I. classis

In Ascensione Domini

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Ad Matutinum

Incipit

Invitatorium

Alleluia. The Lord Christ hath ascended up into heaven. * O come let us worship Him. Alleluia.

Hymnus

Nocturnus I

Psalmus 8

Thy magnificence is elevated * above the heavens, O God, alleluia.

O Lord our Lord, * how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!

  1. Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.

    2. For thy magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.

  2. Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.

    3. Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, * that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger.

  3. Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.

    4. For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: * the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.

  4. Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?

    5. What is man that thou art mindful of him? * or the son of man that thou visitest him?

  5. Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, † glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

    6. Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: * and hast set him over the works of thy hands.

  6. Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas: ínsuper et pécora campi.

    7. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields.

  7. Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.

    8. The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, * that pass through the paths of the sea.

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

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

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

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

Thy magnificence is elevated * above the heavens, O God, alleluia.

Psalmus 10

The Lord is in His holy Temple, * the Lord's throne is in heaven, alleluia.

In the Lord I put my trust: how then do you say to my soul: * Get thee away from hence to the mountain, like a sparrow?

  1. Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, † paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.

    2. For, lo, the wicked have bent their bow: they have prepared their arrows in the quiver, * to shoot in the dark the upright of heart.

  2. Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * justus autem quid fecit?

    3. For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made: * but what has the just man done?

  3. Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes ejus.

    4. The Lord is in his holy temple, * the Lord’s throne is in heaven.

  4. Oculi ejus in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ ejus intérrogant fílios hóminum.

    5. His eyes look on the poor man: * his eyelids examine the sons of men.

  5. Dóminus intérrogat justum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.

    6. The Lord trieth the just and the wicked: * but he that loveth iniquity, hateth his own soul.

  6. Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.

    7. He shall rain snares upon sinners: * fire and brimstone, and storms of winds, shall be the portion of their cup.

  7. Quóniam justus Dóminus, et justítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

    8. For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice: * his countenance hath beheld righteousness.

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

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

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

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

The Lord is in His holy Temple, * the Lord's throne is in heaven, alleluia.

Psalmus 18

His going out is from the end of heaven, * and his circuit even to the end thereof, alleluia.

The heavens shew forth the glory of God, * and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.

  1. Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.

    2. Day to day uttereth speech, * and night to night sheweth knowledge.

  2. Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.

    3. There are no speeches nor languages, * where their voices are not heard.

  3. In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.

    4. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: * and their words unto the ends of the world.

  4. In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

    5. He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber,

  5. Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cælo egréssio ejus.

    6. Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: * his going out is from the end of heaven,

  6. Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.

    7. And his circuit even to the end thereof: * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.

  7. Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.

    8. The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: * the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

  8. Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.

    9. The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: * the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

  9. Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sǽculum sǽculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.

    10. The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

  10. Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.

    11. More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

  11. Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.

    12. For thy servant keepeth them, * and in keeping them there is a great reward.

  12. Delícta quis intélligit? † ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.

    13. Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: * and from those of others spare thy servant.

  13. Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.

    14. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: * and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.

  14. Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.

    15. And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: * and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight.

  15. Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

    16. O Lord, my helper, * and my redeemer.

  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.

His going out is from the end of heaven, * and his circuit even to the end thereof, 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. 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
Incipit liber Actuum Apostolórum
Act. 1:1-5

Primum quidem sermónem feci de ómnibus, o Theóphile, quæ cœpit Iesus fácere, et docére, Usque in diem, qua præcípiens Apóstolis per Spíritum Sanctum, quos elégit, assúmptus est: Quibus et prǽbuit seípsum vivum post passiónem suam in multis arguméntis, per dies quadragínta appárens eis, et loquens de regno Dei. Et convéscens, præcépit eis ab Ierosólymis ne discéderent, sed exspectárent promissiónem Patris, quam audístis (inquit) per os meum: Quia Ioánnes quidem baptizávit aqua, vos autem baptizabímini Spíritu Sancto non post multos hos dies.

The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach, Until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up. To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth. For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence.

Benedictio:

Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adiuváre dignétur.

Lectio 2
Act. 1:6-9

Igitur qui convénerant, interrogábant eum, dicéntes: Dómine, si in témpore hoc restítues regnum Israël? Dixit autem eis: Non est vestrum nosse témpora vel moménta, quæ Pater pósuit in sua potestáte: Sed accipiétis virtútem superveniéntis Spíritus Sancti in vos, et éritis mihi testes in Ierúsalem, et in omni Iudǽa, et Samaría, et usque ad últimum terræ. Et cum hæc dixísset, vidéntibus illis, elevátus est: et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum.

They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power: But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Benedictio:

Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.

Lectio 3
Act. 1:10-14

Cumque intueréntur in cælum eúntem illum, ecce duo viri astitérunt iuxta illos in véstibus albis, Qui et dixérunt: Viri Galilǽi, quid statis aspiciéntes in cælum? Hic Iesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, quemádmodum vidístis eum eúntem in cælum. Tunc revérsi sunt Ierosólymam a monte, qui vocátur Olivéti, qui est iuxta Ierúsalem, sábbati habens iter. Et cum introíssent in cœnáculum, ascendérunt ubi manébant Petrus et Ioánnes, Iacóbus et Andréas, Philíppus et Thomas, Bartholomǽus et Matthǽus, Iacóbus Alphǽi et Simon Zelótes, et Iudas Iacóbi. Hi omnes erant perseverántes unanímiter in oratióne cum muliéribus, et María Matre Iesu, et frátribus eius.

And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount that is called Olivet, which is nigh Jerusalem, within a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Jude the brother of James. All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.


Gloria adduntur:

Nocturnus II

Psalmus 20

Be thou exalted, O Lord, * in thy own strength: we will sing and praise, alleluia.

The king rejoices in thy strength, O Lord; * and in thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly.

  1. Desidérium cordis ejus tribuísti ei: * et voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.

    2. Thou hast given him his heart’s desire: * and hast not withholden from him the will of his lips.

  2. Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis: * posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.

    3. For thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: * thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.

  3. Vitam pétiit a te: * et tribuísti ei longitúdinem diérum in sǽculum, et in sǽculum sǽculi.

    4. He asked life of thee: * and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.

  4. Magna est glória ejus in salutári tuo: * glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eum.

    5. His glory is great in thy salvation: * glory and great beauty shalt thou lay upon him.

  5. Quóniam dabis eum in benedictiónem in sǽculum sǽculi: * lætificábis eum in gáudio cum vultu tuo.

    6. For thou shalt give him to be a blessing for ever and ever: * thou shalt make him joyful in gladness with thy countenance.

  6. Quóniam rex sperat in Dómino: * et in misericórdia Altíssimi non commovébitur.

    7. For the king hopeth in the Lord: * and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.

  7. Inveniátur manus tua ómnibus inimícis tuis: * déxtera tua invéniat omnes, qui te odérunt.

    8. Let thy hand be found by all thy enemies: * let thy right hand find out all them that hate thee.

  8. Pones eos ut clíbanum ignis in témpore vultus tui: * Dóminus in ira sua conturbábit eos, et devorábit eos ignis.

    9. Thou shalt make them as an oven of fire, * in the time of thy anger: the Lord shall trouble them in his wrath, and fire shall devour them.

  9. Fructum eórum de terra perdes: * et semen eórum a fíliis hóminum.

    10. Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth: * and their seed from among the children of men.

  10. Quóniam declinavérunt in te mala: * cogitavérunt consília, quæ non potuérunt stabilíre.

    11. For they have intended evils against thee: * they have devised counsels which they have not been able to establish.

  11. Quóniam pones eos dorsum: * in relíquiis tuis præparábis vultum eórum.

    12. For thou shalt make them turn their back: * in thy remnants thou shalt prepare their face.

  12. Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua: * cantábimus et psallémus virtútes tuas.

    13. Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thy own strength: * we will sing and praise thy power.

  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.

Be thou exalted, O Lord, * in thy own strength: we will sing and praise, alleluia.

Psalmus 29

I will extol thee, * O Lord, for thou hast upheld me, alleluia.

I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me: * and hast not made my enemies to rejoice over me.

  1. Dómine, Deus meus, clamávi ad te, * et sanásti me.

    2. O Lord my God, I have cried to thee, * and thou hast healed me.

  2. Dómine, eduxísti ab inférno ánimam meam: * salvásti me a descendéntibus in lacum.

    3. Thou hast brought forth, O Lord, my soul from hell: * thou hast saved me from them that go down into the pit.

  3. Psállite Dómino, sancti ejus: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctitátis ejus.

    4. Sing to the Lord, O ye his saints: * and give praise to the memory of his holiness.

  4. Quóniam ira in indignatióne ejus: * et vita in voluntáte ejus.

    5. For wrath is in his indignation; * and life in his good will.

  5. Ad vésperum demorábitur fletus: * et ad matutínum lætítia.

    6. In the evening weeping shall have place, * and in the morning gladness.

  6. Ego autem dixi in abundántia mea: * Non movébor in ætérnum.

    7. And in my abundance I said: * I shall never be moved.

  7. Dómine, in voluntáte tua, * præstitísti decóri meo virtútem.

    8. O Lord, in thy favour, * thou gavest strength to my beauty.

  8. Avertísti fáciem tuam a me, * et factus sum conturbátus.

    9. Thou turnedst away thy face from me, * and I became troubled.

  9. Ad te, Dómine, clamábo: * et ad Deum meum deprecábor.

    10. To thee, O Lord, will I cry: * and I will make supplication to my God.

  10. Quæ utílitas in sánguine meo, * dum descéndo in corruptiónem?

    11. What profit is there in my blood, * whilst I go down to corruption?

  11. Numquid confitébitur tibi pulvis, * aut annuntiábit veritátem tuam?

    12. Shall dust confess to thee, * or declare thy truth?

  12. Audívit Dóminus, et misértus est mei: * Dóminus factus est adjútor meus.

    13. The Lord hath heard, and hath had mercy on me: * the Lord became my helper.

  13. Convertísti planctum meum in gáudium mihi: * conscidísti saccum meum, et circumdedísti me lætítia:

    14. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into joy: * thou hast cut my sackcloth, and hast compassed me with gladness:

  14. Ut cantet tibi glória mea, et non compúngar: * Dómine, Deus meus, in ætérnum confitébor tibi.

    15. To the end that my glory may sing to thee, and I may not regret: * O Lord my God, I will give praise to thee for ever.

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

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

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

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

I will extol thee, * O Lord, for thou hast upheld me, alleluia.

Psalmus 46

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

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.

God is ascended * with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet, 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. 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
Sermone 1 de Ascensione Domini

Post beátam et gloriósam resurrectiónem Dómini nostri Iesu Christi, qua verum Dei templum, Iudáica impietáte resolútum, divína in tríduo poténtia suscitávit, quadragenárius hódie, dilectíssimi, sanctórum diérum explétus est númerus, sacratíssima ordinatióne dispósitus, et ad utilitátem nostræ eruditiónis impénsus: ut, dum a Dómino in hoc spátio mora præséntiæ corporális exténditur, fides resurrectiónis documéntis necessáriis munirétur. Mors enim Christi multum discipulórum corda turbáverat: et de supplício crucis, de emissióne spíritus, de exanimáti córporis sepultúra gravátis mœstitúdine méntibus, quidam diffidéntiæ torpor obrépserat.

After the blessed and glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, wherein the Divine Power raised up in three days the true Temple of God Which the iniquity of the Jews had destroyed (John ii. 19,) God was pleased to ordain, by His Most Sacred Will, and in His Providence for our instruction and the profit of our souls, a season of forty days which season, dearly beloved brethren, doth end on this day. During that season the bodily Presence of the Lord still lingered on earth, that the reality of the fact of His having risen again from the dead might be armed with all needful proofs. The death of Christ had troubled the hearts of many of His disciples their thoughts were sad when they remembered His agony upon the Cross, His giving up of the Ghost, and the laying in the grave of His lifeless Body, and a sort of hesitation had begun to weigh on them.

Benedictio:

Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.

Lectio 5

Unde beatíssimi Apóstoli, omnésque discípuli, qui et de éxitu crucis fúerant trépidi, et de fide resurrectiónis ambígui, ita sunt veritáte perspícua roboráti, ut, Dómino in cælórum eúnte sublímia, non solum nulla afficeréntur tristítia, sed étiam magno gáudio repleréntur. Et revéra magna et ineffábilis erat causa gaudéndi, cum in conspéctu sanctæ multitúdinis super ómnium creaturárum cæléstium dignitátem humáni géneris natúra conscénderet, supergressúra Angélicos órdines, et ultra Archangelórum altitúdines elevánda: nec ullis sublimitátibus modum suæ provectiónis habitúra, nisi ætérni Patris recépta conséssu, illíus glóriæ sociarétur in throno, cuius natúræ copulabátur in Fílio.

Hence the most blessed Apostles and all the disciples, who had been fearful at the finishing on the Cross, and doubtful of the trustworthiness of the rising again, were so strengthened by the clear demonstration of the fact, that, when they saw the Lord going up into the height of heaven, they sorrowed not, nay they were even filled with great joy And, in all verity, it was a great an unspeakable cause for joy to see the Manhood, in the presence of that the multitude of believers, exalted above all creatures even heavenly, rising above the ranks of the angelic armies and speeding Its glorious way where the most noble of the Archangels lie far behind, to rest no lower than that place where high above all principality and power, It taketh Its seat at the right hand of the Eternal Father, Sharer of His throne, and Partaker of His glory, and still of the very man's nature which the Son hath taken upon Him.

Benedictio:

Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.

Lectio 6

Quia ígitur Christi ascénsio, nostra provéctio est; et quo præcéssit glória cápitis, eo spes vocátur et córporis: dignis, dilectíssimi, exsultémus gáudiis, et pia gratiárum actióne lætémur. Hódie enim non solum paradísi possessóres firmáti sumus, sed étiam cælórum in Christo supérna penetrávimus: amplióra adépti per ineffábilem Christi grátiam, quam per diáboli amiserámus invídiam. Nam quos viruléntus inimícus primi habitáculi felicitáte deiécit, eos sibi concorporátos Dei Fílius ad déxteram Patris collocávit: cum quo vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us also rejoice with worthy joy, for the Ascension of Christ is exaltation for us, and whither the glory of the Head of the Church is passed in, thither is the hope of the body of the Church called on to follow. Let us rejoice with exceeding great joy, and give God glad thanks. This day is not only the possession of Paradise made sure unto us, but in the Person of our Head we are actually begun to enter into the heavenly mansions above. Through the unspeakable goodness of Christ we have gained more than ever we lost by the envy of the devil. We, whom our venomous enemy thrust from our first happy home, we, being made of one body with the Son of God, have by Him been given a place at the right hand of the Father with Whom He liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Nocturnus III

Psalmus 96

He is exalted exceedingly, * alleluia: above all gods, 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.

He is exalted exceedingly, * alleluia: above all gods, alleluia.

Psalmus 98

The Lord in Sion, * alleluia: is great and high, alleluia.

The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: * he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved.

  1. Dóminus in Sion magnus: * et excélsus super omnes pópulos.

    2. The Lord is great in Sion, * and high above all people.

  2. Confiteántur nómini tuo magno: quóniam terríbile, et sanctum est: * et honor regis judícium díligit.

    3. Let them give praise to thy great name: for it is terrible and holy: * and the king’s honour loveth judgment.

  3. Tu parásti directiónes: * judícium et justítiam in Jacob tu fecísti.

    4. Thou hast prepared directions: * thou hast done judgment and justice in Jacob.

  4. Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte scabéllum pedum ejus: * quóniam sanctum est.

    5. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore his footstool, * for it is holy.

  5. Móyses et Aaron in sacerdótibus ejus: * et Sámuel inter eos, qui ínvocant nomen ejus:

    6. Moses and Aaron among his priests: * and Samuel among them that call upon his name.

  6. Invocábant Dóminum, et ipse exaudiébat eos: * in colúmna nubis loquebátur ad eos.

    7. They called upon the Lord, and he heard them: * he spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud.

  7. Custodiébant testimónia ejus: * et præcéptum quod dedit illis.

    8. They kept his testimonies, * and the commandment which he gave them.

  8. Dómine, Deus noster, tu exaudiébas eos: * Deus, tu propítius fuísti eis, et ulcíscens in omnes adinventiónes eórum.

    9. Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: * thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions.

  9. Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte in monte sancto ejus: * quóniam sanctus Dóminus Deus noster.

    10. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at his holy mountain: * for the Lord our God is holy.

  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.

The Lord in Sion, * alleluia: is great and high, alleluia.

Psalmus 102

The Lord in heaven, * alleluia: hath prepared his throne, alleluia.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: * and let all that is within me bless his holy name.

  1. Bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino: * et noli oblivísci omnes retributiónes ejus.

    2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, * and never forget all he hath done for thee.

  2. Qui propitiátur ómnibus iniquitátibus tuis: * qui sanat omnes infirmitátes tuas.

    3. Who forgiveth all thy iniquities: * who healeth all thy diseases.

  3. Qui rédimit de intéritu vitam tuam: * qui corónat te in misericórdia et miseratiónibus.

    4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction: * who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion.

  4. Qui replet in bonis desidérium tuum: * renovábitur ut áquilæ juvéntus tua.

    5. Who satisfieth thy desire with good things: * thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s.

  5. Fáciens misericórdias Dóminus: * et judícium ómnibus injúriam patiéntibus.

    6. The Lord doth mercies, * and judgment for all that suffer wrong.

  6. Notas fecit vias suas Móysi, * fíliis Israël voluntátes suas.

    7. He hath made his ways known to Moses: * his wills to the children of Israel.

  7. Miserátor, et miséricors Dóminus: * longánimis et multum miséricors.

    8. The Lord is compassionate and merciful: * longsuffering and plenteous in mercy.

  8. Non in perpétuum irascétur: * neque in ætérnum comminábitur.

    9. He will not always be angry: * nor will he threaten for ever.

  9. Non secúndum peccáta nostra fecit nobis: * neque secúndum iniquitátes nostras retríbuit nobis.

    10. He hath not dealt with us according to our sins: * nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

  10. Quóniam secúndum altitúdinem cæli a terra: * corroborávit misericórdiam suam super timéntes se.

    11. For according to the height of the heaven above the earth: * he hath strengthened his mercy towards them that fear him.

  11. Quantum distat ortus ab occidénte: * longe fecit a nobis iniquitátes nostras.

    12. As far as the east is from the west, * so far hath he removed our iniquities from us.

  12. Quómodo miserétur pater filiórum, † misértus est Dóminus timéntibus se: * quóniam ipse cognóvit figméntum nostrum.

    13. As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him: * for he knoweth our frame.

  13. Recordátus est quóniam pulvis sumus: † homo, sicut fœnum dies ejus, * tamquam flos agri sic efflorébit.

    14. He remembereth that we are dust: * man’s days are as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish.

  14. Quóniam spíritus pertransíbit in illo, et non subsístet: * et non cognóscet ámplius locum suum.

    15. For the spirit shall pass in him, and he shall not be: * and he shall know his place no more.

  15. Misericórdia autem Dómini ab ætérno, * et usque in ætérnum super timéntes eum.

    16. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity * and unto eternity upon them that fear him:

  16. Et justítia illíus in fílios filiórum, * his qui servant testaméntum ejus.

    17. And his justice unto children’s children, * to such as keep his covenant,

  17. Et mémores sunt mandatórum ipsíus, * ad faciéndum ea.

    18. And are mindful of his commandments * to do them.

  18. Dóminus in cælo parávit sedem suam: * et regnum ipsíus ómnibus dominábitur.

    19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in heaven: * and his kingdom shall rule over all.

  19. Benedícite Dómino, omnes Angeli ejus: † poténtes virtúte, faciéntes verbum illíus, * ad audiéndam vocem sermónum ejus.

    20. Bless the Lord, all ye his angels: * you that are mighty in strength, and execute his word, hearkening to the voice of his orders.

  20. Benedícite Dómino, omnes virtútes ejus: * minístri ejus, qui fácitis voluntátem ejus.

    21. Bless the Lord, all ye his hosts: * you ministers of his that do his will.

  21. Benedícite Dómino, ómnia ópera ejus: † in omni loco dominatiónis ejus, * bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino.

    22. Bless the Lord, all his works: * in every place of his dominion, O my soul, bless thou the Lord.

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

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

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

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

The Lord in heaven, * alleluia: hath prepared his throne, 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 Marcum
Marc 16:14-20

In illo témpore: Recumbéntibus úndecim discípulis, appáruit illis Iesus: et exprobrávit incredulitátem eórum et durítiam cordis, quia iis, qui víderant eum resurrexísse, non credidérunt. Et réliqua.

At that time, Jesus appeared unto the eleven disciples as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen. And so on.

Homilía sancti Gregórii Papæ
Homilia 29 in Evangelia

Quod resurrectiónem Domínicam discípuli tarde credidérunt, non tam illórum infírmitas, quam nostra, ut ita dicam, futúra fírmitas fuit. Ipsa namque resurréctio illis dubitántibus per multa arguménta monstráta est: quæ dum nos legéntes agnóscimus, quid áliud quam de illórum dubitatióne solidámur? Minus enim mihi María Magdaléne prǽstitit, quæ cítius crédidit, quam Thomas, qui diu dubitávit. Ille étenim dubitándo, vúlnerum cicatríces tétigit, et de nostro péctore dubitatiónis vulnus amputávit.

I may be allowed to say that the disciples' slowness to believe that the Lord had indeed risen from the dead, was not so much their weakness as our strength. In consequence of their doubts, the fact of the Resurrection was demonstrated by many infallible proofs. These proofs we read and acknowledge. What then assureth our faith, if not their doubt? For my part, I put my trust in Thomas, who doubted long, much more than in Mary Magdalene, who believed at once. Through his doubting, he came actually to handle the holes of the Wounds, and thereby closed up any wound of doubt in our hearts.

Benedictio:

Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.

Lectio 8

Ad insinuándam quoque veritátem Domínicæ resurrectiónis, notándum nobis est quid Lucas réferat, dicens: Convéscens, præcépit eis ab Ierosólymis ne discéderent. Et post pauca: Vidéntibus illis, elevátus est, et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum. Notáte verba, signáte mystéria. Convéscens elevátus est. Comédit, et ascéndit: ut vidélicet per efféctum comestiónis, véritas patésceret carnis. Marcus vero, priúsquam cælum Dóminus ascéndat, eum de cordis atque infidelitátis durítia increpásse discípulos mémorat. Qua in re quid considerándum est, nisi quod idcírco Dóminus tunc discípulos increpávit, cum eos corporáliter relíquit, ut verba, quæ recédens díceret, in corde audiéntium árctius impréssa remanérent?

Now confirm to our minds the trustworthiness of the fact that our Lord did indeed rise again from the dead, it is well for us to remark one of the statements of Luke (Acts i. 4.) “Eating together with them, He commanded them that they should not (1 John xi16, 17 xvi. 7.) depart from Jerusalem and a little afterward: “While they beheld, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Consider these words, note well these mysteries. After “eating together with them He was taken up.” He ate and ascended: that the fact of His eating might show the reality of the Body in Which He went up. But Mark telleth us that before the Lord ascended into heaven, He upbraided His disciples; with their unbelief and hardness of heart. From this I know not why we should gather, but that the Lord then upbraided His disciples, for whom He was about to be parted in the body, to the end that the words which He spoke unto them as He left them might be the deeper imprinted on their hearts.

Benedictio:

Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

Lectio 9

Increpáta ígitur eórum durítia, quid admonéndo dicat, audiámus: Eúntes in mundum univérsum, prædicáte Evangélium omni creatúræ. Numquid, fratres mei, sanctum Evangélium vel insensátis rebus, vel brutis animálibus fúerat prædicándum, ut de eo discípulis dicátur: Prædicáte omni creatúræ? Sed omnis creatúræ nómine signátur homo. Omnis autem creatúræ áliquid habet homo. Habet namque commúne esse cum lapídibus, vívere cum arbóribus, sentíre cum animálibus, intellégere cum Angelis. Si ergo commúne habet áliquid cum omni creatúra homo, iuxta áliquid omnis creatúra est homo. Omni ergo creatúræ prædicátur Evangélium, cum soli hómini prædicátur.

When then, He had rebuked the hardness of their heart, what command did He give them? Let us hea“Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Was the Holy Gospel, then my brethren, to be preached to thing insensate, or to brute beasts, that the Lord said to His disciples: “Preach the Gospel to every creature”? Nay, but by the words “every creature” we must understand man, in whom are combined qualities of all creatures. Being he hath in common with stones, life in common with trees, feeling in common with beasts, understanding in common with angels. If, then, man hath something in common with every creature, man is to a certain extent every creature. The Gospel, then, if it be preached to man only, is preached to every creature.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Oratio

Orémus.

Concéde, quǽsumus; omnípotens Deus: † ut, qui hodiérna die Unigénitum tuum, Redemptórem nostrum, ad cælos ascendísse crédimus; * ipsi quoque mente in cæléstibus habitémus.
Per eúndem Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, * per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that just as we do believe thine Only-Begotten Son, our Saviour, to have this day ascended into the heavens, so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell.
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