LITURGY PROPERS – ASH WED to ASCENSION

THE OFFICE OF THE BLESSING OF THE ASHES

On the Altar. 1. White Lenten frontal, Crucifix and candlesticks, with candles, no vases of flowers. 2. Altar Book on a cushion or stand at the Epistle side of the Altar. 3. A vessel of silver or brass, with ashes well screened and dried, made from olive leaves or the palms of the preceding Palm Sunday, covered with the usual covering of the vessel or a linen veil, and placed between the stand and the Epistle corner of the Altar.
The Celebrant, vested in amice, alb, girdle, stole and cope, processes to the Altar, kisses the Altar in the middle and goes to the Epistle side, where they say the Antiphon;

ANTIPHON.

Hear me O Lord for Thy loving-kindness is comfortable : Turn Thee unto me according to the multitude of Thy mercies.

Ps. lxix. Salvum me fac

Save me O God : For the waters are come in even unto my soul.
I stick fast in the deep mire where no ground is : I am come into deep waters so that the floods run over me.
I am weary of crying my throat is dry : My sight faileth me for waiting so long upon my God.
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head : They that are mine enemies and would destroy me guiltless are mighty.
I paid them the things that I never took : God Thou knowest my simpleness and my faults are not hid from Thee.
Let not them that trust in Thee O Lord God of hosts be ashamed for my cause : Let not those that seek Thee be confounded through me O Lord God of Israel.
And why for Thy sake have I suffered reproof : Shame hath covered my face.
I am become a stranger unto my brethren : Even an alien unto my mother’s children.
For the zeal of Thine house hath even eaten me : And the rebukes of them that rebuked Thee are fallen upon me.
I wept and chastened myself with fasting : And that was turned to my reproof.
I put on sackcloth also : And they jested upon me.
They that sit in the gate speak against me : And the drunkards make songs upon me.
But Lord I make my prayer unto Thee : In an acceptable time.
Hear me O God in the multitude of Thy mercy : Even in the truth of Thy salvation.
Take me out of the mire that I sink not : O let me be delivered from them that hate me and out of the deep waters.
Let not the water-flood drown me neither let the deep swallow me up : And let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
Hear me O Lord for Thy loving-kindness is comfortable : Turn Thee unto me according to the multitude of Thy mercies.
And hide not Thy face from Thy servant for I am in trouble : O haste Thee and hear me.
Draw nigh unto my soul and save it : O deliver me because of mine enemies.
Thou hast known my reproof my shame and my dishonour : Mine adversaries are all in Thy sight.
Thy rebuke hath broken my heart I am full of heaviness : I looked for some to have pity on me but there was no man neither found I any to comfort me.
They gave me gall to eat : And when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink.
Let their table be made a snare to take themselves withal : And let the things that should have been for their wealth be unto them an occasion of falling.
Let their eyes be blinded that they see not : And ever bow Thou down their backs.
Pour out Thine indignation upon them : And let Thy wrathful displeasure take hold of them.
Let their habitation be void : And no man to dwell in their tents.
For they persecute him whom Thou hast smitten : And they talk how they may vex them whom Thou hast wounded.
Let them fall from one wickedness to another : And not come into Thy righteousness.
Let them be wiped out of the book of the living : And not be written among the righteous.
As for me when I am poor and in heaviness : Thy help O God shall lift me up.
I will praise the Name of God with a song : And magnify it with thanksgiving.
This also shall please the Lord : Better than a bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
The humble shall consider this and be glad : Seek ye after God and your soul shall live.
For the Lord heareth the poor : And despiseth not His prisoners.
Let heaven and earth praise him : The sea and all that moveth therein.
For God will save Sion and build the cities of Judah : That men may dwell there and have it in possession.
The posterity also of his servants shall inherit it : And they that love His Name shall dwell therein.
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

ANTIPHON

Hear me O Lord for Thy loving-kindness is comfortable : Turn Thee unto me according to the multitude of Thy mercies.

The Celebrant, standing at the Epistle side,

Priest: The Lord be with you
R: And with thy spirit
Priest: Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, we beseechTthee to spare them that are penitent, and to be favourable to them that call upon Thee. Vouchsafe, we pray Thee, to send Thy holy Angel from heaven to bless + and sanctify + these ashes, that they may be a wholesome medicine to all them that humbly call upon Thy holy Name, who in their consciences are by sin accused, who in the sight of Thy heavenly mercy bewail their sins, and earnestly and meekly implore Thy gracious loving-kindness. And we beseech Thee to grant to all them that call upon Thy holy Name, that being sprinkled with these ashes for the remission of their sins, they may be preserved evermore both in body and soul. Through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
Priest: Let us pray. O God, Who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live: We beseech Thee to have compassion on the frailty of our mortal nature, and of Thy great goodness to bless + these ashes now to be set upon our heads for a token of humility and for the remission of our sins:Tthat we, acknowledging ourselves to be but dust and ashes, and that by reason of our vileness we must return unto the same, may of Thy mercy be found worthy to obtain the pardon of our offences and the reward that Thou dost promise to them that are penitent. Through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
Priest: Let us pray. O God, who turnest unto them that abase themselves and art favourable unto them that offer atonement: incline thy merciful ear unto our prayers; and of thy pity pour forth upon the heads of thy servants now sprinkled with these ashes the grace of thy heavenly benediction: that they being filled with the spirit of true repentance may effectually obtain those things that they have asked according to thy will. And we beseech thee to ordain that we, being stablished in these thy blessings, may cleave unto the same to life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
Priest: Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, who upon the people of Nineveh, repenting in dust and ashes, didst bestow the healing of thy loving-kindness: mercifully grant, that we, who now do imitate them in outward fashion, may be made like unto them in the obtaining of thy pardon. ThroughChrist our Lord.

With the holy water to hand, the Priest puts incense in the thurible, sprinkles the ashes, and censes them. The ashes are placed in the midst of the Altar. If the Celebrant is the only Priest present, he then kneels at the Altar and imposes ashes in silence on his forehead.
[If another Priest is present, he goes to the Altar without a stole, and imposes the ashes saying: Remember O man that dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return]
The Priest goes to the Epistle side, and they recite the Antiphon

Then shall the people come to the Quire doors and the Priest(s) shall impose ashes on them with the following words:

Remember O man that dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return

After which the Priest(s), Deacons and Servers shall return to the Vestry Chapel where they shall vest for the Divine Liturgy

THE DIVINE LITURGY

The Priest, Ministers and Servers return simply, staying at the Rood Screen for the Preparation, during which the choir shall sing Psalm 51

THE OFFICE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Thou hast mercy upon all. O Lord and hatest nothing that Thou hast made: Thou turnest Thine eyes from the sins of men because they should amend, and sparest them for Thou art the Lord our God. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth Thee.

THE COLLECTS FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; 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 joy. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. .
R:        Amen.
O Lord, mercifully hear the prayers of Thy Church; that she, being delivered from all error and adversity, 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.

FOR THE EPISTLE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY

THE READING THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JOEL, BEGINNING AT THE TWELFTH VERSE

Turn ye even to Me, saith the Lord, with all your heart and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. And rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. Who knoweth if He will return, and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat-offering and a drink-offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the peopl, sanctify the congregation, assemble the Elders, gather the children and those that suck the breasts; let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet: Let the Priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the Altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

THE GRADUAL FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth Thee. He shall send from Heaven and shall save me: For the reproof of him that would devour me.
THE TRACT
O Lord deal not with us after our sins : Nor reward us according to our wickednesses.
O Lord, remember not our old sins, but have mercy upon us and that soon: For we are come to great misery.
Praise the Lord O my soul : And all that is within me praise His holy Name.
Praise the Lord O my soul : And forget not all His benefits;
Who forgiveth all thy sin : And healeth all thine infirmities;
Who saveth thy life from destruction : And crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things : Making thee young and lusty as an eagle.
The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement : For all them that are oppressed with wrong.
He shewed His ways unto Moses : His works unto the children of Israel.
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy : Long-suffering and of great goodness.
He will not alway be chiding : Neither keepeth He His anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins : Nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses.
For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth : So great is his mercy also toward them that fear him.
Look how wide also the east is from the west : So far hath He set our sins from us.
Yea like as a father pitieth his own children : Even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear Him.
For He knoweth whereof we are made : He remembereth that we are but dust.
The days of man are but as grass : For he flourisheth as a flower of the field.
For as soon as the wind goeth over it it is gone : And the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear Him : And His righteousness upon children’s children;
Even upon such as keep His covenant : And think upon His commandments to do them.
The Lord hath prepared His seat in heaven : And His kingdom ruleth over all.
O praise the Lord ye angels of His ye that excel in strength : Ye that fulfil His commandment and hearken unto the voice of His words.
O praise the Lord all ye His hosts : Ye servants of His that do His pleasure.
O speak good of the Lord all ye works of His in all places of His dominion : Praise thou the Lord O my soul.
Help us O God of our salvation for the glory of Thy Name : O deliver us and be merciful unto our sins for Thy Name’s sake.

THE GOSPEL FOR ASH WEDNESDAY

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

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

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

+ When ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: And thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
I will magnify Thee O God 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 heard me. Thou hast brought my soul out of hell : Thou hast kept my life from them that go down to the pit.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. xxx. Exaltabo te, Domine

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.
Thou Lord hast brought my soul out of hell : Thou hast kept my life from them that go down to the pit.
Sing praises unto the Lord O ye saints of His : And give thanks unto Him for a remembrance of His holiness.
For His wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye and in His pleasure is life : Heaviness may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.
And in my prosperity I said I shall never be removed : Thou Lord of Thy goodness hast made my hill so strong.
Thou didst turn Thy face from me : And I was troubled.
Then cried I unto thee O Lord : And gat me to my Lord right humbly.
What profit is there in my blood : When I go down to the pit?
Shall the dust give thanks unto Thee : Or shall it declare Thy truth?
Hear O Lord and have mercy upon me : Lord be Thou my helper.
Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy : Thou hast put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.
Therefore shall every good man sing of Thy praise without ceasing : O my God I will give thanks unto thee 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 SECRET FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Grant us O Lord, we beseech Thee, worthily to offer these gifts: Wherewith we celebrate the beginning of the holy fast. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
He who will exercise himself in the law of the Lord : Will bring forth his fruit in due season.

During the Ablutions: 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 judgement : 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. 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 is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Let the Sacraments O Lord, which we have received afford us help: That our fast may both be acceptable unto Thee, and also profitable to our soul’s health. 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 eternal Saviour, that we who have received by this gift, the pardon of our offences, may henceforth flee from sin. 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 Thee, O Lord, that as we have now received Thy help from above; so we may always be defended by the intercessions of Blessed Mary, Thy handmaid. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost ever one God, world without end.
R:       Amen.

___________________________________________

LENT II
During Lent, the custom is to substitute the Great Litany in place of the Office. However, that is not always practicable, therefore the Psalms and readings for Matins will continue to be given. In places where there is no Divine Liturgy, then the Great Litany and Matins may be used together.
Despite the rubrics given for the Great Litany, if it is more convenient, then it may be chanted from a prayer desk in the midst of the chancel facing the Altar, vested in cassock and surplice.

The Great Litany given here is taken from the Saint Colman Prayer Book and contains the Litany of ther Saints, elements of the Anglo-Saxon, Corby and other English Litanies rendered as being compatible with the Sarum Usage.

THE GREAT LITANY

At the Divine Liturgy, at the end of the Preparation, after the Holy Water has been blessed and the asperges begun, the Priest remaining vested in a cope, they form a procession: Crucifer, Taperers, Thurifer, Sub-Deacon, Deacon, Priest, Chanter, men of the Choir and other Clergy, and proceed at the words “Holy Mary…” through the doors of the Rood Screen, down the centre aisle to the west door, around the church and up the centre aisle, as is suited to the church, making a station at the entrance to the Rood Screen for the Bidding Prayer. All is halted, with all clergy inside the Screen before the Celebrant intones the words “Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us”.

V: Kyrie Eleison
R: Christe Eleison
V: O Christ hear us.
R: O Christ hear us.
V: O God the Father of Heaven: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
R: O God the Father of Heaven: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
V: O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
R: O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
V: O God the Holy Ghost: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
R: O God the Holy Ghost: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
V: O Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three Persons in One God: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
R: O Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three Persons in One God: Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
V: Holy Mary:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Mother of God:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Virgin of all virgins:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Archangel Michael:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Archangel Gabriel:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Archangel Raphael:
R: Pray for us.
V: All ye holy Angels and Archangels:
R: Pray for us.
V: All ye holy orders of blessed spirits:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy John the Baptist:
R: Pray for us.
V: All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Paul:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Peter:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle John:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Andrew:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Simon:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Matthew:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle James:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Jude:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Philip:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Thomas:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Bartholomew:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Matthias:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Apostle Barnabas:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Evangelist Mark:
R: Pray for us.
V: Holy Evangelist Luke:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint James:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Stephen:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Lawrence:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Cyril:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Dyfan:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Ninian:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Patrick:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Cuthbert:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint David:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Chad:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Petroc:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Columba:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Alban:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Aidan:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint George:
R: Pray for us.
V: Saint Basil:
R: Pray for us.
V: All ye holy saints of the Lord: Pray for us.
R: All ye holy saints of the Lord: Pray for us. (to ”Son of God,)
V: Remember not Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our fathers take not vengeance of our sins: Spare us,good Lord, spare Thy people whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy most precious Blood, and be not angry with us for ever.
R: Spare us good Lord.
V: From all evil and mischief; from sin, the crafts and assaults of the devil; from Thy wrath and from everlasting damnation,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: From all blindness of heart; from pride, vain-glory and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred and malice and all uncharitableness,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: From fornication and all other deadly sin; and from all deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: From lightning and tempest; from plague, pestilence and famine; from battle murder and from sudden death,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: From all false doctrine, heresy and schism; from hardness of heart and from contempt of Thy Word and Commandment,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: By the Mystery of Thy Holy Incarnation; by Thy Holy Nativity and Circumcision; by Thy Baptism, Fasting and Temptation,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: By Thy Agony and Bloody Sweat; by Thy Cross and Passion; by Thy precious Death and Burial; by Thy glorious Resurrection and by
the coming of the Holy Ghost,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our wealth; in the hour of death and in the Day of Judgement,
R: Good Lord, deliver us.
V: We sinners do beseech Thee to hear us O Lord God; and that it may please Thee to rule, govern and defend Thy Church.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to illuminate all Bishops, Priests and Deacons,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to preserve all Abbots and congregations of holy persons in Thy service.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to keep Elizabeth our Queen and Governor in Thy fear and love, with increase in Godliness and that she and all the Royal Family may ever have affiance in Thee and seek Thy honour and glory,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to endue her Ministers and Parliament with grace, wisdom and understanding,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to bless and keep the Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice and to maintain Thy true, Christian religion,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to bless and keep all Christian people.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to give all nations peaceful governance.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to give us a right faith, an heart to love Thee and a sure hope of Thy goodness and to lift our minds to Heavenly desires.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to give to the all hearers of Thy word a lively grace to understand it and to enable them to work thereafter by the virtue of Thy Holy Ghost.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to bring into the Way of Truth all who have erred and are deceived.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to strengthen such as do stand; to comfort and help the weak hearted, to raise up them that fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to look upon and relieve the miseries of the poor and to help and comfort all who are in danger, necessity and tribulation
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to preserve all who travel, all women labouring of child, all sick persons and young children and to show Thy pity on all prisoners and captives.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to defend and provide for fatherless children, widows and all who are homeless, desolate and oppressed.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to have mercy upon all men.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to bestow on our enemies peace and love.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to maintain the good earth and all that it hath in it in pureness and health to the prosperity and good of all men.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, and to restore and continue to us the blessings of the seas, so as in due time we may enjoy them.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to give us true repentance and to forgive all our sins, negligences and ignorances and to endue us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to repay everlasting good to all our benefactors,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to grant eternal rest and peace to all the faithful departed,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to restore to our people a true faith and a right belief in the Holy Trinity.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to restore to this land unity of faith with Thy Holy Church throughout the world,
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to raise up confessing bishops to preserve unity, peace and concord in Thy Holy Church.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
V: That it may please Thee to restore to us the true faith and worship of our forefathers in times past.
R: We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

The procession now halted in the midst of the Quire, the Priest facing the Altar, the Deacon and Sub Deacon on either side of him

V: Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us.
R: Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us.
V: O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
R: Hear us, O Lord.
V: O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world,
R: Spare us, O Lord.
V: O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world,
R: Have mercy upon us.
V: O Christ hear us.
R: O Christ hear us.
V: Lord have mercy upon us.
R: Lord have mercy upon us.
V: Christ have mercy upon us.
R: Christ have mercy upon us.
V: Lord have mercy upon us.
R: Lord have mercy upon us.

Here, without pause, let the Priest continue with the Divine Liturgy, the Priest remaining vested in his cope until the Kyrie is sung, during which he shall go to the Vestry Chapel and be assisted to remove his cope and vest in his chasuble.

MATTINS

Ps xcv Venite, exultemus

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.
Today 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.
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. xcvi Cantate Domino

O sing unto the Lord a new song : Sing unto the Lord all the whole earth.
Sing unto the Lord and praise His Name : Be telling of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His honour unto the heathen : And His wonders unto all people.
For the Lord is great and cannot worthily be praised : He is more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the heathen they are but idols : But it is the Lord that made the heavens.
Glory and worship are before Him : Power and honour are in His sanctuary
Ascribe unto the Lord O ye kindreds of the people : Ascribe unto the Lord worship and power.
Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto His Name : Bring presents and come into His courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : Let the whole earth stand in awe of Him.
Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King : And that it is He who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved and how that He shall judge the people righteously.
Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad : Let the sea make a noise and all that therein is.
Let the field be joyful and all that is in it : Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.
For He cometh for He cometh to judge the earth : And with righteousness to judge the world and the people with His truth.
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. xcvii Dominus regnavit

The Lord is King the earth may be glad thereof : Yea the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof.
Clouds and darkness are round about Him : Righteousness and judgement are the habitation of His seat.
There shall go a fire before Him : And burn up His enemies on every side.
His lightnings gave shine unto the world : The earth saw it and was afraid.
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord : At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens have declared His righteousness : And all the people have seen His glory.
Confounded be all they that worship carved images and that delight in vain gods : Worship Him all ye gods.
Sion heard of it and rejoiced : And the daughters of Judah were glad because of Thy judgements O Lord.
For Thou Lord art higher than all that are in the earth : Thou art exalted far above all gods.
O ye that love the Lord see that ye hate the thing which is evil : the Lord preserveth the souls of His saints He shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
There is sprung up a light for the righteous : And the joyful gladness for such as are true-hearted.
Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous : and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness
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 the Prophet Ezekiel, beginning at the first verse. (1-4, 25-32)

The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The second lesson is written in the fifth chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, beginning at the twenty-seventh verse.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR LENT II
Call to remembrance Thy tender mercies, O Lord, and Thy loving kindnesses which have been ever of old: Neither let our enemies triumph over us: Deliver us, O God of Israel, out of all our troubles. Unto Thee, O Lord, will I lift up my soul: My God, I have put my trust in Thee, let me never be confounded.

THE COLLECTS FOR LENT II
Almighty God, Who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O God, Who dost cleanse Thy Church by the yearly observance of Lent; grant unto Thy family that which it strives to obtain from Thee by abstinence and which it may perform in good works. 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 FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE

We beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, Who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit.

THE GRADUAL FOR LENT II
The sorrows of my heart are enlarged : O bring me out of my troubles, O Lord. Look upon my adversity and my misery : And forgive me all my sin.
THE TRACT
The Lord said unto the woman of Canaan, It is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs.
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.

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 SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-FIRST VERSE.

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

+ JESUS went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But He answered her not a word. And His Disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me. But He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: Yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: Be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR LENT II.
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.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps cxix 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.
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 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

THE SECRET FOR LENT II
Graciously receive, O Lord, the gifts of Thy Church: Which of Thy mercy, Thou hast ordained to be offered, and of Thy power, dost make to become the Mystery of our salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR LENT II
Consider my meditation : Ohearken Thou unto the voice of my calling, my King and my God : For unto Thee O Lord will I make my prayer.

During the Ablutions: 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 is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

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 LAST COLLECTS FOR LENT II
Quicken us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, with Thy Holy Body and Blood: And grant that what is in this Mystery set forth, may work effectually to the good of our souls. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, ever world without end.
R: Amen.
O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers and spare all those who confess their faults unto Thee, that they whose consciences are by sin accused, may by Thy merciful pardon be absolved. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, ever world without end.
R: Amen.
Let the Sacraments O Lord, which we have received afford us help: That our fast may both be acceptable unto Thee, and also profitable to our soul’s health. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, ever world without end.
R: Amen.

LENT II

The note sounded in the Collects, Epistle and Gospel this Sunday and through the Liturgies of the week following, is one of the discipline of Lent. It is a call to the subjugation of the sensual part of our nature by seriously asking for a participation in the power of Him Who was tempted as we are tempted and yet came through unscathed.
Our Lord’s triumph over satan, (recounted last Sunday) can be contrasted with the triumph recounted in today’s Gospel (Matt. 15:21-). Whether the woman of Canaan’s daughter was possessed in quite the same way as were others in the Gospels, we don’t know, however, as it was usual to attribute all sickness to possession, she was certainly very ill.
Jesus’ confrontation with satan in the wilderness ended in His working within human limitations to defeat satan. He actually does little that the Apostles weren’t later empowered to do. Here and in the possession miracles, Jesus uses Divine power to overcome evil. Here, we see Jesus using the basic formula that He used so often: “thy faith hath made thee whole”. He emphasised for the benefit of the supplicant and those who were watching, the fact that it was the faith of the supplicant which made the healing either of themselves or someone else, possible. It needed, at least in this aspect, to be a simple, uncomplicated absolute trust, without doubts, that Jesus could effect the desired result because He was Who He was. Then it required that He should be asked to effect the cure – in that faith and that they evidence their faith. In the case of His Disciples, when they needed to carry out similar cures and exorcisms, it required that they have the absolute certainty that the miracle would be effected through Him by their prayers and actions. Once the faith was present, the Divine power would be released and the miracle effected. Without the quality of faith, nothing would happen, as they found to their discomfort on occasion. It was in the context of such failure of exorcism that Christ linked fasting and faith most strongly with the success of prayer (Matt. 17:21). This faith is necessary not only to effect cures and work miracles, but, more importantly, it is necessary for us to have the hope of salvation. It was and is of a particular quality. Such faith is in the first instance, a gift from God – it is not something that we manufacture for ourselves. It is acquired by our wanting it and persistently asking for it. As Christ advised (Matt. 7:7, Luke 11:9): keep on asking and it shall be given to you, and it is for faith that we must ask and keep on asking.
But what is it – this faith? We keep using this word “faith” and yet it is another of the Christian jargon-words that intimidate the new enquirer and confuse the existing members. I am sure that many quietly drift away from the Church because they are constantly hit with this word (among others) and are given by us, the feeling that they are outsiders who will never attain to it. So, what is this “faith”? The short answer, and an accurate one, is that it is a combination of belief and trust. The ‘belief’ component is, in the first place, an assent to the truth contained in the revelation of God, most especially including a right belief in the actuality of Christ and His Divinity that is contained in the Bible and tradition of the Church. The ‘trust’ component is trust in Christ as the One Who will save the believer, Who will act in the believer’s best spiritual interests at all times. That is a fair summary of “faith”. It is above human reason, therefore it is not a work of the intellect. It is primarily a gift from God and it is, in its most advanced state a beginning of union of the will of the believer with that of God. He who has faith, wills to will that which God wills. He may seldom succeed, but he wills to do so.
To avoid confusion: The other term often used: “The Faith” refers to the body of truth to be found in the canonical Scriptures, the definitions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils and the Creeds of the Church – which together with the teachings of the Fathers of the Church, comprise much of what we term the Tradition of the Church.

________________________________________

THE OFFICE FOR WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II
Forsake me not O Lord my God; be not Thou far from me: Haste Thee to help me, O Lord God of my salvation.

THE COLLECTS FOR WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II
Look graciously O Lord upon Thy people; and grant that as at Thy command we do abstain from forbidden meats, so also by Thy grace, we may cease from sin and wickedness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O God, Who dost cleanse Thy Church by the yearly observance of Lent; grant unto Thy family that which it strives to obtain from Thee by abstinence and which it may perform in good works. 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 THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER, BEGINNING AT THE EIGHTH VERSE

Then Mardocheus thought upon all the works of the Lord, and made his prayer unto him, saying, O Lord, Lord, the King Almighty: for the whole world is in Thy power, and if Thou hast appointed to save Israel, there is no man that can gainsay Thee: For Thou hast made heaven and earth, and all the wondrous things under the heaven. Thou art Lord of all things, and and there is no man that can resist Thee, which art the Lord. Thou knowest all things, and Thou knowest, Lord, that it was neither in contempt nor pride, nor for any desire of glory, that I did not bow down to proud Aman. For I could have been content with good will for the salvation of Israel to kiss the soles of his feet. But I did this, that I might not prefer the glory of man above the glory of God: Neither will I worship any but Thee, O God, neither will I do it in pride. And now, O Lord God and King, spare Thy people: For their eyes are upon us to bring us to nought; yea, they desire to destroy the inheritance, that hath been Thine from the beginning. Despise not the portion, which Thou hast delivered out of Egypt for Thine own self. Hear my prayer, and be merciful unto Thine inheritance: Turn our sorrow into joy, that we may live, O Lord, and praise Thy Name: and destroy not the mouths of them that praise Thee, O Lord.

THE GRADUAL WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II
Save Thy people O Lord and give blessing to Thine inheritance. Unto Thee will I cry O Lord my strength: Think no scorn upon me lest I become like them that go down into the pit..
THE TRACT
Bring me out of my troubles O Lord : Look upon mine adversity and misery and forgive me all my sin.
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

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 SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-FIRST VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him: and the third day He shall rise again. Then came to Him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping Him, and desiring a certain thing of Him. And He said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be Baptised with the baptism that I am Baptised with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be Baptised with the baptism that I am Baptised with: but to sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II
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.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps cxix VI Et veniat super me

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

THE SECRET FOR WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II
Look graciously, O Lord, upon the Sacrifice that we offer: And through this most holy communion loosen the chains of our sins. Through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II
The righteous Lord loveth righteousness: His countenance will behold the thing that is just.

During the Ablutions: 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 is now and ever shall be : World without end. Amen

Ps. V. Verba mea auribus.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II
We beseech Thee O Lord, that our frequent reception of this Sacrament may be profitable to us: That we, being cleansed from our former state may increase continually in newness of life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, ever world without end.
R: Amen.
O Lord we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers and spare all those who confess their faults unto Thee that they whose consciences are by sin accused, may by Thy merciful pardon be absolved. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God ever world without end
R: Amen.
Let the Sacraments O Lord, which we have received afford us help: That our fast may both be acceptable unto Thee, and also profitable to our soul’s health. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, ever world without end.
R: Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE FOR WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT II

O Lord who lovest innocency, and dost restore it within us: Draw to Thyself, we beseech Thee, the hearts of Thy servants, that they being kindled with the fire of Thy Spirit, may be found steadfast in faith, and fruitful in all good works. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost One God ever world without end
R: Amen.

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LENT III

MATINS

Ps xxiv. Domini est terra
The earth is the Lord’s and all that therein is : The compass of the world and they that dwell therein.
For He hath founded it upon the seas : And prepared it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord : Or who shall rise up in His holy place?
Even he that hath clean hands and a pure heart : And that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.
He shall receive the blessing from the Lord : And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
This is the generation of them that seek him : Even of them that seek thy face O Jacob.
Lift up your heads O ye gates and be ye lift up ye everlasting doors : And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is the King of glory : It is the Lord strong and mighty even the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads O ye gates and be ye lift up ye everlasting doors : And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is the King of glory : Even the Lord of hosts he is the King of glory.
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 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 FIRST LESSON is written in the tenth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiasticus, beginning at the twelfth verse. (12-24)

He that loveth Holy Wisdom loveth life; and they that seek to her early shall be filled with joy.
He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever she entereth, the Lord will bless.
They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them that love her the Lord doth love.
Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.
If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and his generation shall hold her in possession.
For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her discipline,
until she may trust his soul, and try him by her laws.
Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort him, and shew him her secrets.
But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over to his own ruin.
Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.
For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame which is glory and grace.
Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence of any man cause thee to fall.
And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good, and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty.
For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word of the tongue. Here endeth theFirst Lesson

THE SECOND LESSON is written in the tenth chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul theApostle to theHebrews, beginning at the nineteenth verse. (10:19-39)

Having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know Him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; partly, whilst ye were made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR LENT III
We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy servants, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; 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 LENT III
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. 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.

THE COLLECTS FOR LENT III
We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy servants, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgive-ness; through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O God, Who dost cleanse Thy Church by the yearly observance of Lent; grant unto Thy family that which it strives to obtain from Thee by abstinence and which it may perform in good works. 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 PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE EPHESIANS, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetous-ness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in thekingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: Walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: For whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

THE GRADUAL FOR LENT III
Up Lord, and let not man have the upper hand: Let the heathen be judged in Thy sight. While mine enemies are driven back: They shall fall and perish at Thy presence.
THE TRACT
Unto Thee I lift up mine eyes: O Thou that dwellest in the Heavens. Behold, even as the eyes of servants: Look unto the hands of their masters.
Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes : O Thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Behold even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress : Even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God until He have mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us O Lord have mercy upon us : For we are utterly despised.
Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy : And with the despitefulness of the proud.
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

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

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

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

+ JESUS was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting Him, sought of Him a sign from Heaven. But He, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with Me is against Me: And he that gathereth not with Me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: And the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But He said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

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

During the censing after the Offertory; 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
THE SECRET FOR LENT III
Receive, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the gifts of Thy faithful people: And of Thy goodness make us clean who attend on Thy Holy Mysteries, by which Thou dost justify even them that know Thee not. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
THE COMMUNION FOR LENT III
The sparrow hath found her an house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young, even Thine Altars, O Lord of hosts: My King and my God, blessed are they that dwell in Thy house; they will be always praising Thee.

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 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. lxxxv. Benedixisti, Domine

Lord Thou art become gracious unto Thy land : Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy people : And covered all their sins.
Thou hast taken away all Thy displeasure : And turned Thyself from Thy wrathful indignation.
Turn us then O God our Saviour : And let Thine anger cease from us.
Wilt Thou be displeased at us for ever : And wilt Thou stretch out Thy wrath from one generation to another?
Wilt Thou not turn again and quicken us : That Thy people may rejoice in Thee?
Shew us Thy mercy O Lord : And grant us Thy salvation.
Yea the Lord shall shew loving-kindness : And our land shall give her increase.
Righteousness shall go before him : And he shall direct his going in the way.
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 LENT III
Mercifully grant O Lord, that we whom Thou dost permit to be partakers of so great a Mystery, may thereby be set free from all guilt and danger. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers and spare all those who confess their faults unto Thee, that they whose consciences are by sin accused, may by Thy merciful pardon be absolved. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Let the Sacraments O Lord, which we have received afford us help: That our fast may both be acceptable unto Thee, and also profitable to our soul’s health. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

LENT III

The dangerous sympathy that exists between human nature and evil is set out today in the Epistle and the Gospel (Luke 11:14-28) with great intensity. Our Lord had cast out another of those evil spirits which were permitted to exercise their utmost power over men, that His glory might be shown in overcoming them. Some of those witnessing His successful action and finding no other explanation, attributed His power to “Beelzebub the prince of devils” (a Philistine god, also known as The Lord of the Flies [flies meant devils] and usually used by the Jews as a term of derision, but here meaning satan). This foolish accounting for the exorcism was met by Jesus pointing out that satan would hardly act against himself and that their own Rabbis carried out exorcisms and must therefore appeal to the same power. In the recounting of the same exorcism in Matthew (12:31-32), Jesus goes on to warn His hearers that they have just come dangerously close to committing the unpardonable sin: That of blasphemy against the action of the Holy Spirit (of Whom they were well aware from the Old Testament). Jesus then goes on to declare that He alone can cast out satan, He being the stronger. From this we learn that all exorcism is carried out by Christ Himself: All driving out of satan is the work of Christ, just as all sin is ultimately the work of the adversary (the meaning of the Hebrew word ‘satan’). Christ drives evil from our nature by purifying us in His own holy and immaculate Person, He drives it from each individual by His work through the grace given us in the Sacraments (Mysteries) …. with our cooperation. After this in the Gospel for today, comes the awful truth about the repossession that is possible given the abiding sympathy of our nature with evil and the intensification of satan’s power with every unresisted submission to his influence. This was said by Jesus firstly about the generation of the people of God in our Lord’s time and has its secondary application to the falling away of groups of members of the Church into heresy, worldliness and apostasy.
Satan was driven out of every position that he had taken up as soon as Christ appeared for the purpose of opposing him. But the sympathies of the nation were towards evil, and after their rejection of Christ and His Apostles, their spiritual condition became far worse than it was even in our Lord’s time, when He called them a “generation of vipers” because of their evil works and their malice. The vanquished strong man (satan) returned and the horrors of sin between our Lord’s Ascension and the fall of Jerusalem: The prevailing hardness of heart, blindness and persecution were hardly exceeded. The subjugation of so much of the ancient Christian lands up to today may be said also to be a case of “the strong man armed” with “seven others more ruthless than himself”, having been first driven out by Christianity for a time. Then rejection of Christianity with creeping carelessness and unbelief rearousal of old sympathies with evil allowed satan to return more powerful than before with the assumed guise of religion. The application of the same truth to individuals is obvious. The sense of satan’s power was so strong in the Early Church as to lead it to make exorcism an invariable part of Baptism. In fact, every act of absolution by a Priest is a kind of exorcism and a conquest of satan by Christ. But unless the cleansed soul is from then on fully preoccupied with good, evil will certainly return to it. In all Lenten discipline therefore, the occupation of the soul by the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit is sought as the true bar to the entrance of the seven evil spirits, and active works of prayer, liturgy and mercy are urged to help guard against the dangers and deadly sins to which inactive souls are liable.

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THE WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III

THE OFFICE FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III
But my trust hath been in the Lord : I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy for Thou hast considered my trouble. In Thee O Lord have I put my trust let me never be put to confusion : Deliver me in Thy righteousness.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III
Grant O Lord, we beseech Thee that our minds may be in such wise taught by this holy fast, that we may refrain ourselves from all sin and evil, and so more readily obtain Thy forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgive-ness; through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O God, Who dost cleanse Thy Church by the yearly observance of Lent; grant unto Thy family that which it strives to obtain from Thee by abstinence and which it may perform in good works. 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 TWENTIETH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF EXODUS, BEGINNING AT THE TWELFTH VERSE

Honour thy father and thy mother: That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: And when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: But let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: For God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. An altar of earth thou shalt make unto Me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: In all places where I record My Name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III
Have mercy upon me O Lord for I am weak : O Lord heal me. My bones are vexed : My soul also is sore troubled.
THE TRACT
Bring Thou me out of my troubles O Lord : Look upon my adversity and misery and forgive me all my sin.
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
Unto Thee I lift up mine eyes: O Thou that dwellest in the Heavens. Behold, even as the eyes of servants: Look unto the hands of their masters.
Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes : O Thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Behold even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress : Even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God until He have mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us O Lord have mercy upon us : For we are utterly despised.
Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy : And with the despitefulness of the proud.

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 SAINT MATTHEW, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But He answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And He called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came His Disciples, and said unto Him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: But to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III.
Deal Thou with me O Lord according to Thy loving kindness for Thy Name’s sake : For sweet is Thy mercy.
Hold not Thy tongue O God of my praise : For the mouth of the ungodly yea the mouth of the deceitful is opened upon me.

During the censing after the Offertory; Ps xix. Caeli enarrant

And they have spoken against me with false tongues : They compassed me about also with words of hatred and fought against me without a cause.
For the love that I had unto them lo they take now my contrary part : But I give myself unto prayer.
Thus have they rewarded me evil for good : And hatred for my good will.
O deliver me for I am helpless and poor : And my heart is wounded within me.
I go hence like the shadow that departeth : And am driven away as the grasshopper.
My knees are weak through fasting : My flesh is dried up for want of fatness.
I became also a reproach unto them : They that looked upon me shaked their heads.
Help me O Lord my God : O save me according to Thy mercy.
And they shall know how that this is Thy hand : And that Thou Lord hast done it.
Though they curse yet bless Thou : And let them be confounded that rise up against me but let Thy servant rejoice.
Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame : And let them cover themselves with their own confusion as with a cloke.
As for me I will give great thanks unto the Lord with my mouth : And praise Him among the multitude.
For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor : To save his soul from the unrighteous judges.
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 WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III
Receive, we beseech Thee O Lord, the prayers and offerings of Thy people: And defend us while we celebrate the Holy Mysteries, from every kind of danger. 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 WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III
Thou shalt shew me the path of life : In Thy presence O Lord, is the fulness of joy.

During the Ablutions: Ps. 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.

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III
Grant O Lord,we beseech Thee that we may be hallowed by the heavenly table at which we have been fed; and be so cleansed from all sin and error, that we may be worthy to attain to Thy heavenly promises. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers and spare all those who confess their faults unto Thee, that they whose consciences are by sin accused, may by Thy merciful pardon be absolved. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Let the Sacraments O Lord, which we have received afford us help: That our fast may both be acceptable unto Thee, and also profitable to our soul’s health. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE FOR THE WEDNESDAY AFTER LENT III
Grant we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who seek the shelter of Thy mercy, may be sewt free from all evil, and serve Thee with a quiet mind. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
________________________________________

LENT IV REFRESHMENT SUNDAY

MATTINS

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

Ps. x Ut quid, Domine?

Why standest thou so far off O Lord : And hidest Thy face in the needful time of trouble?
The ungodly for his own lust doth persecute the poor : Let them be taken in the crafty wiliness that they have imagined.
For the ungodly hath made boast of his own heart’s desire : And speaketh good of the covetous whom God abhorreth.
The ungodly is so proud that he careth not for God : Neither is God in all his thoughts.
His ways are always grievous : Thy judgements are far above out of his sight and therefore defieth he all his enemies.
For he hath said in his heart tush I shall never be cast down : There shall no harm happen unto me.
His mouth is full of cursing deceit and fraud : Under his tongue is ungodliness and vanity.
He sitteth lurking in the thievish corners of the streets : And privily in his lurking dens doth he murder the innocent his eyes are set against the poor.
For he lieth waiting secretly even as a lion lurketh he in his den : That he may ravish the poor.
He doth ravish the poor : When he getteth him into his net.
He falleth down and humbleth himself : That the congregation of the poor may fall into the hands of his captains.
He hath said in his heart tush God hath forgotten : He hideth away his face and He will never see it.
Arise O Lord God and lift up Thine hand : Forget not the poor.
Wherefore should the wicked blaspheme God : While he doth say in his heart tush Thou God carest not for it.
Surely Thou hast seen it : For Thou beholdest ungodliness and wrong.
That thou mayest take the matter into thy hand : The poor committeth himself unto Thee for Thou art the helper of the friendless.
Break Thou the power of the ungodly and malicious : Take away his ungodliness and Thou shalt find none.
The Lord is King for ever and ever : And the heathen are perished out of the land.
Lord Thou hast heard the desire of the poor : Thou preparest their heart and Thine ear hearkeneth thereto.
To help the fatherless and poor unto their right : That the man of the earth be no more exalted against them.
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. xi In Domino confido

In the Lord put I my trust : How say ye then to my soul that she should flee as a bird unto the hill?
For lo the ungodly bend their bow and make ready their arrows within the quiver : That they may privily shoot at them which are true of heart.
For the foundations will be cast down : And what have the righteous done?
The Lord is in His holy temple : The Lord’s seat is in heaven.
His eyes consider the poor : And His eye-lids try the children of men.
The Lord alloweth the righteous : But the ungodly and him that delighteth in wickedness doth His soul abhor.
Upon the ungodly He shall rain snares fire and brimstone storm and tempest : This shall be their portion to drink.
For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness : His countenance will behold the thing that is just.
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-seventh chapter of the Book of Ecclesiasticus, beginning at the thirtieth verse (28:9)

Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both. He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance. Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest. One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord? He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins? If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins? Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; remember corruption and death, and abide in the commandments. Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: remember the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance. Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife, A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the twelfth chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, beginning at the first verse (end)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: Shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things that that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR LENT IV
Grant, we beseech Thee Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved. Through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR LENT IV
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem and be glad with her, all ye that love the Lord: Rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: That ye may exult and be satisfied with her consolations. I was glad when they said unto me: We will go into the House of the Lord.

THE COLLECTS FOR LENT IV
Grant, we beseech Thee Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
O God, Who dost cleanse Thy Church by the yearly observance of Lent; grant unto Thy family that which it strives to obtain from Thee by abstinence and which it may perform in good works. 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 FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE GALATIANS, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-FIRST VERSE

Tell me ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: For these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

THE GRADUAL FOR LENT IV
I was glad when they said unto me : We will go into the House of the Lord. Peace be within thy walls: And plenteousness within thy palaces.
THE TRACT
They that put their trust in the Lord shall be even as the Mount Sion : Which may not be removed, but standeth fast forever.
The hills stand around Jerusalem : Even so standeth the Lord round about His people from this time forth for ever more.
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 evil-doers but peace shall be upon Israel.
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion : Then were we like unto them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter : And our tongue with joy.
Then said they among the heathen : The Lord hath done great things for them.
Yea the Lord hath done great things for us already : Whereof we rejoice.
Turn our captivity O Lord : As the rivers in the south.
They that sow in tears : Shall reap in joy.
He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed : Shall doubtless come again with joy and bring his sheaves with him.

THE GOSPEL FOR LENT IV

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 SAINT JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ JESUS went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there He sat with His Disciples. And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto Him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: But what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the Disciples, and the Disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, He said unto his Disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world.
R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR LENT IV.
O Praise the Lord for the Lord is gracious : O sing praises unto His Name for it is lovely whatsoever He pleased that He did in Heaven and earth.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. cxxxv Laudate Nomen

O praise the Lord laud ye the Name of the Lord : Praise it O ye servants of the Lord,
Ye that stand in the house of the Lord : In the courts of the house of our God.
O praise the Lord for the Lord is gracious : O sing praises unto His Name for it is lovely.
For why the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself : And Israel for His own possession.
For I know that the Lord is great : And that our Lord is above all gods.
Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did He in heaven and in earth : And in the sea and in all deep places.
He bringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world : And sendeth forth lightnings with the rain bringing the winds out of His treasures.
He smote the first-born of Egypt : Both of man and beast.
He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee O thou land of Egypt : Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
He smote divers nations : And slew mighty kings;
Sehon king of the Amorites and Og the king of Basan : And all the kingdoms of Canaan;
And gave their land to be an heritage : Even an heritage unto Israel His people.
Thy Name O Lord endureth for ever : So doth Thy memorial O Lord from one generation to another
For the Lord will avenge His people : And be gracious unto His servants.
As for the images of the heathen they are but silver and gold : the work of men’s hands.
They have mouths and speak not : Eyes have they but they see not.
They have ears and yet they hear not : Neither is there any breath in their mouths.
They that make them are like unto them : And so are all they that put their trust in them.
Praise the Lord ye house of Israel : Praise the Lord ye house of Aaron.
Praise the Lord ye house of Levi : Ye that fear the Lord praise the Lord.
Praised be the Lord out of Sion : Who dwelleth at Jerusalem.
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 LENT IV
Grant us, we beseech Thee O Lord, ever to be occupied with Thy Holy Service: That both in body and soul we may be fitted for Thy sacred Mysteries. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR LENT IV
Jerusalem is built as a city: That is at unity in itself: For thither the tribes go up.

During the Ablutions: Ps. cxxii Laetatus sum

I was glad when they said unto me : We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates : O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city : That is at unity in itself.
For thither the tribes go up even the tribes of the Lord : To testify unto Israel to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.
For there is the seat of judgement : Even the seat of the house of David.
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem : They shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls : And plenteousness within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions’ sakes : I will wish thee prosperity.
Yea because of the house of the Lord our God : I will seek to do thee good.
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. cxxiii Ad te levavi oculos meos

Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes : O Thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Behold even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress : Even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God until He have mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us O Lord have mercy upon us : For we are utterly despised.
Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy : And with the despitefulness of the proud.
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. cxxiv Nisi quia Dominus

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.
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 LENT IV
Grant, we beseech Thee merciful God, that this Holy Mystery wherewith we are continually fed, may ever be used with reverence and received in faithfulness of heart. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever world without end.
R: Amen.
O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers and spare all those who confess their faults unto Thee, that they whose consciences are by sin accused, may by Thy merciful pardon be absolved. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever world without end.
R: Amen.
Let the Sacraments O Lord, which we have received afford us help: That our fast may both be acceptable unto Thee, and also profitable to our soul’s health. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever world without end.
R: Amen.

HOMILY ON ECCLESIASTICUS 27:30 – 28:9.

This book, also known as the Wisdom of Joshua, the son of Sirach is one which actually has an Introduction telling us precisely who the authors were. It is the record of the spiritual writings of several generations of the same family – grandfather, son, grandson and great-grandson – several of them named Joshua. In general it is a “wisdom” book, not dissimilar to that of Solomon.
The passage that we have today is of interest because it proves one interesting point: The idea that the rule of the Old Testament is “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is false. Here, in this passage we have the sentence: Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest. Which is almost exactly that of the Lord’s Prayer “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.”
“Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour”: Other people frequently say things which hurt us. Sometimes they intend to hurt us, but other times, they do not intend to hurt us – it is accidental. In both cases, we should work hard to simply ignore the hurt that they have done to us. Of course, it isn’t easy, it certainly takes practice. The practice is worth it because holding a grudge against someone else is actually quite stressful for us. It is really unhealthful for us – it can make some people quite ill. The best way to deal with some kinds of hurt done to us is to look at the good which you can take from it. Every such occasion is a chance for us to learn from. We can watch our own reactions and learn about ourselves. We can look at why the other person said or did what they did to us, and try to understand what caused them to act that way – and often we will recognise that we have done the same sort of thing – often wiothout realising it. We can think carefully about how we should react, how we can look at the positive. Once we draw a lesson from it, or see that the other person has caused us to see a fault of our own, it becomes easier to forgive the other person. When they tried to hurt you – they actually helped you to understand yourself better, so you owe them thanks, not anger.
“Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: For a furious man will kindle strife”. It isn’t very hard to see the wisdom in this. Just think of the angriest person that you know. Then think about what happens when that person is around. Usually, they are causing trouble wherever they go. Now we should think of what happens when we get angry. Think about how ugly we become in our manner and in our thoughts when we are angry. It is embarrassing just to think about it. Being angry and surly just ensures that nasty things happen around us. Other people are easily influenced by our misbehaviour. We are far more likely to say things that hurt other people when we are angry. Being angry ourselves – or becoming involved when other people are angry is a bad idea. When we become involved in other people’s disputes, we are also in danger of hurting people – even people that we never meant to hurt. Look at the advice given by Saint Paul in the Second Lesson today: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled”
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EASTER V

MATTINS

Ps cxxxii. Memento, Domine

Lord remember David : And all his trouble.
How he sware unto the Lord : And vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob,
I will not come into the tabernacle of mine house : Nor climb up into my bed.
I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep nor mine eye-lids to slumber : Neither the temples of my head to take any rest,
Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord : An habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Lo we heard of the same at Ephrata : And found it in the wood.
We will go into His tabernacle : And fall low on our knees before His footstool.
Arise O Lord into Thy resting-place : Thou and the ark of Thy strength.
Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness : And let Thy saints sing with joyfulness.
For Thy servant David’s sake : Turn not away the presence of Thine Anointed.
The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David : And He shall not shrink from it,
Of the fruit of thy body : Shall I set upon thy seat.
If thy children will keep My covenant and My testimonies that I shall learn them : Their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore.
For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for Himself : He hath longed for her.
This shall be My rest for ever : Here will I dwell for I have a delight therein.
I will bless her victuals with increase : And will satisfy her poor with bread.
I will deck her priests with health : And her saints shall rejoice and sing.
There shall I make the horn of David to flourish : I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed.
As for his enemies I shall clothe them with shame : But upon himself shall his crown flourish.
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. cxxxiii Ecce, quam bonum!

Behold how good and joyful a thing it is : Brethren to dwell together in unity.
It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ran down unto the beard : Even unto Aaron’s beard and went down to the skirts of his clothing.
Like as the dew of Hermon : Which fell upon the hill of Sion.
For there the Lord promised His blessing : And life 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. cxxxiv Ecce nunc

Behold now praise the Lord : all ye servants of the Lord,
Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord : Even in the courts of the house of our God.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary : And praise the Lord.
The Lord that made heaven and earth : Give thee blessing out of 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

The First Lesson is written in thesixty-second chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the first verse. (Is. 62:1-end)
For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: And thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: And as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. The Lord hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness. Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. HERE ENDETH THE FIRST LESSON
The Second Lesson is written in the Fourth Chapter of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, beginning at the first verse. (Acts 4:1-33)

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further
among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. HERE ENDETH THE SECOND LESSON

THE COLLECTS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

O Lord, from Whom all good things do come: Grant to us Thy humble servants, that by Thy holy inspiration, we may think those things that be good and by Thy merciful guiding may perform 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 THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
With a voice of singing declare ye it and let it be heard, Alleluia : Utter it even to the end of the earth. The Lord hath redeemed His people. Alleluia, Alleluia. O be joyful in God all ye lands : Sing praises unto the honour of His Name make His praise to be glorious.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
O Lord, from Whom all good things do come: Grant to us Thy humble servants, that by Thy holy inspiration, we may think those things that be good and by Thy merciful guiding may perform the same. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

We give Thee thanks O Heavenly Father, Who hast delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of Thy Son; Grant, we beseech Thee, that as by His death, He hath recalled us to life, so by His presence abiding in us, He may raise us to joys eternal. Through the same 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 Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE EPISTLE OF SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-SECOND VERSE.

Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
Alleluia. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My Name: Ask and ye shall receive. Alleluia. Christ is risen He dieth no more: Death hath no more dominion over Him. I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren : In the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.
O praise the Lord ye that fear Him : Magnify him all ye of the seed of Jacob and fear Him all ye seed of Israel.
For He hath not despised nor abhorred the low estate of the poor : He hath not hid His face from him but when he called unto Him He heard him.
My praise is of Thee in the great congregation : My vows will I perform in the sight of them that fear Him.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied : They that seek after the Lord shall praise Him your heart shall live for ever.
All the ends of the world shall remember themselves and be turned unto the Lord : And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Him.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s : And He is the Governor among the people.
All such as be fat upon earth : Have eaten and worshipped.
All they that go down into the dust shall kneel before Him : And no man hath quickened his own soul.
My seed shall serve Him : They shall be counted unto the Lord for a generation.
They shall come and the heavens shall declare His righteousness : Unto a people that shall be born whom the Lord hath made. 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 SAINT JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-THIRD VERSE.
R:      GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Verily, Verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My Name: Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: But the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. at that day ye shall ask in My Name: And I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
His Disciples said unto Him, Lo, now speakest Thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that Thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask Thee: By this we believe that Thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
O praise God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: Who holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to slip. Praised be God Who hath not cast out my prayer, nor turned His mercy from me. Alleluia.

Durimg the censing after the Offertory: Ps. xcvi Cantate Domino

O sing unto the Lord a new song : Sing unto the Lord all the Sing unto the Lord and praise His Name : Be telling of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His honour unto the heathen : And His wonders unto all people.
For the Lord is great and cannot worthily be praised : He is more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the heathen they are but idols : But it is the Lord that made the heavens.
Glory and worship are before Him : Power and honour are in His sanctuary.
Ascribe unto the Lord O ye kindreds of the people : Ascribe unto the Lord worship and power.
Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto His Name : Bring presents and come into His courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : Let the whole earth stand in awe of Him.
Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King : And that it is He who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved and how that He shall judge the people righteously.
Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad : Let the sea make a noise and all that therein is.
Let the field be joyful and all that is in it : Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.
For He cometh for He cometh to judge the earth : And with righteousness to judge the world and the people with His truth.
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 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
Accept, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayers of Thy faithful people, together with the Sacrifices which they offer; that through these our dutiful and loving services, we may pass onward to the glory of Heaven. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
O sing unto the Lord, Alleluia : Sing unto the Lord and praise His Name; be telling of His salvation from day to day. Alleluia, Alleluia.

During the Ablutions: Ps. lxvi. Jubilate Deo

O be joyful in God all ye lands : Sing praises unto the honour of His Name make His praise to be glorious.
Say unto God O how wonderful art Thou in Thy works : Through the greatness of Thy power shall Thine enemies be found liars unto Thee.
For all the world shall worship Thee : Sing of Thee and praise Thy Name.
O come hither and behold the works of God : How wonderful He is in His doing toward the children of men.
He turned the sea into dry land : So that they went through the water on foot there did we rejoice thereof.
He ruleth with His power for ever His eyes behold the people : And such as will not believe shall not be able to exalt themselves.
O praise our God ye people : And make the voice of His praise to be heard;
Who holdeth our soul in life : And suffereth not our feet to slip.
For Thou O God hast proved us : Thou also hast tried us like as silver is tried.
Thou broughtest us into the snare : And laidest trouble upon our loins.
Thou sufferedst men to ride over our heads : We went through fire and water and Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
I will go into Thine house with burnt-offerings : And will pay Thee my vows which I promised with my lips and spake with my mouth when I was in trouble.
I will offer unto Thee fat burnt-sacrifices with the incense of rams : I will offer bullocks and goats.
O come hither and hearken all ye that fear God : And I will tell you what He hath done for my soul.
I called unto Him with my mouth : And gave Him praises with my tongue.
If I incline unto wickedness with mine heart : The Lord will not hear me.
But God hath heard me : And considered the voice of my prayer.
Praised be God who hath not cast out my prayer : Nor turned His mercy from me
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. lxvii. Deus misereatur

God be merciful unto us and bless us : And shew us the light of His countenance and be merciful unto us:
That Thy way may be known upon earth : Thy saving health among all nations.
Let the people praise Thee O God : Yea let all the people praise Thee.
O let the nations rejoice and be glad : For Thou shalt judge the folk righteously and govern the nations upon earth.
Let the people praise Thee O God : Let all the people praise Thee.
Then shall the earth bring forth her increase : And God even our own God shall give us His blessing.
God shall bless us : And all the ends of the world shall fear 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

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

Grant, O Lord we beseech Thee, that we who have been filled with the grace of Thy Heavenly Table, may desire such things as be rightful, and of Thy mercy continually receive 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 our God, Thou Saviour of the world, through Whom we have celebrated these Holy Mysteries: Receive our humble thanksgiving, and of Thy great mercy vouchsafe to sanctify us evermore in body and soul; Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who livest and reignest 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 One God world without end.
R: Amen.

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

The Gospel for today follows immediately from the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday after Easter and refers to the time after the first Pentecost. The Problem is that the opening, and slightly obscure words which read: “And in that Day, ye shall ask Me nothing…” are omitted both from the beginning of today’s reading and also from the end of that for the preceding Sunday. So, perhaps we should look at these missing words. Perhaps a preferred translation would be more “And in that Day, ye shall ask Me no questions…”. That is, no question about the real meaning of Christ’s teachings, because all will then (onwards) be made clear by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13 – “…He will guide you into all truth…”).
Then follows the actual opening words of today’s reading in what should be a new paragraph with a new but related topic: “Verily, verily (most assuredly) whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you…”. “In My Name” i.e: ‘for My sake’. They had thus far not been taught to ask anything in Jesus’ Name – He was not yet glorified. Here, Christ is telling the Disciples how they shall pray after Pentecost (and presumably, not before).
The next thought (16:25) according to Saint John Chrysostom, refers to the time immediately after Jesus’ Resurrection (as well presumably as to the later post-Ascension guidance) when He will no longer couch His teaching in the indirect parabolic style that so characterises the Gospels. In the forty days of intensive teaching which followed Christ’s Resurrection, He was to teach the truly faithful – the Church which was now defined by its witness to the Risen Christ and not being driven from belief by His Crucifixion – in plain language. Nevertheless there remains the fact that true comprehension of the things of God is not conveyed by the spoken (or written) word, but is conveyed by the Holy Spirit and received by the inward spirit of man. The inward teaching of the Holy Spirit provided the key and it was with this assured guidance “into all truth” that the Church set out the application and definitions of the Christian Faith through the Councils, during the successive centuries of unity, and has so taught ever since.
Today’s Gospel is yet another excursion into the great final teaching of Jesus to the Apostles before the Crucifixion. The almost uninterrupted words of Jesus flow through Saint John’s Gospel from late in Chapter 13 to the end of Chapter 17. They begin with the new Commandment that we should love one another as He has loved us, and they end with the series of prayers which take up the whole of Chapter 17, culminating with His prayer for us to God the Father that “…the love with which You loved Me may be in them…” The whole passage begins and ends with Christ’s emphasis on love, not mere hazy, general love but a particular quality and intensity of love. We are to love one another with the same love with which Christ has loved us and the love which we bear in ourselves should be the same love which has passed between God the Father and the Incarnate Son. At first sight this seems somewhat of a tall order – how are we to know what was the quality of love which passed between the Father and the Son? We get into the whole realm of the mystical theology of the Holy Trinity. But then, do we have to know? All we have to do is to receive it. That is largely the point in our relations with God, we not only don’t need to make some sort of effort towards God (we can’t anyway), all we really have to do is to put ourselves in a position where we are actively willing and able to hear God and to receive and use what He gives us. It is not our merit that gets us His gifts – for we have no merit – we are in our fallen state. We cannot earn anything from God, it is simply not possible – what would we earn it with? What can we do that God needs us to do?

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VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
(ROGATION DAY)

DIVINE LITURGY

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

THE COLLECTS FOR THE VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
Grant, we beseech Thee Almighty Father, that the thoughts of our hearts may thither tend whither Thine only begotten Son our Lord, to Whose glory we keep the coming feast, hath entered in; that following His Ascension, in faith we may with Him continually dwell Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:      Amen.
We give Thee thanks O Heavenly Father, Who hast delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of Thy Son; Grant, we beseech Thee, that as by His death, He hath recalled us to life, so by His presence abiding in us, He may raise us to joys eternal. Through the same 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 Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:      Amen.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
Alleluia. O clap your hands together all ye people : O sing unto God with the voice of melody. For the Lord is high and to be feared : He is the great King upon all the earth.
He shall subdue the people under us : And the nations under our feet.
He shall choose out an heritage for us : Even the worship of Jacob whom He loved.
God is gone up with a merry noise : And the Lord with the sound of the trump.
O sing praises sing praises unto our God : O sing praises sing praises unto our King.
For God is the King of all the earth : Sing ye praises with understanding.
God reigneth over the heathen : God sitteth upon His holy seat.
The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham : For God which is very high exalted doth defend the earth as it were with a shield. Alleluia,

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven. Alleluia.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. xlviii. Magnus Dominus

Great is the Lord and highly to be praised : In the city of our God even upon His holy hill.
The hill of Sion is a fair place and the joy of the whole earth : Upon the north-side lieth the city of the great King God is well known in her palaces as a sure refuge.
For lo the kings of the earth : Are gathered and gone by together.
They marvelled to see such things : They were astonished and suddenly cast down.
Fear came there upon them and sorrow : As upon a woman in her travail.
Thou shalt break the ships of the sea : Through the east wind.
Like as we have heard so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts in the city of our God : God upholdeth the same for ever.
We wait for thy loving-kindness O God : In the midst of Thy temple.
O God according to Thy Name so is Thy praise unto the world’s end : Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Let the mount Sion rejoice and the daughters of Judah be glad : Because of Thy judgements.
Walk about Sion and go round about her : And tell the towers thereof.
Mark well her bulwarks set up her houses : That ye may tell them that come after.
For this God is our God for ever and ever : He shall be our guide unto death.
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 VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
O Lord, we humbly present our sacrifice, looking forward to the glorious feast of The Son’s Ascension. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we too, by this holy means, may rise through His power to Heavenly things. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR THE VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
Father while I was with them in the world, I kept those that Thou gavest Me. Alleluia. And now I come to Thee: I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil. Alleluia, Alleluia.

During the Ablutions: Ps. xlviii. Magnus Dominus

Great is the Lord and highly to be praised : In the city of our God even upon His holy hill.
The hill of Sion is a fair place and the joy of the whole earth : Upon the north-side lieth the city of the great King God is well known in her palaces as a sure refuge.
For lo the kings of the earth : Are gathered and gone by together.
They marvelled to see such things : They were astonished and suddenly cast down.
Fear came there upon them and sorrow : As upon a woman in her travail.
Thou shalt break the ships of the sea : Through the east wind.
Like as we have heard so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts in the city of our God : God upholdeth the same for ever.
We wait for thy loving-kindness O God : In the midst of Thy temple.
O God according to Thy Name so is Thy praise unto the world’s end : Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Let the mount Sion rejoice and the daughters of Judah be glad : Because of Thy judgements.
Walk about Sion and go round about her : And tell the towers thereof.
Mark well her bulwarks set up her houses : That ye may tell them that come after.
For this God is our God for ever and ever : He shall be our guide unto death.
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 THE VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
Grant, O Lord we beseech Thee, that through this Mystery which we have received, the devotion of our hearts may thither ascend where, in the substance of our flesh there dwelleth with Thee Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:      Amen.
O Lord our God, Thou Saviour of the world, through Whom we have celebrated these Holy Mysteries: Receive our humble thanksgiving, and of Thy great mercy vouchsafe to sanctify us evermore in body and soul; Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who livest and reignest 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, One God, world without end.
R:      Amen.

EVENSONG VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

Ps xv Domine, quis habitabit?

Lord who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle : Or who shall rest upon Thy holy hill?
Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life : And doeth the thing which is right and speaketh the truth from his heart.
He that hath used no deceit in his tongue nor done evil to his neighbour : And hath not slandered his neighbour.
He that setteth not by himself but is lowly in his own eyes : And maketh much of them that fear the Lord.
He that sweareth unto his neighbour and disappointeth him not : Thou it were to his own hindrance.
He that hath not given his money upon usury : Nor taken reward against the innocent.
Whoso doeth these things : Shall never fall.
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. xcvii Dominus regnavit

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 First Lesson is written in the second chapter of the Book of the Prophet Joel, beginning at the twenty-first verse.

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: For the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: For He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, My great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: And My people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: And My people shall never be ashamed. Here endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the sixth chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John, beginning at the twenty-second verse.

The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto His disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with His disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks: When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither His disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found Him on the other side of the sea, they said unto Him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: For Him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent. They said therefore unto Him, What sign shewest Thou then, that we may see, and believe Thee? what dost Thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto Him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: He that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: And I will raise him up at the last day. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR THE VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION
Grant, we beseech Thee Almighty Father, that the thoughts of our hearts may thither tend whither Thine only begotten Son our Lord, to Whose glory we keep the coming feast, hath entered in; that following His Ascension, in faith we may with Him continually dwell Through the same 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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ASCENSION DAY
MATTINS

Ps viii. Domine, Dominus noster

O Lord our Governor how excellent is Thy Name in all the world : Thou hast set Thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies : That Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
For I will consider Thy heavens even the works of Thy fingers : The moon and the stars which Thou hast ordained.
What is man that Thou art mindful of him : And the son of man that Thou visitest him?
Thou madest him lower than the Angels : To crown him with glory and worship.
Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of Thy hands : And Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet,
All sheep and oxen : Yea and the beasts of the field,
The fowls of the air and the fishes of the sea : And whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
O Lord our Governor : How excellent is Thy Name in all the world.
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 Second Chapter of the Second Book of Kings, beginning at the First Verse.

And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: And they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: Nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: And he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? And when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: And Elisha went over. And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. Here Endeth the First Lesson.

The Second Lesson is written in the Fourth Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians, beginning at the First Verse.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one Baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Here Endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR THE ASCENSION DAY
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe Thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the Heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR ASCENSION DAY
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? Alleluia: In like manner as ye have seen Him ascending up into Heaven, so shall He come. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. And while they looked stedfastly toward Heaven, as He went up: Behold two men stood by them in white apparel.

THE COLLECTS FOR THE ASCENSION DAY
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe Thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the Heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:      Amen.
O Almighty God, Who hast knit together Thine elect in one communion and fellowship in the Mystical Body of Thy Son, Christ our Lord: Grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed saints in all virtuous and Godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys which Thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love 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 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 FIRST CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He, through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom He had chosen: To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His Passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly Baptised with water, but ye shall be Baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: And ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward Heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven.

THE GRADUAL FOR THE ASCENSION DAY
Alleluia. God is gone up with a merry noise : And the Lord with the sound of the trump. Alleluia, Christ ascending up on high : Led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men.
O clap your hands together all ye people : O sing unto God with the voice of melody.
For the Lord is high and to be feared : He is the great King upon all the earth.
He shall subdue the people under us : And the nations under our feet.
He shall choose out an heritage for us : Even the worship of Jacob whom He loved.
God is gone up with a merry noise : And the Lord with the sound of the trump.
O sing praises sing praises unto our God : O sing praises sing praises unto our King.
For God is the King of all the earth : Sing ye praises with understanding.
God reigneth over the heathen : God sitteth upon His holy seat.
The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham : For God which is very high exalted doth defend the earth as it were with a shield.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. MARK, BEGINNING AT THE FOURTEENTH VERSE.
R:      GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Jesus appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is Baptised shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into Heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE ASCENSION DAY
God is gone up with a merry noise : And the Lord with the sound of the trump. Alleluia.

During the censing after the Offertory: Ps. xlviii. Magnus Dominus

PROPER PREFACE FROM ASCENSION DAY TO WHITSUNDAY
Through Thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord: Who after His most glorious Resurrection manifestly appeared to all His Apostles: And in their sight ascended up into Heaven to prepare a place for us; that where He is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with Him in glory.

THE SECRET FOR ASCENSION DAY
Receive O Lord, the gifts which we offer, in commemoration of the glorious Ascension of Thy Son; and mercifully grant that we may be set free from the dangers that beset us, and at length attain unto everlasting life, through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen

THE COMMUNION FOR ASCENSION DAY
O sing praises unto the Lord: Who sitteth in the Heavens over all from the beginning. Alleluia

During the Ablutions: 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.
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.
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. 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

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR ASCENSION DAY
Grant, we beseech Thee Almighty and merciful God, that what we have now received in outward sign, may work inwardly in our hearts to good effect. 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 that through this Mystery which we have received, the devotion of our hearts may thither ascend, where in the substance of our flesh there dwelleth with Thee 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.

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THE SUNDAY AFTER THE ASCENSION

MATTINS

Ps xciii. Dominus regnavit

The Lord is King and hath put on glorious apparel : The Lord hath put on His apparel and girded Himself with strength.
He hath made the round world so sure : That it cannot be moved.
Ever since the world began hath Thy seat been prepared : Thou art from everlasting.
The floods are risen O Lord the floods have lift up their voice : The floods lift up their waves.
The waves of the sea are mighty and rage horribly : But yet the Lord who dwelleth on high is mightier.
Thy testimonies O Lord are very sure : Holiness becometh Thine house 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. xcvi Cantate Domino

O sing unto the Lord a new song : Sing unto the Lord all the whole earth.
Sing unto the Lord and praise His Name : Be telling of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His honour unto the heathen : And His wonders unto all people.
For the Lord is great and cannot worthily be praised : He is more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the heathen they are but idols : But it is the Lord that made the heavens.
Glory and worship are before Him : Power and honour are in His sanctuary.
Ascribe unto the Lord O ye kindreds of the people : Ascribe unto the Lord worship and power.
Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto His Name : Bring presents and come into His courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : Let the whole earth stand in awe of Him.
Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King : And that it is He who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved and how that He shall judge the people righteously.
Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad : Let the sea make a noise and all that therein is.
Let the field be joyful and all that is in it : Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.
For He cometh for He cometh to judge the earth : And with righteousness to judge the world and the people with His truth.
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 the sixty-fourth chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, beginning at the first verse (64:1-end)

Oh that Thou wouldest rend the heavens, that Thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at Thy presence, As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make Thy name known to Thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Thy presence! When Thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, Thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at Thy presence. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember Thee in Thy ways: Behold, Thou art wroth; for we have sinned: In those is continuance, and we shall be saved. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee: For Thou hast hid Thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: Behold, see, we beseech Thee, we are all Thy people. Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised Thee, is burned up with fire: And all our pleasant things are laid waste. Wilt Thou refrain thyself for these things, O Lord? Wilt Thou hold Thy peace, and afflict us very sore? HERE ENDETH THE FIRST LESSON.

The Second Lesson is written in the first chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians, beginning at the third verse (1:3-end)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Accordingly he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestined us unto adoption as children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will and to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your under-standing being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Which he wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. HERE ENDETH THE SECOND LESSON

THE COLLECT FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY
Hearken, O Lord, unto my voice when I cry unto Thee, Alleluia: My heart hath talked of Thee, seek Ye my face; Thy face, Lord will I seek: O hide not Thy face from me. Alleluia, Alleluia. The Lord is my light and my salvation: Whom then shall I fear?

THE COLLECTS FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY

O God the King of glory, Who hast exaltedThine only Son, JesusChrist with great triumph unto Thy Kingdom of Heaven: We beseech Thee, leave us not comfortless, but send usThy Holy Spirit to comfort us and exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
We give Thee thanks O Heavenly Father, Who hast delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of Thy Son; Grant, we beseech Thee, that as by His death, He hath recalled us to life, so by His presence abiding in us, He may raise us to joys eternal. Through the same 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 Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.

THE EPISTLE IS WRITTEN IN THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE FIRST EPISTLE OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE, BEGINNING AT THE SEVENTH VERSE.

But the end of all things is at hand: Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: For charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

THE TRACT FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY
Alleluia. The Lord reigneth over all the heathen: God sitteth upon His holy seat. Alleluia. I will not leave you comfortless : I go away and come again to you, and your heart shall rejoice. Alleluia.
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.

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 SAINT JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE TWENTY-SIXTH VERSE.
R:   GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O Lord.

+ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.

R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY
Praise the Lord O my soul : While I live, I will praise the Lord; yea, while I have any being I will sing praises unto my God. Alleluia.

During the Censing after the Offertory: Ps. xlvi Deus noster refugium

God is our hope and strength : A very present help in trouble.
Therefore will we not fear though the earth be moved : And though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof rage and swell : And though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.
The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God : The holy place of the tabernacle of the most Highest.
God is in the midst of her therefore shall she not be removed : God shall help her and that right early.
The heathen make much ado and the kingdoms are moved : But God hath shewed His voice, and the earth shall melt away.
The Lord of hosts is with us : The God of Jacob is our refuge.
O come hither and behold the works of the Lord : What destruction He hath brought upon the earth.
He maketh wars to cease in all the world : He breaketh the bow and knappeth the spear in sunder and burneth the chariots in the fire.
Be still then and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen and I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of Jacob is our refuge.
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. xlvii. Omnes gentes, plaudite

O clap your hand together all ye people : O sing unto God with the voice of melody.
For the Lord is high and to be feared : He is the great King upon all the earth.
He shall subdue the people under us : And the nations under our feet.
He shall choose out an heritage for us : Even the worship of Jacob whom He loved.
God is gone up with a merry noise : And the Lord with the sound of the trump.
O sing praises sing praises unto our God : O sing praises sing praises unto our King.
For God is the King of all the earth : Sing ye praises with understanding.
God reigneth over the heathen : God sitteth upon His holy seat.
The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham : For God which is very high exalted doth defend the earth as it were with a shield.
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 SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY

Grant, we beseech Thee Almighty God that by this oblation, we may make unto Thee a well-pleasing offering of the Body and Blood of Him Who sitteth at the right hand of Thy power and ever maketh intercession for us, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.

THE COMMUNION FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY
Father, while I was with them in the world, I kept those that Thou gavest Me. Alleluia. And now I come to Thee, I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from evil Alleluia, Alleluia.

During the Ablutions: Ps. xlv Eructavit cor meum

THE LAST COLLECTS FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY
Grant us, we beseech Thee Almighty God, most surely to believe that by this Holy Communion, that shall be done in the whole body of Thy Church which hath already been accomplished in her head. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.
O Lord our God, Thou Saviour of the world, through Whom we have celebrated these Holy Mysteries: Receive our humble thanksgiving, and of Thy great mercy vouchsafe to sanctify us evermore in body and soul;Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who livest and reignest 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, One God, world without end.
R:   Amen.

THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY

The Ascension of our Lord is far more than the event recorded in the synoptic Gospels, at least it is for the Orthodox Believer who has studied the accounting and been taught the Church’s doctrine of Christ. The Ascension is the confirmation of everything that went before in the Incarnation of the Son of God, for it is here that we are shown the stability of Christ’s inheritance as exemplified in the word EKATHISEN (Mark 16:19 “He was received into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of God”) usually translated as “sat” but in this usage, better as “enthroned”.
The meaning for us is the act of permanency that is implied. This is Christ’s permanent setting, His normal place in the universe, sitting at the ‘right hand of God’s power’ (the ‘Secret’ prayer for today).
The act of the Ascension is interesting and has been the focus of perhaps unnecessary and possibly wasteful speculation, whereas it is the following action: That of the Christ of God, retaking His right and proper place, that is of the utmost significance to us. Here is our re-assurance of the object of our trust: God the Son in the seat of power, the place which, in a very real sense, He never left. He was with us physically – for one brief moment in time, God the Son was here with us, like us, sharing with us. And as us, in our form, He re-took His place of power and assured us thereby of our place there if we care to take up what He has prepared for us (John 14:2).
This is the joy of the feast of the Ascension of our Lord: The assurance that it gives us that all will be well if we do as He has bidden us. He has the power, He is there as much our representative as our God, for He lived here as God-Man, one Person who lived our life, endured our trials and tribulations and used our power to overcome those sufferings. Now we see Him through the eyes of the Gospeller opened by the Holy Spirit, in His rightful and glorious place pleading for us and in the judgement seat. We have our Advocate and Mediator, He is there for us to see this day, through the eyes of the Blessed Apostle.
For one brief and glorious moment Christ our God was walking here among us, one moment that in the sight of Heaven has no time, but is for all eternity there as the present. Christ stands there among us, timeless, among us now, the True Shepherd among His people, the One Whose voice is known and Whose shadow is on us. We are His, it only remains for us to take up our individual crosses and, like the continuous stream of Fathers down the centuries, quietly, without fuss or fanfare, walk behind Him. The burden that He has laid upon us is really a light one, one that we can bear easily if we will only see Him as our Shepherd, our Master. Timeless too, He Ascends before us and leads us by His Ascension to the place that is our proper home, if only we will take up His offer and our cross.

______________________________________________

WHITSUNDAY

MATTINS

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.
He is our God even the God of whom cometh salvation : God is the Lord by whom we escape death.
God shall wound the head of His enemies : and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his wickedness.
The Lord hath said I will bring my people again as I did from Basan : Mine own will I bring again as I did sometime from the deep of the sea.
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies : And that the tongue of thy dogs may be red through the same.
It is well seen O God how Thou goest : How Thou my God and King goest in the sanctuary.
The singers go before the minstrels follow after : In the midst are the damsels playing with the timbrels.
Give thanks O Israel unto God the Lord in the congregations : From the ground of the heart.
There is little Benjamin their ruler and the princes of Judah their counsel : The princes of Zabulon and the princes of Nephthali.
Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee : Stablish the thing O God that Thou hast wrought in us,
For Thy temple’s sake at Jerusalem : So shall kings bring presents unto Thee.
When the company of the spear-men and multitude of the mighty are scattered abroad among the beasts of the people so that they humbly bring pieces of silver : And when He hath scattered the people that delight in war,
Then shall the princes come out of Egypt : the Ethiopians’ land shall soon stretch our her hands unto God.
Sing unto God O ye kingdoms of the earth : O sing praises unto the Lord,
Who sitteth in the heavens over all from the beginning : Lo he doth send out his voice yea and that a mighty voice.
Ascribe ye the power to God over Israel : His worship and strength is in the clouds.
O God wonderful art Thou in Thy holy places : Even the God of Israel He will give strength and power unto His people blessed be 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

The First Lesson is written in the second Chapter of the Book of Joel, beginning at the twenty-eighth verse.

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head; Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your temples my goodly pleasant things: The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border. Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head: And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the Lord hath spoken it. Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim. Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion. Here endeth the First Lesson

The Second Lesson is written in the eighth Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans, beginning at the First Verse.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: For it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: But if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. Here endeth the Second Lesson.

THE COLLECT FOR WHITSUNDAY
God, Who as at this time didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and ever more to rejoice in His holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same Spirit One God world without end.
R: Amen.

THE DIVINE LITURGY

THE OFFICE FOR WHITSUNDAY
The Spirit of the Lord filleth the whole world, Alleluia: And that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered: Let them also that hate Him flee before Him.

THE COLLECTS FOR WHITSUNDAY
God, Who as at this time didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and ever more to rejoice in His holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same Spirit 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.

O Almighty God, Who hast knit together Thine elect in one communion and fellowship in the Mystical Body of Thy Son, Christ our Lord: Grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed saints in all virtuous and Godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys which Thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love Thee: 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 SECOND CHAPTER OF THE BOOK OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, BEGINNING AT THE FIRST VERSE.

When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and It filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and It sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

THE GRADUAL FOR WHITSUNDAY
Alleluia. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be made : And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth, Alleluia. The Holy Ghost proceeding from the throne, enlightened the hearts of the Apostles on this day with invisible power. Alleluia.
O Lord Thou hast searched me out and known me : Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising Thou understandest my thoughts long before.
Thou art about my path and about my bed : And spiest out all my ways.
For lo there is not a word in my tongue : But Thou O Lord knowest it altogether.
Thou hast fashioned me behind and before : And laid Thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me : I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go then from Thy Spirit : Or whither shall I go then from Thy presence?
If I climb up into heaven Thou art there : If I go down to hell Thou art there also.
If I take the wings of the morning : And remain in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there also shall Thy hand lead me : And Thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say peradventure the darkness shall cover me : Then shall my night be turned to day.
Yea the darkness is no darkness with Thee but the night is as clear as the day : The darkness and light to Thee are both alike.

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 JOHN, BEGINNING AT THE FIFTEENTH VERSE.
R: GLORY BE +++ TO THEE, O LORD.

+ Jesus said unto His Disciples, If ye love Me, keep My commandments. and I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: But ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: Because I live, ye shall live also. at that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: And he that loveth Me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him. Judas saith unto Him, (not Iscariot) Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love Me, he will keep my words: And My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth Me not, keepeth not My sayings: And the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: For my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: For the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do.
R: PRAISE BE TO THEE O CHRIST.

THE OFFERTORY FOR WHITSUNDAY
Stablish the thing, O God, that Thou hast wrought in us: For Thy Temple’s sake at Jerusalem, so shall kings bring presents unto Thee. Alleluia.

During the Censing after the Offertory: 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 good is.
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

PROPER PREFACE FOR WHITSUNDAY & SIX DAYS THEREAFTER
Through Jesus Christ our Lord according to Whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from Heaven with a sudden great sound as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles to teach them and lead them to all truth; giving them both gift of divers languages and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel to all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy Son, Jesus Christ.

SECRET FOR WHITSUNDAY
Hallow, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the gifts which we offer, and cleanse our hearts by the illumination of the Holy Ghost. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. 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 should not 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 WHITSUNDAY
O Almighty God, Who on the day of Pentecost didst send the Holy Ghost the Comforter to abide in Thy Church unto the end: Bestow upon us and upon all Thy faithful people His manyfold gifts of grace, that with minds enlightened by His truth, and hearts purified by His presence, we may day by day be strengthened with power in the inward man; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee and the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

O Lord let the eternal splendour of Thy glory shine upon us through the power of this Mystery and let the grace of the Holy Spirit enlighten our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee and the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth One God, world without end.
R: Amen.

Let the inpouring of the Holy Spirit, O Lord, cleanse our hearts: and make them fruitful with the dewy sprinkling of His grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee and the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
WHITSUNDAY

Today we return to the great farewell discourse that we were looking at on the Fifth Sunday after Easter. The Gospel for today is another of those passages known almost by heart by all seriously practising Christians. We do not pick out the obvious phrases, phrases which may, taken out of the context of the whole discourse, be used to support some other view of Christianity though. We read the whole discourse, or large tracts of it right through, understanding it in context.
Now I want to talk a little about what it is to be seriously Christian. I use the term “Orthodox Believer” to denote those who not only call themselves Christian, but who follow the full path of Christianity, that which has been taught and followed continuously for the whole of the two millennia of Christianity, without subtraction or addition and without fashionable re-interpretation of careful emphasis. The Orthodox Believer is the Christian who takes Christianity most seriously. This is no mere pastime for him. Nor ought it be for anyone who calls himself Christian. Such a Christian when he has acquired a full knowledge of Christianity, a belief not of the head but of the heart, will find that he, along with other Orthodox Believers, has acquired a wholly Christian outlook. Christianity cannot logically, be a mere “religious interest”. The Orthodox Believer has a peculiar world-view which is both all-encompassing and exclusively Christian: Christian according to the Christianity of the total Christians – not according to the view of the newspapers, television commentators, the general “civic Christianity” of the State or of ethnic culture. The genuine Christian, however much he may love his non-Christian neighbour, and help him in time of trouble, nevertheless will understand that any action which seeks to equate non-Christianity with Christianity is immediately to be seen as at best an unthinking ignorance of what Christianity is, and at worst a shameful denial of the unique truth of Christianity. Unfortunately for those who think that they know what Christianity is, such compromising is seriously damaging to Christianity and contributes to the situation in which our society finds itself today. Even more of a problem is the “follower” of the Orthodox path who equates Orthodox Christianity with any other religious belief. Christianity, if it means anything to us at all, is a hundred per cent full-time thing. There really are no corners of our lives which are somehow insulated from our Christianity. Our profession cannot be insulated from our Christianity and if we find that there is a conflict between our Christian world view and that which is dictated by our profession, then, if we really are Christian, we will override our professional view with that of our Christianity. Really, when we think about it, the Christian, who knows that there is no form of human government which is perfect or which can, in the long run, succeed, may find that he has little interest in secular politics (and even less interest in Church politics). Better to get on with the all-consuming task of Christianity – the perfection that Christ commanded of us and the evangelising that He also commanded of us. If we really believe, and if we take that belief to its logical conclusion, it will colour every moment and action of our lives. More to the point, it will lead, in the practice of our worship, towards a love of God which will crowd out all other loves. That love for God will then extend to all others such that we would abhor any cruelty or harm towards our fellow humans. We would too, be driven to doing certain things as the natural follow-on of the love that we build, such as praying for our fellow humans, assisting them when they are in trouble, caring for them or seeking to persuade them of the truth of Christ. These are the ‘good works’ that a Christian does, not because he thinks that he ‘ought to’ but because they are the outcome of the love that he has.
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LITURGY PROPERS – ASH WED to ASCENSION

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