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

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 Complementary Psalmody: 1295 (Midafternoon) Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 820 (Midafternoon) Midafternoon Prayer for Saturday in Ordinary Time celebrating the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary using Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN Note: lyrics will be available soon PSALMODY Ant. 1 The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Psalm 126 Joyful hope in God Companions with him in suffering, you will share his over-flowing happiness (2 Corinthians 1:7) When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs. The heathens themselves said: “What marvels the Lord worked for them!” What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The Lord has done great things for us; he is the source of all our joy. Ant. 2 May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Psalm 127 Apart from God our labors are worthless You are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9) If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat, when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb. Indeed the sons of youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. O the happiness of the man who has filled his quiver with these arrows! He will have no cause for shame when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. 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. May the Lord build our house and watch over our city. Ant. 3 Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Psalm 128 Happiness of family life rooted in God “May the Lord bless you from Zion,” that is, from the Church (Arnobius) O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways! By the labor of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper; the wife like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house; Your children like shoots of the olive, around your table. Indeed thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children in a happy Jerusalem! On Israel, peace! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Blessed are those who fear the Lord. READING Wisdom 7:27a; 8:1 The Wisdom of God, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. How wonderful are your works, O Lord. — Fathomless your designs. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously grant that through her intercession we may be a worthy temple of your glory. 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 (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2017 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 All from the Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 816 (Midday) Liturgy of the Hours Vol. IV: Ordinary: 623 All from the Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 780 (Midday) Christian Prayer: All from the Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 1022 (Midday) Midday Prayer for Saturday in Ordinary Time celebrating the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary using Current Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiceth in God my Savior. For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattereth the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath helpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, and ever shall be, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Title: Magnificat (from the Second Service); Album: Light in Our Darkness; Lyric: Luke 2; Music; William Loyrid (1539-1622); Arrangement: William G. Hermann (d. 1989) and dedicated to his memory; Vocal: Kathleen Lundquist; Baroque organ: Debbie Meyer; Used with permission; Visit and thank Kathleen at http://www.mystagogia.net; Purchase album on Amazon PSALMODY Ant. 1 Lead me, Lord, in the path of your commandments. Psalm 119 V (He) Teach me the demands of your precepts and I will keep them to the end. Train me to observe your law, to keep it with my heart. Guide me in the path of your commands; for there is my delight. Bend my heart to your will and not to love of gain. Keep my eyes from what is false: by your word, give me life. Keep the promise you have made to the servant who fears you. Keep me from the scorn I dread, for your decrees are good. See, I long for your precepts: then in your justice, give me life. 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 In your justice give us life, Father. Do not allow greed to possess us but incline our hearts to your commands. Give us understanding to know your law and direct us according to your will. Ant. Lead me, Lord, in the path of your commandments. Ant. 2 Those who seek the Lord will be filled with every blessing. Psalm 34 God the savior of the just You have tasted the sweetness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:3). I I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad. Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and he answered me; from all my terrors he set me free. Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This poor man called; the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress. The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, to rescue them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He is happy who seeks refuge in him. Revere the Lord, you his saints. They lack nothing, those who revere him. Strong lions suffer want and go hungry but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing. 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. Those who seek the Lord will be filled with every blessing. Ant. 3 Seek and strive after peace. II Come, children, and hear me that I may teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is he who longs for life and many days, to enjoy his prosperity? Then keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn aside from evil and do good; seek and strive after peace. The Lord turns his face against the wicked to destroy their remembrance from the earth. The Lord turns his eyes to the just and his ears to their appeal. They call and the Lord hears and rescues them in their distress. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save. Many are the trials of the just man but from them all the Lord will rescue him. He will keep guard over all his bones, not one of his bones shall be broken. Evil brings death to the wicked; those who hate the good are doomed. The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants. Those who hide in him shall not be condemned. 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 Graciously hear us, Lord, for we seek only you. You are near to those whose heart is right. Open yourself to accept our sorrowful spirit; calm our bodies and minds with the peace which surpasses understanding. Ant. Seek and strive after peace. READING Jeremiah 17:9-10 More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Free me from my hidden faults. — Never let me sin through pride. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously grant that through her intercession we may be a worthy temple of your glory. 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 (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2017 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 659 Complementary Psalmody: 1291 (Midmorning) Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 819 (Midmorning) Midmorning Prayer for Saturday in Ordinary Time celebrating the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary using the Complementary Psalmody God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMN Note: lyrics will be available soon PSALMODY Ant. 1 I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Psalm 120 Longing for peace To the Lord in the hour of my distress I call and he answers me. O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, from the tongue of the deceitful. What shall he repay you in return, O treacherous tongue? The warriors arrows sharpened and coals, red-hot, blazing. Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, dwell among the tents of Kedar! Long enough have I been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for fighting. 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. I cried out, and the Lord heard me. Ant. 2 May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Psalm 121 Guardian of his people Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16) I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard. No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel’s guard. The Lord is your guard and your shade; at your right side he stands. By day the sun shall not smite you nor the moon in the night. The Lord will guard you from evil, he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your going and coming both now and for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. May the Lord watch over you as you come and as you go. Ant. 3 I rejoiced in the good news they told me. Psalm 122 The holy city, Jerusalem You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22) I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God’s house. And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city strongly compact. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. For Israel’s law it is, there to praise the Lord’s name. There were set the thrones of judgment of the house of David. For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces, peace!” For love of my brethren and friends I say: Peace upon you. For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good. 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. I rejoiced in the good news they told me. READING 1 Kings 8:60-61 May all the peoples of the earth know the Lord is God and there is no other. You must be wholly devoted to the Lord, our God, observing his statutes and keeping his commandments. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Lord, my God, teach me your ways. — Make me live by the light of your truth. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously grant that through her intercession we may be a worthy temple of your glory. 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 (only added when praying in community) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2017 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 654 Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 810 Common of BVM: 1629 (reading, responsory, intercessions) Proper of Saints: 1577 (canticle antiphon, concluding prayer) Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 770 Common of BVM: 1372 (reading, responsory, intercessions) Proper of Saints: 1209 (canticle antiphon, concluding prayer) Morning Prayer for Saturday in Ordinary Time, the Optional Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNO glorious Lady, throned in rest, Amidst the starry host above, Who offered nurture from your breast To God, with pure maternal love. What we had lost through sinful Eve The blossom sprung from you restores, And granting bliss to souls that grieve, Unbars the everlasting doors. O Gate, through which hath passed the King, O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom; The ransomed nations praise and sing Life given from the Virgin womb. All laud and honor be addressed, O Jesus, Virgin-born, to you; To Father and the Spirit blest Be praised forever as is due. Amen. 𝄞"O Glorious Lady Throned in Rest" by Kathleen Lundquist, Sara Faux • Title: O Glorious Lady Throned in Rest; Text: John Mason Neale; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Accompaniment: Sara Faux; Recording copyright 2017 by Surgeworks, Inc. PSALMODY Ant. 1 Dawn finds me ready to welcome you, my God. Psalm 119 XIX (Koph) I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me, I will keep your commands; I call upon you, save me and I will do your will. I rise before dawn and cry for help, I hope in your word. My eyes watch through the night to ponder your promise. In your love hear my voice, O Lord; give me life by your decrees. Those who harm me unjustly draw near: they are far from your law. But you, O Lord, are close: your commands are truth. Long have I known that your will is established for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Save us by the power of your hand, Father, for our enemies have ignored your words. May the fire of your word consume our sins and its brightness illumine our hearts. Ant. Dawn finds me ready to welcome you, my God. Ant. 2 The Lord is my strength, and I shall sing his praise, for he has become my Savior. Canticle – Exodus 15:1-4a, 8-13, 17-18 Hymn of victory after the crossing of the Red Sea Those who had conquered the beast were singing the song of Moses, God’s servant (see Revelation 15:2-3). I will sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. He is my God, I praise him; the God of my father, I extol him. The Lord is a warrior, Lord is his name! Pharaoh’s chariots and army he hurled into the sea. At a breath of your anger the waters piled up, the flowing waters stood like a mound, the flood waters congealed in the midst of the sea. The enemy boasted, “I will pursue and overtake them; I will divide the spoils and have my fill of them; I will draw my sword; my hand shall despoil them!” When your wind blew, the sea covered them; like lead they sank in the mighty waters. Who is like you among the gods, O Lord? Who is like you, magnificent in holiness? O terrible in renown, worker of wonders, when you stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them! In your mercy you led the people you redeemed; in your strength you guided them to your holy dwelling. And you brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your inheritance — the place where you made your seat, O Lord, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands established. The Lord shall reign forever and ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. The Lord is my strength, and I shall sing his praise, for he has become my Savior. Ant. 3 O praise the Lord, all you nations. Psalm 117 Praise for God’s loving compassion I affirm that… the Gentile peoples are to praise God because of his mercy (Romans 15:8-9). O praise the Lord, all you nations, acclaim him, all you peoples! Strong is his love for us; he is faithful for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer God our Father, may all nations and peoples praise you. May Jesus, who is called faithful and true and who lives with you eternally, possess our hearts for ever. Ant. O praise the Lord, all you nations. READING Isaiah 61:10 I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. RESPONSORY The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning. — The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning. He has taken her to live with him, — his loved one from the beginning. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — The Lord has chosen her, his loved one from the beginning. CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Ant. Holy Mary, ever-virgin, Mother of God, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Luke 1:68-79 The Messiah and his forerunner Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Holy Mary, ever-virgin, Mother of God, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. INTERCESSIONS Let us glorify our Savior, who chose the Virgin Mary for his mother. Let us ask him: May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Son of Justice, the immaculate Virgin was the white dawn announcing your rising, — grant that we may always live in the light of your coming. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Eternal Word, you chose Mary as the uncorrupted ark of your dwelling place, — free us from the corruption of sin. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Savior of Mankind, your mother stood at the foot of your cross, — grant through her intercession, that we may rejoice to share in your passion. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. With ultimate generosity and love, you gave Mary as a mother to your beloved disciple, — help us to live as worthy sons of so noble a mother. May your mother intercede for us, Lord. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Concluding Prayer Pardon the faults of your servants, we pray, O Lord, that we, who cannot please you by our own deeds, may be saved through the intercession of the Mother of your Son and our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. — Amen. DISMISSAL May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2017 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 651 Psalter: Saturday, Week I, 807 Proper of Seasons: 566 Common of BVM: 1614 Proper of Saints: 1575 Christian Prayer (single volume): Does not contain Office of Readings Office of Readings for Saturday in Ordinary Time, the Optional Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major God, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia. HYMNO glorious Lady, throned in rest, Amidst the starry host above, Who offered nurture from your breast To God, with pure maternal love. What we had lost through sinful Eve The blossom sprung from you restores, And granting bliss to souls that grieve, Unbars the everlasting doors. O Gate, through which hath passed the King, O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom; The ransomed nations praise and sing Life given from the Virgin womb. All laud and honor be addressed, O Jesus, Virgin-born, to you; To Father and the Spirit blest Be praised forever as is due. Amen. 𝄞"O Glorious Lady Throned in Rest" by Kathleen Lundquist, Sara Faux • Title: O Glorious Lady Throned in Rest; Text: John Mason Neale; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Accompaniment: Sara Faux; Recording copyright 2017 by Surgeworks, Inc. PSALMODY Ant. 1 Whoever humbles himself, like a little child, will be greater in the kingdom of heaven. Psalm 131 Childlike trust in God Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29). O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me. Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace. As a child has rest in its mother’s arms, even so is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Lord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, you declared that whoever receives a little child in your name receives you, and you promised your kingdom to those who are like children. Never let pride reign in our hearts, but may the Father’s compassion reward and embrace all who willingly bear your gentle yoke. Ant. Whoever humbles himself, like a little child, will be greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ant. 2 With simplicity of heart, I have joyfully offered everything to you, my God. Psalm 132 God’s promises to the house of David The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David (Luke 1:32). I O Lord, remember David and all the many hardships he endured, the oath he swore to the Lord, his vow to the Strong One of Jacob. “I will not enter the house where I live nor go to the bed where I rest. I will give no sleep to my eyes, to my eyelids I will give no slumber till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob.” At Ephrathah we heard of the ark; we found it in the plains of Yearim. “Let us go to the place of his dwelling; let us go to kneel at his footstool.” Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your strength. Your priests shall be clothed with holiness: your faithful shall ring out their joy. For the sake of David your servant do not reject your anointed. 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. With simplicity of heart, I have joyfully offered everything to you, my God. Ant. 3 The Lord has sworn an oath to David; his kingdom will stand for ever. II The Lord swore an oath to David; he will not go back on his word; “A son, the fruit of your body, will I set upon your throne. If they keep my covenant in truth and my laws that I have taught them, their sons also shall rule on your throne from age to age.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling: “This is my resting-place for ever, here have I chosen to live. I will greatly bless her produce, I will fill her poor with bread. I will clothe her priests with salvation and her faithful shall ring out their joy. There David’s stock will flower: I will prepare a lamp for my anointed. I will cover his enemies with shame but on him my crown shall shine.” Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Psalm-prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you chose to suffer and be overwhelmed by death in order to open the gates of death in triumph. Stay with us to help us on our pilgrimage; free us from all evil by the power of your resurrection. In the company of your saints, and constantly remembering your love for us, may we sing of your wonders in our Father’s house. Ant. The Lord has sworn an oath to David; his kingdom will stand for ever. Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church. Blessed are those who hear the word of God. — And cherish it in their hearts. READINGS First reading From the second letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians 12:14 – 13:13 Paul will soon visit the Corinthians for their correction This is the third time that I am about to visit you, and I am not going to burden you; for I do not want what you have, I only want you. Children should not save up for their parents, but parents for children. I will gladly spend myself and be spent for your sakes. If I love you too much, will I be loved the less for that? Granted that I did not burden you—but being crafty, you say, I caught you by guile. Did I ever take advantage of you through any of the men I sent to you? I urged Titus to go to you, and I sent the other brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you in any way? Did we not act in the one spirit, walk in the same footsteps? Do you think throughout this recital that I am defending myself to you? Before God I tell you, in Christ, I have done everything to build you up, my dear ones. I fear that when I come I may not find you to my liking, nor may you find me to yours. I fear I may find discord, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander and gossip, self-importance, disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may have to mourn over the many who sinned earlier and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and sensuality they practiced. This is the third time I shall be coming to you. “A judicial fact shall be established only on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” I said before when I was there the second time—and I repeat it now in my absence—to those who sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come again I shall not spare you. You are, after all, looking for a proof of the Christ who speaks in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful in you. It is true he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives by the power of God. We too are weak in him, but we live with him by God’s power in us. Test yourselves to see whether you are living in faith; examine yourselves. Perhaps you yourselves do not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you have failed the challenge. I hope you will understand that we have not failed. We pray God that you may do no evil—not in order that we may appear approved but simply that you may do what is good, even though we may seem to have failed. We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth. We even rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. Our prayer is that you may be built up to completion. I am writing in this way while away from you, so that when I am with you I may not have to exercise with severity the authority the Lord has given me—authority to build up rather than to destroy. And now, brothers, I must say good-bye. Mend your ways. Encourage one another. Live in harmony and peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones send greetings to you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all! RESPONSORY 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:7 Rejoice, strive for perfection and live in peace, — and the God of peace and love will be with you. May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts in Christ Jesus. — And the God of peace and love will be with you. Second reading From a homily delivered at the Council of Ephesus by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop In praise of Mary, Mother of God I see here a joyful company of Christian men met together in ready response to the call of Mary, the holy and ever-virgin Mother of God. The great grief that weighed upon me is changed into joy by your presence, venerable Fathers. Now the beautiful saying of David the psalmist: How good and pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity, has come true for us. Therefore, holy and incomprehensible Trinity, we salute you at whose summons we have come together to this church of Mary, the Mother of God. Mary, Mother of God, we salute you. Precious vessel, worthy of the whole world’s reverence, you are an ever-shining light, the crown of virginity, the symbol of orthodoxy, an indestructible temple, the place that held him who no place can contain, mother and virgin. Because of you the holy gospels could say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We salute you, for in your holy womb he, who is beyond all limitation, was confined. Because of you the holy Trinity is glorified and adored; the cross is called precious and is venerated throughout the world; the heavens exult; the angels and archangels make merry; demons are put to flight; the devil, that tempter, is thrust down from heaven; the fallen race of man is taken up on high; all creatures possessed by the madness of idolatry hav

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 661 Proper of Seasons: 374 (Midday) Psalter: Saturday, Week III, 1038Midday Prayer for December 23, Saturday using the Current PsalmodyGod, 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.HYMNThe King of love my shepherd is, Whose goodness fails me never. I nothing lack if I am His, and He is mine forever.Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul He's leading; and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feeding.Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me; and on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.In death's dark vale I fear no ill, with You, dear Lord, beside me; Your rod and staff my comfort still, Your cross before to guide me.You spread a table in my sight; Your unction grace bestowing; and oh, what transport of delight from Your pure chalice flowing!And so through all the length of days, Your goodness fails me never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise within Your house forever.𝄞"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" by Johanna Montealto • Title: The King of love my Shepherd is Author: H. W. Baker (1868) Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME (Dykes); Recording copyright 2016 SurgeworksPSALMODYAnt. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.Psalm 119:121-128 XVI (Ain)I have done what is right and just: let me not be oppressed. Vouch for the welfare of your servant lest the proud oppress me.My eyes yearn for your saving help and the promise of your justice. Treat your servant with love and teach me your commands.I am your servant, give me knowledge; then I shall know your will. It is time for the Lord to act for your law has been broken.That is why I love your commands more than finest gold, why I rule my life by your precepts: I hate the ways of falsehood.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-prayerThe light of your words, Father, gives understanding to little ones. Prepare our heart to receive the advocate, your Holy Spirit.Psalm 34 God the savior of the just You have tasted the sweetness of the Lord. (1 Peter 2:3).II will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad.Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and he answered me; from all my terrors he set me free.Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This poor man called, the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress.The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, to rescue them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He is happy who seeks refuge in him.Revere the Lord, you his saints. They lack nothing, those who revere him. Strong lions suffer want and go hungry but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.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.IICome, children, and hear me that I may teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is he who longs for life and many days, to enjoy his prosperity?Then keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn aside from evil and do good; seek and strive after peace.The Lord turns his face against the wicked to destroy their remembrance from the earth. The Lord turns his eyes to the just and his ears to their appeal.They call and the Lord hears and rescues them in all their distress. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save.Many are the trials of the just man but from them all the Lord will rescue him. He will keep guard over all his bones, not one of his bones shall be broken.Evil brings death to the wicked; those who hate the good are doomed. The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants. Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.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-prayerGraciously hear us, Lord, for we seek only you. You are near to those whose heart is right. Open yourself to accept our sorrowful spirit; calm our bodies and minds with the peace which surpasses understanding.Ant. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.READING Jeremiah 30:18aThus says the Lord: See! I will restore the tents of Jacob, His dwellings I will pity.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.Remember us, Lord, because of the love you have for your people. — Come and bring us your salvation.CONCLUDING PRAYERAlmighty ever-living God, as we see how the Nativity of your Son according to the flesh draws near, we pray that to us, your unworthy servants, mercy may flow from your Word, who chose to become flesh of the Virgin Mary and establish among us his dwelling, Jesus Christ our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. — Amen.ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2017 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 658 Proper of Seasons: 384 Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 1057Midday Prayer for the Fourth Sunday, December 24, in Advent using the Current PsalmodyGod, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.HYMNO Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.O Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word. Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.𝄞"O Come All Ye Faithful" by Burke Ingraffia • Available for Purchase • Title: O Come All Ye Faithful; Text: Attributed to John Francis Wade; Translator: Frederick Oakeley (1841; alt); Tune: Adeste Fideles; Artist: Burke Ingraffia: Vocals and Guitar (c) 2016 Divine Mercy Music (ASCAP); Used with permission from Burke Ingraffia. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Christmas Carol LullabiesPSALMODYAnt. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.Psalm 23 The Good Shepherd The Lamb himself will be their shepherd and will lead them to the springs of living waters (Revelation 7:17).The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort.You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing.Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Psalm-prayerLord Jesus Christ, shepherd of your Church, you give us new birth in the waters of baptism, anoint us with saving oil, and call us to salvation at your table. Dispel the terrors of death and the darkness of error. Lead your people along safe paths, that they may rest securely in you and live for ever in your Father’s house.Psalm 76 Thanksgiving for victory They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven (Matthew 24:30).IGod is made known in Judah; in Israel his name is great. He set up his tent in Jerusalem and his dwelling place in Zion. It was there he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, the armor.You, O Lord, are resplendent, more majestic than the everlasting mountains. The warriors, despoiled, slept in death; the hands of the soldiers were powerless. At your threat, O God of Jacob, horse and rider lay stunned.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.IIYou, you alone, strike terror. Who shall stand when your anger is roused? You uttered your sentence from the heavens; the earth in terror was still when God arose to judge, to save the humble of the earth.Men’s anger will serve to praise you; its survivors surround you in joy. Make vows to your God and fulfill them. Let all pay tribute to him who strikes terror, who cuts short the life of princes, who strikes terror in the kings of the earth.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-prayerYour power is awesome, Father, and wonderful is your holiness. In your presence the earth both trembles and stands still, for you shattered death’s power by the cross. Rise to help your people: give your light, and grant salvation to the meek of the earth, that they may praise your name in heaven.Ant. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.READING Isaiah 4:3He who remains in Zion and he that is left in Jerusalem Will be called holy: every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.Remember us, Lord, because of the love you have for your people. —Come and bring us your salvation.CONCLUDING PRAYERCome quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. — Amen.ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2017 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours: Vol I, Page 1172 Vol II, Page 1628 Vol III, Page 1272 Vol IV, Page 1236Christian Prayer: Page 1037Night Prayer in the Octave of ChristmasGod, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.Examination of conscience:We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better. Kýrie, eléison — Kýrie, eléisonChristé, eléison — Christé, eléisonKýrie, eléison — Kýrie, eléisonHYMNAmen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name, I am with you.Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name, I am with you.Blessed are the poor in spirit, the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.Blessed are the gentle, they shall inherit the land.Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name, I am with you.Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be consoled.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, the justice of God shall be theirs.Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name, I am with you.Blessed are the merciful, mercy shall be shown to them.Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall behold their God.Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name, I am with you.Blessed are those who bring peace, they shall be children of God.Blessed are those who suffer in the cause of right, the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name, I am with you. Gather in my name, I am with you. The Beatitudes performed by The Monks Of Glenstal Abbey; Text: adapted from Matthew 5:3-11.PSALMODYAnt. 1 Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.Psalm 91 Safe in God’s sheltering care I have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19).He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty says to the Lord: “My refuge, my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”It is he who will free you from the snare of the fowler who seeks to destroy you; he will conceal you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge.You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that prowls in the darkness nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand fall at your right, you, it will never approach; his faithfulness is buckler and shield.Your eyes have only to look to see how the wicked are repaid, you who have said: “Lord, my refuge!” and have made the Most High your dwelling.Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell. For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.They shall bear you upon their hands lest you strike your foot against a stone. On the lion and the viper you will tread and trample the young lion and the dragon.Since he clings to me in love, I will free him; protect him for he knows my name. When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you,” I will save him in distress and give him glory.With length of life I will content him; I shall let him see my saving power.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. Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.READING Revelation 22:4-5They shall see the Lord face to face and bear his name on their foreheads. The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever.RESPONSORY Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. — I commend my spirit.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.GOSPEL CANTICLEAnt. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.Luke 2:29-32 Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of IsraelLord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled:my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people:a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.Concluding PrayerLord, we have celebrated today the mystery of the rising of Christ to new life. May we now rest in your peace, safe from all that could harm us, and rise again refreshed and joyful, to praise you throughout another day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. — Amen.BlessingMay the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. — Amen.Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2017 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 667 Proper of Seasons: 333 Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 970Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Proper of Seasons: 120 Psalter: Tuesday, Week III, 882Evening Prayer for December 18, Tuesday of the 3rd Week of AdventGod, come to my assistance. — Lord, make haste to help me.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.HYMNO come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height, In ancient times did'st give the Law, In cloud, and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.𝄞"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by Burke Ingraffia • Available for Purchase • Title: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Text: Unknown, 12th c.; Tr. John Mason Neale (1851); Artist: Burke Ingraffia: Vocals and Guitar (c) 2016 Divine Mercy Music (ASCAP); Used with permission from Burke Ingraffia. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Christmas Carol LullabiesPSALMODYAnt. 1 The Lord will come from his holy place to save his people.Psalm 125 The Lord, guardian of his people Peace to God’s true Israel (Galatians 6:16).Those who put their trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken, that stands for ever.Jerusalem! The mountains surround her, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and for ever.For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest over the land of the just for fear that the hands of the just should turn to evil.Do good, Lord, to those who are good, to the upright of heart; but the crooked and those who do evil, drive them away!On Israel, peace!Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Psalm-prayerSurround your people, Lord, within the safety of your Church, which you preserve on its rock foundation. Do not let us stretch out our hands to evil deeds, nor be destroyed by the insidious snares of the enemy, but bring us to share the lot of the saints in light.Ant. The Lord will come from his holy place to save his people.Ant. 2 Zion is our mighty citadel, our saving Lord its wall and its defense; throw open the gates, for our God is here among us, alleluia.Psalm 131 Childlike trust in GodLearn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me.Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace. As a child has rest in its mother’s arms, even so is my soul.O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Psalm-prayerLord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, you declared that whoever receives a little child in your name receives you, and you promised your kingdom to those who are like children. Never let pride reign in our hearts, but may the Father’s compassion reward and embrace all who willingly bear your gentle yoke.Ant. Zion is our mighty citadel, our saving Lord its wall and its defense; throw open the gates, for our God is here among us, alleluia.Ant. 3 Lord, make known your will throughout the earth; proclaim your salvation to every nation.Canticle – Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12 Redemption hymnO Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power.For you have created all things; by your will they came to be and were made.Worthy are you, O Lord, to receive the scroll and break open its seals.For you were slain; with your blood you purchased for God men of every race and tongue, of every people and nation.You made of them a kingdom, and priests to serve our God, and they shall reign on the earth.Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. Lord, make known your will throughout the earth; proclaim your salvation to every nation.READING Philippians 4:4-5Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice! Everyone should see how unselfish you are. The Lord is near.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Lord, show us your mercy and love. — Lord, show us your mercy and love.And grant us your salvation — your mercy and love.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Lord, show us your mercy and love.CANTICLE OF MARYAnt. O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the LordMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.INTERCESSIONSTo Christ the Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, let us pray with joyful hearts: Come, Lord Jesus!Lord Jesus, in the mystery of your incarnation, you revealed your glory to the world, — give us new life by your coming. Come, Lord Jesus!You have taken our weakness upon yourself, — grant us your mercy. Come, Lord Jesus!You redeemed the world from sin by your first coming in humility, — free us from all guilt when you come again in glory. Come, Lord Jesus!You live and rule over all, — in your goodness bring us to our eternal inheritance. Come, Lord Jesus!You sit at the right hand of the father, — gladden the souls of the dead with your light. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerGrant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who are weighed down from of old by slavery beneath the yoke of sin, may be set free by the newness of the long-awaited Nativity of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. — Amen.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2018 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 667 Proper of Seasons: 341 Psalter: Wednesday, Week III, 989Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Proper of Seasons: 123 Psalter: Wednesday, Week III, 892Evening Prayer for December 19, Wednesday of the 3rd Week of AdventGod, 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.HYMNHark! A thrilling voice is sounding! "Christ is near," we hear it say. "Cast away the works of darkness, All you children of the day!"Startled at the solemn warning, From the darkness we arise Christ, our sun, all ill dispelling, Shines upon the morning skies.See, the Lamb so long expected, Comes with pardon down from heaven. Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, One and all, to be forgiven;So when next he comes in glory And the world is wrapped in fear, He will shield us with his mercy And with words of love draw near.Honor, glory, might, dominion To the Father and the Son, With the ever-living Spirit While eternal ages run!𝄞"Hark, A Thrilling Voice is Sounding" by Johanna Montealto • Title: Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding; Text: Latin, sixth century; Tr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878); Artist: Johanna Montalto; Recording copyright 2016 SurgeworksPSALMODYAnt. 1 The Lord, the mighty God, will come forth from Zion to set his people free.Psalm 126 Joyful hope in God Just as you share in sufferings so you will share in the divine glory (2 Corinthians 1:7).When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs.The heathens themselves said: “What marvels the Lord worked for them!” What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.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-prayerLord, you have raised us from the earth; may you let the seeds of justice, which we have sown in tears, grow and increase in your sight. May we reap in joy the harvest we hope for patiently.Ant. The Lord, the mighty God, will come forth from Zion to set his people free.Ant. 2 I shall not cease to plead with God for Zion until he sends his Holy One in all his radiant beauty.Psalm 127 Apart from God our labors are worthless You are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9).If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat: when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, a blessing, the fruit of the womb. Indeed the sons of youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.O the happiness of the man who has filled his quiver with these arrows! He will have no cause for shame when he disputes with his foes in the gateways.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-prayerYou command the seed to rise, Lord God, though the farmer is unaware. Grant that those who labor for you may trust not in their own work but in your help. Remembering that the land is brought to flower not with human tears but with those of your Son, may the Church rely only upon your gifts.Ant. I shall not cease to plead with God for Zion until he sends his Holy One in all his radiant beauty.Ant. 3 The Spirit of the Lord rests upon me; he has sent me to preach his joyful message to the poor.Canticle — Colossians 1:12-20 Christ the first-born of all creation and the first-born from the deadLet us give thanks to the Father for having made you worthy to share the lot of the saints in light.He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creatures. In him everything in heaven and on earth was created, things visible and invisible.All were created through him; all were created for him. He is before all else that is. In him everything continues in being.It is he who is head of the body, the church! he who is the beginning, the first-born of the dead, so that primacy may be his in everything.It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of his cross.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. The Spirit of the Lord rests upon me; he has sent me to preach his joyful message to the poor.READING Philippians 3:20b-21We eagerly await the coming of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will give a new form to this lowly body of ours and remake it according to the pattern of his glorified body, by his power to subject everything to himself.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might. — Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.Let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved, — Lord God of power and might.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.CANTICLE OF MARYAnt. O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the LordMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant, and from this day all generations will call me blessed.The Almighty has done great things for me: holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.INTERCESSIONSTo Christ our Lord, judge of the living and the dead, let us cry out with faith: Come, Lord Jesus!Lord, may the world know your justice which the heavens proclaim, — may your glory fill the earth. Come, Lord Jesus!For us you took upon yourself the weakness of man, — protect us with the strength of your own divine life. Come, Lord Jesus!Come to those imprisoned in the darkness of ignorance, — show them the radiance of your own divine light. Come, Lord Jesus!In your humility as a man, you took away our sin, — now in your glory grant us true happiness. Come, Lord Jesus!When you come in glory to judge us, — gather the dead into your kingdom. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerO God, who through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world, grant, we pray, that we may venerate with integrity of faith the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation and always celebrate it with due reverence. 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.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. 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Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 653 Proper of Seasons: 338 Psalter: Wednesday, Week III, 979Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Proper of Seasons: 122 Psalter: Wednesday, Week III, 886Morning Prayer for December 19, Wednesday of the 3rd week of AdventGod, 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.HYMNCome, Holy Ghost, Creator, come From thy bright heavenly throne, Come, take possession of our souls, And make them all thine own.Thou who art called the Paraclete, Best gift of God above, The living spring, the living fire, Sweet unction and true love.Thou who art sev’nfold in thy grace, Finger of God’s right hand; His promise, teaching little ones To speak and understand.O guide our minds with thy blest light, With love our hearts inflame; And with thy strength, which ne’er decays, Confirm our mortal frame.Far from us drive our deadly foe; True peace unto us bring; And through all perils lead us safe Beneath thy sacred wing.Through thee may we the Father know, Through thee th’eternal Son, And thee the Spirit of them both, Thrice-blessed Three in One.All glory to the Father be, With his co-equal Son: The same to thee, great Paraclete, While endless ages run.𝄞"Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come" by Rebecca Hincke • Title: Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come; Text: Attributed to Rhabanus Maurus, circa 800 (Veni Creator Spiritus, Mentes tuorum visita); translated from Latin to English by an anonymous author in Hymns for the Year, 1867; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; (c) 2016 Surgeworks, Inc.PSALMODYAnt. 1 The Lord, the mighty God, will come forth from Zion to set his people free.Psalm 86 The prayer of the poor man in distress Blessed be God who comforts us in all our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am faithful: save the servant who trusts in you.You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord, for I cry to you all the day long. Give joy to your servant, O Lord, for to you I lift up my soul.O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice.In the day of distress I will call and surely you will reply. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; nor work to compare with yours.All the nations shall come to adore you and glorify your name, O Lord: for you are great and do marvellous deeds, you who alone are God.Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name.I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart and glorify your name for ever; for your love to me has been great: you have saved me from the depths of the grave.The proud have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life: to you they pay no heed.But you, God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth, turn and take pity on me.O give your strength to your servant and save your handmaid’s son. Show me a sign of your favor that my foes may see to their shame that you console me and give me your help.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-prayerGod of mercy and goodness, when Christ called out to you in torment, you heard him and gave him victory over death because of his love for you. We already know the affection you have for us; fill us with a great love of your name, and we will proclaim you more boldly before men and happily lead them to celebrate your glory.Ant. The Lord, the mighty God, will come forth from Zion to set his people free.Ant. 2 I shall not cease to plead with God for Zion until he sends his Holy One in all his radiant beauty.Canticle – Isaiah 33:13-16 God’s flawless judgment What God has promised is for you, for your children, and for those still 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.Ant. I shall not cease to plead with God for Zion until he sends his Holy One in all his radiant beauty.Ant. 3 The Spirit of the Lord rests upon me; he has sent me to preach his joyful message to the poor.Psalm 98 The Lord triumphs in his judgment This psalm tells of the Lord’s first coming and that people of all nations will believe in him (Saint Athanasius).Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation.The Lord has made known his salvation; has shown his justice to the nations. He has remembered his truth and love for the house of Israel.All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord, all the earth, ring out your joy.Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.Let the sea and all within it thunder; the world, and all its peoples. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy.Rejoice at the presence of the Lord, for he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with fairness.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-prayerLord Jesus, you have revealed your justice to all nations. We stood condemned and you came to be judged in our place. Send your saving power on us and when you come in glory bring your mercy to those for whom you were condemned.Ant. The Spirit of the Lord rests upon me; he has sent me to preach his joyful message to the poor.READING Isaiah 2:3bCome, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths. For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Your light will come, Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty. — Your light will come, Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.You will see his glory within you; — the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Your light will come, Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAHAnt. Like the sun in the morning sky, the Savior of the world will dawn; like rain on the meadows he will descend to rest in the womb of the Virgin, alleluia.Luke 1:68 – 79 The Messiah and his forerunnerBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. Like the sun in the morning sky, the Savior of the world will dawn; like rain on the meadows he will descend to rest in the womb of the Virgin, alleluia.INTERCESSIONSTo Christ our Redeemer, who will come again to free from the power of death all those who return to him, let us humbly pray: Come, Lord Jesus!As we proclaim your coming, Lord, — cleanse our hearts of every vain desire. Come, Lord Jesus!Lord, may the Church which you founded, — proclaim your greatness to all peoples. Come, Lord Jesus!Your law is a light to our eyes, — let it protect those who trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus!You allow the joys of your coming to be foretold to us by your Church, — may we receive you with eager devotion. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerO God, who through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world, grant, we pray, that we may venerate with integrity of faith the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation and always celebrate it with due reverence. 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.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volum

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 649 Proper of Seasons: 334 Psalter: Wednesday, Week III, 975Christian Prayer: Does not contain Office of Readings.Office of Readings for December 19, Wednesday of the 3rd week of AdventGod, 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.HYMNBrightness of the Father's glory Springing from eternal light, Source of light by light engendered. Day enlightening every day.In your ever-lasting radiance Shine upon us, Christ, true sun, Bringing life to mind and body Through the Holy Spirit's pow'r.Father of unfading glory. Rich in grace and Strong to save. Hear our prayers and come to save us, Keep us far from sinful ways.Dawn is drawing ever nearer, Dawn that brings us all we seek, Son who dwells within the Father, Father uttering one Word.Glory be to God the Father. Glory to his Only Son, Glory now and through all ages To the Spirit Advocate.𝄞"Brightness of the Father's Glory" by Gabe Bouck, Rebecca Hincke • Title: Brightness of the Father's Glory; Text: Mount Saint Bernard Abbey; Melody: Halton Holgate 87.87, William Boyce, 1779; Artists: Gabe Bouck and Rebecca Hincke; (c) 2016 Surgeworks, Inc.PSALMODYAnt. 1 Wherever you are, Lord, there is mercy, there is truth.Psalm 89:2-38 God’s favors to the house of David According to his promise, the Lord has raised up Jesus, a Savior, from the family of David (Acts 13:22, 23).II will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established in the heavens.“With my chosen one, I have made a covenant; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.”The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord; the assembly of your holy ones proclaims your truth. For who in the skies can compare with the Lord or who is like the Lord among the sons of God?A God to be feared in the council of the holy ones, great and dreadful to all around him. O Lord God of hosts, who is your equal? You are mighty, O Lord, and truth is your garment.It is you who rule the sea in its pride; it is you who still the surging of its waves. You crushed the monster Rahab and killed it, scattering your foes with your mighty arm.The heavens are yours, the world is yours. It is you who founded the earth and all it holds; it is you who created the North and the South. Tabor and Hermon shout with joy at your name.Yours is a mighty arm, O Lord; your hand is strong, your right hand ready. Justice and right are the pillars of your throne, love and truth walk in your presence.Happy the people who acclaim such a king, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who find their joy every day in your name, who make your justice the source of their bliss.For you, O Lord, are the glory of their strength; by your favor it is that our might is exalted: for our ruler is in the keeping of the Lord; our king in the keeping of the Holy One of Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. Wherever you are, Lord, there is mercy, there is truth.Ant. 2 When the Son of God came into this world, he was born of David’s line.IIOf old you spoke in a vision. To your friends the prophets you said: “I have set the crown on a warrior, I have exalted one chosen from the people.I have found David my servant and with my holy oil anointed him. My hand shall always be with him and my arm shall make him strong.The enemy shall never outwit him nor the evil man oppress him. I will beat down his foes before him and smite those who hate him.My truth and my love shall be with him; by my name his might shall be exalted. I will stretch out his hand to the Sea and his right hand as far as the River.He will say to me: “You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.’ And I will make him my first-born, the highest of the kings of the earth.I will keep my love for him always; for him my covenant shall last. I will establish his dynasty for ever, make his throne endure as the heavens.”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. When the Son of God came into this world, he was born of David’s line.Ant. 3 Once for all I swore to my servant David: his dynasty shall never fail.III“If his sons forsake my law and refuse to walk as I decree and if ever they violate my statutes, refusing to keep my commands;then I will punish their offenses with the rod, then I will scourge them on account of their guilt. But I will never take back my love: my truth will never fail.I will never violate my covenant nor go back on the word I have spoken. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness. “I will never lie to David.His dynasty shall last for ever. In my sight his throne is like the sun; like the moon, it shall endure for ever, a faithful witness in the skies.”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-prayerGod, you anointed your servant Jesus with holy oil and raised him higher than all kings on earth. In this you fulfilled the promise made to Davids descendants and established a lasting covenant through your first-born Son. Do not forget your holy covenant, so that we who are signed with the blood of your Son through the new sacraments of faith may sing of your mercies for ever.Ant. Once for all I swore to my servant David: his dynasty shall never fail.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.Lord, show us your mercy and love. — And grant us your salvation.READINGSFirst reading From the book of the prophet Isaiah 47:1, 3b-15 Lament for BabylonCome down, sit in the dust, O virgin daughter Babylon; Sit on the ground, dethroned, O daughter of the Chaldeans. No longer shall you be called dainty and delicate. I will take vengeance, I will yield to no entreaty, says our redeemer, Whose name is the Lord of hosts, the Holy One of Israel.Go into darkness and sit in silence, O daughter of the Chaldeans, No longer shall you be called sovereign mistress of kingdoms.Angry at my people, I profaned my inheritance, And I gave them into your hand; but you showed them no mercy, And upon old men you laid a very heavy yoke. You said, “I shall remain always, a sovereign mistress forever!” But you did not lay these things to heart, you disregarded their outcome.Now hear this, voluptuous one, enthroned securely, Saying to yourself, “I, and no one else! I shall never be a widow, or suffer the loss of my children”– Both these things shall come to you suddenly, in a single day: Complete bereavement and widowhood shall come upon you For your many sorceries and the great number of your spells; Because you felt secure in your wickedness, and said, “No one sees me.”Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, And you said to yourself, “I, and no one else!” But upon you shall come evil you will not know how to predict; Disaster shall befall you which you cannot allay. Suddenly there shall come upon you ruin which you will not expect.Keep up, now, your spells and your many sorceries. Perhaps you can make them avail, perhaps you can strike terror! You wearied yourself with many consultations, at which you toiled from your youth; Let the astrologers stand forth to save you, the stargazers who forecast at each new moon what would happen to you.Lo, they are like stubble, fire consumes them; They cannot save themselves from the spreading flames. This is no warming ember, no fire to sit before. Thus do your wizards serve you with whom you have toiled from your youth; Each wanders his own way, with none to save you.RESPONSORY Isaiah 49:13; 47:4Rejoice, you heavens, and celebrate, O earth; cry out with praise, you mountains; — for the Lord will have compassion of his poor.Our Redeemer, the Lord God of power and might is his name, the Holy One of Israel. — For the Lord will have compassion of his poor.Second reading From a treatise Against Heresies by Saint Irenaeus, bishop The plan of redemption through the IncarnationGod is man’s glory. Man is the vessel which receives God’s action and all his wisdom and power.Just as a doctor is judged in his care for the sick, so God is revealed in his conduct with men. That is Paul’s reason for saying: God has made the whole world prisoner of unbelief that he may have mercy on all. He was speaking of man, who was disobedient to God, and cast off from immortality, and then found mercy, receiving through the Son of God the adoption he brings.If man, without being puffed up or boastful, has a right belief regarding created things and their divine Creator, who, having given them being, holds them all in his power, and if man perseveres in God’s love, and in obedience and gratitude to him, he will receive greater glory from him. It will be a glory which will grow ever brighter until he takes on the likeness of the one who died for him.He it was who took on the likeness of sinful flesh, to condemn sin and rid the flesh of sin, as now condemned. He wanted to invite man to take on his likeness, appointing man an imitator of God, establishing man in a way of life in obedience to the Father that would lead to the vision of God, and endowing man with power to receive the Father. He is the Word of God who dwelt with man and became the Son of Man to open the way for man to receive God, for God to dwell with man, according to the will of the Father.For this reason the Lord himself gave as the sign of our salvation, the one who was born of the Virgin, Emmanuel. It was the Lo

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 667 Proper of Seasons: 358 Psalter: Friday, Week III, 1024Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Proper of Seasons: 129 Psalter: Friday, Week III, 911Evening Prayer for December 21, Friday of the 3rd Week of AdventGod, 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.HYMNLet all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords in human vesture, in the Body and the Blood he will give to all the faithful his own self for heavenly food.Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, as the Light of Light descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the powers of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.At his feet the six-winged seraph; cherubim with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, "Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!" "Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!"𝄞"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" by Rebecca Hincke • Title: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence; Text: Liturgy of Saint James (fifth century); Tr. Gerald Moultrie (1864); Music: Picardy (French carol as in The English Hymnal, 1906); Artist: Rebecca Hincke; (c) 2016 Surgeworks, Inc.PSALMODYAnt. 1 Our King will come from Zion; the Lord, God-is-with-us, is his mighty name.Psalm 135 Praise for the wonderful things God does for us. He has won us for himself… and you must proclaim what he has done for you. He has called you out of darkness into his own wonderful light. (see 1 Peter 2:9)IPraise the name of the Lord, praise him, servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord in the courts of the house of our God.Praise the Lord for the Lord is good. Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his own possession.For I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is high above all gods. The Lord does whatever he wills, in heaven, on earth, in the seas.He summons clouds from the ends of the earth; makes lightning produce the rain; from his treasuries he sends forth the wind.The first-born of the Egyptians he smote, of man and beast alike. Signs and wonders he worked in the midst of your land, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.Nations in their greatness he struck and kings in their splendor he slew. Sihon, king of the Amorites, Og, the king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan. He let Israel inherit their land; on his people their land he bestowed.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. Our King will come from Zion; the Lord, God-is-with-us, is his mighty name.Ant. 2 Wait for the Lord and he will come to you with his saving power.IILord, your name stands for ever, unforgotten from age to age, for the Lord does justice for his people; the Lord takes pity on his servants.Pagan idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths but they cannot speak; they have eyes but they cannot see.They have ears but they cannot hear; there is never a breath on their lips. Their makers will come to be like them and so will all who trust in them!Sons of Israel, bless the Lord! Sons of Aaron, bless the Lord! Sons of Levi, bless the Lord! You who fear him, bless the Lord!From Zion may the Lord be blessed, he who dwells in Jerusalem!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-prayerFather, your name and your memory last forever. We stand to pray and praise you with psalms of joy. We ask you in your kindness to have mercy on us in our lowliness.Ant. Wait for the Lord and he will come to you with his saving power.Ant. 3 Eagerly I watch for the Lord; I wait in joyful hope for the coming of God my Savior.Canticle — Revelation 15:3-4 Hymn of adorationMighty and wonderful are your works, Lord God Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, O King of the nations!Who would dare refuse you honor, or the glory due your name, O Lord?Since you alone are holy, all nations shall come and worship in your presence. Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.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. Eagerly I watch for the Lord; I wait in joyful hope for the coming of God my Savior.READING 1 Corinthians 4:5Stop passing judgment before the time of the Lord’s return. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might. — Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.Let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved, — Lord God of power and might.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.CANTICLE OF MARYAnt. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the LordMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.INTERCESSIONSWe humbly pray to Jesus Christ, who rescues us from the darkness of sin, and in faith we cry out: Come, Lord Jesus!Lord, gather together all the people of the earth, — and establish with them your everlasting covenant. Come, Lord Jesus!Lamb of God, you came of old to take away the sin of the world, — purge us from the dregs of our guilt. Come, Lord Jesus!You came to recover what was lost, — come once again in your mercy lest you punish what you have recovered. Come, Lord Jesus!Our faith seeks you out, — let us find everlasting joy with you when you come. Come, Lord Jesus!You will judge the living and the dead, — graciously gather the dead into the ranks of the blessed. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerHear in kindness, O Lord, the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh may, when at last he comes in glory, gain the reward of eternal life. 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.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2018 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 653 Proper of Seasons: 355 Psalter: Friday, Week III, 1016Christian Prayer (single volume) Ordinary: 689 Proper of Seasons: 128 Psalter: Friday, Week III, 906Morning Prayer for December 21, Friday of the 3rd Week of AdventGod, 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.HYMNEternal Glory of the sky, Blest hope of frail humanity, The Father’s sole begotten One, Yet born a spotless virgin’s Son!Uplift us with Thine arm of might, And let our hearts rise pure and bright, And, ardent in God’s praises, pay The thanks we owe him every day.The day-star’s rays are glittering clear, And tell that day itself is near: The shadows of the night depart; Thou, holy Light, illume the heart!Within our senses ever dwell, And worldly darkness thence expel; Long as the days of life endure, Preserve our souls devout and pure.The faith that first must be possessed, Root deep within our inmost breast; And joyous hope in second place, Then charity, Thy greatest grace.All laud to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To God the holy Paraclete. Amen.𝄞"Eternal Glory of the Sky" by Rebecca Hincke • Title: Eternal Glory of the Sky; Text: Aeterna caeli gloria, 7th-8th c.; Tr. John M. Neale; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc.PSALMODYAnt. 1 Our King will come from Zion; the Lord, God-is-with-us, is his mighty name.Psalm 51 O God, have mercy on me Your inmost being must be renewed, and you must put on the new man. (Ephesians 4:23-24)Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offense. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.My offenses truly I know them; my sin is always before me Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done.That you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge, O see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived.Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may revive. From my sins turn away your face and blot out all my guilt.A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit.Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you.O rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise.For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice, a contrite spirit, a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.In your goodness, show favor to Zion: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, holocausts offered on your altar.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-prayerFather, he who knew no sin was made sin for us, to save us and restore us to your friendship. Look upon our contrite heart and afflicted spirit and heal our troubled conscience, so that in the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit we may proclaim your praise and glory before all the nations.Ant. Our King will come from Zion; the Lord, God-is-with-us, is his mighty name.Ant.2 Wait for the Lord and he will come to you with his saving power.Canticle – Jeremiah 14:17-21 The lament of the people in war and famine The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Good News. (Mark 1:15)Let my eyes stream with tears day and night, without rest, Over the great destruction which overwhelms the virgin daughter of my people, over her incurable wound.If I walk out into the field, look! those slain by the sword; If I enter the city, look! those consumed by hunger. Even the prophet and the priest forage in a land they know not.Have you cast Judah off completely? Is Zion loathsome to you? Why have you struck us a blow that cannot be healed?We wait for peace, to no avail; for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. We recognize, O Lord, our wickedness, the guilt of our fathers; that we have sinned against you.For your name’s sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory; remember your covenant with us, and break it not.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. Wait for the Lord and he will come to you with his saving power.Ant. 3 Eagerly I watch for the Lord; I wait in joyful hope for the coming of God my Savior.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.Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock.Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Psalm-prayerGod, devoted to us as a Father, you created us as a sign of your power and elected us your people to show your goodness, accept the thanks your children offer that all people may enter your courts praising you in song.Ant. Eagerly I watch for the Lord; I wait in joyful hope for the coming of God my Savior.READING Isaiah 7:14b-15The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall be living on curds and honey by the time he learns to reject the bad and choose the good.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Your light will come Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty. — Your light will come Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.You will see his glory within you; — the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Your light will come Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAHAnt. There is no need to be afraid; in five days our Lord will come to us.Luke 1:68 – 79 The Messiah and his forerunnerBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. There is no need to be afraid; in five days our Lord will come to us.INTERCESSIONSTo Jesus Christ our Lord, who came among us in his mercy, let us constantly cry out with joy: Come, Lord Jesus!You came from the Father to take on our human nature, —now set free what was harmed in us by sin. Come, Lord Jesus!One day you will come again in glory to your chosen people, —come to us today and help us sinners to recognize your mercy and tender love. Come, Lord Jesus!We glory in praising you, Lord Jesus, —come and bring us your salvation. Come, Lord Jesus!Through faith you lead us into light, —may we reveal your justice through our deeds. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerHear in kindness, O Lord, the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh may, when at last he comes in glory, gain the reward of eternal life. 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.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2018 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 649 Proper of Seasons: 351 Psalter: Friday, Week III, 1012Christian Prayer: Does not contain Office of Readings.Office of Readings for December 21, Friday of the 3rd Week of AdventGod, 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.HYMN1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me by the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of my Lord for ever.𝄞"Psalm 23" by Melinda Kirigin-Voss • • Available on iTunes • Text from Psalm 23 King James Version; Used by permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: Yesterday, Today, and ForeverPSALMODYAnt. 1 I am worn out with crying, with longing for my God.Psalm 69 I am consumed with zeal for your house. They offered him a mixture of wine and gall (Matthew 27:34)ISave me, O God, for the waters have risen to my neck.I have sunk into the mud of the deep and there is no foothold. I have entered the waters of the deep and the waves overwhelm me.I am wearied with all my crying, my throat is parched. My eyes are wasted away from looking for my God.More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me without cause. Those who attack me with lies are too much for my strength.How can I restore what I have never stolen? O God, you know my sinful folly; my sins you can see.Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, Lord of hosts: let not those who seek you be dismayed through me, God of Israel.It is for you that I suffer taunts, that shame covers my face, that I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons. I burn with zeal for your house and taunts against you fall on me.When I afflict my soul with fasting they make it a taunt against me. When I put on sackcloth and mourning then they make me a byword, the gossip of men at the gates, the subject of drunkard’s songs.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. I am worn out with crying, with longing for my God.Ant. 2 I needed food and they gave me gall; I was parched with thirst and they gave me vinegar.IIThis is my prayer to you, my pray for your favor. In your great love, answer me, O God, with your help that never fails; rescue me from sinking in the mud, save me from my foes.Save me from the waters of the deep lest the waves overwhelm me. Do not let the deep engulf me nor death close its mouth on me.Lord, answer, for your love is kind; in your compassion, turn towards me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly for I am in distress. Come close to my soul and redeem me; ransom me pressed by my foes.You know how they taunt and deride me; my oppressors are all before you. Taunts have broken my heart; I have reached the end of my strength. I looked in vain for compassion, for consolers; not one could I find.For food they gave me poison; in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.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. I needed food and they gave me gall; I was parched with thirst and they gave me vinegar.Ant. 3 Seek the Lord and you will live.IIIAs for me in my poverty and pain, let your help, O God, lift me up.I will praise God’s name with a song; I will glorify him with thanksgiving. A gift pleasing God more than oxen, more than beasts prepared for sacrifice.The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains. Let the heavens and the earth give him praise, the sea and all its living creatures.For God will bring help to Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah and men shall dwell there in possession. The sons of his servants shall inherit it; those who love his name shall dwell there.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-prayerGod our Father, to show the way of salvation, you chose that the standard of the cross should go before us, and you fulfilled the ancient prophecies in Christ’s passover from death to life. Do not let us rouse your burning indignation by sin, but rather, through the contemplation of his wounds, make us burn with zeal for the honor of your Church and with grateful love for you.Ant. Seek the Lord and you will live.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.Turn back to us, O Lord, our God. — Show us your face and we shall be saved.READINGSFirst reading From the book of the prophet Isaiah 48:12-21; 49:9b-13 The new ExodusThus says the Lord: Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I named! I, it is I who am the first, and also the last am I. Yes, my hand laid the foundations of the earth; my right hand spread out the heavens. When I call them, they stand forth at once.All of you assemble and listen: Who among you foretold these things? The Lord’s friend shall do his will against Babylon and the progeny of Chaldea. I myself have spoken, I have called him, I have brought him, and his way succeeds! Come near to me and hear this! Not from the beginning did I speak it in secret; At the time it comes to pass, I am present: “Now the Lord God has sent me, and his spirit.”Thus says the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.If you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea; Your descendants would be like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, Their name never cut off or blotted out from my presence.Go forth from Babylon, flee from Chaldea! With shouts of joy proclaim this, make it known; Publish it to the ends of the earth, and say, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob. They did not thirst when he led them through dry lands; Water from the rock he set flowing for them; he cleft the rock, and waters welled forth.”Along the ways they shall find pasture, on every bare height shall their pastures be. They shall not hunger or thirst, nor shall the scorching wind or the sun strike them; For he who pities them leads them and guides them beside springs of water. I will cut a road through all my mountains, and make my highways level.See, some shall come from afar, others from the north and the west, and some from the land of Syene. Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.RESPONSORY Psalm 96:11; Isaiah 49:13; Psalm 72:7Rejoice, you heavens, and celebrate, O earth; cry out with praise, you mountains. for the Lord is coming. — He will have compassion on his poor.In his days justice will flourish and peace will abound. — He will have compassion on his poor.Second reading From a commentary on Luke by Saint Ambrose, bishop Mary visits ElizabethWhen the angel revealed his message to the Virgin Mary he gave her a sign to win her trust. He told her of the motherhood of an old and barren woman to show that God is able to do all that he wills.When she hears this Mary sets out for the hill country. She does not disbelieve God’s word; she feels no uncertainty over the message or doubt about the sign. She goes eager in purpose, dutiful in conscience, hastening for joy.Filled with God, where would she hasten but to the heights? The Holy Spirit does not proceed by slow, laborious efforts. Quickly, too, the blessings of her coming and the Lord’s presence are made clear: as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the child leapt in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.Notice the contrast and the choice of words. Elizabeth is the first to hear Mary’s voice, but John is the first to be aware of grace. She hears with the ears of the body, but he leaps for joy at the meaning of the mystery. She is aware of Mary’s presence, but he is aware of the Lord’s: a woman aware of a woman’s presence, the forerunner aware of the pledge of our salvation. The women speak of the grace they have received while the children are active in secret, unfolding the mystery of love with the help of their mothers, who prophesy by the spirit of their sons.The child leaps in the womb; the mother is filled with the Holy Spirit, he fills his mother with the same Spirit. John leaps for you, and the spirit of Mary rejoices in her turn. When John leaps for joy Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, but we know that though Mary’s spirit rejoices she does not need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Her son, who is beyond our understanding, is active in his mother in a way beyond our understanding. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit after conceiving John, while Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit before conceiving the Lord. Elizabeth says: Blessed are you because you have believed.You also are blessed because you have heard and believed. A soul that believes both conceives and brings forth the Word of God and acknowledges his works.Let Mary’s soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in t

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 667 Proper of Seasons: 309/367 Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 1042Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Proper of Seasons: 110 Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 921Evening Prayer I for Fourth Sunday, December 22, in the Season of AdventGod, 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.HYMNBrightness of the Father's glory Springing from eternal light, Source of light by light engendered. Day enlightening every day.In your ever-lasting radiance Shine upon us, Christ, true sun, Bringing life to mind and body Through the Holy Spirit's pow'r.Father of unfading glory. Rich in grace and Strong to save. Hear our prayers and come to save us, Keep us far from sinful ways.Dawn is drawing ever nearer, Dawn that brings us all we seek, Son who dwells within the Father, Father uttering one Word.Glory be to God the Father. Glory to his Only Son, Glory now and through all ages To the Spirit Advocate.𝄞"Brightness of the Father's Glory" by Gabe Bouck, Rebecca Hincke • Title: Brightness of the Father's Glory; Text: Mount Saint Bernard Abbey; Melody: Halton Holgate 87.87, William Boyce, 1779; Artists: Gabe Bouck and Rebecca Hincke; (c) 2016 Surgeworks, Inc.PSALMODYAnt. 1 He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.Psalm 122 Holy city Jerusalem You have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22).I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God’s house. And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.Jerusalem is built as a city strongly compact. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord.Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.For Israel’s law it is, there to praise the Lord’s name. There were set the thrones of judgment of the house of David.Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces, peace!”Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.For love of my brethren and friends I say: “Peace upon you.” For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good.Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, 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.Psalm-prayerWhen you rose from the dead, Lord Jesus, you formed the Church into your new body, and made of it the new Jerusalem, united in your Spirit. Give us peace in our day. Make all nations come to your Church to share in the gifts in fellowship, that they may render you thanks without end and come to your eternal city.Ant. He comes, the desire of all human hearts; his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.Ant. 2 Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.Psalm 130 A cry from the depths He himself will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you.Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.My soul is waiting for the Lord. I count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak. Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord.Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption, Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity.Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.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-prayerListen with compassion to our prayers, Lord. The forgiveness of sins is yours. Do not look on the wrong we have done, but grant us your merciful kindness.Ant. Come, Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness.Ant. 3 The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.Canticle – Philippians 2:6-11 Christ, God’s holy servantThough he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at.Ant. The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men.Ant. The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.He was known to be of human estate and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!Ant. The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.Because of this, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name above every other name,So that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!Ant. The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. The fullness of time has come upon us at last; God sends his Son into the world.READING 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24May the God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and body, irreproachable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls us is trustworthy, therefore he will do it.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Lord, show us your mercy and love. — Lord, show us your mercy and love.And grant us your salvation, — your mercy and love.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Lord, show us your mercy and love.CANTICLE OF MARYAnt. O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the LordMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.INTERCESSIONSJesus is Lord, born of the Virgin Mary. Let us pray to him with joyful hearts: Come, Lord Jesus!Son of God, you will come again as the true messenger of the covenant. — help the world to recognize and accept you. Come, Lord Jesus!Born in your Father’s heart, you became man in the womb of the Virgin Mary, — free us from the tyranny of change and decay. Come, Lord Jesus!In your life on earth, you came to die as a man, — save us from everlasting death. Come, Lord Jesus!When you come to judge, show us your loving mercy, — and forgive us our weaknesses. Come, Lord Jesus!Lord Jesus, by your death you have given hope to those who have died, — be merciful to those for whom we now pray. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerPour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. — Amen.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2018 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 653 Proper of Seasons: 364 Psalter: Saturday, Week III, 1016Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Proper of Seasons: 132 Psalter: Saturday, Week III, 916Morning Prayer for December 22, Saturday in the Season of AdventGod, 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.HYMNThe dawn is sprinkling in the east Its golden shower, as day flows in; Fast mount the pointed shafts of light: Farewell to darkness and to sin!Away, ye midnight phantoms all! Away, despondence and despair! Whatever guilt the night has brought Now let it vanish into air.So that last morning, dread and great, Which we with trembling hope await With blessed light for us shall glow Who chant the song we sang below.All laud to God the Father be; All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen.𝄞"The Dawn is Sprinkling in the East" by Rebecca Hincke • Title: The Dawn is Sprinkling in the East; Text: Aurora iam spargit polum, 7th-8th c.; Tr. Edward Caswall; Tune: Chant, Mode I; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Rebecca Hincke; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc.PSALMODYAnt. 1 Our God will come from Lebanon; he shall be as brilliant as the sun.Psalm 119:145-152 XIX (Koph)I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me, I will keep your statutes. I call upon you, save me and I will do your will.I rise before dawn and cry for help, I hope in your word. My eyes watch through the night to ponder your promise.In your love hear my voice, O Lord; give me life by your decrees. Those who harm me unjustly draw near; they are far from your law.But you, O Lord, are close, your commands are truth. Long have I known that your will is established for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Psalm-prayerSave us by the power of your hand, Father, for our enemies have ignored your words. May the fire of your word consume our sins and its brightness illumine our hearts.Ant. Our God will come from Lebanon; he shall be as brilliant as the sun.Ant.2 May the Holy One from heaven come down like gentle rain; may the earth burst into blossom and bear the tender Savior.Canticle – Wisdom 9:1-6,9-11 Lord, give me wisdom I will inspire you with wisdom which your adversaries will be unable to resist. (Luke 21:15)God of my fathers, Lord of mercy, you who have made all things by your word And in your wisdom have established man to rule the creatures produced by you, To govern the world in holiness and justice, and to render judgment in integrity of heart:Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne, and reject me not from among your children; For I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, a man weak and short-lived and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws.Indeed, though one be perfect among the sons of men, if Wisdom, who comes from you, be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem.Now with you is Wisdom, who knows your works and was present when you made the world; Who understands what is pleasing in your eyes and what is conformable with your commands.Send her forth from your holy heavens and from your glorious throne dispatch her That she may be with me and work with me, that I may know what is your pleasure.For she knows and understands all things, and will guide me discreetly in my affairs and safeguard me by her glory.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. May the Holy One from heaven come down like gentle rain; may the earth burst into blossom and bear the tender Savior.Ant. 3 Israel, prepare yourself to meet the Lord, for he is coming.Psalm 117 Praise for God’s loving compassion I affirm that… the Gentile peoples are to praise God because of his mercy. (Romans 15:8-9)O praise the Lord, all you nations, acclaim him all you peoples!Strong is his love for us; he is faithful for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Psalm-prayerGod, our Father, may all nations and peoples praise you. May Jesus, who is called faithful and true and who lives with you eternally, possess our hearts forever.Ant. Israel, prepare yourself to meet the Lord, for he is coming.READING Isaiah 45:8Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Your light will come Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty. — Your light will come Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.You will see his glory within you; — the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Your light will come Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAHAnt. The moment that your greeting reached my ears, the child within my womb leapt for joy.Luke 1:68 – 79 The Messiah and his forerunnerBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. The moment that your greeting reached my ears, the child within my womb leapt for joy.INTERCESSIONSTo Christ our Redeemer, who comes to save us from our sins, let us cry out with joy: Come, Lord Jesus!The prophets of old foretold your birth among us, — now make virtue come to life in us. Come, Lord Jesus!We proclaim your saving work, — now grant us your salvation. Come, Lord Jesus!You came to heal the contrite of heart, — heal the weaknesses of your people. Come, Lord Jesus!You came and saw fit to reconcile the world, — when you come again in judgment, free us from the torments of punishment. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerO God, who, seeing the human race fallen into death, willed to redeem it by the coming of your Only Begotten Son, grant, we pray, that those who confess his Incarnation with humble fervor may merit his company as their Redeemer. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. — Amen.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. — Amen. The English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission by Surgeworks, Inc for the Divine Office Catholic Ministry. DivineOffice.org website, podcast, apps and all related media is © 2006-2018 Surgeworks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 649 Proper of Seasons: 359 Psalter: Saturday, Week III, 1030Christian Prayer: Does not contain Office of Readings.Office of Readings for December 22, Saturday in the Season of AdventGod, 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.HYMNAve Maria, gratia plena Dominus tecum Benedicta tu in mulieribus Et benedictus fructus ventris tui, JesusSancta Maria, Mater Dei Ora pro nobis peccatoribus Nunc et in hora mortis nostraeAmen.English Translation:Hail Mary, full of grace The Lord is with thee Blessed are thou among women Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusHoly Mary, Mother of God Pray for us sinners Now, and at the hour of our deathAmen.𝄞"Ave Maria" by Gretchen Harris • Title: Ave Maria (Chant); Album: Sing of Mary; Music; Plainsong mode I; vocal: Gretchen Harris; Used with permission; Visit and thank Gretch at http://www.gretchen-harris.com; Used by permission.PSALMODYAnt. 1 Let us praise the Lord for his mercy and for the wonderful things he has done for men.Psalm 107 Thanksgiving for deliverance This is God’s message to the sons of Israel; the good news of peace proclaimed through Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36).I“O give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love endures for ever.”Let them say this, the Lord’s redeemed, whom he redeemed from the hand of the foe and gathered from far-off lands, from east and west, north and south.Some wandered in the desert, in the wilderness, finding no way to a city they could dwell in. Hungry they were and thirsty; their soul was fainting within them.Then they cried to the Lord in their need and he rescued them from their distress and he led them along the right way, to reach a city they could dwell in.Let them thank the Lord for his love, for the wonders he does for men: for he satisfies the thirsty soul; he fills the hungry with good things.Some lay in darkness and in gloom, prisoners in misery and chains, having defied the words of God and spurned the counsels of the Most High. He crushed their spirit with toil; they stumbled; there was no one to help.Then they cried to the Lord in their need and he rescued them from their distress. He led them forth from darkness and gloom and broke their chains to pieces.Let them thank the Lord for his goodness, for the wonders he does for men: for he bursts the gates of bronze and shatters the iron bars.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. Let us praise the Lord for his mercy and for the wonderful things he has done for men.Ant. 2 Men have seen the works of God, the marvels he has done.IISome were sick on account of their sins and afflicted on account of their guilt. They had a loathing for every food; they came close to the gates of death.Then they cried to the Lord in their need and he rescued them from their distress. He sent forth his word to heal them and saved their life from the grave.Let them thank the Lord for his love, for the wonders he does for men. Let them offer a sacrifice of thanks and tell of his deeds with rejoicing.Some sailed to the sea in ships to trade on the mighty waters. These men have seen the Lord’s deeds, the wonders he does in the deep.For he spoke; he summoned the gale, tossing the waves of the sea up to heaven and back into the deep; their souls melted away in their distress.They staggered, reeled like drunken men, for all their skill was gone. Then they cried to the Lord in their need and he rescued them from their distress.He stilled the storm to a whisper: all the waves of the sea were hushed. They rejoiced because of the calm and he led them to the haven they desired.Let them thank the Lord for his love, for the wonders he does for men. Let them exalt him in the gathering of the people and praise him in the meeting of the elders.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. Men have seen the works of God, the marvels he has done.Ant. 3 Those who love the Lord will see and rejoice; they will understand his loving kindness.IIIHe changes streams into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, fruitful land into a salty waste, for the wickedness of those who live there.But he changes desert into streams, thirsty ground into springs of water. There he settles the hungry and they build a city to dwell in.They sow fields and plant their vines; these yield crops for the harvest. He blesses them; they grow in numbers. He does not let their herds decrease.He pours contempt upon princes, makes them wander in trackless wastes. They diminish, are reduced to nothing by oppression, evil and sorrow.But he raises the needy from distress; makes families numerous as a flock. The upright see it and rejoice but all who do wrong are silenced.Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the love of the Lord.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Psalm-prayerYou fill the hungry with good things, Lord God, and break the sinner’s chains. Hear your people who call to you in their need and lead your Church from the shadows of death. Gather us from sunrise to sunset that we may grow together in faith and love and give lasting thanks for your kindness.Ant. Those who love the Lord will see and rejoice; they will understand his loving kindness.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.Hear the word of the Lord, all you nations. — Proclaim it to the ends of the earth.READINGSFirst reading From the book of the prophet Isaiah 49:14-50:1 The restoration of ZionZion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. See, upon the palms of my hands I have written your name; your walls are ever before me. Your rebuilders make haste, as those who tore you down and laid you waste go forth from you;Look about and see, they are all gathering and coming to you. As I live, says the Lord, you shall be arrayed with them all as with adornments, like a bride you shall fasten them on you. Though you were waste and desolate, a land of ruins, Now you shall be too small for your inhabitants, while those who swallowed you up will be far away. The children whom you had lost shall yet say to you, “This place is too small for me, make room for me to live in.” You shall ask yourself: “Who has borne me these? I was bereft and barren exiled and repudiated; who has reared them? I was left all alone; where then do these come from?”Thus says the Lord God: See, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders. Kings shall be your foster fathers, their princesses your nurses; Bowing to the ground, they shall worship you and lick the dust at your feet. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, and those who hope in me shall never be disappointed.Thus says the Lord: Can booty be taken from a warrior? or captives be rescued from a tyrant? Yes, captives can be taken from a warrior, and booty be rescued from a tyrant; Those who oppose you I will oppose, and your sons I will save.I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with the juice of the grape. All mankind shall know that I, the Lord, am your savior, your redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.Thus says the Lord: Where is the bill of divorce with which I dismissed your mother? Or to which of my creditors have I sold you? It was for your sins that you were sold, for your crimes that your mother was dismissed.RESPONSORY Isaiah 49:15; see Psalm 27:10Could a mother ever forget her infant, and not take compassion on the child of her womb? — Even if a mother should forget, I would never forget you, says the Lord.My father and my mother have neglected me, but you, Lord, have lifted me up. — Even if a mother should forget, I would never forget you, says the Lord.Second reading From a commentary of Luke by Venerable Bede, priest The MagnificatMary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. The Lord has exalted me by a gift so great, so unheard of, that language is useless to describe it, and the depths of love in my heart can scarcely grasp it. I offer then all the powers of my soul in praise and thanksgiving. As I contemplate his greatness, which knows no limits, I joyfully surrender my whole life, my senses, my judgment, for my spirit rejoices in the eternal Godhead of that Jesus, that Savior, whom I have conceived in this world of time.The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.Mary looks back to the beginning of her song, where she said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Only that soul for whom the Lord in his love does great things can proclaim his greatness with fitting praise and encourage those who share her desire and purpose, saying: Join with me in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord; let us extol his name together.Those who know the Lord, yet refuse to proclaim his greatness and sanctify his name to the limit of their power, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. His name is called holy because in the sublimity of his unique power he surpasses every creature and is far removed from all that he had made. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy. In a beautiful phrase Mary calls Israel the servant of the Lord

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 667 Proper of Seasons: 315/375 Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 1060Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 694 Proper of Seasons: 114/135 Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 932Evening Prayer II for the Fourth Sunday, December 23, in the Season of AdventGod, 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.HYMNÔ Dieu de clémence, viens par ta présence, Combler nos désirs, apaiser nos soupirs. Sauveur secourable, parais à nos yeux! A l'homme coupable viens ouvrir les cieux; Céleste victime, ferme-lui l'abîme.Ô Dieu de clémence, viens par ta présence, Combler nos désirs, apaiser nos soupirs.Un dur esclavage fut notre partage: Il brise nos fers et sauve l'univers. Tout le Cieux s’abaissent saisis du respect; Nos maux disparaissent à son seul aspect. Tout à sa naissance, cède à sa puissance.Un dur esclavage fut notre partage: Il brise nos fers et sauve l'univers.English translation by Catherine Fisher, 2016:O God of Mercy, your presence comes and fills our desires, And brings peace to our sighs. Helpful savior, appear before us! Come and open the heavens for the guilty man, Heavenly victim, save him from the abyss. O God of Mercy, your presence comes and fills our desires, And brings peace to our sighs.A hard slavery would have been our share: He broke our irons and saved the universe. In his honor, all the heavens bow down, Our sins disappear before his face, With his birth, all things yield before his power. A hard slavery would have been our share: He broke our irons and saved the universe.𝄞"O Dieu de Clemence" by Kathleen Lundquist • Traditional French Catholic hymn, attributed to Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772);This arrangement (from Light In Our Darkness by Kathleen Lundquist, copyright 2005 by Mystagogia Music) is dedicated to the Carmelite nuns of Compiegne, martyred during the French Revolution on July 17, 1794. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Light in Our Darkness: Music for Advent and ChristmasPSALMODYAnt. 1 See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!Psalm 110 The Messiah, king and priest Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).The Lord’s revelation to my Master: “Sit on my right: your foes I will put beneath your feet.”Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!The Lord will wield from Zion your scepter of power: rule in the midst of all your foes.Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!A prince from the day of your birth on the holy mountains; from the womb before the dawn I begot you.Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change. “You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.”Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!The Master standing at your right hand will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!He shall drink from the stream by the wayside and therefore he shall lift up his head.Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!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-prayerFather, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.Ant. See how glorious he is, coming forth as Savior of all peoples!Ant. 2 Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.Psalm 112 The happiness of the just man Live as children born of the light. Light produces every kind of goodness and justice and truth. (Ephesians 5:8-9).Happy the man who fears the Lord, who takes delight in all his commands. His sons shall be powerful on earth; the children of the upright are blessed.Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.Riches and wealth are in his house; his justice stands firm for ever. He is a light in the darkness for the upright: he is generous, merciful and just.Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.The good man takes pity and lends, he conducts his affairs with honor. The just man will never waver: he will be remembered for ever.Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.He has no fear of evil news; with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord. With a steadfast heart he will not fear; he will see the downfall of his foes.Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.Open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm for ever. His head will be raised in glory.Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.The wicked man sees and is angry, grinds his teeth and fades away; the desire 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-prayerLord God, you are the eternal light which illumines the hearts of good people. Help us to love you, to rejoice in your glory, and so to live in this world as to avoid harsh judgment in the next. May we come to see the light of your countenance.Ant. Crooked paths will be straightened, and rough ways made smooth. Come, O Lord, do not delay, alleluia.Ant. 3 Ever wider will his kingdom spread, eternally at peace, alleluia.Canticle – See Revelation 19:1-7 The wedding of the lambAlleluia. Salvation, glory, and power to our God: — Alleluia. his judgments are honest and true. — Alleluia, (alleluia).Ant. Ever wider will his kingdom spread, eternally at peace, alleluia.Alleluia. Sing praise to our God, all you his servants, — Alleluia. all who worship him reverently, great and small. — Alleluia, (alleluia).Ant. Ever wider will his kingdom spread, eternally at peace, alleluia.Alleluia. The Lord our all-powerful God is King; — Alleluia. Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory. — Alleluia, (alleluia).Ant. Ever wider will his kingdom spread, eternally at peace, alleluia.Alleluia. The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun, — Alleluia. and his bride is prepared to welcome him. — Alleluia, (alleluia).Ant. Ever wider will his kingdom spread, eternally at peace, 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. Ever wider will his kingdom spread, eternally at peace, alleluia.READING Philippians 4:4-5Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice! Everyone should see how unselfish you are. The Lord is near.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Lord, show us your mercy and love. — Lord, show us your mercy and love.And grant us your salvation, — your mercy and love.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Lord, show us your mercy and love.CANTICLE OF MARYAnt. O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.Luke 1:46-55 The soul rejoices in the LordMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.Ant. O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.INTERCESSIONSTo Christ the Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, let us pray with joyful hearts: Come, Lord Jesus!Lord Jesus, in the mystery of your incarnation you revealed your glory to the world, — give us new life by your coming. Come, Lord Jesus!You have taken our weakness upon yourself, — grant us your mercy. Come, Lord Jesus!You redeemed the world from sin by your first coming in humility, — free us from all guilt when you come again in glory. Come, Lord Jesus!You live and rule over all, — in your goodness bring us to our eternal inheritance. Come, Lord Jesus!You sit at the right hand of the Father, — gladden the souls of the dead with your light. Come, Lord Jesus!Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Concluding PrayerPour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. — Amen.DISMISSALMay the Lord bless us, protect

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I: Ordinary: 653 Proper of Seasons: 312/372 Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 1051Christian Prayer: Ordinary: 689 Proper of Seasons: 112/135 Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 926Morning Prayer for the Fourth Sunday, December 23, in the Season of AdventGod, 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.HYMNLo, the dim shadows of the night are waning; Radiantly glowing with the dawn returning; Fervent in spirit, to the mighty Father Pray we devoutly.So shall our Maker, of His great compassion, Banish all sickness, kindly health bestowing; And may He grant us, of a Father's goodness, Mansions in heaven.This may He grant us, God for ever blessed, Father eternal, Son, and Holy Spirit, Whose mighty glory is through all creation Ever resounding. Amen.𝄞"Lo! The Dim Shadows" by Kathleen Lundquist • Title: Lo! The Dim Shadows; Text: Ecce iam noctis, Attr. Alcuin 8th-9th c. ; Translation: Maxwell Julius Blacker, alt.; Tune: Chant, Mode IV; Lumen Christi Hymnal; Artist: Kathleen Lundquist; Recording copyright 2016 by Surgeworks, Inc.PSALMODYAnt. 1 Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.Psalm 118 Song of joy for salvation This Jesus is the stone which, rejected by you builders, has become the chief stone supporting all the rest. (Acts 4:11).Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love endures forever.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.Let the sons of Israel say: “His love endures for ever.” Let the sons of Aaron say: “His love endures for ever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures for ever.”Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.I called to the Lord in my distress; he answered and freed me. The Lord is at my side; I do not fear. what can man do against me? The Lord is at my side as my helper; I shall look down on my foes.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in men; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.The nations all encompassed me; in the Lord’s name I crushed them. They compassed me, compassed me about; in the Lord’s name I crushed them. They compassed me about like bees; they blazed like a fire among thorns. In the Lord’s name I crushed them.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.I was hard-pressed and was falling but the Lord came to help me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he is my savior. There are shouts of joy and victory in the tents of the just.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.The Lord’s right hand has triumphed; his right hand raised me. The Lord’s right hand has triumphed; I shall not die, I shall live and recount his deeds. I was punished, I was punished by the Lord, but not doomed to die.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.Open to me the gates of holiness: I will enter and give thanks. This is the Lord’s own gate where the just may enter. I will thank you for you have answered and you are my savior.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.O Lord, grant us salvation; O Lord, grant success. Blessed in the name of the Lord is he who comes. We bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord God is our light.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.Go forward in procession with branches even to the altar. You are my God, I thank you. My God, I praise you. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love endures for ever.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save 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.Psalm-prayerLord God, you have given us the great day of rejoicing: Jesus Christ, the stone rejected by the builders, has become the cornerstone of the Church, our spiritual home. Shed upon your Church the rays of your glory, that it may be seen as the gate of salvation open to all nations. Let cries of joy and exultation ring out from its tents, to celebrate the wonder of Christ’s resurrection.Ant. Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.Ant. 2 The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.Canticle – Daniel 3:52-57 Let all creatures praise the Lord The Creator… is blessed for ever (Romans 1:25).Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;Ant. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.Ant. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.Ant. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.Ant. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.Ant. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.Ant. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.Ant. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, 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. The Lord is here; go out to meet him, saying: Great his birth, eternal his kingdom: Strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.Ant. 3 Your all-powerful Word, O Lord will come to earth from his throne of glory, alleluia.Psalm 150 Praise the Lord Let mind and heart be in your song: this is to glorify God with your whole self. (Hesychius)Praise God in his holy place, praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his powerful deeds, praise his surpassing greatness.Ant. Your all-powerful Word, O Lord will come to earth from his throne of glory, alleluia.O praise him with sound of trumpet, praise him with lute and harp. Praise him with timbrel and dance, praise him with strings and pipes.Ant. Your all-powerful Word, O Lord will come to earth from his throne of glory, alleluia.O praise him with resounding cymbals, praise him with clashing of cymbals. Let everything that lives and that breathes give praise to the Lord.Ant. Your all-powerful Word, O Lord will come to earth from his throne of glory, 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.Psalm-prayerLord God, maker of heaven and earth and of all created things, you make your just ones holy and you justify sinners who confess your name. Hear us as we humbly pray to you: give us eternal joy with your saints.Ant. Your all-powerful Word, O Lord will come to earth from his throne of glory, alleluia.READING Romans 13:11-12It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer than when we first accepted the faith. The night is far spent; the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.RESPONSORY Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. — Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.You are the one who is to come, — have mercy on us.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, — Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAHAnt. All that God promised to the virgin through the message of the angel has been accomplished.Luke 1:68 – 79 The Messiah and his forerunnerBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the pr