Divine Office – Liturgy of the Hours of the Roman Catholic Church (Breviary)

Dec 24, Night Prayer for Wednesday of the 4th week of Advent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours: Vol I, Page 1180 Vol II, Page 1638 Vol III, Page 1280 Vol IV, Page 1244 Christian Prayer: Page 1047 General instruction: Please pray with us actively, especially by joining with us in saying antiphons and responses, most of which are indicated in this highlight. Consider an examination of your own conscience before beginning to best make use of our time together in prayer. Night Prayer for Wednesday God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. Examination of conscience: We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,    And, striking your breast, say: through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault;    Then continue: therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.    With a priest present, this absolution will be given: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.    The people reply: Amen HYMNBefore the ending of the day, Creator of the world we pray, that with your constant favor thou be our guard and keeper now. From harmful dreams defend our sight, from fears and terrors of the night; withhold from us our dark desires, Prevent us from eternal fire. O Father, this we ask be done, through Jesus Christ Your only Son: who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, shall live and reign eternally. Amen. 𝄞"Before the Ending of the Day" by Johanna Montealto • Title: Before The Ending of The Day; Lyric: St. Ambrose; Translation: John Mason Neale (1818-1866), 1851; Music: Te lucis ante terminum (Plainsong Mode viii); Artist: Johanna Montealto; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office PSALMODY Ant. 1 Lord God, be my refuge and my strength. Psalm 31:1-6 Trustful prayer in adversity Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46). In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, hear me and speedily rescue me. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me, for you are my rock, my stronghold. For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Release me from the snares they have hidden for you are my refuge, Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Lord God, be my refuge and my strength. Ant. 2 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord. Psalm 130 A cry from the depths He will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading. If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you. My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak. Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption, Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord. READING Ephesians 4:26-27 If you are angry, let it be without sin. The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you. RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. — I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Gospel Canticle Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Concluding Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you have given your followers an example of gentleness and humility, a task that is easy, a burden that is light. Accept the prayers and work of this day, and give us the rest that will strengthen us to render more faithful service to you who live and reign for ever and ever. — Amen. Blessing May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. — Amen. Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Dec 24, Midday Prayer for Wednesday of the 4th week of Advent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 658 Proper of Seasons: 384 (Midday) Psalter: Wednesday, Week IV, 1109 Midday Prayer for December 24, Wednesday using the Current Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNO Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. O Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word. Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. 𝄞"O Come All Ye Faithful" by Burke Ingraffia • Available for Purchase • Title: O Come All Ye Faithful; Text: Attributed to John Francis Wade; Translator: Frederick Oakeley (1841; alt); Tune: Adeste Fideles; Artist: Burke Ingraffia: Vocals and Guitar (c) 2016 Divine Mercy Music (ASCAP); Used with permission from Burke Ingraffia. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Christmas Carol Lullabies PSALMODY Ant. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. 119:145-152 XIX (Koph) I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me, I will keep your commands. I call upon you, save me and I will do your will. I rise before dawn and cry for help, I hope in your word. My eyes watch through the night to ponder your promise. In your love hear my voice, O Lord; give me life by your decrees. Those who harm me unjustly draw near; they are far from your law. But you, O Lord, are close, your commands are truth. Long have I known that your will is established for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Save us by the power of your hand, Father, for our enemies have ignored your words. May the fire of your word consume our sins and its brightness illumine our hearts. Psalm 94 The Lord will avenge the just God punishes wicked conduct; he has called you to share his holiness. You must have nothing to do with impurity (1 Thessalonians 4:6-7). I O Lord, avenging God, avenging God, appear! Judge of the earth, arise, give the proud what they deserve! How long, O Lord, shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? They bluster with arrogant speech; the evil-doers boast to each other. They crush your people, Lord, they afflict the ones you have chosen They kill the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherless child. And they say: The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” Mark this, most senseless of people; fools, when will you understand? Can he who made the ear, not hear? Can he who formed the eye, not see? Will he who trains nations not punish? Will he who instructs us not have knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of men. He knows they are no more than a breath. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. II Happy the man whom you teach, O Lord, whom you train by means of your law; to him you give peace in evil days while the pit is being dug for the wicked. The Lord will not abandon his people nor forsake those who are his own; for judgment shall again be just and all true hearts shall uphold it. Who will stand up for me against the wicked? Who will defend me from those who do evil? If the Lord were not to help me, I would soon go down into the silence. When I think: I have lost my foothold; your mercy, Lord, holds me up. When cares increase in my heart your consolation calms my soul. Can judges who do evil be your friends? They do injustice under cover of law; they attack the life of the just and condemn innocent blood. As for me, the Lord will be a stronghold; my God will be the rock where I take refuge. He will repay them for their evil wickedness, destroy them for their evil deeds. The Lord, our God, will destroy them. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Lord Jesus, you taught your disciples not to fear the world. Do not abandon your inheritance to sinners, nor ignore the power of the enemy against the Church. Grant us always to seek the wisdom of the cross and the blessing of those who suffer for the sake of justice. May we always be filled with your happiness. Ant. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. READING Isaiah 4:3 He who remains in Zion and he that is left in Jerusalem Will be called holy: every one marked down for life in Jerusalem. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Remember us, Lord, because of the love you have for your people. — Come and bring us your salvation. CONCLUDING PRAYER Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.

Dec 24, Morning Prayer for Wednesday of the 4th week of Advent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 653 Proper of Seasons: 381 Psalter: Wednesday, Week IV, 1103 Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Proper of Seasons: 137 Psalter: Wednesday, Week IV, 958 Morning Prayer for December 24, Wednesday in the Season of Advent God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNI bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity. By invocation of the same, The Three in One, the One in Three. I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead. God's eye to watch, God's might to stay. God's heavenly host to be my guard. Chorus: Christ be with me; Christ within me; Christ behind me; Christ before me; Christ to comfort and restore me; Christ beneath me and above me; Christ in hearts of all that love me; Christ in mouth of friend and stranger; I bind unto myself the name the strong name of the Trinity. By invocation of the same, The Three in One, the One in Three. Of whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word. Praise to the Lord of my salvation. Salvation is of Christ the Lord. Chorus: Christ be with me; Christ within me; Christ behind me; Christ before me; Christ to comfort and restore me; Christ beneath me and above me; Christ in hearts of all that love me; Christ in mouth of friend and stranger; 𝄞"Prayer of St. Patrick" by Briege O'Hare And Marie Cox • Available on iTunes • Available for Purchase • Title: Prayer of St. Patrick; Text: Briege O'Hare, OSC, inspired by The Carmina Gadelica; Album: The Peace of God. Songs from a Celtic Monastery; Composed and arranged by: Briege O'Hare, OSC; Sung by: Marie Cox,RSM; (c) 2006 Hermitage Production; Used by permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: The Peace of God PSALMODY Ant. 1 Bethlehem in Judah’s land, how glorious your future! The king who will rule my people comes from you. Psalm 108 Praise of God and a plea for help Since the Son of God has been exalted above the heavens, his glory is proclaimed through all the earth. (Arnobius). My heart is ready, O God; I will sing, sing your praise. Awake, my soul; awake, lyre and harp. I will awake the dawn. I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples, among the nations I will praise you, for your love reaches to the heavens and your truth to the skies. O God, arise above the heavens; may your glory shine on earth! O come and deliver your friends; help with your right hand and reply. From his holy place God has made this promise: “I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem; I will measure out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine and Manasseh. Ephraim I take for my helmet, Judah for my commander’s staff. Moab I will use for my washbowl, on Edom I will plant my shoe. Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.” But who will lead me to conquer the fortress? Who will bring me face to face with Edom? Will you utterly reject us, O God, and no longer march with our armies? Give us help against the foe: for the help of man is vain. With God we shall do bravely and he will trample down our foes. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Accept the prayers of your servants, Lord, and prepare our hearts to praise your holy name. Come to our aid in time of trouble and make us worthy to sing you songs of thanksgiving. Ant. Bethlehem in Judah’s land, how glorious your future! The king who will rule my people comes from you. Ant. 2 Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is now at hand. Canticle – Isaiah 61:10-62:5 The prophet’s joy in the vision of the New Jerusalem I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, with the beauty of a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2) I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations. For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, Until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all kings your glory; You shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the Lord. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord, a royal diadem held by your God. No more shall men call you “Forsaken,” or your land “Desolate,” But you shall be called “My Delight,” and your land “Espoused.” For the Lord delights in you, and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is now at hand. Ant. 3 The day has come at last when Mary will bring forth her first-born Son. Psalm 146 Those who trust in God know what it is to be happy To praise God in our lives means all we do must be for his glory (Arnobius). My soul, give praise to the Lord; I will praise the Lord all my days, make music to my God while I live. Put no trust in princes, In mortal men in whom there is no help. Take their breath, they return to clay and their plans that day come to nothing. He is happy who is helped by Jacob’s God, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who alone made heaven and earth, the seas and all they contain. It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever, who is just to those who are oppressed. It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord, who sets prisoners free, the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down, the Lord, who protects the stranger and upholds the widow and orphan. It is the Lord who loves the just but thwarts the path of the wicked. The Lord will reign for ever, Zion’s God, from age to age. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer God of glory and power, those who have put all their trust in you are happy indeed. Shine the brightness of your light on us, that we may love you always with a pure heart. Ant. The day has come at last when Mary will bring forth her first-born Son. READING Isaiah 11:1-3a A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY Tomorrow will be the day of your salvation, the sinfulness of earth will be destroyed. — Tomorrow will be the day of your salvation, the sinfulness of earth will be destroyed. The Savior of the world will be our king; — the sinfulness of earth will be destroyed. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Tomorrow will be the day of your salvation, the sinfulness of earth will be destroyed. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. The time has come for Mary to give birth to her firstborn Son. Luke 1:68 – 79 The Messiah and his forerunner Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The time has come for Mary to give birth to her firstborn Son. INTERCESSIONS To Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who will come again in glory with great power, let us make our humble prayer: Come, Lord Jesus! Lord Jesus, you will come with great power, — look on our lowliness and make us worthy of your gifts. Come, Lord Jesus! You came to be the good news for mankind, — may we always proclaim your saving work. Come, Lord Jesus! You are worthy of praise, for you have life and rule all things, — help us to wait in joyful hope for the coming of your glory. Come, Lord Jesus! We long for the grace of your coming, — console us with the gift of your own divine life. Come, Lord Jesus! Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. DISMISSAL May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen.

Dec 24, Office of Readings for Wednesday of the 4th week of Advent

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 649 Proper of Seasons: 377 Psalter: Wednesday, Week IV, 1099 Office of Readings for December 24, Wednesday in the Season of Advent God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNO come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem From every foe deliver them That trust your mighty power to save; Bring them in victory through the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Oh, bid our sad divisions cease And be yourself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. 𝄞"O come, O come, Emmanuel" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss, Vince Clark • Title: O Come, O Come Emmanuel; Text: Unknown, 12th c.; Tr. John Mason (1851); Artist: Melinda Kirigin-Voss and Vince Clark; Copyright 2016 Surgeworks • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office PSALMODY Ant. 1 Bless the Lord, my soul; never forget all he has done for you. Psalm 103 Praise for God’s tender compassion In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us (see Luke 1:78). I My soul, give thanks to the Lord, all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion, who fills your life with good things, renewing your youth like an eagle’s. The Lord does deeds of justice, gives judgment for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses and his deeds to Israel’s sons. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Bless the Lord, my soul; never forget all he has done for you. Ant. 2 As a father is gentle with his children, so is the Lord with those who revere him. II The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. His wrath will come to an end; he will not be angry for ever. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his sons, the Lord has pity on those who fear him; for he knows of what we are made, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flowers like the flower of the field; the wind blows and he is gone and his place never sees him again. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. As a father is gentle with his children, so is the Lord with those who revere him. Ant. 3 Bless the Lord, all you his works! III But the love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear; his justice reaches out to children’s children when they keep his covenant in truth, when they keep his will in their mind. The Lord has set his sway in heaven and his kingdom is ruling over all. Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word, who heed the voice of his word. Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts, his servants who do his will. Give thanks to the Lord, all his works, in every place where he rules. My soul, give thanks to the Lord! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer You have compassion for the sinner, Lord, as a Father has compassion for his children. Heal the weakness of your people and save us from lasting death that we may praise and glorify you forever. Ant. Bless the Lord, all you his works! Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. The Lord proclaims his word to Jacob. — His laws and decrees to Israel. READINGS First reading From the book of the prophet Isaiah 51:17-52:2, 7-10 The good news is brought to Jerusalem Awake, awake! Arise, O Jerusalem, You who drank at the Lord’s hand the cup of his wrath; Who drained to the dregs the bowl of staggering! She has no one to guide her of all the sons she bore; She has no one to grasp her by the hand, of all the sons she reared!– Your misfortunes are double; who is there to condole with you? Desolation and destruction, famine and sword! Who is there to comfort you? Your sons lie helpless at every street corner like antelopes in a net. They are filled with the wrath of the Lord, the rebuke of your God. But now, hear this, O afflicted one, drunk, but not with wine, Thus says the Lord, your Master, your God, who defends his people: See, I am taking from your hand the cup of staggering; The bowl of my wrath you shall no longer drink. I will put it into the hands of your tormentors, those who ordered you to bow down, that they might walk over you, While you offered your back like the ground, like the street for them to walk on. Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your glorious garments, O Jerusalem, holy city. No longer shall the uncircumcised or the unclean enter you. Shake off the dust, ascend to the throne, Jerusalem; Loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter Zion! How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your watchmen raise a cry, together they shout for joy, For they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the Lord comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God. RESPONSORY See Ex. 19:10, 11; Dt. 7:15; see Dn, 9:24 Cleanse yourselves, sons of Israel, says the Lord; for tomorrow your Lord will come down, — and he will take away from you all weaknesses. Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed, and the Savior of the world will rule over us. — And he will take away from you all weaknesses. Second reading From a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop Truth has arisen from the earth, and justice looked down from heaven Awake, mankind! For your sake God has become man. Awake, you who sleep, rise up from the dead, and Christ will enlighten you. I tell you again: for your sake, God became man. You would have suffered eternal death, had he not been born in time. Never would you have been freed from sinful flesh, had he not taken on himself the likeness of sinful flesh. You would have suffered everlasting unhappiness, had it not been for this mercy. You would never have returned to life, had he not shared your death. You would have been lost if he had not hastened to your aid. You would have perished, had he not come. Let us then joyfully celebrate the coming of our salvation and redemption. Let us celebrate the festive day on which he who is the great and eternal day came from the great and endless day of eternity into our own short day of time. He has become our justice, our sanctification, our redemption, so that, as it is written: Let him who glories glory in the Lord. Truth, then, has arisen from the earth: Christ who said, I am the Truth, was born of a virgin. And justice looked down from heaven: because believing in this new-born child, man is justified not by himself but by God. Truth has arisen from the earth: because the Word was made flesh. And justice looked down from heaven: because every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. Truth has arisen from the earth: flesh from Mary. And justice looked down from heaven: for man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. Justified by faith, let us be at peace with God: for justice and peace have embraced one another. Through our Lord Jesus Christ: for Truth has arisen from the earth. Through whom we have access to that grace in which we stand, and our boast is in our hope of God’s glory. He does not say: “of our glory,” but of God’s glory: for justice has not proceeded from us but has looked down from heaven. Therefore he who glories, let him glory, not in himself, but in the Lord. For this reason, when our Lord was born of the Virgin, the message of the angelic voices was: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. For how could there be peace on earth unless Truth has arisen from the earth, that is, unless Christ, were born of our flesh? And he is our peace who made the two into one: that we might be men of good will, sweetly linked by the bond of unity. Let us then rejoice in this grace, so that our glorying may bear witness to our good conscience by which we glory, not in ourselves, but in the Lord. That is why Scripture says: He is my glory, the one who lifts up my head. For what greater grace could God have made to dawn on us than to make his only Son become the son of man, so that a son of man might in his turn become the son of God? Ask if this were merited; ask for its reason, for its justification, and see whether you will find any other answer but sheer grace. RESPONSORY Isaiah 11:1, 5, 2 A shoot shall grow from the root of Jesse, and there a flower shall blossom. — Justice will be the girdle around his loins, and faithfulness the belt around his waist. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and fortitude. — Justice will be the girdle around his loins, and faithfulness the belt around his waist. CONCLUDING PRAYER Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (at least in the communal celebration) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.