I. classis

In Epiphania Domini

Ad Matutinum

Nocturnus I

Psalmus 28

Give unto the Lord, O ye sons of God, * worship the Lord in His holy courts.

Bring to the Lord, O ye children of God: * bring to the Lord the offspring of rams.

  1. Afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem, afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.

    2. Bring to the Lord glory and honour: bring to the Lord glory to his name: * adore ye the Lord in his holy court.

  2. Vox Dómini super aquas, Deus majestátis intónuit: * Dóminus super aquas multas.

    3. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of majesty hath thundered, * The Lord is upon many waters.

  3. Vox Dómini in virtúte: * vox Dómini in magnificéntia.

    4. The voice of the Lord is in power; * the voice of the Lord in magnificence.

  4. Vox Dómini confringéntis cedros: * et confrínget Dóminus cedros Líbani.

    5. The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars: * yea, the Lord shall break the cedars of Libanus.

  5. Et commínuet eas tamquam vítulum Líbani: * et diléctus quemádmodum fílius unicórnium.

    6. And shall reduce them to pieces, as a calf of Libanus, * and as the beloved son of unicorns.

  6. Vox Dómini intercidéntis flammam ignis: * vox Dómini concutiéntis desértum: et commovébit Dóminus desértum Cades.

    7. The voice of the Lord divideth the flame of fire: * The voice of the Lord shaketh the desert: and the Lord shall shake the desert of Cades.

  7. Vox Dómini præparántis cervos, et revelábit condénsa: * et in templo ejus omnes dicent glóriam.

    8. The voice of the Lord prepareth the stags: and he will discover the thick woods: * and in his temple all shall speak his glory.

  8. Dóminus dilúvium inhabitáre facit: * et sedébit Dóminus Rex in ætérnum.

    9. The Lord maketh the flood to dwell: * and the Lord shall sit king for ever.

  9. Dóminus virtútem pópulo suo dabit: * Dóminus benedícet pópulo suo in pace.

    10. The Lord will give strength to his people: * the Lord will bless his people with peace.

  10. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    11. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  11. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    12. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Give unto the Lord, O ye sons of God, * worship the Lord in His holy courts.

Psalmus 45

It is a river, the streams whereof make glad, * alleluia, the city of God, alleluia.

Our God is our refuge and strength: * a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.

  1. Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.

    2. Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled; * and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea.

  2. Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.

    3. Their waters roared and were troubled: * the mountains were troubled with his strength.

  3. Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.

    4. The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: * the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.

  4. Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.

    5. God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: * God will help it in the morning early.

  5. Conturbátæ sunt Gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.

    6. Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: * he uttered his voice, the earth trembled.

  6. Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

    7. The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.

  7. Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, † quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.

    8. Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders he hath done upon earth, * making wars to cease even to the end of the earth.

  8. Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.

    9. He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.

  9. Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in Géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.

    10. Be still and see that I am God; * I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.

  10. Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

    11. The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.

  11. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    12. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  12. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    13. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

It is a river, the streams whereof make glad, * alleluia, the city of God, alleluia.

Psalmus 46

Sing praises to our God, sing praises * sing praises unto our King, sing ye praises with understanding.

O clap your hands, all ye nations: * shout unto God with the voice of joy,

  1. Quóniam Dóminus excélsus, terríbilis: * Rex magnus super omnem terram.

    2. For the Lord is high, terrible: * a great king over all the earth.

  2. Subjécit pópulos nobis: * et Gentes sub pédibus nostris.

    3. He hath subdued the people under us; * and the nations under our feet.

  3. Elégit nobis hereditátem suam: * spéciem Jacob, quam diléxit.

    4. He hath chosen for us his inheritance, * the beauty of Jacob which he hath loved.

  4. Ascéndit Deus in júbilo: * et Dóminus in voce tubæ.

    5. God is ascended with jubilee, * and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.

  5. Psállite Deo nostro, psállite: * psállite Regi nostro, psállite.

    6. Sing praises to our God, sing ye: * sing praises to our king, sing ye.

  6. Quóniam Rex omnis terræ Deus: * psállite sapiénter.

    7. For God is the king of all the earth: * sing ye wisely.

  7. Regnábit Deus super Gentes: * Deus sedet super sedem sanctam suam.

    8. God shall reign over the nations: * God sitteth on his holy throne.

  8. Príncipes populórum congregáti sunt cum Deo Abraham: * quóniam dii fortes terræ veheménter eleváti sunt.

    9. The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: * for the strong gods of the earth are exceedingly exalted.

  9. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    10. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  10. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    11. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Sing praises to our God, sing praises * sing praises unto our King, sing ye praises with understanding.

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. Exáudi, Dómine Iesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis: Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.

Lectio 1
De Isaía Prophéta
Isa 55:1-4

Omnes sitiéntes, veníte ad aquas, et qui non habétis argéntum, properáte, émite, et comédite: veníte, émite absque argénto et absque ulla commutatióne vinum et lac. Quare appénditis argéntum non in pánibus, et labórem vestrum non in saturitáte? Audíte, audiéntes me, et comédite bonum, et delectábitur in crassitúdine ánima vestra. Inclináte aurem vestram, et veníte ad me; audíte, et vivet ánima vestra, et fériam vobíscum pactum sempitérnum, misericórdias David fidéles. Ecce testem pópulis dedi eum, ducem ac præceptórem géntibus.

All you that thirst, come to the waters: and you that have no money make haste, buy, and eat: come ye, buy wine and milk without money, and without any price. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which doth not satisfy you? Hearken diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and your soul shall be delighted in fatness. Incline your ear and come to me: hear and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the faithful mercies of David. Behold I have given him for a witness to the people, for a leader and a master to the Gentiles.

Benedictio:

Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adiuváre dignétur.

Lectio 2
Isa 60:1-6

Surge, illumináre, Ierúsalem, quia venit lumen tuum, et glória Dómini super te orta est. Quia ecce ténebræ opérient terram, et calígo pópulos; super te autem oriétur Dóminus, et glória eius in te vidébitur. Et ambulábunt gentes in lúmine tuo, et reges in splendóre ortus tui. Leva in circúitu óculos tuos, et vide: omnes isti congregáti sunt, venérunt tibi; fílii tui de longe vénient et fíliæ tuæ de látere surgent. Tunc vidébis, et áfflues; mirábitur et dilatábitur cor tuum: quando convérsa fúerit ad te multitúdo maris; fortitúdo géntium vénerit tibi. Inundátio camelórum opériet te, dromedárii Mádian et Epha; omnes de Saba vénient, aurum et thus deferéntes, et laudem Dómino annuntiántes.

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.

Benedictio:

Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.

Lectio 3
Isa 61:10-11; 62:1

Gaudens gaudébo in Dómino, et exsultábit ánima mea in Deo meo, quia índuit me vestiméntis salútis, et induménto iustítiæ circúmdedit me, quasi sponsum decorátum coróna, et quasi sponsam ornátam monílibus suis. Sicut enim terra profert germen suum, et sicut hortus semen suum gérminat, sic Dóminus Deus germinábit iustítiam et laudem coram univérsis géntibus. Propter Sion non tacébo, et propter Ierúsalem non quiéscam, donec egrediátur ut splendor iustus eius, et salvátor eius ut lampas accendátur.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation: and with the robe of justice he hath covered me, as a bridegroom decked with a crown, and as a bride adorned with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth her seed to shoot forth: so shall the Lord God make justice to spring forth, and praise before all the nations. For Sion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for the sake of Jerusalem, I will not rest till her just one come forth as brightness, and her saviour be lighted as a lamp.

Nocturnus II

Psalmus 65

Let all the earth worship thee, and sing unto thee * let them sing praises to thy name, O Lord.

Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; * give glory to his praise.

  1. Dícite Deo: Quam terribília sunt ópera tua, Dómine! * in multitúdine virtútis tuæ mentiéntur tibi inimíci tui.

    2. Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! * in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee.

  2. Omnis terra adóret te, et psallat tibi: * psalmum dicat nómini tuo.

    3. Let all the earth adore thee, * and sing to thee: let it sing a psalm to thy name.

  3. Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dei: * terríbilis in consíliis super fílios hóminum.

    4. Come and see the works of God; * who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men.

  4. Qui convértit mare in áridam, in flúmine pertransíbunt pede: * ibi lætábimur in ipso.

    5. Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: * there shall we rejoice in him.

  5. Qui dominátur in virtúte sua in ætérnum, óculi ejus super Gentes respíciunt: * qui exásperant non exalténtur in semetípsis.

    6. Who by his power ruleth for ever: his eyes behold the nations; * let not them that provoke him be exalted in themselves.

  6. Benedícite, Gentes, Deum nostrum: * et audítam fácite vocem laudis ejus,

    7. O bless our God, ye Gentiles: * and make the voice of his praise to be heard.

  7. Qui pósuit ánimam meam ad vitam: * et non dedit in commotiónem pedes meos.

    8. Who hath set my soul to live: * and hath not suffered my feet to be moved:

  8. Quóniam probásti nos, Deus: * igne nos examinásti, sicut examinátur argéntum.

    9. For thou, O God, hast proved us: * thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried.

  9. Induxísti nos in láqueum, posuísti tribulatiónes in dorso nostro: * imposuísti hómines super cápita nostra.

    10. Thou hast brought us into a net, thou hast laid afflictions on our back: * thou hast set men over our heads.

  10. Transívimus per ignem et aquam: * et eduxísti nos in refrigérium.

    11. We have passed through fire and water, * and thou hast brought us out into a refreshment.

  11. Introíbo in domum tuam in holocáustis: * reddam tibi vota mea, quæ distinxérunt lábia mea.

    12. I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: * I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered,

  12. Et locútum est os meum, * in tribulatióne mea.

    13. And my mouth hath spoken, * when I was in trouble.

  13. Holocáusta medulláta ófferam tibi cum incénso aríetum: * ófferam tibi boves cum hircis.

    14. I will offer up to thee holocausts full of marrow, with burnt offerings of rams: * I will offer to thee bullocks with goats.

  14. Veníte, audíte, et narrábo, omnes, qui timétis Deum: * quanta fecit ánimæ meæ.

    15. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, * and I will tell you what great things he hath done for my soul.

  15. Ad ipsum ore meo clamávi, * et exaltávi sub lingua mea.

    16. I cried to him with my mouth: * and I extolled him with my tongue.

  16. Iniquitátem si aspéxi in corde meo, * non exáudiet Dóminus.

    17. If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, * the Lord will not hear me.

  17. Proptérea exaudívit Deus, * et atténdit voci deprecatiónis meæ.

    18. Therefore hath God heard me, * and hath attended to the voice of my supplication.

  18. Benedíctus Deus, * qui non amóvit oratiónem meam, et misericórdiam suam a me.

    19. Blessed be God, * who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

  19. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    20. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  20. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    21. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Let all the earth worship thee, and sing unto thee * let them sing praises to thy name, O Lord.

Psalmus 71

The kings of Tarshish and the isles shall bring presents * unto the Lord the King.

Give to the king thy judgment, O God: * and to the king’s son thy justice:

  1. Judicáre pópulum tuum in justítia, * et páuperes tuos in judício.

    2. To judge thy people with justice, * and thy poor with judgment.

  2. Suscípiant montes pacem pópulo: * et colles justítiam.

    3. Let the mountains receive peace for the people: * and the hills justice.

  3. Judicábit páuperes pópuli, et salvos fáciet fílios páuperum: * et humiliábit calumniatórem.

    4. He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: * and he shall humble the oppressor.

  4. Et permanébit cum sole, et ante lunam, * in generatióne et generatiónem.

    5. And he shall continue with the sun, and before the moon, * throughout all generations.

  5. Descéndet sicut plúvia in vellus: * et sicut stillicídia stillántia super terram.

    6. He shall come down like rain upon the fleece; * and as showers falling gently upon the earth.

  6. Oriétur in diébus ejus justítia, et abundántia pacis: * donec auferátur luna.

    7. In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, * till the moon be taken away.

  7. Et dominábitur a mari usque ad mare: * et a flúmine usque ad términos orbis terrárum.

    8. And he shall rule from sea to sea, * and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

  8. Coram illo prócident Æthíopes: * et inimíci ejus terram lingent.

    9. Before him the Ethiopians shall fall down: * and his enemies shall lick the ground.

  9. Reges Tharsis, et ínsulæ múnera ófferent: * reges Arabum et Saba dona addúcent.

    10. The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: * the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:

  10. Et adorábunt eum omnes reges terræ: * omnes Gentes sérvient ei:

    11. And all kings of the earth shall adore him: * all nations shall serve him.

  11. Quia liberábit páuperem a poténte: * et páuperem, cui non erat adjútor.

    12. For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty: * and the needy that had no helper.

  12. Parcet páuperi et ínopi: * et ánimas páuperum salvas fáciet.

    13. He shall spare the poor and needy: * and he shall save the souls of the poor.

  13. Ex usúris et iniquitáte rédimet ánimas eórum: * et honorábile nomen eórum coram illo.

    14. He shall redeem their souls from usuries and iniquity: * and their names shall be honourable in his sight.

  14. Et vivet, et dábitur ei de auro Arábiæ, † et adorábunt de ipso semper: * tota die benedícent ei.

    15. And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Arabia, for him they shall always adore: * they shall bless him all the day.

  15. Et erit firmaméntum in terra in summis móntium, † superextollétur super Líbanum fructus ejus: * et florébunt de civitáte sicut fenum terræ.

    16. And there shall be a firmament on the earth on the tops of mountains, above Libanus shall the fruit thereof be exalted: * and they of the city shall flourish like the grass of the earth.

  16. Sit nomen ejus benedíctum in sǽcula: * ante solem pérmanet nomen ejus.

    17. Let his name be blessed for evermore: * his name continueth before the sun.

  17. Et benedicéntur in ipso omnes tribus terræ: * omnes Gentes magnificábunt eum.

    18. And in him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed: * all nations shall magnify him.

  18. Benedíctus Dóminus, Deus Israël, * qui facit mirabília solus.

    19. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, * who alone doth wonderful things.

  19. Et benedíctum nomen majestátis ejus in ætérnum: * et replébitur majestáte ejus omnis terra: fiat, fiat.

    20. And blessed be the name of his majesty for ever: * and the whole earth shall be filled with his majesty. So be it. So be it.

  20. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    21. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  21. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    22. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The kings of Tarshish and the isles shall bring presents * unto the Lord the King.

Psalmus 85

All nations whom Thou hast made shall come * and worship before thee, O Lord.

Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear me: * for I am needy and poor.

  1. Custódi ánimam meam, quóniam sanctus sum: * salvum fac servum tuum, Deus meus, sperántem in te.

    2. Preserve my soul, for I am holy: * save thy servant, O my God, that trusteth in thee.

  2. Miserére mei, Dómine, quóniam ad te clamávi tota die: † lætífica ánimam servi tui, * quóniam ad te, Dómine, ánimam meam levávi.

    3. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to thee all the day. * Give joy to the soul of thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul.

  3. Quóniam tu, Dómine, suávis et mitis: * et multæ misericórdiæ ómnibus invocántibus te.

    4. For thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: * and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon thee.

  4. Auribus pércipe, Dómine, oratiónem meam: * et inténde voci deprecatiónis meæ.

    5. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer: * and attend to the voice of my petition.

  5. In die tribulatiónis meæ clamávi ad te: * quia exaudísti me.

    6. I have called upon thee in the day of my trouble: * because thou hast heard me.

  6. Non est símilis tui in diis, Dómine: * et non est secúndum ópera tua.

    7. There is none among the gods like unto thee, O Lord: * and there is none according to thy works.

  7. Omnes gentes quascúmque fecísti, vénient, et adorábunt coram te, Dómine: * et glorificábunt nomen tuum.

    8. All the nations thou hast made shall come and adore before thee, O Lord: * and they shall glorify thy name.

  8. Quóniam magnus es tu, et fáciens mirabília: * tu es Deus solus.

    9. For thou art great and dost wonderful things: * thou art God alone.

  9. Deduc me, Dómine, in via tua, † et ingrédiar in veritáte tua: * lætétur cor meum ut tímeat nomen tuum.

    10. Conduct me, O Lord, in thy way, and I will walk in thy truth: * let my heart rejoice that it may fear thy name.

  10. Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Deus meus, in toto corde meo, * et glorificábo nomen tuum in ætérnum.

    11. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, * and I will glorify thy name for ever:

  11. Quia misericórdia tua magna est super me: * et eruísti ánimam meam ex inférno inferióri.

    12. For thy mercy is great towards me: * and thou hast delivered my soul out of the lower hell.

  12. Deus iníqui insurrexérunt super me, † et synagóga poténtium quæsiérunt ánimam meam: * et non proposuérunt te in conspéctu suo.

    13. O God, the wicked are risen up against me, and the assembly of the mighty have sought my soul: * and they have not set thee before their eyes.

  13. Et tu, Dómine, Deus miserátor et miséricors, * pátiens, et multæ misericórdiæ, et verax.

    14. And thou, O Lord, art a God of compassion, and merciful, * patient, and of much mercy, and true.

  14. Réspice in me, et miserére mei, † da impérium tuum púero tuo: * et salvum fac fílium ancíllæ tuæ.

    15. O look upon me, and have mercy on me: * give thy command to thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid.

  15. Fac mecum signum in bonum, † ut vídeant qui odérunt me, et confundántur: * quóniam tu, Dómine, adjuvísti me, et consolátus es me.

    16. Shew me a token for good: that they who hate me may see, and be confounded, * because thou, O Lord, hast helped me and hast comforted me.

  16. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    17. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  17. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    18. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

All nations whom Thou hast made shall come * and worship before thee, O Lord.

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádiuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.

Lectio 4
Sermo sancti Leónis Papæ
Sermo 2 de Epiphania

Gaudéte in Dómino, dilectíssimi, íterum dico, gaudéte: quóniam brevi intervállo témporis, post solemnitátem Nativitátis Christi, festívitas declaratiónis eius illúxit: et quem in illo die Virgo péperit, in hoc mundus agnóvit. Verbum enim caro factum, sic susceptiónis nostræ temperávit exórdia, ut natus Iesus et credéntibus maniféstus, et persequéntibus esset occúltus. Iam tunc ergo cæli enarravérunt glóriam Dei, et in omnem terram sonus veritátis exívit, quando et pastóribus exércitus Angelórum Salvatóris éditi annuntiátor appáruit, et Magos ad eum adorándum prǽvia stella perdúxit: ut a solis ortu usque ad occásum veri Regis generátio coruscáret, cum rerum fidem et regna Oriéntis per Magos díscerent, et Románum impérium non latéret.

Dearly beloved brethren, rejoice in the Lord; again I say, rejoice. But a few days are past since the solemnity of Christ's Birth, and now the glorious light of His Manifestation is breaking upon us. On that day the Virgin brought Him forth, and on this the world knew Him. The Word made Flesh was pleased to reveal Himself by degrees to those for whom He had come. When Jesus was born He was manifested indeed to the believing, but hidden from His enemies. Already indeed the heavens declared the glory of God, and their sound went out into all lands, when the Herald Angels appeared to tell to the shepherds the glad tidings of a Saviour's Birth; and now the guiding star leadeth the wise men to worship Him, that from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof, the Birth of the true King may be known abroad; that through those wise men the kingdoms of the east might learn the great truth, and the Roman empire remain no more in darkness.

Benedictio:

Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.

Lectio 5

Nam et sævítia Heródis volens primórdia suspécti sibi Regis exstínguere, huic dispensatíoni nésciens serviébat: ut dum atróci inténtus facínori, ignótum sibi púerum indiscréta infántium cæde perséquitur, annuntiátum cǽlitus dominatóris ortum insígnior ubíque fama loquerétur: quam promptiórem ad narrándum, diligentiorémque faciébat et supérnæ significatiónis nóvitas, et cruentíssimi persecutóris impíetas. Tunc autem étiam Ægýpto Salvátor illátus est, ut gens antíquis erróribus dédita, iam ad vicínam salútem per occúltam grátiam signarétur: et quæ nondum eiécerat ab ánimo superstitiónem, iam hospítio recíperet veritátem.

The very cruelty of Herod, when he strove to crush at His birth this King Whom he alone feared, was made a blind means to carry out this dispensation of mercy. While the tyrant with horrid guilt sought to slay the little Child he did not know, amid an indiscriminate slaughter of innocents, his infamous act served to spread wider abroad the heaven-told news of the Birth of the Lord. Thus were these glad tidings loudly proclaimed, both by the novelty of their story, and the iniquity of their enemies. Then was the Saviour borne into Egypt, that nation, of a long time hardened in idolatry, might by the mysterious virtue which went out of Him, even when His presence was unknown, be prepared for the saving light so soon to dawn on them, and might receive the Truth as a wanderer even before they had banished falsehood.

Benedictio:

Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.

Lectio 6

Agnoscámus ergo, dilectíssimi, in Magis adoratóribus Christi, vocatiónis nostræ fideíque primítias: et exsultántibus ánimis beátæ spei inítia celebrémus. Exínde enim in ætérnam hereditátem cœ́pimus introíre: exínde nobis Christum loquéntia Scripturárum arcána patuérunt, et véritas, quam Iudæórum obcæcátio non récipit, ómnibus natiónibus lumen suum invéxit. Honorétur ítaque a nobis sacratíssimus dies, in quo salútis nostræ Auctor appáruit: et quem Magi infántem veneráti sunt in cunábulis, nos omnipoténtem adorémus in cælis. Ac sicut illi de thesáuris suis mýsticas Dómino múnerum spécies obtulérunt, ita et nos de córdibus nostris, quæ Deo sunt digna, promámus.

Dearly beloved brethren, we recognize in the wise men who came to worship Christ, the first-fruits of that dispensation to the Gentiles wherein we also are called and enlightened. Let us then keep this Feast with grateful hearts, in thanksgiving for our blessed hope, whereof it doth commemorate the dawn. From that worship paid to the new-born Christ is to be dated the entry of us Gentiles upon our heirship of God and co-heirship with Christ. Since that joyful day the Scriptures which testify of Christ have lain open for us as well as for the Jews. Yea, their blindness rejected that Truth, Which, since that day, hath shed Its bright beams upon all nations. Let all observance, then, be paid to this most sacred day, whereon the Author of our salvation was made manifest, and as the wise men fell down and worshipped Him in the manger, so let us fall down and worship Him enthroned Almighty in heaven. As they also opened their treasures and presented unto Him mystic and symbolic gifts, so let us strive to open our hearts to Him, and offer Him from thence some worthy offering.

Nocturnus III

Psalmus 94

O come, let us worship Him: * for He is the Lord our God.

  1. Præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, * et in psalmis jubilémus ei:

    2. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  2. Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, * et rex magnus super omnes deos.

    3. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  3. Quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, * et altitúdines móntium ipsíus sunt;

    4. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  4. Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, * et siccam manus ejus formavérunt.

    5. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  5. Veníte, adorémus, et procidámus, * et plorémus ante Dóminum qui fecit nos:

    6. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  6. Quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster, * et nos pópulus páscuæ ejus, et oves manus ejus.

    7. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  7. Hódie si vocem ejus audiéritis, * nolíte obduráre corda vestra

    8. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  8. Sicut in irritatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto, † ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri: * probavérunt me, et vidérunt ópera mea.

    9. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  9. Quadragínta annis offénsus fui generatióni illi, * et dixi: Semper hi errant corde.

    10. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  10. Et isti non cognovérunt vias meas: ut jurávi in ira mea: * Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

    11. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  11. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    12. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  12. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    13. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O come, let us worship Him: * for He is the Lord our God.

Psalmus 95

O worship the Lord, * alleluia, in His holy temple, alleluia.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * sing to the Lord, all the earth.

  1. Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.

    2. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: * shew forth his salvation from day to day.

  2. Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.

    3. Declare his glory among the Gentiles: * his wonders among all people.

  3. Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.

    4. For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: * he is to be feared above all gods.

  4. Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.

    5. For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: * but the Lord made the heavens.

  5. Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.

    6. Praise and beauty are before him: * holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.

  6. Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, † afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.

    7. Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour: * bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

  7. Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.

    8. Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts: * adore ye the Lord in his holy court.

  8. Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.

    9. Let all the earth be moved at his presence. * Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned.

  9. Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.

    10. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: * he will judge the people with justice.

  10. Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: † commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.

    11. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: * the fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful.

  11. Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

    12. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: * because he cometh to judge the earth.

  12. Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

    13. He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with his truth.

  13. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    14. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  14. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    15. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O worship the Lord, * alleluia, in His holy temple, alleluia.

Psalmus 96

Worship God, * alleluia, all ye His Angels, alleluia.

The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: * let many islands be glad.

  1. Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.

    2. Clouds and darkness are round about him: * justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

  2. Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.

    3. A fire shall go before him, * and shall burn his enemies round about.

  3. Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.

    4. His lightnings have shone forth to the world: * the earth saw and trembled.

  4. Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.

    5. The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: * at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

  5. Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.

    6. The heavens declared his justice: * and all people saw his glory.

  6. Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.

    7. Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, * and that glory in their idols.

  7. Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.

    8. Adore him, all you his angels: * Sion heard, and was glad.

  8. Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:

    9. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.

  9. Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.

    10. For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.

  10. Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.

    11. You that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.

  11. Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.

    12. Light is risen to the just, * and joy to the right of heart.

  12. Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

    13. Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: * and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

  13. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    14. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  14. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    15. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Worship God, * alleluia, all ye His Angels, alleluia.

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.

Lectio 7
Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthǽum
Matt 2:1-12

Cum natus esset Iesus in Béthlehem Iuda in diébus Heródis regis, ecce Magi ab Oriénte venérunt Ierosólymam, dicéntes: Ubi est qui natus est Rex Iudæórum? Et réliqua.

When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? And so on.

Homilía sancti Gregórii Papæ
Homilia 10 in Evang.

Sicut in lectióne evangélica, fratres caríssimi, audístis, cæli Rege nato, rex terræ turbátus est: quia nimírum terréna altitúdo confúnditur, cum celsitúdo cæléstis aperítur. Sed quæréndum nobis est, quidnam sit, quod, Redemptóre nato, pastóribus in Iudǽa Angelus appáruit, atque ad adorándum hunc ab Oriénte Magos non Angelus, sed stella perdúxit? Quia vidélicet Iudǽis, tamquam ratióne uténtibus, rationále ánimal, id est, Angelus prædicáre débuit: gentíles vero, quia uti ratióne nesciébant, ad cognoscéndum Dóminum non per vocem, sed per signa perducúntur. Unde étiam per Paulum dícitur: Prophetíæ fidélibus datæ sunt, non infidélibus: signa autem infidélibus, non fidélibus. Quia et illis prophetíæ tamquam fidélibus, non infidélibus: et istis signa tamquam infidélibus, non fidélibus data sunt.

Dearly beloved brethren, hear ye from the Gospel lesson how, when the King of heaven was born, the king of earth was troubled? The heights of heaven are opened and the depths of earth are stirred. Let us now consider the question, why, when the Redeemer was born, an angel brought the news to the shepherds of Judea, but a star led the wise men of the East to worship Him. It seemeth as if the Jews as reasonable creatures received a revelation from a reasonable being, that is, an angel, but the Gentiles without, being as brutes, are roused not by a voice, but by a sign, that is, a star. Hence Paul hath it: a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1 Coxi22.) So the prophesying, that is, of the angel was given to them that believed, and the sign to them that believed not.

Benedictio:

Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.

Lectio 8

Et notándum, quod Redemptórem nostrum, cum iam perféctæ esset ætátis, eísdem gentílibus Apóstoli prǽdicant, eúmque párvulum, et necdum per humáni córporis offícium loquéntem, stella géntibus denúntiat: quia nimírum ratiónis ordo poscébat, ut et loquéntem iam Dóminum loquéntes nobis prædicatóres innotéscerent, et necdum loquéntem eleménta muta prædicárent. Sed in ómnibus signis, quæ vel nascénte Dómino, vel moriénte eo monstráta sunt, considerándum nobis est, quanta fúerit in quorúmdam Iudæórum corde durítia, qui hunc nec per prophetíæ donum, nec per mirácula agnovérunt.

Thus also we remark that afterwards the Redeemer was preached among the Gentiles not by Himself, but by His Apostles, even as, when a little Child, He is shown to them, not by the voice of angels, but merely by the vision of a star. When He Himself had begun to speak He was made known to us by speakers, but when He lay silent in the manger, by that silent testimony in heaven. But whether we consider the signs which accompanied His birth or His death, this thing is wonderful, namely, the hardness of heart of the Jews, who would not believe in Him either for prophesying or for miracles.

Benedictio:

Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

Lectio 9

Omnia quippe eleménta auctórem suum venísse testáta sunt. Ut enim de eis quiddam usu humáno loquar: Deum hunc cæli esse cognovérunt, quia prótinus stellam misérunt. Mare cognóvit, quia sub plantis eius se calcábile prǽbuit. Terra cognóvit, quia eo moriénte contrémuit. Sol cognóvit, quia lucis suæ rádios abscóndit. Saxa et paríetes cognovérunt, quia témpore mortis eius scissa sunt. Inférnus agnóvit, quia hos, quos tenébat mórtuos, réddidit. Et tamen hunc, quem Dóminum ómnia insensibília eleménta sensérunt, adhuc infidélium Iudæórum corda Deum esse mínime cognóscunt, et durióra saxis, scindi ad pœniténdum nolunt.

All things which He had made, bore witness that their Maker was come. Let me reckon them after the manner of men. The heavens knew that He was God, and sent a star to shine over where He lay. The sea knew it, and bore Him up when He walked upon it. The earth knew it, and quaked when He died. The sun knew it, and was darkened. The rocks and walls knew it, and rent at the hour of His death. Hell knew it, and gave up the dead that were in it. And yet up to this very hour the hearts of the unbelieving Jews will not acknowledge that He to Whom all nature testified is their God, and, being more hardened than the rocks, refuse to be rent by repentance.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Oratio

Orémus.

Deus, qui hodiérna die Unigénitum tuum géntibus stella duce revelásti: † concéde propítius; ut qui iam te ex fide cognóvimus, * usque ad contemplándam spéciem tuæ celsitúdinis perducámur.
Per eúndem Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, * per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

O God, Who by the leading of a star didst, as on this day, manifest thine Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead:
Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Conclusio