that we receive every time that we genuinely repent and try again to follow His narrow Way. Saint Stephen, as a good Christian, followed the example of his Master and forgave his murderers, but that was a private matter between him, them and God. Saint Paul the Apostle was one of his murderers in that he stood by and consented in those, his unregenerate days, just as today, if someone did nothing more than drive the murderers to and from the scene of a vigilante murder, they would stand trial with the murderers. That God did forgive Saint Paul, was made evident on the road to Damascus and thereafter, so we understand that God answered Saint Stephen’s prayer at least in the case of Saul, whose repentance followed God’s call upon him. As with us all, he had first to have his sin brought before him before he could recognise it for what it was. As with many of us, he thought that his sins were either ‘natural’ behaviour or, as in the case of Saint Stephen’s murder, that he was actually serving God.
Much of society in our days has fallen for the proposition that many actions are ‘natural’ or ‘genetically determined’ or that ‘Biblical restrictions were according to the social conditions of the day and do not apply in our times’. These excuses have seriously clouded the judgement of the vast majority of those who call themselves Christian, including their leaders who make many of the excuses and exclusions upon which they base their behaviour. Many Orthodox Believers are affected by these “allowances” made by the leaders of the surrounding society and need to look to the Church to instruct them. That we know not what we do, is very often the case now, and that we have to have our actions that we thought not to be sinful, brought sharply to our notice is often very necessary. We need the scales removed just as Saul did before we can rightfully assume our name as Christian.

TRINITY III

MATTINS

Ps. lxxxix. Misericordias Domini

My song shall be alway of the loving-kindness of the Lord : With my mouth will I ever be shewing Thy truth from one generation to another
For I have said Mercy shall be set up for ever : Thy truth shalt thou stablish in the heavens.
I have made a covenant with My chosen : I have sworn unto David My servant,
Thy seed will I stablish for ever : And set up thy throne from one generation to another.
O Lord the very heavens shall praise Thy wondrous works : And Thy truth in the congregation of the saints.
For who is he among the clouds : That shall be compared unto the Lord?
And what is he among the gods : That shall be like unto the Lord?
God is very greatly to be feared in the council of the saints : And to be had in reverence of all them that are round about Him
O Lord God of hosts who is like unto Thee : Thy truth most mighty Lord is on every side.
Thou rulest the raging of the sea : Thou stillest the waves thereof when they arise.
Thou hast subdued Egypt and destroyed it : Thou hast scattered Thine enemies abroad with Thy mighty arm.
The heavens are Thine the earth also is Thine : Thou hast laid the foundation of the round world and all that therein is.
Thou hast made the north and the south : Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy Name.
Thou hast a mighty arm : Strong is Thy hand and high is Thy right hand.
Righteousness and equity are the habitation of thy seat : Mercy and truth shall go before Thy face.
Blessed is the people O Lord, that can rejoice in Thee : They shall walk in the light of Thy countenance.
Their delight shall be daily in Thy Name : And in Thy righteousness shall they make their boast.
For Thou art the glory of their strength : And in Thy loving-kindness Thou shalt lift up our horns.
For the Lord is our defence : The Holy One of Israel is our King.
Thou spakest sometime in visions unto Thy saints and saidst : I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
I have found David My servant : With my holy oil have I anointed him.
My hand shall hold him fast : And my arm shall strengthen him.
The enemy shall not be able to do him violence : The son of wickedness shall not hurt him.
I will smite down his foes before his face : And plague them that hate him.
My truth also and my mercy shall be with him : And in My Name shall his horn be exalted.
I will set his dominion also in the sea : And his right hand in the floods.
He shall call me Thou art my Father : My God and my strong salvation.
And I will make him My first-born : Higher than the kings of the earth.
My mercy will I keep for him for evermore : And My covenant shall stand fast with him.
His seed also will I make to endure for ever : And his throne as the days of heaven.
But if his children forsake My law : And walk not in My judgements,
If they break My statutes and keep not My commandments : I will visit their offences with the rod and their sin with scourges.
Nevertheless, my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him : Nor suffer My truth to fail.
My covenant I will not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips : I have sworn once by My holiness that I will not fail David.
His seed shall endure for ever : And his seat is like as the sun before Me.
He shall stand fast for evermore as the moon : And as the faithful witness in heaven.
But Thou hast abhorred and forsaken Thine Anointed : And art displeased at him.
Thou hast broken the covenant of Thy servant : And cast his crown to the ground.
Thou hast overthrown all his hedges : And broken down his strong holds
All they that go by spoil him : And he is become a reproach to his neighbours.
Thou hast set up the right hand of his enemies : And made all his adversaries to rejoice.
Thou hast taken away the edge of his sword : And givest him not victory in the battle.
Thou hast put out his glory : And cast his throne down to the ground.
The days of his youth hast Thou shortened : And covered him with dishonour.
Lord how long wilt Thou hide Thyself for ever : And shall Thy wrath burn like fire
O remember how short my time is : Wherefore hast Thou made all men for nought?
What man is he that liveth and shall not see death : And shall he deliver his soul from the hand of hell?
Lord where are Thy old loving-kindnesses : Which Thou swarest unto David in Thy truth?
Remember Lord the rebuke that Thy servants have : And how I do bear in my bosom the rebukes of many people.
Wherewith Thine enemies have blasphemed Thee and slandered the footsteps of Thine Anointed : Praised be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the Nineteenth Chapter of the Book of Job, beginning at the First Verse

Then Job answered and said, How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? These ten times have ye reproached me: Ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me. And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself. If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach: Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment. He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and He hath set darkness in my paths. He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: And mine hope hath He removed like a tree. He hath also kindled His wrath against me, and He counteth me unto Him as one of His enemies. His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle. He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children’s sake of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: And they whom I loved are turned against me. My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me. Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh? Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? Be ye afraid of the sword: For wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the Second Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, beginning at the Twenty-third verse Verse

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: And he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY III
O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom Thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by Thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY III
Turn Thee unto me and have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am desolate and in misery: Look upon my adversity and misery, and forgive me all my sin, O my God. Unto Thee, O Lord, will I lift up my soul: My God in Thee have I trusted, let me never be confounded.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY III
O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom Thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by Thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTH VERSE.

Then submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY III
O cast thy burden upon the Lord: And He shall nourish thee. When I cried unto the Lord, He heard my voice: And delivered me from the battle that was against me. Alleluia.
I will love Thee O Lord my strength the Lord is my stony rock and my defence : My saviour my God and my might in whom I will trust my buckler the horn also of my salvation and my refuge.
I will call upon the Lord which is worthy to be praised : So shall I be safe from mine enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed me : And the overflowings of ungodliness made me afraid.
The pains of hell came about me : The snares of death overtook me.
In my trouble I will call upon the Lord : And complain unto my God.
So shall He hear my voice out of His holy temple : And my complaint shall come before Him it shall enter even into His ears.
The earth trembled and quaked : The very foundations also of the hills shook and were removed because He was wroth.
There went a smoke out in His presence : And a consuming fire out of his mouth so that coals were kindled at it.
He bowed the heavens also and came down : And it was dark under His feet.
He rode upon the cherubins and did fly : He came flying upon the wings of the wind.
He made darkness His secret place : His pavilion round about Him with dark water and thick clouds to cover Him.
At the brightness of His presence His clouds removed : Hail-stones and coals of fire. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And He spake this parable unto them saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. and when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY III
They that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee, For Thou, Lord hast never failed them that seek Thee: O praise the Lord Which dwelleth in Sion for He forgetteth not the complaint of the poor.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. ix Confitebor tibi

I will give thanks unto Thee O Lord with my whole heart : I will speak of all Thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in Thee : Yea my songs will I make of Thy Name O Thou most Highest.
While mine enemies are driven back : They shall fall and perish at Thy presence.
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause : Thou art set in the throne that judgest right.
Thou hast rebuked the heathen and destroyed the ungodly : Thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
O Thou enemy destructions are come to a perpetual end : Even as the cities which Thou hast destroyed their memorial is perished with them.
But the Lord shall endure for ever : He hath also prepared His seat for judgement.
For He shall judge the world in righteousness : And minister true judgement unto the people.
The Lord also will be a defence for the oppressed : Even a refuge in due time of trouble.
And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee : For Thou Lord hast never failed them that seek Thee.
O praise the Lord which dwelleth in Sion : Shew the people of His doings.
For when He maketh inquisition for blood He remembereth them : And forgetteth not the complaint of the poor.
Have mercy upon me O Lord consider the trouble which I suffer of them that hate me : Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death.
That I may shew all Thy praises within the ports of the daughter of Sion : I will rejoice in Thy salvation.
The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made : In the same net which they hid privily is their foot taken.
The Lord is known to execute judgement : The ungodly is trapped in the work of his own hands.
The wicked shall be turned into hell : And all the people that forget God.
For the poor shall not always be forgotten : The patient abiding of the meek shall not perish for ever.
Up Lord and let not man have the upper hand : Let the heathen be judged in Thy sight.
Put them in fear O Lord : That the heathen may know themselves to be but men.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY III
Hallow, O Lord we beseech Thee, these gifts which we offer That they may become to our healing the Body and Blood of Thy only-begotten Son. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY III
I have called upon Thee O God, for Thou shalt hear me: Incline Thine ear to me and hearken unto my words.

During the Ablutions: Ps. xvii Exaudi, Domine

Hear the right O Lord consider my complaint : And hearken unto my prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Let my sentence come forth from Thy presence : And let Thine eyes look upon the thing that is equal.
Thou hast proved and visited mine heart in the night-season : Thou hast tried me and shalt find no wickedness in me for I am utterly purposed that my mouth shall not offend.
Because of men’s works that are done against the words of Thy lips : I have kept me from the ways of the destroyer.
O hold Thou up my goings in Thy paths : That my footsteps slip not.
I have called upon Thee O God for Thou shalt hear me : Incline Thine ear to me and hearken unto my words.
Shew Thy marvellous loving-kindness Thou that art the Saviour of them which put their trust in Thee : From such as resist Thy right hand.
Keep me as the apple of an eye : Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.
From the ungodly that trouble me : Mine enemies compass me round about to take away my soul.
They are inclosed in their own fat : And their mouth speaketh proud things.
They lie waiting in our way on every side : Turning their eyes down to the ground.
Like of a lion that is greedy of his prey : And as it were a lion’s whelp lurking in secret places.
Up Lord disappoint him and cast him down : Deliver my soul from the ungodly which is a sword of Thine,
From the men of Thy hand O Lord from the men I say and from the evil world : Which have their portion in this life whose bellies Thou fillest with Thy hid treasure.
They have children at their desire : And leave the rest of their substance for their babes.
But as for me I will behold Thy presence in righteousness : And when I awake up after Thy likeness I shall be satisfied with it.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY III
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that by the virtue of this Holy Mystery which we have received; that Thou wouldst make us clean from all sin and fill us evermore with the gifts of Thy grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

The Gospel for today (Luke 15:1-7) recounts the simple and much-beloved parable of the lost sheep. To understand this parable and its message, it s impossible to divorce it from the rest of chapter fifteen which follows immediately with the parable of the Prodigal son, at the end of which the Chapter concludes, the theme of chapter sixteen changes, so chapter fifteen isand complete in itself.
The two parables of Chapter Fifteen are among those which have been so well-loved by Christians down the ages, and it isn’t hard to see the reason why that is. They intimately associate repentance with joy. They tell us that when we turn back from our wrongdoings, there is joy. They speak of the forgiving, forbearing Father.
Sometimes, reading the comments of those who have written on the Faith,we are led almost to believe that there is no forgiveness, or if there is, it is virtually unobtainable. But this is plainly not the teaching of Christ. We must always compare the teachings of men, however upright, holy or scholarly they may seem, with the teaching of the Master Whom they serve. Jesus here, takes great care to teach that our offences not only can be forgiven, but that when we repent, they will be forgiven. Neither does He teach the extremes of self-punishment which are sometimes enjoined by commentators and ascetics. What Christ teaches is a pre-requisite of genuine repentance, of which the prime element seems to be a positive re-thinking of one’s behaviour rather than sorrow alone. Sorrow for one’s actions when unaccompanied by an intelligent reappraisal of how one acts, reacts and avoids similar mistakes in the future, is of little practical value.
The message of the Gospel for today, and indeed of the whole of this Chapter of Saint Luke’s Gospel is that of the joy that results from the process of repentance and re-thinking. The point is that the process must be positive, not merely negative. Constantly walking around in sackcloth and ashes and throwing dust on one’s head may (or may not) signify genuine sorrow for one’s many sins. Positive action to reshape one’s course seems a better indication of the genuineness of one’s repentance.
Saint James says in effect “show me your works and I will see your faith”, and it is necessary that we should understand that the same principle applies to repentance. Show me your re-formation and I will see your repentance. In other words, while it may be easy sometimes to see the fact that an action is wrong, the process of thinking through why it was done, what caused it to be done and how it can practically be avoided in the future, can sometimes be both time-consuming and difficult. Unless that process is gone through in detail however, nothing is gained. The object of the exercise is to effect fundamental change in one’s behaviour, and that is never an easy thing to accomplish.
Effecting that fundamental change is the cause of the joy in Heaven of which Jesus speaks in our Gospel for today. The joy in Heaven seeps through to us as the effected change becomes part of our life. We participate in the joy. Hard won, it necessarily is, but the effect lasts a very long time.

The Name of the Son of God is great and without bounds, and the whole world is supported by it. Seest not that He doth support them, who with all their heart, bear His Name? He therefore is their foundation and gladly supports those who do not deny His Name, but willingly bear it. It was necessary (for men) to ascend by water, that they might rest. For they could not otherwise enter into the Kingdom of God, but by laying aside the mortality of their former life. They therefore being dead, were nevertheless sealed with the seal of the Son of God, and so entered into the Kingdom of God. For before a man receives the Name of the Son of God, he is ordained unto death; but when he receives that seal, he is freed from death and assigned unto life. Wherefore to those also was this seal preached, and they made use of it, that they might enter into the Kingdom of God
So the Church of God, when it shall be purified: The wicked and counterfeits, the mischievous and doubtful, and all who have behaved themselves wickedly in it and committed diverse kinds of sin, being cast out, shall become one body, and there shall be one understanding, one opinion, one Faith and one love. And then shall the Son of God rejoice among them and shall receive His people with a pure will.
Hermas’ “THE SHEPHERD” written circa AD 96-140, Similitude IX:137-138, 150-154, 174-175

TRINITY IV

MATTINS

Ps. cxvii Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord all ye heathen : Praise Him all ye nations.
For His merciful kindness is ever more and more towards us : And the truth of the Lord endureth for ever praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxviii Confitemini Domino

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is gracious : Because His mercy endureth for ever.
Let Israel now confess that He is gracious : And that His mercy endureth for ever.
Let the house of Aaron now confess : That His mercy endureth for ever
Yea let them now that fear the Lord confess : That His mercy endureth for ever.
I called upon the Lord in trouble : And the Lord heard me at large.
The Lord is on my side : I will not fear what man doeth unto me
The Lord taketh my part with them that help me : Therefore shall I see my desire upon mine enemies.
It is better to trust in the Lord : Than to put any confidence in man
It is better to trust in the Lord : Than to put any confidence in princes
All nations compassed me round about : But in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.
They kept me in on every side they kept me in I say on every side : But in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.
They came about me like bees and are extinct even as the fire among the thorns : For in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them
Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall : But the Lord was my help
The Lord is my strength and my song : and is become my salvation.
The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous : The right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence : The right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
I shall not die but live : And declare the works of the Lord.
The Lord hath chastened and corrected me : But He hath not given me over unto death.
Open me the gates of righteousness : That I may go into them and give thanks unto the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord : The righteous shall enter into it.
I will thank Thee for Thou hast heard me : And art become my salvation
The same stone which the builders refused : Is become the head-stone in the corner.
This is the Lord’s doing : And it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day which the Lord hath made : We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Help me now O Lord : O Lord send us now prosperity.
Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord : We have wished you good luck ye that are of the house of the Lord.
God is the Lord who hath shewed us light : Bind the sacrifice with cords yea even unto the horns of the altar.
Thou art my God and I will thank Thee : Thou art my God and I will praise Thee.
O give thanks unto the Lord for He is gracious : And His mercy endureth for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the Twenty-ninth Chapter of the Book of Job, beginning at the First Verse

Job continued his parable, and said, Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness; As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle; When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me; When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil; When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: And the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me and my bow was renewed in my hand. Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel. After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. And they waited for me as for the rain and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain. If I laughed on them they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down. I chose out their way and sat chief and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.

The Second Lesson is written in the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, beginning at the First Verse

And He went out from thence, and came into his own country; and His disciples follow Him. And when the sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, >From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him. But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And He could there do no mighty work, save that He laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And He marvelled because of their unbelief. And He went round about the villages, teaching. And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. And king Herod heard of Him; (for His name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in Him. Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: He is risen from the dead. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: For he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. And the Apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY IV
O God, protector of all that trust in Thee, without Whom nothing is strong, nothing holy: Increase and multiply upon us Thy mercy; that Thou, being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this O Heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY IV
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom then, shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid: When mine enemies and my foes came upon me, they stumbled and fell. Though an host of men were sent against me: Yet shall not my heart be afraid.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY IV
O God, protector of all that trust in Thee, without Whom nothing is strong, nothing holy: Increase and multiply upon us Thy mercy; that Thou, being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this O Heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE EIGHTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE ROMANS, BEGINNING AT THE EIGHTEENTH VERSE.

I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY IV
Be merciful, O Lord unto our sins: Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? Help us, O God of our salvation: And for the honour of Thy Name, O Lord deliver us. Alleluia. The King shall rejoice in Thy strength O Lord : Exceeding glad shall he be of Thy salvation.
Thou hast given him his heart’s desire : And hast not denied him the request of his lips.
For Thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness : And shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
He asked life of Thee and Thou gavest him a long life : Even for ever and ever.
His honour is great in Thy salvation : Glory and great worship shalt Thou lay upon him.
For Thou shalt give him everlasting felicity : And make him glad with the joy of Thy countenance.
And why? because the King putteth his trust in the Lord : And in the mercy of the most Highest he shall not miscarry.
All Thine enemies shall feel Thine hand : Thy right hand shall find out them that hate Thee.
Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of Thy wrath : The Lord shall destroy them in His displeasure and the fire shall consume them.
Their fruit shalt Thou root out of the earth : And their seed from among the children of men.
For they intended mischief against Thee : And imagined such a device as they are not able to perform.
Therefore shalt Thou put them to flight : And the strings of Thy bow shalt Thou make ready against the face of them.
Be Thou exalted Lord in Thine own strength : So we will sing and praise Thy power.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SIXTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-SIXTH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Be yetherefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
And He spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: But every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY IV
Lighten mine eyes that I sleep not in death: Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him.

During the Censing at the Offertory: Ps. xiii Usque quo, Domine?

How long wilt Thou forget me O Lord for ever : How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?
How long shall I seek counsel in my soul and be so vexed in my heart :
How long shall mine enemies triumph over me?
Consider and hear me O Lord my God : Lighten mine eyes that I sleep not in death.
Lest mine enemy say I have prevailed against him : For if I be cast down they that trouble me will rejoice at it.
But my trust is in Thy mercy : And my heart is joyful in Thy salvation.
I will sing of the Lord because He hath dealt so lovingly with me : Yea I will praise the Name of the Lord most Highest.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps xiv Dixit insipiens

The fool hath said in his heart : There is no God.
They are corrupt and become abominable in their doings : There is none that doeth good no not one.
The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men : To see if there were any that would understand and seek after God.
But they are all gone out of the way they are altogether become abominable : There is none that doeth good no not one.
Their throat is an open sepulchre with their tongues have they deceived : The poison of asps is under their lips.
Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness : Their feet are swift to shed blood.
Destruction and unhappiness is in their ways and the way of peace have they not known : There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Have they no knowledge that they are all such workers of mischief : Eating up my people as it were bread and call not upon the Lord?
There were they brought in great fear even where no fear was : For God is in the generation of the righteous.
As for you ye have made a mock at the counsel of the poor : Because he putteth his trust in the Lord.
Who shall give salvation unto Israel out of Sion? When the Lord turneth the captivity of his people : Then shall Jacob rejoice and Israel shall be glad.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY IV
Look down, we beseech Thee O Lord, on the gifts of Thy Church that prayeth; and grant that by Thy continual blessing, Thy faithful people may partake of the same to their soul’s salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY IV
The Lord is my stony rock my defence and my Saviour: My God and my might

During the Ablutions: Ps. xviii Diligam te, Domine

I will love Thee O Lord my strength the Lord is my stony rock and my defence : My saviour my God and my might in whom I will trust my buckler the horn also of my salvation and my refuge.
I will call upon the Lord which is worthy to be praised : So shall I be safe from mine enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed me : And the overflowings of ungodliness made me afraid.
The pains of hell came about me : The snares of death overtook me.
In my trouble I will call upon the Lord : And complain unto my God.
So shall He hear my voice out of His holy temple : And my complaint shall come before Him it shall enter even into His ears.
The earth trembled and quaked : The very foundations also of the hills shook and were removed because He was wroth.
There went a smoke out in His presence : And a consuming fire out of his mouth so that coals were kindled at it.
He bowed the heavens also and came down : And it was dark under His feet.
He rode upon the cherubins and did fly : He came flying upon the wings of the wind.
He made darkness His secret place : His pavilion round about Him with dark water and thick clouds to cover Him.
At the brightness of His presence His clouds removed : Hail-stones and coals of fire.
The Lord also thundered out of heaven and the Highest gave His thunder : Hail-stones and coals of fire.
He sent out his arrows and scattered them : He cast forth lightnings and destroyed them.
The springs of water were seen and the foundations of the round world were discovered at Thy chiding O Lord : At the blasting of the breath of Thy displeasure.
He shall send down from on high to fetch me : And shall take me out of many waters.
He shall deliver from me my strongest enemy and from them which hate me : For they are too mighty for me.
They prevented me in the day of my trouble : But the Lord was my upholder.
He brought me forth also into a place of liberty : He brought me forth even because He had a favour unto me.
The Lord shall reward me after my righteous dealing : According to the cleanness of my hands shall He recompense me.
Because I have kept the ways of the Lord : And have not forsaken my God as the wicked doth.
For I have an eye unto all His laws : And will not cast out His commandments from me.
I was also uncorrupt before Him : And eschewed mine own wickedness.
Therefore shall the Lord reward me after my righteous dealing : And according unto the cleanness of my hands in His eye-sight.
With the holy thou shalt be holy : And with a perfect man thou shalt be perfect.
With the clean thou shalt be clean : And with the froward thou shalt learn frowardness.
For thou shalt save the people that are in adversity : And shalt bring down the high looks of the proud.
Thou also shalt light my candle : The Lord my God shall make my darkness to be light.
For in Thee I shall discomfit an host of men : And with the help of my God I shall leap over the wall.
The way of God is an undefiled way : The word of the Lord also is tried in the fire He is the defender of all them that put their trust in Him.
For who is God but the Lord : Or who hath any strength except our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength of war : And maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like harts’ feet : And setteth me up on high.
He teacheth my hands to fight : And mine arms shall break even a bow of steel
Thou hast given me the defence of my salvation : Thy right hand also shall hold me up and Thy loving correction shall make me great.
Thou shalt make room enough under me for to go : That my footsteps shall not slide.
Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle : Thou shalt throw done mine enemies under me.
Thou hast made mine enemies also to turn their backs upon me : And I shall destroy them that hate me.
They shall cry but there shall be none to help them : Yea even unto the Lord shall they cry but He shall not hear them.
I will beat them as small as the dust before the wind : I will cast them out as the clay in the streets.
Thou shalt deliver me from the strivings of the people : And Thou shalt make me the head of the heathen.
A people whom I have not known : Shall serve me.
As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me : But the estranged children shall dissemble with me.
The estranged children shall fail : And be afraid out of their prisons.
The Lord liveth and blessed be my strong helper : And praised be the Lord of my salvation.
Even the God that seeth that I be avenged : And subdueth the people unto me
It is He that delivereth me from my cruel enemies and setteth me up above mine adversaries : Thou shalt rid me from the wicked man.
For this cause will I give thanks unto Thee O Lord among the Gentiles : And sing praises unto Thy Name.
Great prosperity giveth He unto His King : And sheweth loving-kindness unto David His Anointed and unto His seed for evermore.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY IV
Let Thy Holy Mystery which we have received O Lord, quicken and purify our hearts, and make us meet for Thine everlasting mercy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

TRINITY IV
The Gospel for today is one of those famous passages also recounted in Matthew’s version of the Sermon on the Mount and so beloved of Christians. We understand that Christ may have used these and similar words many times, so it is hardly surprising that Luke’s version is somewhat fuller than Matthew’s. These are among those basic precepts of the Christian life that our Lord was a great pains to drive home often, both with parables and in plain language. In this reading, we come to the familiar words commencing with “Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master….” Today the Orthodox Believer is faced with a multitude of very confusing situations and these words of Jesus spoken not to the public but to His Disciples, are important to us. Jesus is urging them (and us in our situation) to acquire and exercise discernment in our view of the plethora of pseudo-Christianity merging into liberal secularism with which we are surrounded. This subtle invasion of our beliefs and values demands a real discernment on the part of the Orthodox Believer if he is to maintain the genuine Faith and not be misled into accepting standards of behaviour and belief that are simply not Christian, let alone Orthodox. We all think that we know what the Faith is, but the changes and opinions with which we are surrounded are so subtle in their intrusion that we do not notice their effect. If we are not exceedingly careful, we acquire these new sub-Christian beliefs and standards without even being aware that we have done so. Consequently we urgently need Discernment. It can be acquired, but as with anything that is very rare and valuable, it costs us something. Discernment requires two things: A relationship with God in which He will assist us in discerning truth from non-truth, and a knowledge of the Faith which is the result of our setting out to learn the real Faith from reliable teachers.
For the Orthodox believer who wishes to periodically review his present beliefs and values in the light of the true Faith, the source is the Scriptures interpreted by the Fathers, and reliably orthodox writers.
There is really very little by way of substitute for the constant enduring work of talking with God, praying both formally and informally every day several times a day and immersing oneself in the relationship that imperceptibly results over the years of that activity. The two forms: Formal and informal are both necessary. The Offices provided by the Church over the better part of two millennia are the best starting place. The recitation of the Psalms, is the training ground in prayer of both kinds that the Orthodox Believer must have. It is not mere recitation – although it may start out as such. This is the inculcation of a method of prayer, and of a proper relationship with God. David was far more than an historical King of Israel, he was the quintessential human teacher of dealing with and learning from God. With David we journey through the good times and the bad; the falls and the upliftings of a human just as frail as ourselves. David leads and we, in following, with the light of the words of Christ, proceed into our proper relationship as sons of God. It is for this reason that the Church has set down the use of the Psalms so lavishly in all our worship, both the Offices and the Liturgy. Acquire the Psalms, read the Scriptures with orthodox interpretation and learn from the Fathers.
The result, as one wills to live according to the precepts of Christ, will be the formation of a genuinely Orthodox Christian man, one who can discern the many and varied attacks on his Faith and one who can act with the authority of one who humbly possesses the Faith and talks with God.

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TRINITY V

MATTINS

Ps. cxlvii. Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord for it is a good thing to sing praises unto our God : Yea a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful.
The Lord doth build up Jerusalem : And gather together the out-casts of Israel.
He healeth those that are broken in heart : And giveth medicine to heal their sickness.
He telleth the number of the stars : And calleth them all by their names.
Great is our Lord and great is His power : Yea and His wisdom is infinite.
The Lord setteth up the meek : And bringeth the ungodly down to the ground.
O sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving : Sing praises upon the harp unto our God;
Who covereth the heavens with clouds and prepareth rain for the earth : And maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains and herb for the use of men,
Who giveth fodder unto the cattle : And feedeth the young ravens that call upon Him.
He hath no pleasure in the strength of an horse : Neither delighteth he in any man’s legs.
But the Lord’s delight is in them that fear Him : And put their trust in His mercy.
Praise the Lord O Jerusalem : Praise thy God O Sion.
For He hath made fast the bars of thy gates : And hath blessed thy children within thee.
He maketh peace in thy borders : And filleth thee with the flour of wheat.
He sendeth forth His commandment upon earth : And His word runneth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool : And scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
He casteth forth His ice like morsels : Who is able to abide His frost?
He sendeth out His word and melteth them : He bloweth with His wind and the waters flow.
He sheweth His word unto Jacob : His statutes and ordinances unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any nation : Neither have the heathen knowledge of His laws.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

Ps cxlviii. Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord of heaven : Praise Him in the height.
Praise Him all ye angels of His : Praise Him all His host.
Praise Him sun and moon: Praise Him all ye stars and light.
Praise Him all ye heavens : And ye waters that are above the heavens.
Let them praise the Name of the Lord : For He spake the word and they were made He commanded and they were created.
He hath made them fast for ever and ever : He hath given them a law which shall not be broken.
Praise the Lord upon earth : Ye dragons and all deeps;
Fire and hail snow and vapours : Wind and storm fulfilling His word.
Mountains and all hills : Fruitful trees and all cedars,
Beasts and all cattle : Worms and feathered fowls.
Kings of the earth and all people : Princes and all judges of the world
Young men and maidens old men and children praise the Name of the Lord : For His Name only is excellent and His praise above heaven and earth.
He shalt exalt the horn of his people; all his saints shall praise him : even the children of Israel even the people the serveth him.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

Ps. cxlix. Cantate Domino

O sing unto the Lord a new song : Let the congregation of saints praise Him.
Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him : And let the children of Sion be joyful in their King.
Let them praise His Name in the dance : Let them sing praises unto Him with tabret and harp.
For the Lord hath pleasure in His people : And helpeth the meek-hearted.
Let the saints be joyful with glory : Let them rejoice in their beds.
Let the praises of God be in their mouth : And a two-edged sword in their hands,
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the Seventeenth Chapter of the First Book of Samuel beginning at the first verse.

Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. And the Phili-stines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? Am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: And the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: And the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. And David was the youngest: And the three eldest followed Saul. But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? Surely to defy Israel is he come up: And it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? And with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the waywardness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: And the people answered him again after the former manner. And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: And he sent for him. And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: For thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: And when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee. And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: And he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: For he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: But I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent. Here Endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark beginning at the Fifty-third verse.

And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew Him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard He was. And whithersoever He entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought Him that they might touch if it were but the border of His garment: And as many as touched Him were made whole. Then came together unto Him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, Why walk not Thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: And many other such like things ye do. And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: And many such like things do ye. And when He had called all the people unto Him, He said unto them, Hearken unto Me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: But the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And when He was entered into the house from the people, His Disciples asked Him concerning the parable. And He saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY V
Hearken O Lord to my voice when I cry unto Thee: Thou hast been my help, leave me not, neither forsake me O God of my salvation. The Lord is my light and my salvation: Whom then shall I fear?

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY V
Grant O Lord we beseech Thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by Thy governance, that Thy Church may joyfully serve Thee in all godly quietness, Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRD CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF SAINT PETER, BEGINNING AT THE EIGHTH VERSE

Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be full of pity, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: But on the contrary; blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: And be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY V
Behold O God our defender: And look upon Thy servants. O Lord God of hosts: Hear the prayers of Thy servants. Alleluia.
In Thee O Lord have I put my trust : Let me never be put to confusion deliver me in Thy righteousness.
Bow down Thine ear to me : Make haste to deliver me.
And be Thou my strong rock and house of defence : That Thou mayest save me
For Thou art my strong rock and my castle : Be Thou also my guide and lead me for Thy Name’s sake.
Draw me out of the net that they have laid privily for me : For Thou art my strength.
Into Thy hands I commend my spirit : For thou hast redeemed me O Lord Thou God of truth.
I have hated them that hold of superstitious vanities : And my trust hath been in the Lord.
I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy : For Thou hast considered my trouble and hast known my soul in adversities.
Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy : But hast set my feet in a large room.
Have mercy upon me O Lord for I am in trouble : And mine eye is consumed for very heaviness yea my soul and my body.
For my life is waxen old with heaviness : And my years with mourning.
My strength faileth me because of mine iniquity : And my bones are consumed.
I became a reproof among all mine enemies but especially among my neighbours : And they of mine acquaintance were afraid of me and they that did see me without conveyed themselves from me.
I am clean forgotten as a dead man out of mind : I am become like a broken vessel.
For I have heard the blasphemy of the multitude : And fear is on every side while they conspire together against me and take their counsel to take away my life.
But my hope hath been in thee O Lord : I have said Thou art my God. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesareth, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
R: Praise be to Thee O Christ

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY V
I will bless the Lord Who hath given me counsel: I have set God alway before me; for He is on my right hand, therefore shall I not fall.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps xvi Conserva me, Domine

Preserve me O God : For in Thee have I put my trust.
O my soul Thou hast said unto the Lord : Thou art my God, my goods are nothing unto Thee.
All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth : And upon such as excel in virtue.
But they that run after another god : Shall have great trouble.
Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer : Neither make mention of their names within my lips.
The Lord himself is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup : Thou shalt maintain my lot.
The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground : Yea I have a goodly heritage.
I will thank the Lord for giving me warning : My reins also chasten me in the night-season.
I have set God always before me : for he is on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall.
Wherefore my heart was glad, and my glory rejoiced : My flesh also shall rest in hope.
For why Thou shalt not leave my soul in hell : Neither shalt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption
Thou shalt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is the fulness of joy : And at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cl. Laudate Dominum

O praise God in His holiness : Praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Praise Him in His noble acts : Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him in the sound of the trumpet : Praise Him upon the lute and harp.
Praise Him in the cymbals and dances : Praise Him upon the strings and pipe.
Praise Him upon the well-tuned cymbals : Praise Him upon the loud cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath : Praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY V
We beseech Thee O Lord that the prayers of Thy humble servants may ascend in the sight of Thy mercy; and let the power of Thy Godhead come down upon these gifts, and also be freely given for the cleansing of our hearts. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY V
One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require: Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

During the Ablutions: Ps xxvi. Dominus illuminatio

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear : The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
When the wicked even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh : They stumbled and fell.
Though an host of men were laid against me yet shall not my heart be afraid : And though there rose up war against me yet will I put my trust in him.
One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require : Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit His temple.
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His tabernacle : Yea in the secret place of His dwelling shall He hide me and set me up on a rock of stone.
And now shall He lift up mine head : Above mine enemies round about me.
Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness : I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.
Hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee : Have mercy upon me, and hear me.
My heart hath talked of Thee Seek ye my face : Thy face Lord, will I seek.
O hide not Thou Thy face from me : Nor cast Thy servant away in displeasure.
Thou hast been my succour : Leave me not neither forsake me O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me : The Lord taketh me up.
Teach me the way O Lord : And lead in the right way because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries : For there are false witnesses risen up against me, and such as speak wrong.
I should utterly have fainted : But that I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
O tarry thou the Lord’s leisure : Be strong and he shall comfort thine heart and put thou thy trust in the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps xxix. Afferte Domino

Bring unto the Lord O ye mighty bring young rams unto the Lord : Ascribe unto the Lord worship and strength.
Give the Lord the honour due unto His Name : Worship the Lord with holy worship.
It is the Lord that commandeth the waters : It is the glorious God that maketh the thunder.
It is the Lord that ruleth the sea the voice of the Lord is mighty in operation : The voice of the Lord is a glorious voice.
The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedar-trees : Yea the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
He maketh them also to skip like a calf : Lebanon also and Syria like a young unicorn.
The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire the voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness : Yea the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Cades.
The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to bring forth young and discovereth the thick bushes : In His temple doth every man speak of His honour.
The Lord sitteth above the water -flood : And the Lord remaineth a King for ever.
The Lord shall give strength unto His people : The Lord shall give His people the blessing of peace.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY V
Cleanse us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, by these, Thy most holy Mysteries, and evermore protect us by their power. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

TRINITY V

So often, faced with the manifest weaknss of our brothers in the Church and in the rest of Christendom, we withdraw, maybe not physically, but into “triumphalism” and “correctness” and lose our ability to even cordially communicate with those on the outside, let alone those who have harmed us in their weakness. And we think it is in our power to ‘protect and save’ the Church when is it our own salvation that is at issue, and it is our willful, prideful and haughty efforts towards the “welfare of the Church” in general, which will some day be shown for the pride it is. What can we do to protect and save the Church except via what we are all called to do, in our own way, via our own vocation, and in our own brokeness, remain faithful to the two Great Commandments. Where faithfulness to these is sought, He empowers.
I am more guilty of this “worry about contamination” than most, having become conscious of the damage the contaminated Christian religion of the West has caused, in my own life, my own soul, my family and friends. All have been damaged in the struggle, which has taken many years to “put into context.” But it is a struggle to overcome a lifetime of wrong teaching which comes to us in the pagan immoral culture and via contaminated permissive “religion.”
I do not know how anyone could be more aware of the danger to souls, that things “less than Orthodox” bring. Yet, what is the answer? I occasionally have to remind myself, when I am tempted to take refuge in the “castle” and raise the drawbridge, tempted to “batten down” from the Great Apostasy, as it were, that we are still governed by the parable of the “leaven” and the “mustard seed” and are not granted the luxury to disengage from this world. In fact we are to peacefully but truly engage; called to be IN and not OF the culture – even when it is the contaminated and paganised “culture” of modern Christendom. The Church has been contaminated from the beginning. St Gregory’s statement 1600 years ago about the state of the Orthodox Hierarchy was only “repeated” by St Symeon, 950 years ago, and is joined by many voices since. In this nothing has changed.
Our failure to grasp this brokeness, and the healing we all should be reaching for, creates a false triumphalism, which looks exciting and even falsely comforting to some on the outside. But when we succumb to triumphalism we lose the humility that is the foundation for gentle evangelism, not to mention our own healing, and we damage the potential, true and profound healing of those coming to us. In fact, we end up creating converts who come to us by means of “religious sickness.” Who come in haughty pride that they are “chosen” and “have arrived and found IT.” But sadly and often the IT they find lies in Orthodox’s “culture” and the “accountrema” of small “t” traditions, instead of the IT, that is a “who”: Truth – the Person.
At each stage of the Christian Orthodox walk, I knew this was so much better than anything heretofore experienced. At each step thinking that THIS must be IT, only to learn that it is a long way to go to even begin to be moulded into the likeness of the REAL IT.
I am sometimes very critical of convert Orthodoxy, which often resembles The Society of Creative Anachronism cross bred with a New Age-Charismatic hybrid. Nothing is black and white, not even Orthodoxy. What is real is our collective purifying struggle IN HIM. The IT that we find first, is the struggle, He empowers, in the pathos of Living in His Body, and in the synergistic wisdom of the Holy Spirit, which “reason cannot hold together for us.” HIS presence in the Church makes it a place of purifying struggle -if all were perfection, the struggle would be complete.

TRINITY VI

MATTINS

Ps. I Beatus vir, qui non abiit.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly nor stood in the way of sinners : And hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord : And in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side : That will bring forth his fruit in due season.
His leaf also shall not wither : And look whatsoever he doeth it shall prosper.
As for the ungodly it is not so with them : But they are like the chaff which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judge-ment : Neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : And the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : An to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. II Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Why do the heathen so furiously rage together : And why do the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth stand up and the rulers take counsel together : Against the Lord and against His Anointed.
Let us break their bonds asunder : And cast away their cords from us.
He that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh them to scorn: The Lord shall have them in derision.
Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath : And vex them in His sore displeasure.
Yet I have set My King : Upon My holy hill of Sion.
I will preach the law whereof the Lord hath said unto Me : Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.
Desire of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance : And the utmost parts of the earth for Thy possession.
Thou shalt bruise them with a rod of iron : And break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Be wise now therefore O ye kings : Be learned ye that are judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord in fear : And rejoice unto Him with reverence.
Kiss the Son lest He be angry and so ye perish from the right way : If His wrath be kindled yea but a little blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : An to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning isnow and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps III Domine, quid multiplicati,

Lord how are they increased that trouble me : Many are they that rise against me.
Many one there be that say of my soul : There is no help for him in his God.
But Thou O Lord art my defender : Thou art my worship and the lifter up of my head.
I did call upon the Lord with my voice : And He heard me out of His holy hill.
I laid me down and slept and rose up again : For the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid for ten thousands of the people : That have set themselves against me round about.
Up Lord, and help me O my God : For Thou smitest all mine enemies upon the cheekbone Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongeth unto the Lord : And Thy blessing is upon Thy people.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : An to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning isnow and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. IV Cum invocarem

Hear me when I call O God of my righteousness : Thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble have mercy upon me and hearken unto my prayer.

O ye sons of men how long will ye blaspheme mine honour : And have such pleasure in vanity and seek after leasing?
Know this also that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly : When I call upon the Lord He will hear me.
Stand in awe and sin not : Commune with your own heart and in your chamber, and be still.
Offer the sacrifice of righteousness : And put your trust in the Lord.
There be many that say : Who will shew us any good?
Lord lift thou up : The light of Thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart : Since the time that their corn and wine and oil increased.
I will lay me down in peace and take my rest : For it is Thou Lord, only that makest me dwell in safety.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : An to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning isnow and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the First Chapter of the Second Book of Samuel, beginning at the First verse.

Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: For anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: And I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord’s anointed. And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: For there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the Seventh Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, beginning at the Twenty-first verse.

And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: But He could not be hid. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto Him, Yes, Lord: Yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs. And He said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, He came unto the Sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto Him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech Him to put His hand upon him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers into his ears, and He spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, He sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And He charged them that they should tell no man: But the more He charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; and were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His Disciples unto Him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. And His Disciples answered Him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And He asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And He commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and He took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to His disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: and He blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and He sent them away. And straightway He entered into a ship with His Disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY VI
O God Who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward Thee, that we, loving Thee above all things, may obtain Thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire: Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end.
R: Amen.
THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY VI
The Lord is the strength of His people, and He is the wholesome defence of His anointed : Save Thy people O Lord and give Thy blessing unto Thine inheritance feed them and set them up for ever. Unto Thee will I cry O Lord, my strength, think no scorn of me: Lest if Thou make as though Thou hearest not, I become like unto them that go down into the pit.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY VI
O God Who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward Thee, that we, loving Thee above all things, may obtain Thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire: Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE ROMANS, BEGINNING AT THE THIRD VERSE
Know ye not, that so many of us as were Baptised into Jesus Christ were Baptised into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by Baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him: Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, he died unto sin once: But in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY VI
Turn Thee again O Lord at the last : And be gracious unto Thy servants. Lord, Thou hast been our refuge : From one generation to another. Alleluia. Deliver me from mine enemies O God : Defend me from them that rise up against me.
O deliver me from the wicked doers : And save me from the blood-thirsty men.
For lo they lie waiting for my soul : The mighty men are gathered against me without any offence or fault of me O Lord.
They run and prepare themselves without my fault : Arise Thou therefore to help me and behold.
Stand up O Lord God of hosts Thou God of Israel to visit all the heathen : And be not merciful unto them that offend of malicious wickedness.
They go to and fro in the evening : They grin like a dog and run about through the city.
Behold they speak with their mouth and swords are in their lips : For who doth hear?
But Thou. O Lord shalt have them in derision : And Thou shalt laugh all the heathen to scorn.
My strength will I ascribe unto Thee : For thou art the God of my refuge.
God sheweth me His goodness plenteously : And God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
Slay them not lest my people forget it : But scatter them abroad among the people and put them down O Lord our defence.
For the sin of their mouth and for the words of their lips they shall be taken in their pride : And why their preaching is of cursing and lies.
Consume them in thy wrath consume them that they may perish : And know that it is God that ruleth in Jacob and unto the ends of the world.
And in the evening they will return : Grin like a dog and will go about the city.
They will run here and there for meat : And grudge if they be not satisfied.
As for me I will sing of Thy power and will praise Thy mercy betimes in the morning : For Thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
Unto thee O my strength will I sing : For Thou O God art my refuge and my merciful God. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTIETH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Jesus said unto His Disciples: For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: But whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

R: Praise be to Thee O Christ

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY VI
O hold Thou up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not; incline Thine ear to me, and hearken unto my words: Show Thy marvellous loving kindness, that Thou art the Saviour of them that put their trust in Thee O Lord.

During the censing after the Offertory Ps. xvii Exaudi, Domine

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY VI
Be favourable O Lord, to our prayers, and mercifully receive the oblations of Thy servants; that what each one hath offered to the glory of Thy Name, may avail to the health and salvation of all. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY VI
I will offer in His dwelling an oblation with great gladness: I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.
During the Ablutions

During the Ablutions: Ps xxvi. Dominus illuminatio

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear : The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
When the wicked even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh : They stumbled and fell.
Though an host of men were laid against me yet shall not my heart be afraid : And though there rose up war against me yet will I put my trust in him.
One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require : Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit His temple.
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His tabernacle : Yea in the secret place of His dwelling shall He hide me and set me up upon a rock of stone.
And now shall He lift up mine head : Above mine enemies round about me.
Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness : I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.
Hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee : Have mercy upon me, and hear me.
My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face : Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
O hide not thou thy face from me : nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.
Thou hast been my succour : leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me : the Lord taketh me up.
Teach me the way, O Lord : and lead in the right way, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries : for there are false witnesses risen up against me, and such as speak wrong.
I should utterly have fainted : but that I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
O tarry thou the Lord’s leisure : be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart and put thou thy trust in the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY VI
Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee that we, whom Thou hast refreshed with the Heavenly Gift, may cleansed from or secret faults and set free from the snares of the enemy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The Gospel for today (Matt. 5:20-) is one of those that requires our fairly careful attention, for it includes a number of matters which are frequent cause for questions. Accordingly I would like to proceed through it seriatim. Beginning with verse 20, we come to the word “righteousness” in the context of contrast with the righteousness of a particular group of the society in which Jesus’ Disciples lived. The Pharisees advocated a behaviour which they termed righteousness and which consisted of “proper” behaviour – proper within the letter of the Law. There was in fact little or no room for love or compassion within their concept of righteousness. Certainly they worked very hard to maintain the letter of the Law – to a degree which we would find incredible.
The righteousness that Jesus is talking about, on His own authority (“But I say unto you…”) begins with the relationship of the individual with God. It is a “right relationship” with God, one that must begin with Him. Through the Incarnation of the Son, God has made possible our reception of God’s own righteousness directly from Christ. His righteousness – which is the righteousness that we must acquire, is summed up by Him in His great summary of the Law: “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, namely this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” What He means is of course, that if one follows this rule, then as a matter of course, and with care, one fulfils the whole purpose of the myriad of legalisms that were incorporated into the Mosaic Law. It is the righteousness of the rule of love that Christ teaches, not the righteousness of cold legal conformity.
The remainder of the chapter – up to verse 48 is actually a series of practical situational illustrations of what this love-righteousness means. Sinful, unrighteous anger is equated with murder – a fact which should sober us considerably. This is one of those sayings which we tend to think of as just sayings – yet this one is awfully important. Literally it means that every single one of us is just as guilty in God’s eyes as those who are in prison for murder. It means that we have no business considering ourselves as “ordinary, decent people” for we are not that at all.
We tend nowadays to deprecate any tendency to wallow in guilt for our sins and it is something which a “healthy Christianity” deprecates – but not to the exclusion of a genuine recognition of the totality of what we have done wrong – our responsibility, individually and corporately and the absolute necessity of our seeking formal forgiveness.
The very next admonition shows that up: The fact that we ought not come to receive Communion at the Liturgy if we know someone to have something against us. Incidentally, it was for this reason that the ancient Liturgies and our own Sarum and English Liturgies have a Kiss of Peace at the beginning – as a reminder that we ought to be reconciled in advance of approaching the Altar.
Verse 25 (which is put in Saint Luke’s Gospel in the context of the end of this age) tells us that it is urgent for us to clear up all our disagreements and quarrels, for whether it be the Second Coming, our individual repose, or the reception of Holy Communion, we cannot allow matters to drag on in dispute and anger. All of this is Christ’s own illustration of the requirement that we adopt a righteousness that is not based on the letter of the Law, but upon the whole spirit of the Law. The terms Law and Righteousness always being synonymous with the relationship between us and God. Our relationship with God must be one of humility, obedience and a love received, reciprocated and disbursed by us.

TRINITY VII

MATTINS

Ps cxix – V Legem pone

Teach me O Lord the way of Thy statutes : And I shall keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding and I shall keep Thy law : Yea I shall keep it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments : For therein is my desire.
Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies : And not to covetousness.
O turn away mine eyes lest they behold vanity : And quicken Thou me in Thy way.
O stablish Thy word in Thy servant : That I may fear Thee.
Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of : For Thy judgements are good.
Behold my delight is in Thy commandments : O quicken me in Thy righteousness.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

VI Et veniat super me

Let Thy loving mercy come also unto me O Lord : Even Thy salvation according unto Thy word.
So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers : For my trust is in Thy word.
O take not the word of Thy truth utterly out of my mouth : For my hope is in Thy judgements.
So shall I alway keep Thy law : Yea for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty : For I seek Thy commandments.
I will speak of Thy testimonies also even before kings : And will not be ashamed
And my delight shall be in Thy commandments : Which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto Thy commandments which I have loved : And my study shall be in Thy statutes.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

VII Memor esto servi tui

O think upon Thy servant as concerning Thy word : Wherein Thou hast caused me to put my trust.
The same is my comfort in my trouble : For Thy word hath quickened me.
The proud have had me exceedingly in derision : Yet have I not shrinked from Thy law.
For I remembered Thine everlasting judgements O Lord : And received comfort
I am horribly afraid : For the ungodly that forsake Thy law.
Thy statutes have been my songs : In the house of my pilgrimage.
I have thought upon Thy Name O Lord in the night-season : And have kept Thy law.
This I had : Because I kept Thy commandments.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

VIII Portio mea, Domine

Thou art my portion O Lord : I have promised to keep Thy law.
I made my humble petition in Thy presence with my whole heart : O be merciful unto me, according to Thy word.
I called mine own ways to remembrance : And turned my feet unto Thy testimonies
I made haste and prolonged not the time : To keep Thy commandments.
The congregations of the ungodly have robbed me :But I have not forgotten Thy law.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee : Because of Thy righteous judgements.
I am a companion of all them that fear Thee : And keep Thy commandments.
The earth O Lord, is full of Thy mercy : O teach me Thy statutes.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

IX Bonitatem fecisti

O Lord Thou hast dealt graciously with Thy servant : According unto Thy word
O learn me true understanding and knowledge : For I have believed Thy commandments.
Before I was troubled I went wrong : But now I have kept Thy word.
Thou art good and gracious : O teach me Thy statutes.
The proud have imagined a lie against me : But I will keep Thy commandments with my whole heart.
Their heart is as fat as brawn : But my delight hath been in Thy law.
It is good for me that I have been in trouble : That I may learn Thy statutes.
The law of Thy mouth is dearer to me : Than thousands of gold and silver
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

First Lesson is written in the Fifth Chapter of the Book of the Wisdom of Solomon, beginning at the First Verse

Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours. When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach: We fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be without honour: How is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is among the saints! Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of righteousness rose not upon us. We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction: yea, we have gone through deserts, where there lay no way: but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it. What hath pride profited us? or what good hath riches with our vaunting brought us? All those things are passed away like a shadow, and as a post that hasted by; And as a ship that passeth over the waves of the water, which when it is gone by, the trace thereof cannot be found, neither the pathway of the keel in the waves; Or as when a bird hath flown through the air, there is no token of her way to be found, but the light air being beaten with the stroke of her wings and parted with the violent noise and motion of them, is passed through, and therein afterwards no sign where she went is to be found; Or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parteth the air, which immediately cometh together again, so that a man cannot know where it went through: Even so we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to draw to our end, and had no sign of virtue to shew; but were consumed in our own wickedness. For the hope of the ungodly is like dust that is blown away with the wind; like a thin froth that is driven away with the storm; like as the smoke which is dispersed here and there with a tempest, and passeth away as the remembrance of a guest that tarrieth but a day. But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the First Chapter of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, beginning at the First Verse

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY VII
Lord of all power and might, Who art the author of all living things; Graft in our hearts the love of Thy Name increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY VII
O clap your hands together, all ye people: O sing unto God with the voice of melody. He shall subdue the people under us: And the nations under our feet.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY VII
Lord of all power and might, Who art the author of all living things; Graft in our hearts the love of Thy Name increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE ROMANS, BEGINNING AT THE NINETEENTH VERSE.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: For as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY VII
Come ye children and hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Come unto Him and be enlightened: And your faces shall not be ashamed. Alleluia.
Thou O God art praised in Sion : And unto Thee shall the vow be performed in Jerusalem.
Thou that hearest the prayer : Unto Thee shall all flesh come.
My misdeeds prevail against me : O be Thou merciful unto our sins.
Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest and receivest unto Thee : He shall dwell in Thy court and shall be satisfied with the pleasures of Thy house even of Thy holy temple.
Thou shalt shew us wonderful things in Thy righteousness O God of our salvation : Thou that art the hope of all the ends of the earth and of them that remain in the broad sea.
Who in His strength setteth fast the mountains : And is girded about with power.
Who stilleth the raging of the sea : And the noise of his waves and the madness of the people.
They also that dwell in the uttermost parts of the earth shall be afraid at Thy tokens : Thou that makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to praise Thee.
Thou visitest the earth and blessest it : Thou makest it very plenteous.
The river of God is full of water : Thou preparest their corn for so Thou providest for the earth.
Thou waterest her furrows Thou sendest rain into the little valleys thereof : Thou makest it soft with the drops of rain and blessest the increase of it.
Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness : And Thy clouds drop fatness.
They shall drop upon the dwellings of the wilderness : And the little hills shall rejoice on every side.
The folds shall be full of sheep : The valleys also shall stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE EIGHTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. And His disciples answered Him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And He asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And He commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and He took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to His Disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: And He blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and He sent them away.
R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY VII
Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like as in ten thousand of fat lambs, so let our sacrifice be in Thy sight this day, that it may please Thee: For they shall not be confounded that put their trust in Thee, O Lord.

During the Censing after the Offertory Ps. li Miserere mei, Deus

Have mercy upon me O God after Thy great goodness : According to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offences.

Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness : And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my faults : And my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight : That Thou mightest be justified in Thy saying and clear when thou art judged.
Behold I was shapen in wickedness : And in sin hath my mother conceived me.
But lo, Thou requirest truth in the inward parts: And shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.
Thou shalt purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean : Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness : That the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Turn Thy face from my sins : And put out all my misdeeds.
Make me a clean heart O God : And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence : And take not Thy holy Spirit from me
O give me the comfort of Thy help again : And stablish me with Thy free Spirit.
Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked : And sinners shall be converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God Thou that art the God of my health : And my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness.
Thou shalt open my lips O Lord : And my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise.
For Thou desirest no sacrifice else would I give it Thee : But Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit : A broken and contrite heart O God shalt Thou not despise.
O be favourable and gracious unto Sion : Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness with the burnt-offerings and oblations : Then shall they offer young bullocks upon thine altar.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY VII
Be favourable O Lord, to our prayers, and mercifully receive the oblations of Thy people; and that the desires of none may be in vain, nor their petitions fruitless, grant we beseech Thee that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY VII
Bow down Thine ear to me: Make haste to deliver me.

During the Ablutions Ps. xxxi In te, Domine, speravi

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY VII
We who have been filled with Thy gifts O Lord do beseech Thee to grant that we may both be cleansed by their power and defended by their help. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant O Lord God that we who have partaken of this Holy Mystery and have confessed the Holy and eternal Trinity and the Undivided Unity may be thereby strengthened both in body and soul. Who livest and reignest Three Persons in One God world without end.
R: Amen.

Today’s Gospel is the familiar story of the miraculous feeding of the people who were surrounding Jesus during His teaching. We have all heard the miraculous multiplication of the original food expounded time and again by preachers and writers.
There is, however another aspect and it comes in the very opening words of this recounting. In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat.
Here we have a picture of these people who have apparently been so strongly attracted by Jesus, by the things that He was teaching them, that they stayed away from home, without food or change of clothing or even, it would seem, shelter for three days.
We are accustomed to hearing the Gospel read each Sunday, and the operative word is accustomed. We hardly pay attention. Those of us who read the Scripture every day are hardly more attentive. To speak truthfully, the wonder of what we are reading is frequently lost on us. It may not be too strong to say that perhaps familiarity is breeding if not contempt, then a certain insulation.
Let us look at this again. Here is this teacher teaching those people who want to listen. Now teachers, itinerant and otherwise, Rabbis and other earned men were not that uncommon in ancient Israel. We know that there were others of all sorts immediately before Jesus and immediately after Him. Saint John the Baptist got fairly good crowds coming right out on foot from the city away from their homes into the desert to hear him. However, at least as far as the written record is concerned, this story is quite startling: A crowd of four thousand people stay away from home, without food for three days to hear a country teacher.
If we look at that in the context of our own lives today, can we imagine going off for three days to hear a preacher? Let alone staying day and night in a crowd, sleeping on the ground, with nothing to eat the whole time.
It really is rather inconceivable isn’t it?
What does it tell us, this extraordinary behaviour?
Perhaps it tells us that Jesus was a great orator? But that won’t do, for we have records of some of the great orators of his day and, well, frankly, He wasn’t in their class. But then He wasn’t trying to be, was He? He wasn’t interested in overawing his hearers with His great intellect or wit or logic or science. He was interested in changing their lives, their hearts from the inside out.
Perhaps it tells us that Jesus was an extremely compelling teacher. That what He said and how He said it compelled people, even against some of their most basic needs, to stay and listen, in the face of discomfort and hunger, they had to stay and hear the rest.
One often tries to imagine what it would have been like to have been in the company of Jesus. Would one have been among those who found it all too much? Could one have stood up to His searching of one’s soul? The fear that He would reject us as not good enough. But of course He never did that did He? People rejected themselves, they rejected Him, but He didn’t reject them – not even Judas Iscariot.
The presence of Jesus must have been remarkable for those who had eyes to see. The teaching of Jesus must have been totally compelling, for those who had ears to hear. And here, we have a recounting of four thousand people who had just such eyes and ears, for they stayed for three days and nights, without food, sleeping in the open, just to see and hear Jesus’ teaching.

_______________________________________

TRINITY VIII & IX

MATTINS
Ps. cvi. Confitemini Domino

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is gracious : And His mercy endureth for ever.
Who can express the noble acts of the Lord : Or shew forth all His praise?
Blessed are they that alway keep judgement : And do righteousness.
Remember me O Lord according to the favour that Thou bearest unto Thy people : O visit me with Thy salvation;
That I may see the felicity of Thy chosen : And rejoice in the gladness of Thy people and give thanks with Thine inheritance.
We have sinned with our fathers : We have done amiss and dealt wickedly.
Our fathers regarded not thy wonders in Egypt neither kept they Thy great goodness in remembrance : But were disobedient at the sea even at the Red sea.
Nevertheless He helped them for His Name’s sake : That He might make His power to be known.
He rebuked the Red sea also and it was dried up : So He led them through the deep as through a wilderness.
And He saved them from the adversaries’ hand : And delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
As for those that troubled them the waters overwhelmed them : There was not one of them left.
Then believed they His words : And sang praise unto Him.
But within a while they forgat His works : And would not abide His counsel.
But lust came upon them in the wilderness : And they tempted God in the desert.
And He gave them their desire : And sent leanness withal into their soul.
They angered Moses also in the tents : And Aaron the saint of the Lord.
So the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan : And covered the congregation of Abiram.
And the fire was kindled in their company : The flame burnt up the ungodly.
They made a calf in Horeb : And worshipped the molten image.
Thus they turned their glory : Into the similitude of a calf that eateth hay.
And they forgat God their Saviour : Who had done so great things in Egypt,
Wondrous works in the land of Ham : And fearful things by the Red sea.
So He said He would have destroyed them had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the gap : To turn away His wrathful indignation lest He should destroy them.
Yea they thought scorn of that pleasant land : And gave no credence unto His word;
But murmured in their tents : And hearkened not unto the voice of the lord.
Then lift He up his hand against them : To overthrow them in the wilderness,
To cast out their seed among the nations : And to scatter them in the lands.
They joined themselves unto Baal-peor : And ate the offerings of the dead.
Thus they provoked Him to anger with their own inventions : And the plague was great among them.
Then stood up Phinees and prayed : And so the plague ceased.
And that was counted unto him for righteousness : Among all posterities for evermore.
They angered Him also at the waters of strife : So that He punished Moses for their sakes;
Because they provoked his spirit : So that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
Neither destroyed they the heathen : As the Lord commanded them;
But were mingled among the heathen : And learned their works.
Insomuch that they worshipped their idols which turned to their own decay : Yea they offered their sons and their daughters unto devils;
And shed innocent blood even the blood of their sons and of their daughters : Whom they had offered unto the idols of Canaan and the land was defiled with blood.
Thus were they stained with their own works : And went a whoring with their own inventions.
Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people : insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance.
And He gave them over into the hands of the heathen : And they that hated them were lords over them.
Their enemies oppressed them : And had them in subjection.
Many a time did He deliver them : But they rebelled against Him with their own inventions and were brought down in their wickedness.
Nevertheless when He saw their adversity : He heard their complaint.
He thought upon His covenant and pitied them according unto the multitude of His mercies : Yea He made all those that led them away captive to pity them.
Deliver us O Lord our God and gather us from among the heathen : That we may give thanks unto Thy holy Name and make our boast of Thy praise.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting and world without end : and let all the people say, Amen.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in Sixth Chapter of the Book of the Wisdom of Solomon, beginninmg at the Twelfth Verse.

Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her. She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first known unto them. Whoso seeketh her early shall have no great travail: for he shall find her sitting at his doors. To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and whoso watcheth for her shall quickly be without care. For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought. For the very true beginning of her is the desire of discipline; and the care of discipline is love; And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto her laws is the assurance of incorruption; And incorruption maketh us near unto God: Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to a kingdom. If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings of the people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore. As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up, I will tell you, and will not hide mysteries from you: but will seek her out from the beginning of her nativity, and bring the knowledge of her into light, and will not pass over the truth. Neither will I go with consuming envy; for such a man shall have no fellowship with wisdom. But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people. Receive therefore instruction through my words, and it shall do you good. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the Second Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, beginning at the First Verse.
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY VIII
O God, Whose never failing Providence ordereth all things both in Heaven and earth; We humbly beseech Thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY VIII
We wait, O God for Thy loving kindness in the midst of Thy Temple: According to Thy Name, O God, so is Thy praise unto the world’s end; Thy right hand is full of righteousness. Great is the Lord and highly to be praised: In the city of God, even upon His Holy hill.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY VIII
O God, Whose never failing Providence ordereth all things both in Heaven and earth; We humbly beseech Thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, BEGINNING AT THE TENTH VERSE.

Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye Baptised in the name of Paul? I thank God that I Baptised none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had Baptised in mine own name. And I Baptised also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I Baptised any other. For Christ sent me not to Baptise, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY VIII
Be Thou my God and my defender: A place of refuge, that Thou mayest save me. O God in Thee have I trusted : O Lord, let me never be confounded.
Alleluia. Hear my law O My people.
Unto Thee O Lord will I lift up my soul my God I have put my trust in Thee : O let me not be confounded neither let mine enemies triumph over me.
For all they that hope in Thee shall not be ashamed : But such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion.
Shew me Thy ways O Lord : And teach me Thy paths.
Lead me forth in Thy truth and learn me : For Thou art the God of my salvation in Thee hath been my hope all the day long.
Call to remembrance O Lord Thy tender mercies : And Thy loving-kindnesses which have been ever of old.
O remember not the sins and offences of my youth : But according to Thy mercy think Thou upon me O Lord for Thy goodness.
Gracious and righteous is the Lord : Therefore will He teach sinners in the way.
Them that are meek shall He guide in judgement : And such as are gentle them shall He learn His way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth : Unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Thy Name’s sake O Lord : Be merciful unto my sin for it is great.
What man is he that feareth the Lord : Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.
His soul shall dwell at ease : And his seed shall inherit the land.
The secret of the Lord is among them that fear him : And He will shew them His covenant.
Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord : For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn thee unto me and have mercy upon me : For I am desolate and in misery.
The sorrows of my heart are enlarged : O bring Thou me out of my troubles.
Look upon my adversity and misery : And forgive me all my sin.
Consider mine enemies how many they are : And they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
O keep my soul and deliver me : Let me not be confounded for I have put my trust in Thee.
Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me : For my hope hath been in Thee.
Deliver Israel O God : Out of all his troubles. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FOURTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE FOURTEENTH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

AND + JESUS went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick. And when it was evening, His Disciples came to Him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to Me.
And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to Heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His Disciples, and the Disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: And they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. And straightway Jesus constrained His Disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY VIII
Thou shalt save the people that are in adversity O Lord : And shalt bring down the high looks of the proud, for who is God but the Lord?

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. xviii Diligam te, Domine

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY VIII
O God, Who by one perfect offering hast fulfilled the diverse sacrifices of the old law; accept the oblations which Thy servants devoutly present unto Thee, and hallow them with a blessing like unto that which Thou didst bestow on the gifts of righteous Abel; that what each hath offered to the honour of Thy Name may avail to the health and salvation of all. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY VIII
O taste and see how gracious the Lord is : Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

During the Ablutions: Ps xxxiv. Benedicam Domino

I will alway give thanks unto the Lord : His praise shall ever be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : The humble shall hear thereof and be glad.
O praise the Lord with me : And let us magnify His Name together.
I sought the Lord and He heard me : Yea Ue delivered me out of all my fear.
They had an eye unto Him and were lightened : And their faces were not ashamed.
Lo the poor crieth and the Lord heareth him : Yea and saveth him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear Him : And delivereth them.
O taste and see how gracious the Lord is : Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
O fear the Lord ye that are His saints : For they that fear Him lack nothing.
The lions do lack and suffer hunger : But they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.
Come ye children and hearken unto me : I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is he that lusteth to live : And would fain see good days?
Keep thy tongue from evil : And thy lips that they speak no guile.
Eschew evil and do good : Seek peace and ensue it.
The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous : And His ears are open unto their prayers.
The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil : To root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry and the Lord heareth them : And delivereth them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart : And will save such as be of an humble spirit.
Great are the troubles of the righteous : But the Lord delivereth him out of all.
He keepeth all his bones : So that not one of them is broken.
But misfortune shall slay the ungodly : And they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
The Lord delivereth the souls of His servants : And all they that put their trust in Him shall not be destitute.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY VIII
Vouchsafe O Lord, that Thy healing operation may both set us free from the spirit of perversity and lead us towards righteousness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end..
R: Amen.
Grant O Lord God, that we who have partaken of this Holy Mystery and have confessed the Holy and eternal Trinity and the Undivided Unity, may be thereby strengthened both in body and soul. Who livest and reignest Three Persons in One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end..
R: Amen.
THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The Epistle for today can also be called a passage of unity. Answering the problems of factionalism caused at least in part by the Gnostics at Corinth, Saint Paul sets out to show them in this Epistle that the Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. The part of the Epistle read today is that part which begins to deal with the Church being “One”. When reading Scripture while it is helpful to know the immediate matter being addressed, but it is vital to know the application that it has for us. So we may safely for the moment put aside the problems at Corinth in the years AD 53-55 and move to the meaning for us today.
Those who call themselves Christian around the world in our time are, as we know, scandalously divided. The scandal lies perhaps not so much in the fact of the divisions as in the cause of the divisions. The Church was created by Christ as one, but it is populated on earth by fallen men and fallen men are exceedingly easily distracted. We find it almost impossible to concentrate on the task of worship and love even for the space of the Liturgy – our minds wander, we are distracted by the adversary who is constantly seeking to divert us from the main purpose of our existence. So it is really hardly surprising perhaps, that the Church often contains within itself groups of differing opinion – self-opinions usually. What is scandalous is the fact that these divisions widened to the point of schism. It is equally not very surprising that we find that once a schism of major proportions has occurred, others follow in what is historically speaking, fairly short order and they continue amongst them today. Men find it progressively easier to divide from their fellows after they have thrown off the unity of the genuine Church. Within the present day Church, what then, is the message that we read in the Epistle for today? The first thing that Saint Paul pleads for is that we “Have a uniform testimony” (speak the same thing). This means in effect that the Church testifies to Christ, interprets His Gospel in the same way everywhere. This is not (as some seem to like it) a rigid man-made uniformity imposed by some central earthly power, but rather, a uniform adherence to the revealed truth as it has been preached and taught down the succeeding centuries with one consent by the Fathers and the Church continuously. This is a Holy Spirit-regulated uniformity of doctrine that needs no central human power – although it does require that the Church be organised and have God-fearing Bishops to mind the doctrinal and spiritual business of the Church.
In verse 13, Saint Paul asks the question “Is Christ divided?” Indeed is the Church divided? The answer which is inherent in 3:18-23 and throughout the New Testament is an emphatic ‘no’. The worldly wisdom referred to throughout this unity passage is the holding of private opinion in doctrine, and the interpretation of Scripture apart from the Church’s revelation from Christ Himself. This is separation from the Church, as there can can be no such thing as a real division of the Church. There can be autonomous parts of the same Church but division means division from, not division within.
The scandal for today is that there is not unity within the ranks of all those who call themselves Christian and that among such people many are spectacularly and attractively creating truly non-Christian religions which pretend to be Christian. What we have to guard against is the attraction of some of these ideas for those within the Church. We must testify to the eternal Son of God, Who was born of a pure Virgin, was crucified for us, died, descended into hell, rose from the dead, ascended into Heaven and will come again. We must steadfastly give testimony to God the Holy Trinity, a God Who has an ongoing interest, involvement in. love for, and part in the workings of this present world and for each and every one of us. A God Who very well revealed Himself to genuinely holy men down the centuries (whose testimony we have), Who is totally consistent and Who cannot be ‘reinterpreted’ by un-holy worldly-conscious academic speculators. We must witness from the historic, continuous, unified, Apostolic Church that doesn’t need new twists to make its message interesting to this or that group within a novelty-addicted society.

TRINITY IX

MATTINS

Ps xxxviii. Domine, ne in furore

Put me not to rebuke O Lord in Thine anger : Neither chasten me in Thy heavy displeasure.
For Thine arrows stick fast in me : And Thy hand presseth me sore.
There is no health in my flesh because of Thy displeasure : Neither is there any rest in my bones by reason of my sin.
For my wickednesses are gone over my head : And are like a sore burden too heavy for me to bear.
My wounds stink and are corrupt : Through my foolishness.
I am brought into so great trouble and misery : That I go mourning all the day long.
For my loins are filled with a sore disease : And there is no whole part in my body.
I am feeble and sore smitten : I have roared for the very disquietness of my heart.
Lord Thou knowest all my desire : And my groaning is not hid from Thee.
My heart panteth my strength hath failed me : And the sight of mine eyes is gone from me.
My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble : And my kinsmen stood afar off.
They also that sought after my life laid snares for me : And they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness and imagined deceit all the day long.
As for me I was like a deaf men and heard not : And as one that is dumb who doth not open his mouth.
I became even as a man that heareth not : And in whose mouth are no reproofs.
For in Thee O Lord have I put my trust : Thou shalt answer for me O Lord my God.
I have required that they even mine enemies should not triumph over me : For when my foot slipped they rejoiced greatly against me.
And I truly am set in the plague : And my heaviness is ever in my sight.
For I will confess my wickedness : And be sorry for my sin.
But mine enemies live and are mighty : And they that hate me wrongfully are many in number.
They also that reward evil for good are against me : Because I follow the thing that is good.
Forsake me not O Lord my God : Be not Thou far from me.
Haste Thee to help me : O Lord God of my salvation.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps xxxix. Dixi, Custodiam

I said I will take heed to my ways : That I offend not in my tongue.
I will keep my mouth as it were with a bridle : While the ungodly is in my sight.
I held my tongue and spake nothing : I kept silence yea even from good words but it was pain and grief unto me.
My heart was hot within me and while I was thus musing the fire kindled : And at the last I spake with my tongue;
Lord let me know mine end and the number of my days : That I may be certified how long I have to live.
Behold Thou hast made my days as it were a span long : And mine age is even as nothing in respect of thee and verily every man living is altogether vanity.
For man walketh in a vain shadow and disquieteth himself in vain : He heapeth up riches and cannot tell who shall gather them.
And now Lord what is my hope : Truly my hope is even in Thee.
Deliver me from all mine offences : And make me not a rebuke unto the foolish.
I became dumb and opened not my mouth : For it was Thy doing.
Take Thy plague away from me : I am even consumed by the means of Thy heavy hand.
When Thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin thou makest his beauty to consume away like as it were a moth fretting a garment : Every man therefore is but vanity.
Hear my prayer O Lord and with thine ears consider my calling : Hold not Thy peace at my tears.
For I am a stranger with Thee : And a sojourner as all my fathers were.
O spare me a little that I may recover my strength : Before I go hence and be no more seen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the eleventh chapter of the Book of the Wisdom of Solomon, beginning at the twenty-first verse

For Thou canst shew Thy great strength at all times when Thou wilt; and who may withstand the power of Thine arm? For the whole world before Thee is as a little grain of the balance, yea, as a drop of the morning dew that falleth down upon the earth. But Thou hast mercy upon all; for Thou canst do all things, and winkest at the sins of men, because they should amend. For Thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest nothing which Thou hast made: for never wouldest Thou have made any thing, if Thou hadst hated it. And how could any thing have endured, if it had not been Thy will? or been preserved, if not called by Thee? But Thou sparest all: For they are Thine, O Lord, Thou lover of souls. For Thine incorruptible Spirit is in all things. Therefore chastenest Thou them by little and little that offend, and warnest them by putting them in remembrance wherein they have offended, that leaving their wickedness they may believe on Thee, O Lord. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the third chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, beginning at the first verse.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY IX
Grant us O Lord, we beseech Thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without Thee, may by Thee be enabled to live according to Thy will: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY IX
Behold God is my helper the Lord is with them that uphold my soul : He shall reward evil unto mine enemies destroy them in Thy truth O Lord my protector. Save me O God for Thy Name’s sake : And avenge me in Thy strength.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY IX
Grant us O Lord, we beseech Thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without Thee, may by Thee be enabled to live according to Thy will: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that ever hold-ing fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE TENTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

BRETHREN, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: For they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY IX
O Lord our Governor: How excellent is Thy Name in all the world. Thou hast set Thy glory above the Heavens. Alleluia.
Sing we merrily unto God our strength : Make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Take the psalm bring hither the tabret : The merry harp with the lute.
Blow up the trumpet in the new-moon : Even in the time appointed and upon our solemn feast-day.
For this was made a statute for Israel : And a law of the God of Jacob.
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony : When he came out of the land of Egypt and had heard a strange language.
I eased his shoulder from the burden : And his hands were delivered from making the pots.
Thou calledst upon Me in troubles and I delivered thee : And heard thee what time as the storm fell upon thee.
I proved thee also : At the waters of strife.
Hear O My people and I will assure thee O Israel : If thou wilt hearken unto Me,
There shall no strange god be in thee : Neither shalt thou worship any other god.
I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt : Open thy mouth wide, and I shall fill it.
But my people would not hear My voice : And Israel would not obey Me.
So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lusts : And let them follow their own imaginations.
O that My people would have hearkened unto Me : For if Israel had walked in My ways,
I should soon have put down their enemies : And turned my hand against their adversaries.
The haters of the Lord should have been found liars : But their time should have endured for ever.
He should have fed them also with the finest wheat-flour : And with honey out of the stony rock should I have satisfied thee.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SIXTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ JESUS said also unto His Disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, how is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, what shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, an hundred measures of oil. and he said unto him, take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, and how much owest thou? And he said, an hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, take thy bill, and write four-score. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY IX
The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart : Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb; moreover by them is Thy servant taught.

During the Censing after the Offertory Ps xix. Caeli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God : And the firmament sheweth His handy-work.
One day telleth another : And one night certifieth another.
There is neither speech nor language : But their voices are heard among them.
Their sound is gone out into all lands : And their words into the ends of the world.
In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun : Which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course.
It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven and runneth about unto the end of it again : And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The law of the Lord is an undefiled law converting the soul : The testimony of the Lord is sure and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart : The commandment of the Lord is pure and giveth light unto the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean and endureth for ever : The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold yea than much fine gold : Sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb.
Moreover by them is Thy servant taught : And in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can tell how oft he offendeth : O cleanse Thou me from my secret faults.
Keep Thy servant also from presumptuous sins lest they get the dominion over me : So shall I be undefiled and innocent from the great offence.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart : Be alway acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord : My strength and my redeemer.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

SECRET FOR TRINITY IX
Receive the gifts, we beseech Thee, O Lord which of Thine own bounty we present unto Thee; and grant that these most holy Mysteries, by the mighty working of Thy grace, may both hallow our daily life and con-versation, and bring us unto everlasting joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY IX
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God : And all these things shall be added unto you.

During the Ablutions: Ps. liv Deus, in nomine

Save me O God for Thy Name’s sake : And avenge me in Thy strength.
Hear my prayer O God : And hearken unto the words of my mouth.
For strangers are risen up against me : And tyrants which have not God before their eyes seek after my soul.
Behold God is my helper : The Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies : Destroy Thou them in Thy truth.
An offering of a free heart will I give Thee and praise Thy Name O Lord : Because it is so comfortable.
For He hath delivered me out of all my trouble : And mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. lv. Exaudi, Deus

Hear my prayer O God : And hide not Thyself from my petition.
Take heed unto me and hear me : How I mourn in my prayer and am vexed.
The enemy crieth so and the ungodly cometh on so fast : For they are minded to do me some mischief so maliciously are they set against me.
My heart is disquieted within me : And the fear of death is fallen upon me.
Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me : And an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.
And I said O that I had wings like a dove : For then would I flee away and be at rest.
Lo then would I get me away far off : And remain in the wilderness.
I would make haste to escape : Because of the stormy wind and tempest.
Destroy their tongues O Lord and divide them : For I have spied unrighteousness and strife in the city.
Day and night they go about within the walls thereof : Mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
Wickedness is therein : Deceit and guile go not out of their streets.
For it is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonour : For then I could have borne it.
Neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me : For then peradventure I would have hid myself from him.
But it was even thou my companion : My guide and mine own familiar friend.
We took sweet counsel together : And walked in the house of God as friends.
Let death come hastily upon them and let them go down quick into hell : For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
As for me I will call upon God : And the Lord shall save me.
In the evening and morning and at noonday will I pray and that instantly : And He shall hear my voice.
It is He that hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me : For there were many with me.
Yea even God that endureth for ever shall hear me and bring them down : For they will not turn nor fear God.
He laid his hands upon such as be at peace with him : And he brake his covenant.
The words of his mouth were softer than butter having war in his heart : His words were smoother than oil and yet be they very swords.
O cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall nourish thee : And shall not suffer the righteous to fall for ever.
And as for them : Thou O God shalt bring them into the pit of destruction.
The blood-thirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days : Nevertheless, my trust shall be in thee, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY IX
O Lord, we beseech Thee, let this Heavenly Mystery be unto us the renewing both of our souls and bodies; that we may perceive within ourselves the effect of that which we have outwardly performed. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our LordWho liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The Parable of the Unjust Steward has baffled some readers. One way of understanding it is as follows: Jesus has been urging His listeners to make God the centre of their lives, and to be willing to give up everything else for the kingdom of God. Some of His listeners (perhaps some of the publicans) have objected, “That sounds fine, but it is simply not practical. In order to get along in the real world, a man cannot be a starry-eyed idealist, the way you want us to be. He has got to be practical, and perhaps even a little bit cunning.”
Jesus replies: Not practical? It is the only policy that IS practical. Let Me tell you a story. Once there was a rich man who suspected his accountant of incompetence or worse. So he called him in and said, “I am letting you go at the end of the month.” The accountant said to himself, “I am in trouble. How shall I provide for my future?
Aha, an idea!” Until the end of the month, he still had his power of attorney, his right to sign financial agreements in his employer’s name. So he called in his master’s debtors, one at a time, and said to each, “We all know that this has been a rough year for business. I think is is a shame you should have to pay so much. How about settling your account for eighty cents on the dollar?” Thus, by an arrangement that cost him nothing, which he was morally and legally entitled to make – since he had been given that power, he earned the gratitude of a multitude of businessmen who were only too happy to recommend and assist him later when he needed a job.
Would you call that accountant a starry-eyed idealist? Far from it. He was a shrewd man. He got himself the long-term good-will of many men, to his own long-term benefit, and what did he pay them for it? He paid them with wealth that was in his hands, but which he did not own, which had been temporarily entrusted to him, but which he was going to lose all possession of at the end of the month anyway. By his action both his employer and himself gained a long term benefit. He lost nothing that was not already slipping out of his hands, and he gained a benefit for himself. Was he practical? Yes. Was he cunning? Yes. He was precisely the sort of clever operator that is so much admired in the City. He hadn’t even broken the law – he had used the power which he legally held to make financial judgements and decisions on his employer’s behalf.
Now, let’s consider the man who makes God rather than money the centre of his life. One result is that he probably acquires considerably less money than he could otherwise have had. Another result is that he has a friendship that will be his for all eternity. You say that therefore the friendship with God cost him money. But money is ephemeral – it is “ours” only for so long as we have it in our hands, we exchange it for other things – which will in turn, sooner or later pass to others.
If the Unjust Steward cannot keep it, and if he does not know on any day whether it will still be in hishands the next day, and it was specifically in his power to use it, then using it in a way which had the side effect of building goodwill both for himself and for his employer’s good makes excellent sense. Would you call him a starry-eyed idealist? You should give him an award as a good businessman! As someone or other has said, “That man is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
God gives us love – in huge measure. This is our capital. If we use it well, we will survive in this life, if we opass our love on to others, we gain goodwill both for ourselves and for God. People mark our behaviour – and since we profess to be Christrians, if we love well, they will be inspired to look to God as well.
_______________________________________

TRINITY X

MATTINS

Ps xix. Caeli enarrant
The heavens declare the glory of God : And the firmament sheweth His handywork.
One day telleth another : And one night certifieth another.
There is neither speech nor language : But their voices are heard among them.
Their sound is gone out into all lands : And their words into the ends of the world.
In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun : Which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course
It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven and runneth about unto the end of it again : And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The law of the Lord is an undefiled law converting the soul : The testimony of the Lord is sure and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart : The com-mandment of the Lord is pure and giveth light unto the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean and endureth for ever : The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold yea than much fine gold : Sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb.
Moreover by them is Thy servant taught : And in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can tell how oft he offendeth : O cleanse Thou me from my secret faults.
Keep Thy servant also from presumptuous sins lest they get the dominion over me : So shall I be undefiled and innocent from the great offence.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart : Be alway acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord : My strength and my redeemer.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

Ps xx Exaudiat te Dominus

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble : The Name of the God of Jacob defend thee,
Send thee help from the sanctuary : And strengthen thee out of Sion;
Remember all thy offerings : And accept thy burnt sacrifice;
Grant thee thy heart’s desire : And fulfil all thy mind.
We will rejoice in thy salvation and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God : The Lord perform all thy petitions.
Now know I that the Lord helpeth His Anointed and will hear him from His holy heaven : Even with the wholesome strength of His right hand.
Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses : But we will remember the Name of the Lord our God.
They are brought down and fallen : But we are risen and stand upright
Save Lord and hear us O King of heaven : When we call upon Thee
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

Ps xxi. Domine, in virtute tua

The King shall rejoice in Thy strength O Lord : Exceeding glad shall he be of Thy salvation.
Thou hast given him his heart’s desire : And hast not denied him the request of his lips.
For Thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness : And shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
He asked life of Thee and Thou gavest him a long life : Even for ever and ever.
His honour is great in Thy salvation : Glory and great worship shalt Thou lay upon him.
For Thou shalt give him everlasting felicity : And make him glad with the joy of Thy countenance.
And why? because the King putteth his trust in the Lord : And in the mercy of the most Highest he shall not miscarry.
All Thine enemies shall feel Thine hand : Thy right hand shall find out them that hate Thee.
Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of Thy wrath : The Lord shall destroy them in His displeasure and the fire shall consume them.
Their fruit shalt Thou root out of the earth : And their seed from among the children of men.
For they intended mischief against Thee : And imagined such a device as they are not able to perform.
Therefore shalt Thou put them to flight : And the strings of Thy bow shalt Thou make ready against the face of them.
Be Thou exalted Lord in Thine own strength : So we will sing and praise Thy power.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

The First Lesson is written in the Third Chapter of the Book of Ecclesiasticus beginning at the seventeenth verse.

My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved. The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord. Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek. For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly. Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength. But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence, for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things that are in secret. Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand. For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment. Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not. A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein. An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin. In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him. The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the Fourth Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Philippians, beginning at the first verse

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: And the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, bothto abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Mace-donia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY X
Let Thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, lead them to ask such things as shall please Thee; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY X
When I called unto the Lord, He heard my voice and delivered me from the battle that was against me : And He hath brought them down Who is before the ages and endureth forever; O cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall nourish thee. Hear my prayer O God and hide not Thyself from my petition : Take heed unto me and hear me.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY X
Let Thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, lead them to ask such things as shall please Thee; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE TWELFTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, BEGINNING AT THE VERSE.

Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY X
Keep me O Lord as the apple of an eye : Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings. Let my sentence come forth from Thy presence : And let Thine eyes look upon the thing that is equal. Alleluia.
O Lord God of my salvation I have cried day and night before Thee : O let my prayer enter into Thy presence incline Thine ear unto my calling.
For my soul is full of trouble : And my life draweth nigh unto hell.
I am counted as one of them that go down into the pit : And I have been even as a man that hath no strength.
Free among the dead like unto them that are wounded and lie in the grave : Who are out of remembrance and are cut away from Thy hand.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit : In a place of darkness and in the deep.
Thine indignation lieth hard upon me : And Thou hast vexed me with all Thy storms.
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me : And made me to be abhorred of them.
I am so fast in prison : That I cannot get forth.
My sight faileth for very trouble : Lord I have called daily upon Thee I have stretched forth my hands unto Thee.
Dost Thou shew wonders among the dead : Or shall the dead rise up again and praise Thee?
Shall Thy loving-kindness be shewed in the grave : Or Thy faithfulness in destruction?
Shall Thy wondrous works be known in the dark : And Thy righteousness in the land where all things are forgotten?
Unto Thee have I cried O Lord : And early shall my prayer come before Thee.
Lord why abhorrest Thou my soul : And hidest Thou Thy face from me?
I am in misery and like unto him that is at the point to die : Even from my youth up Thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled mind.
Thy wrathful displeasure goeth over me : And the fear of Thee hath undone me
They came round about me daily like water : And compassed me together on every side.
My lovers and friends hast Thou put away from me: And hid mine acquaintance out of my sight. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE NINE-TEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE FORTY-FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. And He went into the Temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My House is the house of prayer: But ye have made it a den of thieves. And He taught daily in the Temple.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY X
Unto Thee O Lord, will I lift up my soul : My God I have put my trust in Thee O let me not be confounded neither let mine enemies triumph over me : For all they that hope in Thee shall not be ashamed.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps xxv. Ad te, Domine, levavi

Unto Thee O Lord will I lift up my soul my God I have put my trust in Thee : O let me not be confounded neither let mine enemies triumph over me.
For all they that hope in Thee shall not be ashamed : But such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion.
Shew me Thy ways O Lord : And teach me Thy paths.
Lead me forth in Thy truth and learn me : For Thou art the God of my salvation in Thee hath been my hope all the day long.
Call to remembrance O Lord Thy tender mercies : And Thy loving-kindnesses which have been ever of old.
O remember not the sins and offences of my youth : But according to Thy mercy think Thou upon me O Lord for Thy goodness.
Gracious and righteous is the Lord : Therefore will He teach sinners in the way.
Them that are meek shall He guide in judgement : And such as are gentle them shall He learn His way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth : Unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Thy Name’s sake O Lord : Be merciful unto my sin for it is great.
What man is he that feareth the Lord : Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.
His soul shall dwell at ease : And his seed shall inherit the land.
The secret of the Lord is among them that fear him : And He will shew them His covenant.
Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord : For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn thee unto me and have mercy upon me : For I am desolate and in misery.
The sorrows of my heart are enlarged : O bring Thou me out of my troubles.
Look upon my adversity and misery : And forgive me all my sin.
Consider mine enemies how many they are : And they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
O keep my soul and deliver me : Let me not be confounded for I have put my trust in Thee.
Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me : For my hope hath been in Thee.
Deliver Israel O God : Out of all his troubles.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end Amen

Ps xxvi Judica me, Domine

Be Thou my judge O Lord for I have walked innocently : My trust hath been also in the Lord therefore shall I not fall.
Examine me O Lord, and prove me : Try out my reins and my heart.
For Thy loving-kindness is ever before mine eyes : And I will walk in Thy truth.
I have not dwelt with vain persons : Neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful.
I have hated the congregation of the wicked : And will not sit among the ungodly.
I will wash my hands in innocency O Lord : And so will I go to Thine altar.
That I may shew the voice of thanksgiving : And tell of all Thy wondrous works.
Lord I have loved the habitation of Thy house : And the place where Thine honour dwelleth.
O shut not up my soul with the sinners : Nor my life with the blood-thirsty.
In whose hands is wickedness : And their right hand is full of gifts.
But as for me I will walk innocently : O deliver me and be merciful unto me.
My foot standeth right : I will praise the Lord in the congregations.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end Amen

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY X
Grant we beseech Thee O Lord that we may worthily frequent these Holy Mysteries; for as oft as this Mystery is offered, the work of our redemption is carried on. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY X
Thou shalt be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt offerings and oblations : Upon Thine Altar O Lord.

During the Ablutions: Ps. li Miserere mei, Deus

Have mercy upon me O God after thy great goodness : According to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offences.
Wash me throughly from my wickedness : And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my faults : And my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight : That Thou mightest be justified in Thy saying, and clear when thou art judged.
Behold I was shapen in wickedness : And in sin hath my mother conceived me.
But lo Thou requirest truth in the inward parts : And shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.
Thou shalt purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean : Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness : That the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Turn Thy face from my sins : And put out all my misdeeds.
Make me a clean heart O God : And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence : And take not Thy holy Spirit from me.
O give me the comfort of Thy help again : And stablish me with Thy free Spirit.
Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked : And sinners shall be converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness O God Thou that art the God of my health : And my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness.
Thou shalt open my lips O Lord : And my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise.
For Thou desirest no sacrifice else would I give it Thee : But Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit : A broken and contrite heart O God shalt Thou not despise.
O be favourable and gracious unto Sion : Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem
Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness with the burnt-offerings and oblations : Then shall they offer young bullocks upon Thine altar.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY X

Grant, O Lord, that the Communion of Thy Sacrament may both make us pure, and bring us to unity of heart. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The Second Lesson for today is a reading from the Epistle to the Philippians being the entire fourth chapter.
The Epistle to the Philippians is part of Saint Paul’s ongoing care for this church which he started during his first missionary journey in AD 50-51. Saint Paul, as the founder of the church, has an continuing care for the people and their spiritual welfare and this Epistle is illustrative of Saint Paul’s ubiquitous theme: That our salvation is a continuous process that continues throughout this earthly pilgrimage. Unity, humility and contentment with one’s lot in life, continuous prayer and its’ resultant continuous joy are all included in this letter. Paul commends the Philippians for their generosity towards him, and therefore to the whole Church.
The fourth chapter is the winding-up; the summarising of the letter. He apparently had cause to worry about some variance between to two prominent women in the church: Euodia and Syntyche, and so he urges them to be of one mind since unity of purpose is fundamental in a family or in a Christian Community for when differences creep in, schism may well follow quickly.
The Clement to whom Paul refers is most likely the one who later became the Bishop in Rome. Paul’s teahing is far from sober gloominess. He is always looking towards the joy, both here and hereafter. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say unto you rejoice”. In this saying, the often overlooked word is the “always”. We should link that to his words in Romans 12:11 “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer”. The word “instant” being used to mean the same thing as “always” – both meaning continuously. Be always praying and be always rejoicing. The rejoicing is a result of the praying. Saint Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:6 to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to God. As always, he is urging us to depend upon God, and to be constantly in communication with Him. If this seems a very beautiful idea, but impractical in “real life”, then we have missed the point. “Real life” is the life of communicating with God – it is the rest that is less than “real”. The importance of Paul’s precept, that of being continuously in communication with God, to be continuously open to hear Him, to be working in close cooperation with Him, is the “real life” of the genuine Christian. The achievement, if achievement there is, is in so exercising our communion with God that it is the natural background to all our activities.

DORMITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
28th of August

MATTINS

Ps xxxviii. Domine, ne in furore

Ps xxxix. Dixi, Custodiam

The First Lesson is written in the seventh chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the thirteenth first verse

Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. The Lord shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes. In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep; And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land. And it shall come to pass in that day, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns. With arrows and with bows shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns. And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle. Moreover the Lord said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalal-hashbaz. And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah. And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me, Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz. For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. The Lord spake also unto me again, saying, Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son; Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel. Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward. And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the third chapter of the First Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, beginning at the fifteenth verse.

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT
Grant us O Lord, we beseech Thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without Thee, may by Thee be enabled to live according to Thy will: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE DORMITION
Rejoice we all in the Lord, keeping holy day in honour of Thy handmaid, the Blessed Virgin Mary in whose Dormition and translation the angels rejoice and sing praises to the Son of God. My heart is inditing of a good matter : I speak of the things which I have made unto the King.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE DORMITION
We beseech Thee O Lord, let us be continually aided by the sacred feast of thios day, whereon the holy Mother of God underwent death in this world, and yet was not holden by the chains of death: Who did bring forth Thy Son our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:     Amen.
O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that ever hold-ing fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.
R:     Amen.
Grant us O Lord, we beseech Thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without Thee, may by Thee be enabled to live according to Thy will: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R:     Amen.

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE TWENTY-FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTICUS, BEGINNING AT THE SEVENTH VERSE.

With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall I abide? So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel. He created me from the beginning before the world, and I shall never fail. In the holy tabernacle I served before him; and so was I established in Sion. Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest, and in Jerusalem was my power. And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion of the Lord’s inheritance. I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of Hermon. I was exalted like a palm tree in Engaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle. As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and grace. As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my children which are named of him.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE DORMITION
Because of the word of truth, of meekness and righteousness : And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Hearken O daughter and consider incline thine ear : So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty. Alleluia.
My heart is inditing of a good matter : I speak of the thing which I have made unto the King.
My tongue is the pen : Of a ready writer.
Thou art fairer than the children of men : Full of grace are thy lips because God hath blessed thee for ever.
Gird Thee with Thy sword upon Thy thigh O Thou most Mighty : According to Thy worship and renown.
Good luck have Thou with Thine honour : Ride on because of the word of truth of meekness and righteousness and Thy right hand shall teach Thee terrible things.
Thy arrows are very sharp and the people shall be subdued unto Thee : Even in the midst among the King’s enemies.
Thy seat O God endureth for ever : The sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity : Wherefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
All thy garments smell of myrrh aloes and cassia : Out of the ivory palaces whereby they have made thee glad.
Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women : Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold wrought about with divers colours.
Hearken O daughter and consider incline thine ear : Forget also thine own people and thy father’s house.
So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty : For his is thy Lord God and worship thou him.
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift : Like as the rich also among the people shall make their supplication before thee.
The King’s daughter is all glorious within : Her clothing is of wrought gold.
She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needle-work : The virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company and shall be brought unto thee.
With joy and gladness shall they be brought : And shall enter into the King’s palace.
Instead of thy fathers thou shalt have children : Whom thou mayest make princes in all lands.
I will remember Thy Name from one generation to another : Therefore shall the people give thanks unto Thee world without end… Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SIXTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Then Jesus entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE DORMITION
Full of grace are thy lips : Because God hath blessed thee forever and through ages of ages.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps. l Deus deorum

The Lord even the most mighty God, hath spoken : And called the world from the rising up of the sun unto the going down thereof.
Out of Sion hath God appeared : In perfect beauty.
Our God shall come and shall not keep silence : There shall go before Him a consuming fire and a mighty tempest shall be stirred up round about Him.
He shall call the heaven from above : And the earth that He may judge His people.
Gather my saints together unto Me : Those that have made a covenant with Me with sacrifice.
And the heavens shall declare His righteousness : For God is Judge Himself.
Hear O my people and I will speak : I Myself will testify against thee O Israel for I am God, even thy God.
I will not reprove thee because of thy sacrifices or for thy burnt-offerings : Because they were not alway before Me.
I will take no bullock out of thine house : Nor he-goat out of thy folds.
For all the beasts of the forest are Mine : And so are the cattle upon a thousand hills.
I know all the fowls upon the mountains : And the wild beasts of the field are in My sight.
If I be hungry I will not tell thee : For the whole world is mine and all that is therein.
Thinkest thou that I will eat bulls’ flesh : And drink the blood of goats?
Offer unto God thanksgiving : And pay thy vows unto the most Highest.
And call upon Me in the time of trouble : So will I hear thee and thou shalt praise Me.
But unto the ungodly said God : Why dost thou preach My laws and takest My covenant in thy mouth;
Whereas thou hatest to be reformed : And has cast My words behind thee?
When thou sawest a thief thou consentedst unto him : And hast been partaker with the adulterers.
Thou hast let thy mouth speak wickedness : And with thy tongue thou hast set forth deceit.
Thou satest and spakest against thy brother : Yea and hast slandered thine own mother’s son.
These things hast thou done and I held My tongue and thou thoughtest wickedly that I am even such a one as thyself : But I will reprove thee and set before thee the things that thou hast done.
O consider this ye that forget God : Lest I pluck you away and there be none to deliver you.
Whoso offereth Me thanks and praise he honoureth Me : And to him that ordereth his conversation right will I shew the salvation of God.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

SECRET FOR THE DORMITION
Receive the gifts, we beseech Thee, O Lord which of Thine own bounty we present unto Thee; and grant that these most holy Mysteries, by the mighty working of Thy grace, may both hallow our daily life and con-versation, and bring us unto everlasting joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR THE DORMITION
Blessed is the the Virgin Mary : Who bore the Son of the eternal Father.

During the Ablutions: Ps. liv Deus, in nomine

Save me O God for Thy Name’s sake : And avenge me in Thy strength.
Hear my prayer O God : And hearken unto the words of my mouth.
For strangers are risen up against me : And tyrants which have not God before their eyes seek after my soul.
Behold God is my helper : The Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies : Destroy Thou them in Thy truth.
An offering of a free heart will I give Thee and praise Thy Name O Lord : Because it is so comfortable.
For He hath delivered me out of all my trouble : And mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. lv. Exaudi, Deus

Hear my prayer O God : And hide not Thyself from my petition.
Take heed unto me and hear me : How I mourn in my prayer and am vexed.
The enemy crieth so and the ungodly cometh on so fast : For they are minded to do me some mischief so maliciously are they set against me.
My heart is disquieted within me : And the fear of death is fallen upon me.
Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me : And an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.
And I said O that I had wings like a dove : For then would I flee away and be at rest.
Lo then would I get me away far off : And remain in the wilderness.
I would make haste to escape : Because of the stormy wind and tempest.
Destroy their tongues O Lord and divide them : For I have spied unrighteousness and strife in the city.
Day and night they go about within the walls thereof : Mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
Wickedness is therein : Deceit and guile go not out of their streets.
For it is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonour : For then I could have borne it.
Neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me : For then peradventure I would have hid myself from him.
But it was even thou my companion : My guide and mine own familiar friend.
We took sweet counsel together : And walked in the house of God as friends.
Let death come hastily upon them and let them go down quick into hell : For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
As for me I will call upon God : And the Lord shall save me.
In the evening and morning and at noonday will I pray and that instantly : And He shall hear my voice.
It is He that hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me : For there were many with me.
Yea even God that endureth for ever shall hear me and bring them down : For they will not turn nor fear God.
He laid his hands upon such as be at peace with him : And he brake his covenant.
The words of his mouth were softer than butter having war in his heart : His words were smoother than oil and yet be they very swords.
O cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall nourish thee : And shall not suffer the righteous to fall for ever.
And as for them : Thou O God shalt bring them into the pit of destruction.
The blood-thirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days : Nevertheless, my trust shall be in thee, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE DORMITION
We who have been partakers of the heavenly table, implore Thy mercy O Lord our God, that we who celebrate the Dormition of the Mother of God may, by her intercession be set free from all evils which beset us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O Lord, we beseech Thee, let this Heavenly Mystery be unto us the renewing both of our souls and bodies; that we may perceive within ourselves the effect of that which we have outwardly performed. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

TRINITY XI

MATTINS

Ps cvii. Confitemini Domino

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is gracious : And His mercy endureth for ever.
Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed : And delivered from the hand of the enemy;
And gathered them out of the lands from the east and from the west : From the north and from the south.
They went astray in the wilderness out of the way : And found no city to dwell in;
Hungry and thirsty : Their soul fainted in them.
So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble : And He delivered them from their distress.
He led them forth by the right way : That they might go to the city where they dwelt.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that He doeth for the children of men!
For He satisfieth the empty soul : And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death : Being fast bound in misery and iron ;
Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord : And lightly regarded the counsel of the most Highest;
He also brought down their heart through heaviness : They fell down and there was none to help them.
So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble : He delivered them out of their distress.
For He brought them out of darkness and out of the shadow of death : And brake their bonds in sunder.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that He doeth for the children of men!
For He hath broken the gates of brass : And smitten the bars of iron in sunder.
Foolish men are plagued for their offence : And because of their wickedness.
Their soul abhorred all manner of meat : And they were even hard at death’s door.
So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble : He delivered them out of their distress.
He sent His Word and healed them : And they were saved from their destruction.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that He doeth for the children of men!
That they would offer unto Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving : And tell out His works with gladness!
They that go down to the sea in ships : And occupy their business in great waters
These men see the works of the Lord : And His wonders in the deep.
For at His word the stormy wind ariseth : Which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They are carried up to the heaven and down again to the deep : Their soul melteth away because of the trouble.
They reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man : And are at their wits’ end.
So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble : He delivereth them out of their distress.
For He maketh the storm to cease : So that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they are at rest : And so He bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness : And declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
That they would exalt Him also in the congregation of the people : And praise Him in the seat of the elders!
Who turneth the floods into a wilderness : And drieth up the water-springs.
A fruitful land maketh He barren : For the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
Again He maketh the wilderness a standing water : And water-springs of a dry ground.
And there He setteth the hungry : That they may build them a city to dwell in.
That they may sow their land and plant vineyards : To yield them fruits of increase.
He blesseth them so that they multiply exceedingly : And suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
And again when they are minished and brought low : Through oppression through any plague or trouble;
Though He suffer them to be evil intreated through tyrants : And let them wander out of the way in the wilderness.
Yet helpeth He the poor out of misery : And maketh him households like a flock of sheep.
The righteous will consider this and rejoice : And the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped.
Whoso is wise will ponder these things : And they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the eighteenth Chapter of the Book of Ecclesiasticus, beginning at the first verse. (14)

He that liveth for ever hath created all things in general. The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but He, Who governeth the world with the palm of His hand, and all things obey His will: For He is the King of all, by His power dividing holy things among them from profane. To whom hath He given power to declare His works and who shall find out His noble acts? Who shall number the strength of His majesty and who shall also tell out His mercies? As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out. When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful. What is man, and whereto serveth he, what is his good, and what is his evil?
The number of a man’s days at the most are an hundred years. As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity. Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth His mercy upon them. He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore He multiplied His compassion. The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: He reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd His flock. He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after His judgments. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the third Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, beginning at the twelfth verse. (4:6)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, depths of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: For this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: For ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: And there is no respect of persons. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving, withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY XI
O God, Who declarest Thy almighty power most chiefly in shewing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of Thy grace that we, running the way of Thy commandments, may obtain Thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of the Heavenly treasure Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY XI
God in His holy habitation, He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house: He will give strength and power unto His people. Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered : Let them also that hate Him, flee before Him. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XI
O God, Who declarest Thy almighty power most chiefly in shewing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of Thy grace that we, running the way of Thy commandments, may obtain Thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of the Heavenly treasure Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name Who livest and reignest One God world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

BRETHREN, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received: How that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures: And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the Twelve: After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the Apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY XI
My heart hath trusted in God, and I am helped : Therefore my heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise Him. Unto Thee will I cry, O Lord : O my God, be not silent nor depart from me.
Alleluia. Unto Thee will I cry O Lord my strength : Think no scorn of me lest if Thou make as though Thou hearest not I become like them that go down into the pit.
Hear the voice of my humble petitions when I cry unto Thee : When I hold up my hands towards the mercy-seat of Thy holy temple.
O pluck me not away neither destroy me with the ungodly and wicked doers : Which speak friendly to their neighbours but imagine mischief in their hearts.
Reward them according to their deeds : And according to the wicked-ness of their own inventions.
Recompense them after the work of their hands : Pay them that they have deserved.
For they regard not in their mind the works of the Lord nor the operation of His hands : Therefore shall He break them down and not build them up.
Praised be the Lord : For He hath heard the voice of my humble petitions.
The Lord is my strength and my shield my heart hath trusted in Him and I am helped : Therefore my heart danceth for joy and in my song will I praise Him.
The Lord is my strength : And He is the wholesome defence of His Anointed.
O save Thy people and give Thy blessing unto Thine inheritance : Feed them and set them up for ever. Alleluia.

V:     THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R:     AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V:     THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE EIGHT-EENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE NINTH VERSE.
R:     GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ JESUS spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY XI
I will magnify Thee O Lord, for Thou hast set me up: And not made my foes to triumph over me; O Lord my God, I cried unto Thee, and Thou hast healed me.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps xcviii Cantate Domino

O sing unto the Lord a new song : For He hath done marvellous things.
With His own right hand and with His holy arm : Hath He gotten Himself the victory.
The Lord declared His salvation : His righteousness hath He openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
He hath remembered His mercy and truth toward the house of Israel : And all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
Shew yourselves joyful unto the Lord all ye lands : Sing, rejoice and give thanks.
Praise the Lord upon the harp : Sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.
With trumpets also and shawms : O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord the King.
Let the sea make a noise and all that therein is : The round world and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord : For He is come to judge the earth.
With righteousness shall He judge the world : And the people with equity.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps xcix. Dominus regnavit

The Lord is King be the people never so unpatient : He sitteth between the cherubims be the earth never so unquiet.
The Lord is great in Sion : And high above all people.
They shall give thanks unto Thy Name : Which is great wonderful and holy.
The King’s power loveth judgement Thou hast prepared equity: Thou hast executed judgement and righteousness in Jacob.
O magnify the Lord our God : And fall down before His footstool for He is holy.
Moses and Aaron among His priests and Samuel among such as call upon His Name : These called upon the Lord and He heard them.
He spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar : For they kept His testimonies and the law that He gave them.
Thou heardest them O Lord our God : Thou forgavest them O God and punishedst their own inventions.
O magnify the Lord our God and worship Him upon His holy hill : For the Lord our God is holy.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY XI
The earth, O Lord, is filled with the fruit of Thy works: That Thou mayest bring food out of the earth, and wine that maketh glad the heart of man; and oil to make him a cheerful countenance, and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

SECRET FOR TRINITY XI
O Lord, Who hast bidden us to offer this Sacrifice to the honour of Thy Name, accept the oblations which we present unto Thee, and make them to become a healing medicine for our souls. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

During the Ablutions: Ps. civ. Benedic, anima mea

Praise the Lord, O my soul : O Lord my God Thou art become exceeding glorious Thou art clothed with majesty and honour.
Thou deckest Thyself with light as it were with a garment : And spreadest out the heavens like a curtain.
Who layeth the beams of His chambers in the waters : And maketh the clouds His chariot and walketh upon the wings of the wind.
He maketh His angels spirits : And His ministers a flaming fire.
He laid the foundations of the earth : That it never should move at any time.
Thou coveredst it with the deep like as with a garment : The waters stand in the hills.
At Thy rebuke they flee : At the voice of Thy thunder they are afraid.
They go up as high as the hills and down to the valleys beneath : Even unto the place which Thou hast appointed for them.
Thou hast set them their bounds which they shall not pass : Neither turn again to cover the earth.
He sendeth the springs into the rivers : Which run among the hills.
All beasts of the field drink thereof : And the wild asses quench their thirst.
Beside them shall the fowls of the air have their habitation : And sing among the branches.
He watereth the hills from above : The earth is filled with the fruit of Thy works.
He bringeth forth grass for the cattle : And green herb for the service of men,
That He may bring food out of the earth and wine that maketh glad the heart of man : And oil to make him a cheerful countenance and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
The trees of the Lord also are full of sap : Even the cedars of Lebanon which He hath planted,
Wherein the birds make their nests : And the fir-trees are a dwelling for the stork.
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats : And so are the stony rocks for the conies.
He appointed the moon for certain seasons : And the sun knoweth his going down.
Thou makest darkness that it may be night : Wherein all the beasts of the forest do move.
The lions roaring after their prey : Do seek their meat from God.
The sun ariseth and they get them away together : And lay them down in their dens.
Man goeth forth to his work and to his labour : Until the evening.
O Lord how manifold are Thy works : In wisdom hast Thou made them all the earth is full of Thy riches.
So is the great and wide sea also : Wherein are things creeping innumerable both small and great beasts.
There go the ships and there is that Leviathan : Whom Thou hast made to take his pastime therein.
These wait all upon Thee : That Thou mayest give them meat in due season.
When Thou givest it them they gather it : And when Thou openest thy hand they are filled with good.
When Thou hidest Thy face they are troubled : When Thou takest away their breath they die and are turned again to their dust.
When Thou lettest Thy breath go forth they shall be made : And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
The glorious majesty of the Lord shall endure for ever : The Lord shall rejoice in His works.
The earth shall tremble at the look of Him : If He do but touch the hills they shall smoke.
I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live : I will praise my God while I have my being.
And so shall my words please Him : My joy shall be in the Lord.
As for sinners they shall be consumed out of the earth and the ungodly shall come to an end : Praise thou the Lord O my soul praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XI

We beseech Thee O Lord our God, that as Thou never failest to renew us, with Thy Holy Sacrament, so Thou wilt not leave us destitute of Thy gracious help . Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The Collect (as is so often the case) sets out for us the subject of this Sunday. It concentrates on that quality of God which is so vitally important to us: His mercy. Without His mercy, borne of His love, we have no hope for, as the Psalms (14 or 40 – which are identical) say: “There is none that doeth good, no, not one”. All have offended and all therefore depend absolutely on God’s loving mercy. So it is a theme to which the Church returns again and again. and hardly surprisingly.
And so, today’s subject is the mercy and pity of Almighty God, as evidenced by His bestowing the power of super-natural grace freely and undeservedly on sinners like us. Mercy is the theme through both the Lessons in the Office, and the readings in the Liturgy.
Saint Paul’s declaration in the portion of his First Epistle to the Corinthians which is set for the Liturgy today, that he is ‘the least of the Apostles and not fit to be called an Apostle because he persecuted the Church of God’ is the exact parallel of the publican in the portion of the eighteenth chapter of Saint Luke’s Gospel set for today, in which he pleads “God be merciful to me a sinner”. Again, our Lord’s statement in our Gospel for today that the publican went home justified because of his humility, is a parallel to the inspired words of Saint Paul: “By the grace of God, I am what I am … yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
Saint Paul was afraid to contemplate himself except insofar as he was a sinner. This is the mark of the great ascetical Fathers down the ages. They too, like Saint Paul were afraid to presume in front of God in case, by presuming, they should lose the crown and everlasting joy with God that their humility had won for them.
Our Collect today takes up the tone of both the words of St. Paul and of the publican. This ancient Collect, brief though it is, is a good example of a prayer, containing as it does five elements: (1) the mercy of God, which is suggested as being the foremost characteristic of His power (2) the grace of God, as a gift given not according to our merit but our need (3) obedience, as being only achieved by us by means of God’s grace (4) the fulfilment of God’s promises (5) the great reward – the Heavenly treasures.
We are directed to focus on the goal of these Heavenly treasures of which as Isaiah wrote and Saint Paul quoted (Is. 64:4/1 Cor. 2:9) “eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”
As we saw the Sunday before last, we are told to be as assiduous in our efforts to attain these Heavenly treasures as worldly people are assiduous in their efforts to attain worldly treasures.
This is the aim of those who devote their entire lives to the pursuit of the perfection that Christ told us was the proper goal for us “Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father Which is in Heaven is perfect”(Matt. 5:48). They intend this perfection as the means to be the most complete participants in the graduum of Heaven. They are in effect as “greedy” for as much that God has for us in Heaven as some are greedy for as much as the world has for us here. Their “greed” for Heaven is no fault, for they do not have to compete with anyone else for a place at the highest level of Heaven, for every human of all time could be accommodated. If we find ourselves in a lower part of Heaven, we need not envy or blame others, for they took nothing that was ours, it was we who relinquished our place by our insufficient effort of will.
If the tone for today is one of the state that we are in as sinners and our resultant desperate need for God’s mercy, then it points us to that goal of the unimaginable place that Christ has prepared for us (John 14:2) and the need for us to put in an effort to take up the assistance that God gives us to gaining residence in that place. Unless we apprehend the absolute reality of the Heavenly dimension and its imminence, and become acutely conscious of the trickle of the little time that we have to prepare, then we will fail to make the grade.

_________________________________________________

TRINITY XII

MATTINS

PSALMS lxv Te decet hymnus & lxvi Jubilate Deo

The First Lesson is written in the thirteenth chapter of the Second Book of Kings, beginning at the thirteenth verse

And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: And Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: And Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands. And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: For thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them. And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: Whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice. And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: And when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead. And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael, the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the fourth chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, beginning at the first verse

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days He did eat nothing: And when they were ended, He afterward hungered. And the devil said unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking Him up into an high mountain, shewed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto Him, All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: For that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: For it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. And he brought Him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, Ifthou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give His angels charge over Thee, to keep Thee: And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: And there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY XII
Almighty and everlasting God, Who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve; Pour down on us the abundance of Thy mercy; forgiving us all those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY XII
O God make speed to save me; O Lord, make haste to help me: Let mine enemies be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul. Let them be
and put to confusion: That wish me evil. Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XII
Almighty and everlasting God, Who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve; Pour down on us the abundance of Thy mercy; forgiving us all those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRD CHAPTER OF THE SECOND EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FOURTH VERSE.

Such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY XII
I will always give thanks unto the Lord : His praise shall ever be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : The humble shall hear thereof and be glad. Alleluia.

O come let us sing unto the Lord : Let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving : And shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God : And a great King above all gods.
In His hand are all the corners of the earth : And the strength of the hills is His also.
The sea is His and He made it : And His hands prepared the dry land.
O come let us worship and fall down : And kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For He is the Lord our God : And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
To-day if ye will hear His voice harden not your hearts : As in the provocation and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.
When your fathers tempted Me : Proved me and saw My works.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation and said : It is a people that do err in their hearts for they have not known My ways,
Unto whom I sware in My wrath : That they should not enter into My rest. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MARK, BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ JESUS, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, He came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto Him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech Him to put His hand upon him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers into his ears, and He spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to Heaven, He sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And He charged them that they should tell no man: But the more He charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY XII
Moses besought the Lord his God and said : Moses besought the Lord his God and said : Why O Lord, doth Thy wrath wax hot against Thy people? Turn from Thy fierce wrath : Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to whom Thou swearest to give a land flowing with milk and honey : And the Lord repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps lxx Deus, in adjutorium

Haste Thee O God to deliver me : Make haste to help me O Lord.
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul : Let them be turned backward and put to confusion that wish me evil.
Let them for their reward be soon brought to shame : That cry over me There there.
But let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee : And let all such as delight in thy salvation say alway The Lord be praised.
As for me I am poor and in misery : Haste Thee unto me O God.
Thou art my helper and my redeemer : O Lord, make no long tarrying.

Ps lxxi. In te, Domine, speravi

In Thee O Lord have I put my trust let me never be put to confusion : But rid me and deliver me in Thy righteousness incline Thine ear unto me and save me.
Be Thou my stronghold whereunto I may resort : Thou hast promised to help me for Thou are my house of defence and my castle.
Deliver me O my God out of the hand of the ungodly : Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
For Thou O Lord God art the thing that I long for : Thou art my hope even from my youth.
Through Thee have I been holden up ever since I was born : Thou are He that took me out of my mother’s womb my praise shall be always of Thee.
I am become as it were a monster unto many : But my sure trust is in Thee.
O let my mouth be filled with Thy praise : That I may sing of Thy glory and honour all the day long.
Cast me not away in the time of age : Forsake me not when my strength faileth me.
For mine enemies speak against me : And they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together saying;
God hath forsaken him : Persecute him and take him for there is none to deliver him.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

SECRET FOR TRINITY XII
Look favourably, we beseech Thee, O Lord, on this our Service, that the gift which we offer may be acceptable unto Thee, and become a support to our frailty. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY XII
The earth, O Lord, is filled with the fruit of Thy works: That Thou mayest bring food out of the earth, and wine that maketh glad the heart of man; and oil to make him a cheerful countenance, and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

During the Ablutions: Ps cv. Confitemini Domino

O Give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon His Name : Tell the people what things He hath done.
O let your songs be of Him, and praise Him : And let your talking be of all His wondrous works.
Rejoice in His holy Name : Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
Seek the Lord and His strength : Seek His face evermore.
Remember the marvellous works that He hath done : His wonders and the judgements of His mouth.
O ye seed of Abraham His servant : Ye children of Jacob His chosen.
He is the Lord our God : His judgements are in all the world.
He hath been alway mindful of His covenant and promise : That He made to a thousand generations,
Even the covenant that he made with Abraham : And the oath that He sware unto Isaac,
And appointed the same unto Jacob for a law : And to Israel for an everlasting testament,
Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan : The lot of your inheritance,
When there were yet but a few of them : And they strangers in the land,
What time as they went from one nation to another : From one kingdom to another people,
He suffered no man to do them wrong : but Reproved even kings for their sakes,
Touch not mine Anointed : And do my prophets no harm.
Moreover He called for a dearth upon the land : And destroyed all the provision of bread.
But He had sent a man before them : Even Joseph, who was sold to be a bond-servant;
Whose feet they hurt in the stocks : The iron entered into his soul,
Until the time came that his cause was known : The word of the Lord tried him.
The king sent and delivered him : The prince of the people let him go free.
He made him lord also of his house : And ruler of all his substance,
That he might inform his princes after his will : And teach his senators wisdom.
Israel also came into Egypt : And Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham.
And He increased His people exceedingly : And made them stronger than their enemies.
Whose heart turned so that they hated His people : And dealt untruly with His servants.
Then sent he Moses his servant : And Aaron whom He had chosen.
And these shewed His tokens among them : And wonders in the land of Ham.
He sent darkness and it was dark : And they were not obedient unto His word.
He turned their waters into blood : And slew their fish.
Their land brought forth frogs : Yea even in their kings’ chambers.
He spake the word and there came all manner of flies : And lice in all their quarters.
He gave them hail-stones for rain : And flames of fire in their land.
He smote their vines also and fig-trees : And destroyed the trees that were in their coasts.
He spake the word and grasshoppers came and caterpillars innumerable : And did eat up all the grass in their land and devoured the fruit of their plot.
He smote all the first-born in their land : Even the chief of all their strength.
He brought them forth also with silver and gold : There was not one feeble person among their tribes.
Egypt was glad at their departing : For they were afraid of them.
He spread out a cloud to be a covering : And fire to give light in the night-season.
At their desire he brought quails : And He filled them with the bread of heaven.
He opened the rock of stone and the waters flowed out : So that rivers ran in the dry places.
For why? He remembered His holy promise : And Abraham His servant.
And He brought forth His people with joy: And His chosen with gladness.
And gave them the lands of the heathen : And they took the labours of the people in possession,
That they might keep His statutes : And observe His laws.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XII
Grant O Lord, we beseech Thee, that in receiving Thy Sacrament, we may have support both for body and and soul; that being thus aided in both, we may rejoice in the fulness of our healing. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The contrast between the Old and New Dispensations is clearly seen in the Gospel and Epistle for this Sunday. Glorious as the Old Dispensation was both in its Divine origins and in its continuation down the centuries of the Chosen People, nevertheless, it was a ministration of condemnation. It had sacrifices of atonement, but it had no sacraments of life and hope. David sang of hope and of the New Dispensation, but all he could do was foreshadow, for there was yet no Messiah come to make the change. The Incarnation of the Son of God, the Messiah, was the origin, and His presence in the Holy Mysteries, and as the Church, is an intensity and quality of continuation; a spiritual richness and hope such as the world had not known since the fall. Mankind, even the Jewish Church, had grown very deaf and could not hear the voice from Heaven as its leaders had heard it in the past. There was a great impediment in the speech of the Jewish Church, so that the word of God was not spoken abroad and there was a dearth of prophecy.
The Son of God came and created anew His Body, the Church which would be His continued presence here. He touched her by making Himself one with her. The sigh of His Passion was followed by the “Ephphatha” of the Resurrection and as soon as His work was perfected by the looking up to Heaven of His Ascension and seating at the right hand of God, the ears of the deaf were enabled to hear the inspiration of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the tongue of the dumb was enabled, so that they could speak the revealed word of God.
That same enabling, cleansing and strengthening touch of Christ, its communication of His grace in the Communion of His Body and Blood, is the continuing means by which His corporate body on earth, the Church, and every member of it is enlivened and sustained. His continued gift of spiritual ability to the Church and her Sacramental ministers of this New Dispensation, makes the ministration of righteousness, even in the most out-of-the-way places of this world, exceed in glory, the ministration of Moses at the foot of Mount Sinai.
The Epistle today deals with the great hope of the ministration of the New Dispensation. “Who”, is asked in the preceding chapter (2:16) “is sufficient for these things?” The question is answered in 3:4: the man who places his trust in God through His Messiah, the bringer of the New Dispensation. The servant of Christ, the minister of the righteousness of the new order, gives everything in his service, but his power is insufficient to the task: He is dependent upon God in the end.
The Old Dispensation was eventually powerless as a ministry of law, for law can only condemn, law has no mechanism for mercy beyond its letter. This flaw made it the ministry of condemnation which meant death, for all were imperfect before the law. Prevented by their standing condemnation under the law, no-one was sufficient to either approach, or to understand the means of approaching God, although it was possible.
The New Dispensation of Christ was however a bringing of the righteousness of the law inside the heart of the individual. Christ summarised the law into a law of the heart, a law that all could work with and not be condemned by, even though they fell short. In this Dispensation, God is present and accessible even in our sinful state, for He has been fully revealed for our needs by Christ. Our Dispensation of Jesus the Christ of God is more glorious and effective than any which preceded it.

THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

OFFICE
Psalms for the eleventh morning: lvi Miserere mei Deus; lvii Miserere mei Deus; lviii Si vere utique

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree : And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Lebanon. Such as are planted in the house of the Lord : Shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God.The righteous shall not be cast away : For the Lord upholdeth him with His hand. He is ever merciful and lendeth : His seed is blessed and shall be preserved forever.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
We beseech Thee O Lord, that the worshipful solemnity of Saint John the Baptist, Thy Martyr may bring us an increase o\f Thy saving aid. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name Who livest and reignest One God world without end.
R: Amen.
We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

THE LESSON FOR THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE TENTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF PROVERBS, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-EIGHTH VERSE.

The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: But the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: But the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: But the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: But the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. A false balance is abomination to the Lord: But a just weight is His delight. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: But righteousness delivereth from death. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own sins. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: And the hope of unjust men perisheth. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: But through knowledge shall the just be delivered. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: And when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
Thou hast set upon his head, O Lord, a crown of pure gold.
Thou hast given him his heart’s desire : And hast not denied him the request of his lips. Alleluia.
The King shall rejoice in Thy strength O Lord : Exceeding glad shall he be of Thy salvation.
Thou hast given him his heart’s desire : And hast not denied him the request of his lips.
For Thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness : And shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
He asked life of Thee and Thou gavest him a long life : Even for ever and ever.
His honour is great in Thy salvation : Glory and great worship shalt Thou lay upon him.
For Thou shalt give him everlasting felicity : And make him glad with the joy of Thy countenance.
And why? because the King putteth his trust in the Lord : And in the mercy of the most Highest he shall not miscarry.
All Thine enemies shall feel Thine hand : Thy right hand shall find out them that hate Thee.
Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of Thy wrath : The Lord shall destroy them in His displeasure and the fire shall consume them.
Their fruit shalt Thou root out of the earth : And their seed from among the children of men.
For they intended mischief against Thee : And imagined such a device as they are not able to perform.
Therefore shalt Thou put them to flight : And the strings of Thy bow shalt Thou make ready against the face of them.
Be Thou exalted Lord in Thine own strength : So we will sing and praise Thy power. Alleluia

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE EIGHTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE NINTH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ NOW Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: And he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: And the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
The righteous shall rejoice in Thy strength O Lord : Exceeding glad shall they be of Thy salvation. Thou hast given him his heart’s desire Alleluia

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps. lxxxix. Misericordias Domini

My song shall be alway of the loving-kindness of the Lord : With my mouth will I ever be shewing Thy truth from one generation to another.
For I have said Mercy shall be set up for ever : Thy truth shalt thou stablish in the heavens.
I have made a covenant with My chosen : I have sworn unto David My servant,
Thy seed will I stablish for ever : And set up thy throne from one generation to another.
O Lord the very heavens shall praise Thy wondrous works : And Thy truth in the congregation of the saints.
For who is he among the clouds : That shall be compared unto the Lord?
And what is he among the gods : That shall be like unto the Lord?
God is very greatly to be feared in the council of the saints : And to be had in reverence of all them that are round about Him.
O Lord God of hosts who is like unto Thee : Thy truth most mighty Lord is on every side.
Thou rulest the raging of the sea : Thou stillest the waves thereof when they arise.
Thou hast subdued Egypt and destroyed it : Thou hast scattered Thine enemies abroad with Thy mighty arm.
The heavens are Thine the earth also is Thine : Thou hast laid the foundation of the round world and all that therein is.
Thou hast made the north and the south : Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy Name.
Thou hast a mighty arm : Strong is Thy hand and high is Thy right hand.
Righteousness and equity are the habitation of thy seat : Mercy and truth shall go before Thy face.
Blessed is the people O Lord, that can rejoice in Thee : They shall walk in the light of Thy countenance.
Their delight shall be daily in Thy Name : And in Thy righteousness shall they make their boast.
For Thou art the glory of their strength : And in Thy loving-kindness Thou shalt lift up our horns.
For the Lord is our defence : The Holy One of Israel is our King.
Thou spakest sometime in visions unto Thy saints and saidst : I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
I have found David My servant : With my holy oil have I anointed him.
My hand shall hold him fast : And my arm shall strengthen him.
The enemy shall not be able to do him violence : The son of wickedness shall not hurt him.
I will smite down his foes before his face : And plague them that hate him.
My truth also and my mercy shall be with him : And in My Name shall his horn be exalted.
I will set his dominion also in the sea : And his right hand in the floods.
He shall call me Thou art my Father : My God and my strong salvation.
And I will make him My first-born : Higher than the kings of the earth.
My mercy will I keep for him for evermore : And My covenant shall stand fast with him.
His seed also will I make to endure for ever : And his throne as the days of heaven.
But if his children forsake My law : And walk not in My judgements,
If they break My statutes and keep not My commandments : I will visit their offences with the rod and their sin with scourges.
Nevertheless, my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him : Nor suffer My truth to fail.
My covenant I will not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips : I have sworn once by my holiness, that I will not fail David.
His seed shall endure for ever : And his seat is like as the sun before Me.
He shall stand fast for evermore as the moon : And as the faithful witness in heaven.
But Thou hast abhorred and forsaken Thine Anointed : And art displeased at him.
Thou hast broken the covenant of Thy servant : And cast his crown to the ground.
Thou hast overthrown all his hedges : And broken down his strong holds.
All they that go by spoil him : And he is become a reproach to his neighbours.
Thou hast set up the right hand of his enemies : And made all his adversaries to rejoice.
Thou hast taken away the edge of his sword : And givest him not victory in the battle.
Thou hast put out his glory : And cast his throne down to the ground.
The days of his youth hast Thou shortened : And covered him with dishonour.
Lord how long wilt Thou hide Thyself for ever : And shall Thy wrath burn like fire?
O remember how short my time is : Wherefore hast Thou made all men for nought?
What man is he that liveth and shall not see death : And shall he deliver his soul from the hand of hell?
Lord where are Thy old loving-kindnesses : Which Thou swarest unto David in Thy truth?
Remember Lord the rebuke that Thy servants have : And how I do bear in my bosom the rebukes of many people.
Wherewith Thine enemies have blasphemed Thee and slandered the foot-steps of Thine Anointed : Praised be the Lord for evermore. Amen and Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

SECRET FOR THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
We beseech Thee, O Lord, let the gifts which we offer in commemoration of the passion of Saint John the Baptist, Thy Martyr, avail to our salvation and obtain it through him who, now that he hath run his earthly course, hath an abiding seat in the Heavens Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
His honour is great in Thy salvation : Glory and great worship shalt Thou lay upon him O Lord.

During the Ablutions: Ps xix. Caeli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God : And the firmament sheweth His handywork.
One day telleth another : And one night certifieth another.
There is neither speech nor language : But their voices are heard among them.
Their sound is gone out into all lands : And their words into the ends of the world.
In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun : Which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course.
It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven and runneth about unto the end of it again : And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The law of the Lord is an undefiled law converting the soul : The testimony of the Lord is sure and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart : The commandment of the Lord is pure and giveth light unto the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean and endureth for ever : The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold yea than much fine gold : Sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb.
Moreover by them is Thy servant taught : And in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can tell how oft he offendeth : O cleanse Thou me from my secret faults.
Keep Thy servant also from presumptuous sins lest they get the dominion over me : So shall I be undefiled and innocent from the great offence.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart : Be alway acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord : My strength and my redeemer.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

Ps xx Exaudiat te Dominus

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble : The Name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Send thee help from the sanctuary : And strengthen thee out of Sion;
Remember all thy offerings : And accept thy burnt sacrifice;
Grant thee thy heart’s desire : And fulfil all thy mind.
We will rejoice in thy salvation and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God : The Lord perform all thy petitions.
Now know I that the Lord helpeth His Anointed and will hear him from His holy heaven : Even with the wholesome strength of His right hand.
Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses : But we will remember the Name of the Lord our God.
They are brought down and fallen : But we are risen and stand upright.
Save Lord and hear us O King of heaven : When we call upon Thee.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
Grant, we beseech Thee O Lord that this solemn feast of Saint John Baptist may bring us a twofold blessing, that as with true worship and prayer we tell of the glories of the Sacrament which we have now received, so the same may not fail to bring forth in us fruits of increase to our everlasting joy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen
TRINITY XIII

MATTINS
Ps. lxxi In te, Domine, speravi

The First Lesson is written in the Second Chapter of the Book of the Prophet Habakkuk, beginning at the first verse (-14)

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil! Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul. For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

The Second Lesson is written in the Sixth Chapter of the First Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to Saint Timothy, beginning at the first verse (21)

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY XIII
Almighty and merciful God, of Whose only gift it cometh that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true and laudable service: Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so faithfully serve Thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain Thy Heavenly promises; Through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY XIII
Look O Lord, upon Thy Covenant, and forget not the congregation of Thy poor forever : Arise O Lord, and maintain Thine own cause; and forget not the voices of them that seek Thee. O God, wherefore art Thou absent from us so long : Why is Thy wrath so hot against the sheep of Thy pasture?

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XIII
Almighty and merciful God, of Whose only gift it cometh that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true and laudable service: Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so faithfully serve Thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain Thy Heavenly promises; Through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRD CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE GALATIANS, BEGINNING AT THE SIXTEENTH VERSE.

To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: But God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY XIII
Look O Lord upon Thy Covenant: And forget not the congregation of the poor forever. Arise O Lord and maintain Thine own cause: Remember the reproach of Thy servants. Alleluia.

For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all the earth. Alleluia. O God wherefore art Thou absent from us so long : Why is Thy wrath so hot against the sheep of Thy pasture?
O think upon thy congregation : Whom Thou hast purchased and redeemed of old.
Think upon the tribe of Thine inheritance : And mount Sion wherein Thou hast dwelt.
Lift up Thy feet that Thou mayest utterly destroy every enemy : Which hath done evil in Thy sanctuary.
Thine adversaries roar in the midst of Thy congregations : And set up their banners for tokens.
He that hewed timber afore out of the thick trees : Was known to bring it to an excellent work.
But now they break down all the carved work thereof : With axes and hammers.
They have set fire upon Thy holy places : And have defiled the dwelling-place of Thy Name even unto the ground.
Yea they said in their hearts Let us make havock of them altogether : Thus have they burnt up all the houses of God in the land.
We see not our tokens there is not one prophet more : No not one is there among us that understandeth any more.
O God how long shall the adversary do this dishonour : How long shall the enemy blaspheme Thy Name for ever?
Why withdrawest Thou Thy hand : Why pluckest Thou not Thy right hand out of Thy bosom to consume the enemy?
For God is my King of old : The help that is done upon earth He doeth it Himself.
Thou didst divide the sea through Thy power : Thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.
Thou smotest the heads of Leviathan in pieces : And gavest him to be meat for the people in the wilderness.
Thou broughtest out fountains and waters out of the hard rocks : Thou driedst up mighty waters.
The day is Thine and the night is Thine : Thou hast prepared the light and the sun.
Thou hast set all the borders of the earth : Thou hast made summer and winter.
Remember this O Lord how the enemy hath rebuked : And how the foolish people hath blasphemed Thy Name.
O deliver not the soul of Thy turtle-dove unto the multitude of the enemies : And forget not the congregation of the poor for ever.
Look upon the covenant : For all the earth is full of darkness and cruel habitations.
O let not the simple go away ashamed : But let the poor and needy give praise unto Thy Name.
Arise O God maintain Thine own cause : Remember how the foolish man blasphemeth Thee daily.
Forget not the voice of Thine enemies : The presumption of them that hate Thee increaseth ever more and more. Alleluia

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU.
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT.

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE TENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-THIRD VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. and on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY XIII
My hope hath been in Thee O Lord : I have said Thou art my God, my time is in Thy hand.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps. xxxi In te, Domine, speravi

In Thee O Lord have I put my trust : Let me never be put to confusion deliver me in Thy righteousness.
Bow down Thine ear to me : Make haste to deliver me.
And be Thou my strong rock and house of defence : that thou mayest save me.
For thou art my strong rock and my castle : Be Thou also my guide and lead me for Thy Name’s sake.
Draw me out of the net that they have laid privily for me : For Thou art my strength.
Into Thy hands I commend my spirit : For Thou hast redeemed me O Lord Thou God of truth.
I have hated them that hold of superstitious vanities : And my trust hath been in the Lord.
I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy : For Thou hast considered my trouble and hast known my soul in adversities.
Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy : But hast set my feet in a large room.
Have mercy upon me O Lord for I am in trouble : And mine eye is consumed for very heaviness yea my soul and my body.
For my life is waxen old with heaviness : And my years with mourning.
My strength faileth me because of mine iniquity : And my bones are consumed.
I became a reproof among all mine enemies but especially among my neigh-bours : And they of mine acquaintance were afraid of me and they that did see me without conveyed themselves from me.
I am clean forgotten as a dead man out of mind : I am become like a broken vessel.
For I have heard the blasphemy of the multitude : And fear is on every side while they conspire together against me and take their counsel to take away my life.
But my hope hath been in thee O Lord : I have said Thou art my God.
My time is in thy hand deliver me from the hand of mine enemies : And from them that persecute me.
Shew Thy servant the light of Thy countenance : And save me for Thy mercy’s sake.
Let me not be confounded O Lord for I have called upon Thee : Let the ungodly be put to confusion and be put to silence in the grave.
Let the lying lips be put to silence : Which cruelly disdainfully and despitefully speak against the righteous.
O how plentiful is Thy goodness which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee : And that Thou hast prepared for them that put their trust in Thee even before the sons of men!
Thou shalt hide them privily by Thine own presence from the provoking of all men : Thou shalt keep them secretly in Thy tabernacle from the strife of tongues.
Thanks be to the Lord : For He hath shewed me marvellous great kindness in a strong city.
And when I made haste I said : I am cast out of the sight of Thine eyes.
Nevertheless Thou heardest the voice of my prayer : When I cried unto Thee.
O love the Lord all ye His saints : For the Lord preserveth them that are faithful and plenteously rewardeth the proud doer.
Be strong and He shall establish your heart : All that ye put your trust in the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

SECRET FOR TRINITY XIII
We beseech Thee O Lord favourably to regard these Oblations which we lay upon Thy Holy Altar that while they do bring us pardon and forgiveness they may min-ister also to the honour of Thy great Name Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liv-eth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen

COMMUNION FOR TRINITY XIII
Thou hast given us bread from Heaven, O Lord: Having every delight and every taste of sweetness.

During the Ablutions: Ps lxviii. Exurgat Deus

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered : Let them also that hate Him flee before Him.
Like as the smoke vanisheth so shalt Thou drive them away : And like as wax melteth at the fire so let the ungodly perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God : Let them also be merry and joyful.
O sing unto God, and sing praises unto His Name : Magnify Him that rideth upon the heavens as it were upon an horse praise Him in His Name Jehova and rejoice before Him.
He is a father of the fatherless and defendeth the cause of the widows : Even God in His holy habitation.
He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house and bringeth the prisoners out of captivity : But letteth the runagates continue in scarce-ness.
O God when Thou wentest forth before the people : When Thou wentest through the wilderness;
The earth shook and the heavens dropped at the presence of God : Even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God who is the God of Israel.Thou O God sentest a gracious rain upon Thine inheritance : And refreshedst it when it was weary.
Thy congregation shall dwell therein : For Thou O God hast of Thy goodness prepared for the poor.
The Lord gave the word : Great was the company of the preachers.
Kings with their armies did flee and were discomfited : And they of the household divided the spoil.
Though ye have lien among the pots yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove : That is covered with silver wings and her feathers like gold.
When the Almighty scattered kings for their sake : Then were they as white as snow in Salmon.
As the hill of Basan so is God’s hill : Even an high hill as the hill of Basan.
Why hop ye so ye high hills this is God’s hill in the which it pleaseth him to dwell : Yea the Lord will abide in it for ever.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand even thousands of angels : And the Lord is among them as in the holy place of Sinai.
Thou art gone up on high Thou hast led captivity captive and received gifts for men : Yea even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
Praised be the Lord daily : Even the God who helpeth us and poureth His benefits upon us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XIII
Quicken us O Lord, we beseech Thee, by the partaking of this Holy Mystery; and grant that It may bring to our souls both pardon and protection. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The glory of the New Dispensation that is our inheritance, is again set out for us in the Scripture readings that are set for the Liturgy today. The parable of the Good Samaritan is considered to be appropriate to harvest time (the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity almost always occurs between August the 17th and September the 19th) in that at that time thanksgiving for God’s goodness in the harvest ought to be reflected particularly in our goodness towards those in need.
The parable tells us in mystical phrases of the exceeding goodness of the Lord Himself. He becomes the Good Samaritan for human nature, which has fallen into the hands of its spiritual foes, been stripped of its clothing of original righteousness, and left half dead in the replacement of original sin and continuous inclination to transgression.
Out of the love which God bore to us in sending His Christ as our Good Samaritan rescuer, comes the healing therapy that is the essence of Christianity. Genuine Christianity (Orthodox Christianity) is a therapy, a healing: That is what it is all about. The Psalmist in his foreshadowing of the New Dispensation says “Heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee” (Ps 41), Jeremiah pleaded for his sin to be healed (Jer. 17:14), Jesus Himself pointed out the prophecy of Isaiah about Him, that He was sent “…to heal the broken hearted…” (Luke 4:18 – Is. 61:1).
The earthly gifts which God gives us make for our bodily health and well-being, and they in turn should point us to the need for our spiritual well-being. We are really in a sorry way – as was the man in the parable: Left beaten and near death. We are in need of the Physician who is Christ and the healing that He brings us is ministered by His Church – Christ on earth today.
No one goes to the doctor until he feels that he is sick. He has to recognise the need before he takes action. We and the whole of mankind desperately need the medicine that Christ alone has, but until we recognise our need, we will do nothing. Just because we are members of the Church doesn’t mean that we are all spiritually hale and hearty, far from it. To borrow a very good term from Alcoholics Anonymous: We are all at best, recovering sinners – none of us ever is able to say that he has “recovered”. We are so ingrained with the inclination to transgression, that we must be under treatment for the rest of our earthly life if we are to stand a chance of squeezing through the Gate of Heaven.
This is why we, in some dim appreciation of our sickness have come stumbling towards Christ. This is why, in our tenuous understanding, we stay. Those who fail to grasp their continuing need, fall away. It is so easy for us to cease taking the treatment and to relapse into our sickness. We think that we are better – and in fact, we have not killed the infection at all, merely placed it under control.
If all this sounds pessimistic, it is unfortunately true: There is no relaxing from our need to continue the therapy that Christ brought us. We think of this life as a long time whereas it is in fact distressingly short for what we have to do in it. We think in terms of our employment or profession as though that is of primary importance whereas it is secondary. To thoroughly mix the metaphors, we must pass the lifelong course-work assessment: We are expected to get it right – and most of us don’t even begin to appreciate that we are even being assessed until we are around two-thirds of the way through our time. So whether we look at it as continuous therapy or continuous attention to assessment, the fact remains that we cannot let up, we cannot rest on any imaginary laurels.

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Romans 9:30-10:4
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. (Isaiah 8:14/26:16)
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Saint Paul here is talking about the essentially Pharisaical idea that it was the scrupulous following of rules that got them into Heaven. To this end they did themselves and enjoined others to follow rules to the tiniest detail, these rules being in very many cases man-made vast extensions of the original law given to the Jews. The following of these rules, even to the Temple itself had by the time of Jesus, come to obscure any relationship with God. The righteousness of the Pharisees was the righteousness of minute rule-keeping.
Christ is the culmination of the old Law. And Christ gave us a new instruction as to what that old law was meant to inculcate: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind and with all thy strength, this is the first and great commandment and the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
That last sentence is the telling one: “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets”. Everything that the Pharisees had been teaching was without these two commandments and therefore availed nothing. The Law of God is worked out in its entirety by a person who loves God to the fullest extent he can and who loves his neighbour as dearly as he loves himself.
To God, we show total loyalty, and to our neighbours (all of them) we show the same amount of concern that we evidence to our own well-being and survival. When we do this, we will naturally fulfill all those minute laws without even thinking about it. That is why Christ said “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” He showed us that the hugely complicated rule-following that men try to impose upon us is unnecessary, if we follow His two commandments, all the rules will fall into place. The difference between what is essential and what is not essential – we need to concentrate on the essentials of the Faith.
There is a danger in the Church today of people falling over this same stumbling block mentioned in Isaiah. Yes, the Church has rules emanating from the great Councils, but there are also many petty customs which are often as not localised. These are often carried into the western lands and used as if they were basic to the Faith. Following each and every minute rule is not a substitute for Faith. That is what Saint Paul is saying.
We have “customs” which are often misinterpreted as vital Traditions – which they are not – the style of vestments, the exact order of services, customs associated with various feast days – there is a wide variety of customs which may be found, as developed in various times and various places based on a wide variety of circumstances. There is a custom of blessing food iat the celebration of Easter; in other places this practice is unknown. In no way does the blessing of Paschal food, or the lack thereof, make one’s celebration “better” or “worse.” Women told not to communicate during their period, the exact number and place of prostrations, all sorts of small customs sometimes intrude themselves and appear as de fidei when they are not. The Lenten fast avails us nothing unless we individually are using the Lenten period as one of intense prayer and reflection. If we are not, there is no point in appearing to fast.
The sin of the Pharisees, which Christ continually dealt with, was their enslavement to externals with no regard to the spirit.
We are the People of God, the New Israel and accordingly we do a lot of things corporately and we also do a lot of things individually. We give alms and fast in secret, we enter into our closet and pray in secret, we also pray corporately as behoves the People of God. But we do need to pay close attention to why exactly we do these things.
THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

THE OFFICE
Psalms for the 21st morning: cv Confitemini Domino

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE DIVINE LITURGY
THE OFFICE FOR NATIVITY OF THE BVM
Rejoice we all in the Lord, as we keep holy day in honour of the Virgin Mary: At whose nativity the Angels rejoice and sing praise to the Son of God. My heart is inditing of a good matter : I speak of the things which I have made unto the King

THE COLLECTS FOR NATIVITY OF THE BVM
Mercifully hear, O God, the prayers of Thy servants; that we who are gathered together on the nativity of the virgin Mother of God, may through her prayers be delivered by Thee from the perils which beset us, through the same Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE GRADUAL FOR NATIVITY OF THE BVM
Hearken O daughter and consider, incline thine ear : Forget also thine own people and thy father’s house.
So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty : For His is thy Lord God and worship thou Him.
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift : Like as the rich also among the people shall make their supplication before thee.
The King’s daughter is all glorious within : Her clothing is of wrought gold.
She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needle-work : The virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company and shall be brought unto thee.
With joy and gladness shall they be brought : And shall enter into the King’s palace.
Instead of thy fathers thou shalt have children : Whom thou mayest make princes in all lands.
I will remember Thy Name from one generation to another : Therefore shall the people give thanks unto Thee world without end.
In the fairness of thy beauty : Go forth, ride on prosperously and reign. Alleluia. The nativity of the glorious Virgin Mary, born of the seed of Abraham, of the illustrious stock of Jesse. Alleluia.

THE OFFERTORY FOR NATIVITY OF THE BVM
Full of grace are thy lips : Because God hath blessed thee forever and unto ages of ages.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps. xlv Eructavit cor meum

My heart is inditing of a good matter : I speak of the thing which I have made unto the King.
My tongue is the pen : Of a ready writer.
Thou art fairer than the children of men : Full of grace are thy lips because God hath blessed thee for ever.
Gird Thee with Thy sword upon Thy thigh O Thou most Mighty : According to Thy worship and renown.
Good luck have Thou with Thine honour : Ride on because of the word of truth of meekness and righteousness and Thy right hand shall teach Thee terrible things.
Thy arrows are very sharp and the people shall be subdued unto Thee : Even in the midst among the King’s enemies.
Thy seat O God endureth for ever : The sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity : Wherefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
All thy garments smell of myrrh aloes and cassia : Out of the ivory palaces whereby they have made thee glad.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

SECRET FOR NATIVITY OF THE BVM
Help us O God, by the manhood of Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord; that He who in His virgin birth did in no wise impair, but sanctified the chastity of His mother, may do away our offences on this the feast of her nativity, and make our offering acceptable unto Himself, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR NATIVITY OF THE BVM
Perfect faith in Thy Son hath cleansed the world from transgression, and for thy reward, henceforth virginal honour is thine.

During the Ablutions: Ps. xxiii. Dominus regit me.

The Lord is my shepherd : Therefore can I lack nothing.
He shall feed me in a green pasture : And lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.

He shall convert my soul : And bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil : For Thou art with me Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me : Thou hast anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.
But Thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR NATIVITY OF THE BVM
Grant we beseech Thee, O Lord, that this Sacrament, which we have duly received on this yearly solemnity may, at the prayers of blessed Mary ever virgin, be unto us for a medecine both for this life and for that which is to come. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Grant O Lord God, that we who have partaken of this Holy Mystery and have confessed the Holy and eternal Trinity and the Undivided Unity, may be thereby strengthened both in body and soul. Who livest and reignest Three Persons in One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Today is the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The readings for this major feast of the Christian Church are somewhat separate in nature and must therefore be dealt with separately. The Lesson for the Epistle is taken from the Book of Ecclesiasticus, which was most famously translated into English in 1611 as part of the Authorised Version of the Bible.
This Book is subtitled: The wisdom of Jesus, the son of Sirach. In fact, according to internal evidence, it is the book of the wisdom of Israel gathered by Jesus the father of Sirach and completed by Jesus the son of Sirach.
The designation “Ecclesiasticus,” or more correctly, “Liber Ecclesiasticus” meaning “Church Book,” used in some Greek and Latin manuscripts was due to the extensive use which the Church made of this book in presenting moral teaching to catechumens and to the faithful.
The author, lived in Jerusalem, and wrote the book in Hebrew between the years 200 and 175 B.C., the text was translated into Greek sometime after 132 B.C. by the author’s grandson, who also wrote a foreword with information about the book , the author, and himself.
Though not included in the Hebrew Bible after the first century A.D., nor accepted by Protestants, the Book ofEcclesiasticus has always been recognised by the Orthodox Church as divinely inspired and canonical.
The passage that we read this feastday is a paen of Wisdom praising herself, and in this particular passsage, she praises the fruits of wisdom. This is the wisdom that can only be obtained from God Himself, and only by long association with God. It does not come from mere longevity or learning, unless that learning and that time has been spent in the company of God.
The Gospel for today – Matthew 1:1-16 is a list of the genealogy of Jesus. This is the line that descends from Abraham the father of Orthodox Believers to Joseph. Now Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father, however Jewish tradition conferred the legal lineage of an adoptive father on the adopted son, hence in Jewish tradition, Jesus becomes the son of David the King, who is in Joseph’s lineage.
The insertion of this lineage by Saint Matthew is a declaration to the Jews – and to us – that Jesus is of the Abrahamic-Davidic line, the line of the Covenant and the righteous kings. The line running directly from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Jesus is the fulfilment of that line – it will go no further in human terms for it continues eternally in the God-Man who is Jesus the Son of God, the Messiah of God – God the Holy Trinity.
Mary was born, it is believed, also of David’s line, and chosen specifically for the role of Mother of God. She exemplifies for us the perfect alignment of a human will with that of God, when she acceded so simply to the Lord’s command. Jesus loved her and honoured her, even from the Cross. We can do no less, for she is an example for us of the way to sanctification, through perfect alignment with God..

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

THE OFFICE

Psalms for the 27th morning: cxx Ad Dominum; cxxi Levavi oculos; cxxii Laetatus sum; cxxiii Ad te levavi oculos meus; cxxiv Nisi quia Dominus;
cxxv Qui confidunt

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen
THE DIVINE LITURGY
THE OFFICE FOR THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
But as for us, it behoveth us to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom is our salvation, life and resurrection: By Whomwe are saved and set free. God be merciful to us and bless us: And shew us the light of His countenance and be merciful unto us.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
O God, Who by the precious Blood of Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ hast vouchsafed to redeem mankind; mercifully grant that they who are met together to venerate the life-giving Cross may be delivered from the bands of their sins through the same Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE GALATIANS, BEGINNING AT THE TENTH VERSE.

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Christ for our sakes became obedient unto death: Even the death of the Cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him : And hath given Him a Name which is above every name. Alleluia.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills : From whence cometh my help.
My help cometh even from the Lord : Who hath made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : And He that keepeth thee will not sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel : Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord Himself is thy keeper : The Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand.
So that the sun shall not burn thee by day : Neither the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : Yea it is even He that shall keep thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in : From this time forth for evermore. Alleluia.

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE TWELFTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT JOHN BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-FIRST VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews Now is the judgment of this world: Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me. This He said, signifying what death He should die. The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: And how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: For he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Defend O Lord Thy people by the sign of the Holy Cross, from the snares of all their enemies; that this our service may be pleasing unto Thee, and this, our Sacrifice acceptable.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps. lix Eripe me de inimicis

Deliver me from mine enemies O God : Defend me from them that rise up against me.
O deliver me from the wicked doers : And save me from the blood-thirsty men.
For lo they lie waiting for my soul : The mighty men are gathered against me without any offence or fault of me O Lord.
They run and prepare themselves without my fault : Arise Thou therefore to help me and behold.
Stand up O Lord God of hosts Thou God of Israel to visit all the heathen : And be not merciful unto them that offend of malicious wickedness.
They go to and fro in the evening : They grin like a dog and run about through the city.
Behold they speak with their mouth and swords are in their lips : For who doth hear?
But Thou. O Lord shalt have them in derision : And Thou shalt laugh all the heathen to scorn.
My strength will I ascribe unto Thee : For thou art the God of my refuge.
God sheweth me His goodness plenteously : And God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
Slay them not lest my people forget it : But scatter them abroad among the people and put them down O Lord our defence.
For the sin of their mouth and for the words of their lips they shall be taken in their pride : And why their preaching is of cursing and lies.
Consume them in thy wrath consume them that they may perish : And know that it is God that ruleth in Jacob and unto the ends of the world.
And in the evening they will return : Grin like a dog and will go about the city.
They will run here and there for meat : And grudge if they be not satisfied.
As for me I will sing of Thy power and will praise Thy mercy betimes in the morning : For Thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
Unto thee O my strength will I sing : For Thou O God art my refuge and my merciful God.
Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

SECRET FOR THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Let the help of Thy mercy O Lord, prevent our devout and humble prayers and offerings on this feast; and let faith in the Tree reopen the way to the salvation which Eve by profanely tasting of the tree in Paradise closed against us. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
By the tree we were in bondage; by the Holy Cross we are set free: The fruit of the tree beguiled us; the Son of God hath redeemed us. Alleluia.

During the Ablutions: Ps. cxvi Dilexi, quoniam

I am well pleased : That the Lord hath heard the voice of my prayer.
That He hath inclined His ear unto me : Therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.
The snares of death compassed me round about : And the pains of hell gat hold upon me.
I shall find trouble and heaviness and I will call upon the Name of the Lord : O Lord I beseech thee deliver my soul.
Gracious is the Lord and righteous : Yea our God is merciful
The Lord preserveth the simple : I was in misery and He helped me.
Turn again then unto thy rest O my soul : For the Lord hath rewarded thee.
And why? Thou hast delivered my soul from death : Mine eyes from tears and my feet from falling.
I will walk before the Lord : In the land of the living.
I believed and therefore will I speak but I was sore troubled : I said in my haste all men are liars.
What reward shall I give unto the Lord : For all the benefits that He hath done unto me?
I will receive the cup of salvation : And call upon the Name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows now in the presence of all His people : Right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Behold O Lord how that I am Thy servant : I am Thy servant and the son of Thine handmaid and Thou hast broken my bonds in sunder.
I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving : And will call upon the Name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the sight of all His people : In the courts of the Lord’s house even in the midst of thee O Jerusalem praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
We who have been fed with the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the banner of the Cross hath been sanctified, beseech Thee O Lord our God; that as we have been counted worthy to venerate it, so we may have a share in its saving power. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
MICHELMAS

THE OFFICE
Psalms for the 29th morning: cxxxix Domine, probasti; cxl Eripe me, Domine; cxli Domine clamavi

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen
THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR MICHELMAS
Praise the Lord, ye Angels of His : Ye that excel in strength, ye that fulfil His commandment, and hearken unto the vioce of His words. Praise the Lord O my soul : And all that is within me praise His holy Name. Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning is and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE COLLECTS FOR MICHELMAS
O everlasting God, Who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in wonderful order, mercifully grant that, as Thy holy angels alway do Thee service in heaven, so by Thy appointment, they may help and defend us here in earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name Who livest and reignest One God world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

The Epistle is written first chapter of the EpistleGeneral of Saint Jude the Apostle, beginning at the third verse.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

THE GRADUAL FOR MICHELMAS
O Praise the Lord, ye Angels of His : Ye that excel in strength, ye that fulfil His commandment. Praise the Lord O my soul : And all that is within me praise His holy Name. Alleluia. I will give thanks unto Thee O Lord with my whole heart: Even before the angels will I sing praise unto Thee.
I will worship toward Thy holy temple and praise Thy Name because of Thy loving-kindness and truth : For Thou hast magnified Thy Name and Thy word above all things.
When I called upon Thee Thou heardest me : And enduedst my soul with much strength.
All the kings of the earth shall praise Thee O Lord : For they have heard the words of Thy mouth.
Yea they shall sing in the ways of the Lord : That great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord be high yet hath He respect unto the lowly : As for the proud He beholdeth them afar off.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble yet shalt Thou refresh me: Thou shalt stretch forth Thy hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies and Thy right hand shall save me.
The lord shall make good His loving-kindness toward me : Yea Thy mercy O Lord endureth for ever despise not then the works of Thine own hands. Alleluia.

V: THE Lord BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTH VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias of the course of Abia: and his wife of the daughters of Aaron and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

THE OFFERTORY FOR MICHELMAS
An angel came and stood at the Altar of the Temple, having a golden censer in his hand: And there was given unto him much incense: And the smoke of the incense ascended up before God. Alleluia.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps cxxxviii. Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord of heaven : Praise Him in the height.
Praise Him all ye angels of His : Praise Him all His host.
Praise Him sun and moon: Praise Him all ye stars and light.
Praise Him all ye heavens : And ye waters that are above the heavens.
Let them praise the Name of the Lord : For He spake the word and they were made He commanded and they were created.
He hath made them fast for ever and ever : He hath given them a law which shall not be broken.
Praise the Lord upon earth : Ye dragons and all deeps;
Fire and hail snow and vapours : Wind and storm fulfilling His word.
Mountains and all hills : Fruitful trees and all cedars,
Beasts and all cattle : Worms and feathered fowls.
Kings of the earth and all people : Princes and all judges of the world
Young men and maidens old men and children praise the Name of the Lord : For His Name only is excellent and His praise above heaven and earth.
He shalt exalt the horn of his people; all his saints shall praise him : even the children of Israel, even the people the serveth him.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

SECRET FOR MICHELMAS
O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously accept the gift of Thy people, at the intercession of Thy holy archangel Michael and all the blessed angels, that it may be well pleasing unto Thee. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR MICHELMAS
All ye angels of the Lord bless ye the Lord : Praise Him and magnify Him forever. O praise the Lord with me : and let us magnify His Name together. I sought the Lord and He heard me : yea He delivered me out of all my fear.

During the Ablutions: Ps lxviii. Exurgat Deus

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered : Let them also that hate Him flee before Him.
Like as the smoke vanisheth so shalt Thou drive them away : And like as wax melteth at the fire so let the ungodly perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God : Let them also be merry and joyful .
O sing unto God, and sing praises unto His Name : Magnify Him that rideth upon the heavens as it were upon an horse praise Him in his Name Jehova and rejoice before Him.
He is a father of the fatherless and defendeth the cause of the widows : Even God in His holy habitation.
He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house and bringeth the prisoners out of captivity : But letteth the runagates continue in scarceness.
O God when Thou wentest forth before the people : When Thou wentest through the wilderness;
The earth shook and the heavens dropped at the presence of God : Even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God who is the God of Israel.Thou O God sentest a gracious rain upon Thine inheritance : And refreshedst it when it was weary.
Thy congregation shall dwell therein : For Thou O God hast of Thy goodness prepared for the poor.
The Lord gave the word : Great was the company of the preachers.
Kings with their armies did flee and were discomfited : And they of the household divided the spoil.
Though ye have lien among the pots yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove : That is covered with silver wings and her feathers like gold.
When the Almighty scattered kings for their sake : Then were they as white as snow in Salmon.
As the hill of Basan so is God’s hill : Even an high hill as the hill of Basan.
Why hop ye so ye high hills this is God’s hill in the which it pleaseth him to dwell : Yea the Lord will abide in it for ever.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand even thousands of angels : And the Lord is among them as in the holy place of Sinai.
Thou art gone up on high Thou hast led captivity captive and received gifts for men : Yea even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
Praised be the Lord daily : Even the God who helpeth us and poureth His benefits upon us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR MICHELMAS

We humbly beseech Thee O Lord, that as trust in the intercession of Thy blessed archangel Michael, so we may in very truth, attain unto that for which we seek in doing him honour. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen
Grant O Lord God, that we who have partaken of this Holy Mystery and have confessed the Holy and eternal Trinity and the Undivided Unity, may be thereby strengthened both in body and soul. Who livest and reignest Three Persons in One God, world without end.
R: Amen
Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen

TRINITY XIV

MATINS

Ps. lxxv Benedixisti, Domine; lxxvi Inclina, Domine

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the First Chapter of the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah, beginning at the first verse (18)

The word of the Lord which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah. I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the Lord. I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the Lord. I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham; And them that are turned back from the Lord; and those that have not sought the Lord, nor enquired for him. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the Lord’S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills. Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off. And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil. Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof. The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of

trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy: for He shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in theThirteenth Chapter of the First Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, beginning at the first verse (13)

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Here endeth the Second Lesson

THE COLLECT FOR TRINITY XIV
Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope and charity; and, that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love that which Thou dost command. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR TRINITY XIV
Behold, O God, our defender, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed: For one day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. O how amiable are Thy dwellings, Thou Lord of Hosts: My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: And to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

THE COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XIV
Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope and charity; and, that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love that which Thou dost command. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE GRADUAL FOR TRINITY XIV
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord : And to sing praises unto Thy Name O most Highest.
To tell of Thy loving kindness early in the morning : And of Thy truth in the night season. Alleluia.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE GALATIANS, BEGINNING AT THE SIXTEENTH VERSE.

I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: So that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: Of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: Against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

THE OFFERTORY FOR TRINITY XIV
The Angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear Him and delivereth them : O taste and see how gracious the Lord is.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps xxxiv. Benedicam Domino

I will alway give thanks unto the Lord : His praise shall ever be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : The humble shall hear thereof and be glad.
O praise the Lord with me : And let us magnify His Name together.
I sought the Lord and He heard me : Yea Ye delivered me out of all my fear.
They had an eye unto Him and were lightened : And their faces were not ashamed.
He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house and bringeth the prisoners out of captivity : But letteth the runagates continue in scarceness.
O God when Thou wentest forth before the people : When Thou wentest through the wilderness;
The earth shook and the heavens dropped at the presence of God : Even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God who is the God of Israel.
Thou O God sentest a gracious rain upon Thine inheritance : And refreshedst it when it was weary.
Thy congregation shall dwell therein : For Thou O God hast of Thy goodness prepared for the poor.
Lo the poor crieth and the Lord heareth him : Yea and saveth him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear Him : And delivereth them
O taste and see how gracious the Lord is : Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
O fear the Lord ye that are His saints : For they that fear Him lack nothing.
The lions do lack and suffer hunger : But they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.
Come ye children and hearken unto me : I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is he that lusteth to live : And would fain see good days?
Keep thy tongue from evil : And thy lips that they speak no guile.
Eschew evil and do good : Seek peace and ensue it.
The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous : And His ears are open unto their prayers.
The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil : To root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry and the Lord heareth them : And delivereth them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart : And will save such as be of an humble spirit.
Great are the troubles of the righteous : But the Lord delivereth him out of all.
He keepeth all his bones : So that not one of them is broken.
But misfortune shall slay the ungodly : And they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
The Lord delivereth the souls of His servants : And all they that put their trust in Him shall not be destitute.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU
R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT
V: THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE SEVEN-TEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT LUKE, BEGINNING AT THE ELEVENTH VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

And it came to pass, as + Jesus went to Jerusalem, that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when He saw them, He said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: And he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And He said unto him, Arise, go thy way: Thy faith hath made thee whole.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE SECRET FOR TRINITY XIV
We beseech Thee, O Lord favourably to regard Thy people and the gifts which they bring: That being well-pleased with this Oblation, Thou mayest pardon our sins and grant our petitions. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR TRINITY XIV
The bread that I will give is My flesh: Which I will give for the life of the world.

During the Ablutions, the Choir sings: Ps lxviii. Exurgat Deus

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered : Let them also that hate Him flee before Him.
Like as the smoke vanisheth so shalt Thou drive them away : And like as wax melteth at the fire so let the ungodly perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God : Let them also be merry and joyful.
O sing unto God, and sing praises unto His Name : Magnify Him that rideth upon the heavens as it were upon an horse praise Him in his Name Jehova and rejoice before Him.
He is a father of the fatherless and defendeth the cause of the widows : Even God in His holy habitation.
The Lord gave the word : Great was the company of the preachers.
Kings with their armies did flee and were discomfited : And they of the household divided the spoil.
Though ye have lien among the pots yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove : That is covered with silver wings and her feathers like gold.
When the Almighty scattered kings for their sake : Then were they as white as snow in Salmon.
As the hill of Basan so is God’s hill : Even an high hill as the hill of Basan.
Why hop ye so ye high hills this is God’s hill in the which it pleaseth him to dwell : Yea the Lord will abide in it for ever.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand even thousands of angels : And the Lord is among them as in the holy place of Sinai.
Thou art gone up on high Thou hast led captivity captive and received gifts for men : Yea even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
Praised be the Lord daily : Even the God who helpeth us and poureth His benefits upon us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR TRINITY XIV
O Lord, we beseech Thee, vouchsafe that we who have received Thy Heavenly Sacrament, may ever go forward toward our eternal redemption. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The Epistle for today is one of those Pauline writings that requires a little explanation if more than surface meaning is to be extracted from it. The Apostle opens by exhorting us to “walk in the Spirit” in order that we should “not fulfil the lust of the flesh”. He expands by saying that “the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh” these being opposed, we are thereby prevented from doing the things that we would to do with our better will. Saint Paul is not here talking about the body, when he uses the term “flesh”, but rather, he is talking about all sorts of evil actions and the tendency towards evil actions that exists in all of us. It is this tendency which steers us in a contrary direction to the direction in which our will to align ourselves with God’s will for us (the Spirit) would have us go. The term “flesh” is misleading somewhat in this passage for its meaning in other not dissimilar passages is often different. Here it means the depraved will, the worldly mind – all things which are possible to control, although with a lifetime of acceding to them, the regaining of control can be as difficult as breaking a serious addiction. It is in fact similar to a dependence upon another person: Where an individual has spent a lifetime acceding to someone else’s will, to suddenly determine to break free and exercise their own will can be seemingly impossible. So too, with the decision to align ones’ self with God’s will, we must first break the total conditioning to accede always to our carnal will.
Throughout the New Testament and the Fathers we are told that we cannot do this alone and that if we try to do it without the help of God, we will fail. This depraved will, this worldly mind and all that goes with it must of necessity, be crucified, it must be put off as the old self, (continually put off) in order that the new Christian self can be put on.
The new Christian self needs to be constantly put on, for the old worldly self will not easily go away. When the new self is put on successfully, we see the world with very different eyes. The problem is that remarkably few people actually make the effort. It is a great deal of really hard work – work of a nature that we are not used to and work which the worldly mind constantly tells us has no visible result, no benefit. So it is far easier to go through the motions of being Christian, turning up at Church once a week is no great sacrifice – if we can convince ourselves that that, together with a little generosity and a few prayers will scrape us in. The worldly mind – satan ‘s stronghold in us – will allow us to get away with that much – because it most definitely will not secure us any place in Christ’s promise. What is needed is a great deal of hard attention, with no easily discernible payoff in this lifetime – no visible result. Unless we totally believe Christ’s promise, then we simply will not exercise the will to make our part of the requisite effort. It is easier to go through the motions and convince ourselves that we are on our way to Heaven.
The Orthodox Believer seeks to live in the Spirit: To live in the most constant communion with God, to see the world as God directs us to see it, to will to align his will with the will of God. It is this latter point that is the key: Once we have genuinely willed to align our will with the will of God, then God, Who alone can assess the genuineness of our will, proceeds to make our decision possible. He then works closely with us and then, He will ensure that we no longer fall or when we do fall, picks us up and takes us further along His Way of light. The Orthodox Believer knows that this alignment of our will with God’s will is the only way to achieve the full reward of Heaven and he knows very well that the Church can guide us towards such a will through her unique possession of the key to the Scriptures and the Mysteries (Sacraments) which God provides for the fuelling and assistance of those who are genuinely seeking to align their wills with His.

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TRINITY XV

The Office. Ps. lxxxvi.

Bow down Thine car, O Lord, and hear me: my God, save

Thy servant that putteth his trust in Thee. Be merciful unto

me, O Lord : for I will call daily upon Thee.

Ps. Comfort the soul of Thy servant: for unto Thee, O

Lord, do I lift up my soul.

THE COLLECT.

Keep, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy Church with Thy perpetual mercy: and, because the frailty of man without Thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by Thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation. Through.

The Epistle. Gal. v. 25, 26; vi. I-IO.

Brethren, if we live in the Spirit them that are of the household of faith.

GRADUAL.

Ps. cxviii. It is better to trust in the Lord : than to put any confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord : than to put any confidence in princes.

Alleluia ! y . Ps. cviii. O God, my heart is ready, my heart is ready : I will sing and give praise with the best member that I have.

The Gospel. Matt. vi. 24-37.

At that time said Jesus to His disciples, No man can serve two masters these things shall be added unto you.

Offert. Ps. xl. I waited patiently for the Lord : and He inclined unto me, and heard my calling. And he hath put a new song in my mouth : even a thanksgiving unto our God.

Secret. Grant to us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, that this oblation may be profitable to our salvation, both cleansing us from our sins, and reconciling us to Thy loving-kindness. Through.

Communion. John vi. He that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood dwelleth in Me, and I in him, saith the Lord.

Post Communion Collect. Let Thy Sacrament, O God, continually purify and strengthen us, and lead us to the attainment of eternal salvation. Through.

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TRINITY XIX

MATTINS

Ps. cxi Confitebor tibi

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart : Secretly among the faithful and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great : Sought out of all of them that have pleasure therein.

His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour : And His righteousness endureth for ever.

The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done His marvellous works : That they ought to be had in remembrance.

He hath given meat unto them that fear Him : He shall ever be mindful of His covenant.

He hath shewed His people the power of His works : That He may give them the heritage of the heathen.

The works of His hands are verity and judgement : All His commandments are true.

They stand fast for ever and ever : And are done in truth and equity.

He sent redemption unto His people : He hath commanded His covenant for ever holy and reverend is His Name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom : A good understanding have all they that do thereafter the praise of it endureth for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxii Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord : He hath great delight in His commandments.

His seed shall be mighty upon earth : The generation of the faithful shall be blessed.

Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house : And his righteousness endureth for ever.

Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness : He is merciful loving and righteous.

A good man is merciful and lendeth : And will guide his words with discretion.

For he shall never be moved : And the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.

He will not be afraid of any evil tidings : For his heart standeth fast and believeth in the Lord.

His heart is established and will not shrink : Until he see his desire upon his enemies.

He hath dispersed abroad and given to the poor : And his righteous-ness remaineth for ever his horn shall be exalted with honour.

The ungodly shall see it and it shall grieve him : He shall gnash with his teeth and consume away the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxiii Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord ye servants : O praise the Name of the Lord.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord : From this time forth for evermore.

The Lord’s Name is praised : From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.

The Lord is high above all heathen : And His glory above the heavens.

Who is like unto the Lord our God that hath His dwelling so high : And yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?

He taketh up the simple out of the dust : And lifteth the poor out of the mire,

That he may set him with the princes : Even with the princes of his people.

He maketh the barren woman to keep house : And to be a joyful mother of children.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the Thirty-first Chapter of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, beginning at the twenty-third verse (37)

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The Lord bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness. And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks. For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast. And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the Lord. In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the

covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: For they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The Lord of hosts is His name: If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord.

HERE ENDETH THE FIRST LESSON

The Second Lesson is written in the Second Chapter of the First Epistle of Saint Peter the Apostle, beginning at the eleventh verse (3:7)

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: Whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brother-hood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: Whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

HERE ENDETH THE SECOND LESSON

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE XIX SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

I am the salvation of My people, saith the Lord: Out of whatsoever tribulation they shall call unto me, I will hearken unto them; and I will be their God forever.

Hear My law O My people: Incline your ears unto the words of my mouth.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

O God, forasmuch as without Thee, we are not able to please Thee, mercifully grant that Thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose Being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech Thee, our praise for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself: Father Son and Holy Ghost, Three Persons and One God; and mercifully grant that ever holding fast to this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY IS WRITTEN IN THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE EPHESIANS, BEGINNING AT THE SEVENTEENTH VERSE

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Let my prayer be set forth as the incense: In Thy sight O Lord. Let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Alleluia If the Lord Himself had not been on our side now may Israel say : If the Lord Himself had not been on our side when men rose up against us,

They had swallowed us up quick : When they were so wrathfully displeased at us.

Yea the waters had drowned us : And the stream had gone over our soul.

The deep waters of the proud : Had gone even over our soul.

But praised be the Lord : Who hath not given us over for a prey unto their teeth.

Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler : The snare is broken and we are delivered .

Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord : Who hath made heaven and earth.

They that put their trust in the Lord shall be even as the mount Sion : Which may not be removed but standeth fast for ever.

The hills stand about Jerusalem : Even so standeth the Lord round about his people from this time forth for evermore.

For the rod of the ungodly cometh not into the lot of the righteous : Lest the righteous put their hand unto wickedness.

Do well O Lord : Unto those that are good and true of heart.

As for such as turn back unto their own wickedness : The Lord shall lead them forth with the evildoers but peace shall be upon Israel. Alleluia.

THE GOSPEL FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE NINTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE TO THEE, O LORD.

+ JESUS entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city. And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: And Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

R: Praise be to Thee O Christ

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt Thou refresh me O Lord: Thou shalt stretch forth Thy right hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me.

During the Censing after the Offertory;Ps. lxxxi . Exultate Deo

Sing we merrily unto God our strength : Make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Take the psalm bring hither the tabret : The merry harp with the lute.

Blow up the trumpet in the new-moon : Even in the time appointed and upon our solemn feast-day.

For this was made a statute for Israel : And a law of the God of Jacob.

This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony : When he came out of the land of Egypt and had heard a strange language.

I eased his shoulder from the burden : And his hands were delivered from making the pots.

Thou calledst upon Me in troubles and I delivered thee : And heard thee what time as the storm fell upon thee.

I proved thee also : At the waters of strife.

Hear O My people and I will assure thee O Israel : If thou wilt hearken unto Me.

There shall no strange god be in thee : Neither shalt thou worship any other god.

I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt : Open thy mouth wide, and I shall fill it.

But my people would not hear My voice : And Israel would not obey Me.

So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lusts : And let them follow their own imaginations.

O that My people would have hearkened unto Me : For if Israel had walked in My ways,

I should soon have put down their enemies : And turned my hand against their adversaries.

The haters of the Lord should have been found liars : But their time should have endured for ever.

He should have fed them also with the finest wheat-flour : And with honey out of the stony rock should I have satisfied thee.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

O God, Who by the ineffable communion of this Holy Sacrifice dost make us partakers of Thy supreme and essential Godhead, grant we beseech Thee, that we who are admitted to the knowledge of Thy truth may ever worthily set it forth both in mind and conversation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.

THE COMMUNION FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Thou hast charged that we shall diligently keep Thy commandments : O that my ways were made so direct that I might keep Thy statutes.

During the Ablutions;Ps cxix I Beati immaculati

Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way : And walk in the law of the Lord.

Blessed are they that keep His testimonies : And seek Him with their whole heart.

For they who do no wickedness : Walk in His ways.

Thou hast charged : That we shall diligently keep Thy commandments.

O that my ways were made so direct : That I might keep Thy statutes!

So shall I not be confounded : While I have respect unto all Thy commandments.

I will thank Thee with an unfeigned heart : When I shall have learned the judgements of Thy righteousness.

I will keep Thy ceremonies : O forsake me not utterly.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxx Ad Dominum

When I was in trouble I called upon the Lord : And He heard me.

Deliver my soul O Lord from lying lips : And from a deceitful tongue.

What reward shall be given or done unto thee thou false tongue : Even mighty and sharp arrows with hot burning coals.

Woe is me that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech : And to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar.

My soul hath long dwelt among them : That are enemies unto peace.

I labour for peace but when I speak unto them thereof : They make them ready to battle.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps lxxvi. Notus in Judaea

In Jewry is God known : His Name is great in Israel.

At Salem is His tabernacle : And His dwelling in Sion.

There brake He the arrows of the bow : The shield the sword and the battle

Thou art of more honour and might : Than the hills of the robbers.

The proud are robbed they have slept their sleep : And all the men whose hands were mighty have found nothing.

At Thy rebuke O God of Jacob : Both the chariot and horse are fallen.

Thou even Thou art to be feared : And who may stand in Thy sight when Thou art angry?

Thou didst cause Thy judgement to be heard from heaven : The earth trembled and was still;

When God arose to judgement : And to help all the meek upon earth.

He shall refrain the spirit of princes : And is wonderful among the kings of the earth.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

We who have been refreshed by this holy gift, give thanks unto Thee and beseech Thy mercy, O Lord; that Thou wouldst make us worthy of that which we have partaken. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

O Lord, we beseech Thee, let this Heavenly gift so work in our souls and bodies, that by its virtue our natural affections may ever be controlled and led. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

Grant we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

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The Wednesday After Trinity XIX

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THE EPISTLE FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY IS WRITTEN IN THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE SECOND EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTEENTH VERSE

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

THE GOSPEL FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE THIRTY-SIXTH VERSE.

R: GLORY BE TO THEE, O LORD.

+ JESUS Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like 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. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

R: Praise be to Thee O Christ

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TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

MATTINS

Ps. cxiv In exitu Israel

When Israel came out of Egypt : And the house of Jacob from among the estranged people.

Judah was his sanctuary : And Israel his dominion.

The sea saw that and fled : Jordan was driven back.

The mountains skipped like rams : And the little hills like young sheep.

What aileth thee O thou sea that thou fleddest : And thou Jordan that thou wast driven back?

Ye mountains that ye skipped like rams : And ye little hills like young sheep?

Tremble thou earth at the presence of the Lord : At the presence of the God of Jacob.

Who turned the hard rock into a standing water : And the flint-stone into a springing well.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxv Non nobis, Domine

Not unto us O Lord not unto us but unto Thy Name give the praise : For Thy loving mercy and for Thy truth’s sake.

Wherefore shall the heathen say : Where is now their God?

As for our God He is in heaven : He hath done whatsoever pleased Him.

Their idols are silver and gold : Even the work of men’s hands.

They have mouths and speak not : Eyes have they and see not.

They have ears and hear not : Noses have they and smell not.

They have hands and handle not feet have they and walk not : Neither speak they through their throat.

They that make them are like unto them : And so are all such as put their trust in them.

But thou house of Israel trust thou in the Lord : He is their succour and defence.

Ye house of Aaron put your trust in the Lord : He is their helper and defender.

Ye that fear the Lord put your trust in the Lord : He is their helper and defender.

The Lord hath been mindful of us and He shall bless us : Even He shall bless the house of Israel He shall bless the house of Aaron.

He shall bless them that fear the Lord : Both small and great.

The Lord shall increase you more and more : You and your children.

Ye are the blessed of the Lord : Who hath made heaven and earth.

All the whole heavens are the Lord’s : The earth hath He given to the children of men.

The dead praise not Thee O Lord : Neither all they that go down into silence.

But we will praise the Lord : From this time forth for evermore. Praise the Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

The First Lesson is written in the second chapter of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, beginning at the first verse.

And He said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when He spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard Him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: For they are most rebellious. But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: Open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: And there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. Here endeth the first lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, beginning at the first verse.

There were present at that season some that told Him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: But, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: But, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: And if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: In them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: And all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. Then said He, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again He said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get Thee out, and depart hence: For Herod will kill Thee. And He said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the day following: For it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. Here endeth the second lesson.

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THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Everything that Thou hast done to us O Lord, Thou hast done in true judgement: For we have sinned against Thee, and have not obeyed Thy commandments: But glorify Thy Name, and deal with us according to the multitude of Thy mercy. Great is the Lord and highly to be praised : In the city of our God, even upon His holy hill.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

O Almighty and most merciful God, of Thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech Thee, from all things that may hurt us, that we being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that Thou wouldst have done: Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

We beseech Thee O Lord God, grant to us Thy people ever to rejoice in health of mind and body and at the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, to be set free from all present sadness, and attain to eternal joys: Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.

R: Amen

THE EPISTLE FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE EPHESIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTEENTH VERSE.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord : And Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand: And fillest all things with plenteousness.

Alleluia. Out of the deep have I called unto Thee O Lord : Lord hear my voice.

O let Thine ears consider well : The voice of my complaint.

If Thou Lord wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss : O Lord who may abide it.

For there is mercy with Thee : Therefore shalt Thou be feared.

I look for the Lord my soul doth wait for Him : In His word is my trust.

My soul fleeth unto the Lord : Before the morning watch I say before the morning watch.

O Israel trust in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy : And with Him is plenteous redemption.

And He shall redeem Israel : From all his sins.

Many a time have they fought against me from my youth up : May Israel now say.

Yea many a time have they vexed me from my youth up : But they have not prevailed against me.

The plowers plowed upon my back : And made long furrows.

But the righteous Lord : Hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.

Let them be confounded and turned backward : As many as have evil will at Sion.

Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops : Which withereth afore it be plucked up;

Whereof the mower filleth not his hand : Neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.

So that they who go by say not so much as The Lord prosper you : We wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.

But I refrain my soul, and keep it low, like as a child that is weaned from his mother : yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.

O Israel, trust in the Lord : from this time forth for evermore.

Alleluia.

THE GOSPEL FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

V: THE LORD BE WITH YOU

R: AND WITH THY SPIRIT

THE HOLY GOSPEL IS WRITTEN IN THE TWENTY-SECOND CHAPTER OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

And Jesus + answered and spake unto them again by parables and said, The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready, come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise. And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: And he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good, and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment, and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

R:PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept : When we remembered Thee O Sion. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: And to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

During the Censing after the Offertory; Ps cxxxvii Super flumina

By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept : When we remembered thee O Sion.

As for our harps we hanged them up : Upon the trees that are therein.

For they that led us away captive required of us then a song and melody in our heaviness : Sing us one of the songs of Sion.

How shall we sing the Lord’s song : In a strange land.

If I forget thee O Jerusalem : Let my right hand forget her cunning.

If I do not remember thee let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth : Yea if I prefer not Jerusalem in my mirth.

Remember the children of Edom O Lord in the day of Jerusalem : How they said Down with it down with it even to the ground.

O daughter of Babylon wasted with misery : Yea happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Blessed shall he be that taketh thy works : and destroyeth them against the stones.

Glory be to theFather and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. cxxxviii. Confitebor tibi

I will give thanks unto Thee O Lord with my whole heart: Even before the angels will I sing praise unto Thee.

I will worship toward Thy holy temple and praise Thy Name because of Thy loving-kindness and truth : For Thou hast magnified Thy Name and Thy word above all things.

When I called upon Thee Thou heardest me : And enduedst my soul with much strength.

All the kings of the earth shall praise Thee O Lord : For they have heard the words of Thy mouth.

Yea they shall sing in the ways of the Lord : That great is the glory of the Lord.

For though the Lord be high yet hath He respect unto the lowly : As for the proud He beholdeth them afar off.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble yet shalt Thou refresh me : Thou shalt stretch forth Thy hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies and Thy right hand shall save me.

The lord shall make good His loving kindness toward me : Yea Thy mercy O Lord endureth for ever despise not then the works of Thine own hands.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE SECRET FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Let Thy merciful healing, O Lord, so work in our hearts, that it may deliver us from all waywardness, and make us always to cleave unto Thy Commandments. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

O think upon Thy servant, as concerning Thy word, O Lord, wherein Thou hast caused me to put my trust: The same is my comfort in my trouble.

During the Communion and Ablutions Ps cxix VII Memor esto servi tui

O think upon Thy servant as concerning Thy world : Wherein Thou hast caused me to put my trust.

The same is my comfort in my trouble : For Thy word hath quickened me.

The proud have had me exceedingly in derision : Yet have I not shrinked from Thy law.

For I remembered Thine everlasting judgements O Lord : And received comfort.

I am horribly afraid : For the ungodly that forsake Thy law.

Thy statutes have been my songs : In the house of my pilgrimage.

I have thought upon Thy Name O Lord in the night-season : And have kept Thy law.

This I had : Because I kept Thy commandments.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

VIII Portio mea, Domine

Thou art my portion O Lord : I have promised to keep Thy law.

I made my humble petition in Thy presence with my whole heart : O be merciful unto me, according to Thy word.

I called mine own ways to remembrance : And turned my feet unto Thy testimonies.

I made haste and prolonged not the time : To keep Thy commandments.

The congregations of the ungodly have robbed me : But I have not forgotten Thy law.

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee : Because of Thy righteous judgements.

I am a companion of all them that fear Thee : And keep Thy commandments.

The earth O Lord, is full of Thy mercy : O teach me Thy statutes.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

IX Bonitatem fecisti

O Lord Thou hast dealt graciously with Thy servant : According unto Thy word.

O learn me true understanding and knowledge : For I have believed Thy commandments.

Before I was troubled I went wrong : But now I have kept Thy word.

Thou art good and gracious : O teach me Thy statutes.

The proud have imagined a lie against me : But I will keep Thy commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart is as fat as brawn : But my delight hath been in Thy law.

It is good for me that I have been in trouble : That I may learn Thy statutes.

The law of Thy mouth is dearer to me : Than thousands of gold and silver

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : And to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

We beseech Thee, O Lord, to make us ever obedient unto Thy Commandments so that we may become worthy of Thy sacred Gifts. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

We beseech Thee Almighty God that by these Thy means of grace, Thou wouldst heal our iniquities, and pour upon us eternal blessings. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.

R: Amen.

Grant, we beseech O Lord, that as we have now received of Thy help from above: So we may always be defended by the intercession of the most holy Mother of Thy Son. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.

R: Amen.