Office of Readings
INVITATORY
The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.
Go to the Hymn
Go to the Psalmody
Lord, + open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
The antiphon is repeated. In individual recitation, the antiphon may be said only at the beginning of the psalm; it need not be repeated after each strophe.
Go to Psalm 24
Go to Psalm 67
Go to Psalm 100
Psalm 95
A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
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. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
Psalm 24
The Lord’s entry into his temple
Christ opened heaven for us in the manhood he assumed (Saint Irenaeus).
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, *
the world and all its peoples.
It is he who set it on the seas; *
on the waters he made it firm.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? *
Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart, †
who desires not worthless things, *
who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord *
and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him, *
seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Who is the king of glory? †
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, *
the Lord, the valiant in war.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Who is he, the king of glory? †
He, the Lord of armies, *
he is the king of glory.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
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. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
Psalm 67
People of all nations will worship the Lord
You must know that God is offering his salvation to all the world (Acts 28:28).
O God, be gracious and bless us *
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth *
and all nations learn your saving help.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Let the nations be glad and exult *
for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples, *
you guide the nations on earth.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
The earth has yielded its fruit *
for God, our God, has blessed us.
May God still give us his blessing *
till the ends of the earth revere him.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
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. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Go to the Hymn
Psalm 100
The joyful song of those entering God’s temple
The Lord calls his ransomed people to sing songs of victory (Saint Athanasius).
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. †
Serve the Lord with gladness. *
Come before him, singing for joy.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Know that he, the Lord, is God. †
He made us, we belong to him, *
we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Go within his gates, giving thanks. †
Enter his courts with songs of praise. *
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
Indeed, how good is the Lord, †
eternal his merciful love. *
He is faithful from age to age.
Ant. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
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. Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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.
HYMN
Eternal Maker of the world,
The sov’reign Lord of night and day:
You give the seasons of the year
To take time’s heaviness away.
In deepest night you never sleep,
A Lamp for trav’lers on the way;
A Light dividing night from night,
The rooster crows announcing day.
See, at the sound, the daystar wakes
And drives the darkness from the sky;
All those who strayed on deadly roads
Now take the path to life on high.
The ocean hears; the waves die down;
The sailor overcomes his fears.
Saint Peter hears; the Church’s Rock
Removes denial’s stain with tears.
O Jesus, save us, for we fall;
Look down and set us right, we pray,
For at your glance our failings fail,
And sorrow washes sins away.
O Light, upon our senses shine,
Dispel the sleepiness within;
Let our first words be words of you;
With faithful praise our day begin.
To you, O Christ, most kindly King,
And to the Father, glory be;
Praise to the Spirit Paraclete,
In ev’ry age, eternally. Amen.
Tune: Ætérne rerum cónditor L.M.
Music: Mode I
Text: Ætérne rerum cónditor, Saint Ambrose of Milan, 337?-397
Translation: Reverend Thomas Buffer, © 2004, all rights reserved, used with permission.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 See how the cross of the Lord stands revealed as the tree of life.
Psalm 1
There are two ways a man may take
They are happy who, putting all their trust in the cross, have plunged into the water of life (from an author of the second century).
Happy indeed is the man *
who follows not the counsel of the wicked;
nor lingers in the way of sinners *
nor sits in the company of scorners,
but whose delight is the law of the Lord *
and who ponders his law day and night.
He is like a tree that is planted *
beside the flowing waters,
that yields its fruit in due season *
and whose leaves shall never fade;
and all that he does shall prosper. *
Not so are the wicked, not so!
For they like winnowed chaff *
shall be driven away by the wind.
When the wicked are judged they shall not stand, *
nor find room among those who are just;
for the Lord guards the way of the just *
but the way of the wicked leads to doom.
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, you are the fullness of life, of holiness and of joy. Fill our days and nights with the love of your wisdom, that we may bear fruit in the beauty of holiness, like a tree watered by running streams.
Ant. See how the cross of the Lord stands revealed as the tree of life.
Ant. 2 Here is a King of my own choosing who will rule on Mount Zion.
Psalm 2
The Messiah, king and conqueror
The rulers of the earth joined forces to overthrow Jesus, your anointed Son (Acts 4:27).
Why this tumult among nations, *
among peoples this useless murmuring?
They arise, the kings of the earth, *
princes plot against the Lord and his Anointed.
“Come let us break their fetters, *
come, let us cast off their yoke.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs; *
the Lord is laughing them to scorn.
Then he will speak in his anger, *
his rage will strike them with terror.
“It is I who have set up my king *
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
I will announce the decree of the Lord:
The Lord said to me: “You are my Son. *
It is I who have begotten you this day.
Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations, *
put the ends of the earth in your possession.
With a rod of iron you will break them, *
shatter them like a potter’s jar.”
Now, O kings, understand, *
take warning, rulers of the earth;
serve the Lord with awe *
and trembling, pay him your homage
lest he be angry and you perish; *
for suddenly his anger will blaze.
Blessed are they who put their trust in God.
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 God, you gave the peoples of the world to be the inheritance of your only Son; you crowned him as King of Zion, your holy city, and gave him your Church to be his Bride. As he proclaims the law of your eternal kingdom, may we serve him faithfully, and so share his royal power forever.
Ant. Here is a King of my own choosing who will rule on Mount Zion.
Ant. 3 Lord, you are my protector; you have raised me up in glory.
Psalm 3
I am safe in the Lord’s keeping
Christ fell asleep in death, but he rose from the dead, for God was his deliverer (Saint Irenaeus).
How many are my foes, O Lord! *
How many are rising up against me!
How many are saying about me: *
“There is no help for him in God.”
But you, Lord, are a shield about me, *
my glory, who lift up my head.
I cry aloud to the Lord. *
He answers from his holy mountain.
I lie down to rest and I sleep. *
I wake, for the Lord upholds me.
I will not fear even thousands of people *
who are ranged on every side against me.
Arise, Lord; save me, my God, *
you who strike all my foes on the mouth,
you who break the teeth of the wicked! *
O Lord of salvation, bless your people!
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 God, you heard the cry of your Son when he was oppressed and saved him from the sleep of death. Arise, Lord, help your Church. Be its shield so that it may hold up its head and radiate the glory of the resurrection.
Ant. Lord, you are my protector; you have raised me up in glory.
May the word of Christ ever fill your hearts.
– Share with one another the wisdom you receive.
READINGS
FIRST READING
From the book of the prophet Joel
2:21-3:5
Concerning the last days
Thus says the Lord:
Fear not, O land!
exult and rejoice!
for the Lord has done great things.
Fear not, beasts of the field!
for the pastures of the plain are green;
The tree bears its fruit,
the fig tree and the vine give their yield.
And do you, O children of Zion, exult
and rejoice in the Lord, your God!
He has given you the teacher of justice:
he has made the rain come down for you,
the early and the late rain as before.
The threshing floors shall be full of grain
and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
And I will repay you for the years
which the locust has eaten,
The grasshopper, the devourer, and the cutter,
my great army which I sent among you.
You shall eat and be filled,
and shall praise the name of the Lord, your God,
Because he has dealt wondrously with you;
my people shall nevermore be put to shame.
And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel;
I am the Lord, your God, and there is no other;
my people shall nevermore be put to shame.
Then afterward I will pour out
my spirit upon all mankind.
Your sons and daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions;
Even upon the servants and the handmaids,
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
And I will work wonders in the heavens and on the earth,
blood, fire, and columns of smoke;
The sun will be turned to darkness,
and the moon to blood,
At the coming of the Day of the Lord,
the great and terrible day.
Then everyone shall be rescued
who calls on the name of the Lord;
For on Mount Zion there shall be a remnant,
as the Lord has said,
And in Jerusalem survivors
whom the Lord shall call.
RESPONSORY
Luke 21:25, 31; Mark 13:33
There will be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars.
– When you see all these things happening,
know that the kingdom of God is near.
Be on your guard and pray,
for you do not know when the time will come.
– When you see all these things happening,
know that the kingdom of God is near.
SECOND READING
From a discourse on the Psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop
(Ps. 95. 14, 15: CCL 39, 1351-1353)
Let us not resist the first coming, so that we may not dread the second
All the trees of the forest will exult before the face of the Lord, for he has come, he has come to judge the earth. He has come the first time, and he will come again. At his first coming, his own voice declared in the gospel: Hereafter you shall see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds. What does he mean by hereafter? Does he not mean that the Lord will come at a future time when all the nations of the earth will be striking their breasts in grief? Previously he came through his preachers, and he filled the whole world. Let us not resist his first coming, so that we may not dread the second.
What then should the Christian do? He ought to use the world, not become its slave. And what does this mean? It means having, as though not having. So says the Apostle: My brethren, the appointed time is short: from now on let those who have wives live as though they had none; and those who mourn as though they were not mourning; and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing; and those who buy as though they had no goods; and those who deal with this world as though they had no dealings with it. For the form of this world is passing away. But I wish you to be without anxiety. He who is without anxiety waits without fear until his Lord comes. For what sort of love of Christ is it to fear his coming? Brothers, do we not have to blush for shame? We love him, yet we fear his coming. Are we really certain that we love him? Or do we love our sins more? Therefore let us hate our sins and love him who will exact punishment for them. He will come whether we wish it or not. Do not think that because he is not coming just now, he will not come at all. He will come, you know not when; and provided he finds you prepared, your ignorance of the time of his coming will not be held against you.
All the trees of the forest will exult. He has come the first time, and he will come again to judge the earth; he will find those rejoicing who believed in his first coming, for he has come.
He will judge the world with equity and the peoples in his truth. What are equity and truth? He will gather together with him for the judgment his chosen ones, but the others he will set apart; for he will place some on his right, others on his left. What is more equitable, what more true than that they should not themselves expect mercy from the judge, who themselves were unwilling to show mercy before the judge’s coming. Those, however who were willing to show mercy will be judged with mercy. For it will be said to those placed on his right: Come, blessed of my Father, take possession of the kingdom which has been prepared for you from the beginning of the world. And he reckons to their account their works of mercy: For I was hungry and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me to drink.
What is imputed to those places on his left side? That they refused to show mercy. And where will they go? Depart into the everlasting fire. The hearing of this condemnation will cause much wailing. But what has another psalm said? The just man will be held in everlasting remembrance; he will not fear the evil report. What is the evil report? Depart into the everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels. Whoever rejoices to hear the good report will not fear the bad. This is equity, this is truth.
Or do you, because you are unjust, expect the judge not to be just? Or because you are a liar, will the truthful one not be true? Rather, if you wish to receive mercy, be merciful before he comes; forgive whatever has been done against you; give of your abundance. Of whose possessions do you give, if not from his? If you were to give of your own, it would be largess; but since you give of his, it is restitution. For what have you that you have not received? These are the sacrifices most pleasing to God: mercy, humility, praise, peace, charity. Such as these, then, let us bring and, free from fear, we shall await the coming of the judge who will judge the world in equity and the peoples in his truth.
RESPONSORY
Matthew 16:27; Psalm 96:13
The Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels.
– Then he will reward each according to his deeds.
He will judge the world with justice and the people with truth.
– Then he will reward each according to his deeds.
If the Optional Vigil is not celebrated, the Office continues with the Te Deum.
Go to the Te Deum
OPTIONAL VIGIL
CANTICLES
Ant. We hope in you, Lord; be a source of strength for us today and our salvation in times of trial.
Canticle I: Isaiah 33:2-10
Prayer of trust in need
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
O Lord, have pity on us, for you we wait. †
Be our strength every morning, *
our salvation in time of trouble!
At the roaring sound, peoples flee; *
when you rise in your majesty, nations are scattered.
Men gather spoil as caterpillars are gathered up; *
they rush upon it like the onrush of locusts.
The Lord is exalted, enthroned on high; *
he fills Zion with right and justice.
That which makes her seasons lasting, †
the riches that save her, are wisdom and knowledge; *
the fear of the Lord is her treasure.
See, the men of Ariel cry out in the streets, *
the messengers of Shalem weep bitterly.
The highways are desolate, *
travelers have quit the paths,
covenants are broken, their terms are spurned; *
yet no man gives it a thought.
The country languishes in mourning, *
Lebanon withers with shame;
Sharon is like the steppe, *
Bashan and Carmel are stripped bare.
Now will I rise up, says the Lord, *
now will I be exalted, now be lifted up.
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.
Canticle II: Isaiah 33:13-16
God will judge with justice
It is promised to you and your children and to all who are far away (Acts 2:39).
Hear, you who are far off, *
what I have done;
you who are near, *
acknowledge my might.
On Zion sinners are in dread, *
trembling grips the impious:
“Who of us can live with the consuming fire? *
Who of us can live with the everlasting flames?”
He who practices virtue and speaks honestly, *
who spurns what is gained by oppression,
brushing his hands free of contact with a bribe, †
stopping his ears lest he hear of bloodshed, *
closing his eyes lest he look on evil
He shall dwell on the heights, *
his stronghold shall be the rocky fastness,
his food and drink *
in steady supply.
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.
Canticle III: Sirach 36:11-17
Prayer for the people of God
This is eternal life: to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).
Show mercy to the people called by your name; *
Israel, whom you named your first-born.
Take pity on your holy city, *
Jerusalem, your dwelling place.
Fill Zion with your majesty, *
your temple with your glory.
Give evidence of your deeds of old; *
fulfill the prophecies spoken in your name,
Reward those who have hoped in you, *
and let your prophets be proved true.
Hear the prayer of your servants, *
for you are ever gracious to your people;
Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth *
that you are the eternal God.
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. We hope in you, Lord; be a source of strength for us today and our salvation in times of trial.
THE HOLY GOSPEL
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
28:1-10, 16-20
He has risen from the dead and is going before you to Galilee
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene came with the other Mary to inspect the tomb. Suddenly there was a mighty earthquake, as the angel of the Lord descended from heaven. He came to the stone, rolled it back, and sat on it. In appearance he resembled a flash of lightning while his garments were as dazzling as snow. The guards grew paralyzed with fear of him and fell down like dead men.
Then the angel spoke, addressing the women: “Do not be frightened. I know you are looking for Jesus the crucified, but he is not here. He had been raised, exactly as he promised. Come and see the place where he was laid. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has been raised from the dead, and now goes ahead of you to Galilee, where you will see him.’ That is the message I have for you.”
They hurried away from the tomb half-overjoyed, half-fearful, and ran to carry the good news to his disciples, Suddenly, without warning, Jesus stood before them and said, “Peace!” The women came up and embraced his feet and did him homage. At this Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid! Go and carry the news to my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, where they will see me.”
The eleven disciples made their way to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had summoned them. At the sight of him, those who had entertained doubts fell down in homage.
Jesus came forward and addressed them in these words:
“Full authority has been given to me
both in heaven and on earth;
go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.
Baptize them in the name
‘of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.’
Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.
And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world!”
A homily on the Gospel may be given.
TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death,
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
R. Govern and uphold them now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you.
R. We praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope:
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Father of all that is good
keep us faithful in serving you,
for to serve you is our lasting joy
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Or:
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God,
the constant gladness of being devoted to you,
for it is full and lasting happiness
to serve with constancy
the author of all that is good.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.
******
DONATE to support the continued development of the iBreviary
SUBSCRIBE iBreviary newsletter
