LECTIONARY FOR PROPER MASSES
OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERSEnglish Translation Approved for Interim Use by
The Dominican Provincials of the U.S.A.Dominican Liturgical Commission, U.S.A. Chicago, 1980
INTRODUCTION GENERAL NORMS CREDITS
Calendar of Dominican Feasts
CLICK THE NAMES TO GO TO THE TEXTS
January 7 - St. Raymond of Penyafort, priest
Memorial
(1) Reading I: - Ezechiel 33:1, 7-11 [No reference]
A reading from the book of the prophet Ezechiel.
[I do not wish the death of the wicked man, but rather that he turn from his way.]The word of the Lord came to me: You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked man that he shall surely die, and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked man from his way, he [the wicked man] shall die for this guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked man, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.
The Word of the Lord.
OR
(2) Reading I: Galatians 5:16-17,22-23,24-25 [764-10]
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Galatians.
[If we live in the Spirit, let us be directed by the Spirit.]Live in accord with the spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh. The flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; the two are directly opposed. This is why you do not do what your will intends.
In contrast, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us follow the spirit's lead.
The Word of the Lord.
(3) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119(118):1,27,30,34,35,44 [450]
R/. (35) GUIDE ME, LORD, IN THE WAY OF YOUR COMMANDS.
- Happy are they whose way is blameless,
- who walk in the way of the Lord.
R/. GUIDE ME, LORD, IN THE WAY OF YOUR COMMANDS.
- Make me understand the way of your precepts,
- and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R/. GUIDE ME, LORD, IN THE WAY OF YOUR COMMANDS.
- The way of truth I have chosen;
- I have set your ordinances before me. l
R/. GUIDE ME, LORD, IN THE WAY OF YOUR COMMANDS.
- Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
- and keep it with all my heart.
R/. GUIDE ME, LORD, IN THE WAY OF YOUR COMMANDS.
- Lead me in the path of your commands,
- for in it I delight.
R/. GUIDE ME, LORD, IN THE WAY OF YOUR COMMANDS.
- And I will keep your law continually,
- forever and ever.
R/. GUIDE ME, LORD, IN THE WAY OF YOUR COMMANDS.
(4) Alleluia:
"The holy Spirit will teach you everything that I have said to you."
(5) (2) See John 14:26 [304-4]
The Holy Spirit will teach you all things, and remind you of all I have said to you.
(6) Gospel: Matthew 5:13-19 [730-1]
+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew.
[I have come, not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.]Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth. But what if salt goes flat? How can you restore its flavor? Then it is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Men do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. They set it on a stand where it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father.
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets. I have come, not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. Of this much I assure you: until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter of the law, not the smallest part of a letter, shall be done away with until it all comes true. That is why whoever breaks the least significant of these commands and teaches others to do so shall be called least in the kingdom of God. Whoever fulfills and teaches these commands shall be great in the kingdom of God."
The Gospel of the Lord.
OR
(7) Gospel: Luke 12:42-44, 48b [No reference]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke.
[When much has been given a man, much will be required of him.]The Lord said:
"Who in your opinion is that faithful, farsighted steward whom the master will set over his servants to dispense their ration of grain in season? That servant is fortunate whom his master finds busy when he returns. Assuredly, his master will put him in charge of all his property. When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted."The gospel of the Lord.
January 18 - St. Margaret of Hungary, virgin
Memorial
(8) Reading I: Esther C:12-23, 30 (V =14:3-12, 19)[No reference]
A reading from the book of Esther.
[God is our hope.]She prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, saying:
"My Lord, our King, you alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you, for I am taking my life in my hand. As a child I was wont to hear from the people of the land of my forefathers that you, O Lord, chose Israel from among all peoples, and our fathers from among all their ancestors, as a lasting heritage, and that you fulfilled all your promises to them. But now we have sinned in your sight, and you have delivered us into the hands of our enemies, because we worshiped their gods. You are just, O Lord. But now they are not satisfied with our bitter servitude, but have undertaken to do away with the decree you have pronounced, and to destroy your heritage; to close the mouths of those who praise you, and to extinguish the glory of your temple and your altar; to open the mouths of the heathen to acclaim their false gods, and to extol an earthly king forever."O Lord, do not relinquish your scepter to those that are nought. Let them not gloat over our ruin, but turn their own counsel against them and make an example of our chief enemy. Be mindful of us, O Lord. Manifest yourself in the time of our distress and give me courage, King of gods and Ruler of every power.
"O God, more powerful than all, hear the voice of those in despair. Save us from the power of the wicked, and deliver me from my fear."
The Word of the Lord.
(9) Reading I: Romans 12: 1-2, 9-13 [775-2]
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans.
[Offer to God your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to him.]Brothers, I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind so that you may judge what is God's will, what is good, pleasing and perfect.
Your love must be sincere. Detest what is evil, cling to what is good. Love one another with the affection of brothers. Anticipate each other in showing respect. Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; he whom you serve is the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer. Look on the-needs of the saints as your own; be generous in offering hospitality.
The Word of the Lord.
OR
(10) Reading I: Colossians 3:12-17 [785-11]
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians:
[Above everything, have love for each other because that is the bond of perfection.]Because you are God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another, forgive what ever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ's peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs. Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.
The Word of the Lord.
(11) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 27(26): 1, 4, 5, 8-9,9-11 [786-2]
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- The Lord is my light and my salvation;
- whom should I fear?
- The Lord is my life's refuge;
- of whom should I be afraid?
- One thing I ask of the Lord;
- this I seek:
- To dwell in the house of the Lord
- all the days of my life,
- That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord
- and contemplate his temple.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- For he will hide me in his abode
- in the day of trouble;
- He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent,
- he will set me high upon a rock.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- Your presence, O Lord, I seek.
- Hide not your face from me,
- do not in anger repel your servant.
- You are my helper: cast me not off.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- Forsake me not, O God my savior.
- Show me, O Lord, your way,
- And lead me on a level path,
- because of my adversaries.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
(12) Alleluia:
"I have forfeited everything, that Christ may be my wealth." (Philippians 3:8)
(13) Gospel: John 12:24-26 [788-11]
+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest.]Jesus told his disciples:
"I solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But it if dies, it produces much fruit. The man who loves his life loses it, while the man who hates his life in this world preserves it to life eternal. If anyone would serve me, let him follow me; where I am, there will my servant be. Anyone who serves me, the Father will honor."The gospel of the Lord.
January 28 - St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor
Feast
(14) Reading I: Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16 [725-2]
A reading from the book of Wisdom:
[I have loved wisdom more than health and beauty.]I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.
Now God grant I speak suitably and value these endowments at their worth: for he is the guide of Wisdom and the director of the wise. For both we and our words are in his hand, as well as all prudence and knowledge of crafts.
The Word of the Lord.
OR
(15) Reading 2: Ephesians 3:8-12 [728-4]
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians:
[The mission is to proclaim to all peoples the infinite treasure of Christ.]To me, the least of all believers, was given the grace to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ and to enlighten all men on the mysterious design which for ages was hidden in God, the Creator of all. Now, therefore, through the church, God's manifold wisdom is made known to the principalities and powers of heaven, in accord with his age-old purpose, carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Christ and through faith in him we can speak freely to God, drawing near him with confidence.
The Word of the Lord.
(16) Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27(26):3-4, 5-6, 30-31 [727-21
R/. THE MOUTH OF THE JUST MAN MURMURS WISDOM
- Trust in the Lord and do good,
- that you may dwell in the land and enjoy security.
- Take delight in the Lord
- and he will grant you your heart's requests.
R/. THE MOUTH OF THE JUST MAN MURMURS WISDOM
- Commit to the Lord your way;
- trust in him, and he will act. l
- He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
- bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.
R/. THE MOUTH OF THE JUST MAN MURMURS WISDOM
- The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom
- and his tongue utters what is right.
- The law of his God is in his heart,
- and his steps do not falter.
R/. THE MOUTH OF THE JUST MAN MURMURS WISDOM
Alleluia:
(17) (1) John 17:17 [509-26]OR
- Your word, O Lord, is truth;
- make us holy in the truth.
(18) (2) See Acts 16:14 [509-27]
- Open our hearts, O Lord,
- to listen to the words of your Son.
(19) Gospel: John 17:11-19 [61]
+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[Consecrate them by means of truth.]Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed:
"O Father most holy, protect them with your name which you have given me, [that they may be one, even as we are one.] As long as I was with them, I guarded them with your name which you gave me. I kept careful watch, and not one of them was lost, none but him who was destined to be lost -- in fulfillment of Scripture. Now, however, I come to you; I say all this while I am still in the world that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world has hated them for it; they do not belong to the world, [any more than I belong to the world.] I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but to guard them from the evil one. They are not of the world, any more than I am of the world. Consecrate them by means of truth -- 'Your word is truth.' As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world; I consecrate myself for their sakes now, that they may be consecrated in truth."The gospel of the Lord.
OR
(20) Gospel: John 16:23-28 [No reference]
+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[I shall tell you about the Father in plain speech.]Jesus said to his disciples:
"I give you my assurance, whatever you ask the Father, he will give you in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. I have spoken these things to you in veiled language. A time will come when I shall no longer do so, but shall tell you about the Father in plain speech. On that day you will ask in my name and I do not say that I will petition the Father for you. The Father already loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. [I did indeed come from the Father;] I came into the world. Now I am leaving the world to go to the Father."The gospel of the Lord.
OR
(21) Gospel: Matthew 5:13-19 [730-1]
+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew:
[You are the light of the world.]You are the salt of the earth. But what if salt goes flat? How can you restore its flavor? Then it is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Men do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. They set it on a stand where it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets. I have come, not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. Of this much I assure you: until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter of the law, not the smallest part of a letter, shall be done away with until it all comes true. That is why whoever breaks the least significant of these commands and teaches others to do so shall be called least in the kingdom of God. Whoever fulfills and teaches these commands shall be great in the kingdom of God.
The gospel of the Lord.
February 4 - St. Catherine de Ricci, virgin
Memorial
(22) Reading I: Revelation 19:1, 5-9 [732-1]
A reading from the book of Revelation:
[Happy are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.]I, John, heard what sounded like the loud song of a great assembly in heaven. They were singing: "Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God."
A voice coming from the throne cried out: "Praise our God, all you his servants, the small and the great, who revere him"'
Then I heard what sounded like the shouts of a great crowd or the roaring of the deep, or mighty peals of thunder, as they cried: "Alleluia' The Lord is king, our God, the Almighty Let us rejoice and be glad, and give him glory! For this is the wedding day of the Lamb; his bride has prepared herself for the wedding. She has been given a dress to wear made of finest linen, brilliant white." (The linen dress is the virtuous deeds of God's saints.)
The angel then said to me: "Write this down: Happy are they who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb."
The Word of the Lord.
OR
(23) Reading I: Romans 8:35, 37-39 [113]A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans.
[No creature can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ.]Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? Yet in all this we am more than conquerors because of him who has loved us. For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
(24) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 27(26):1, 4,5, 8-9,R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- The Lord is my light and my salvation;
- whom should I fear?
- The Lord is my life's refuge;
- of whom should I be afraid?
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- One thing I ask of the Lord;
- this I seek:
- To dwell in the house of the Lord
- all the days of my life,
- That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord
- and contemplate his temple.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- For he will hide me in his abode
- in the day of trouble;
- He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent.
- he will set me high upon a rock.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- Your presence, O Lord, I seek.
- Hide not your face from me;
- do not in anger repel your servant.
- Your are my helper: cast me not off.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
- Forsake me not, O God my savior.
- Show me, O Lord, your way,
- And lead me on a level path,
- because of my adversaries.
R/. I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE, O LORD.
(25) Alleluia: cf. Colossians 3:3
- I have died to the world,
- and my life is hidden with Christ in God.
(26) Gospel: Mark 8:34-9:1 (V= 8:34-39) [339]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Mark:
[He who loses his life for my sake and the sake of the gospel will save it.]Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them:
"If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and follow in my steps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. What profit does a man show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process? What can a man offer in exchange for his life? If any one in this faithless and corrupt age is ashamed of me and my doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes with the holy angels in his Father's glory."He also said to them:
"I assure you, among those standing here there are some who will not taste death until they see the reign of God established in power."The gospel of the Lord.
February 7 - Anniversary of Deceased Parents [From the Masses for the Dead, especially:]
(27) Reading I: Romans 14:7-9, 10-12 [790-7]A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans:
[Alive or dead, we belong to the Lord.]None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master. While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die we die as his servants. Both in life and in death we are the Lord's. That is why Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. We shall all have to appear before the judgment seat of God. It is written, "As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me and every tongue shall give praise to God."
Everyone of us will have to give an account of himself before God.
The Word of the Lord
(28) Responsorial Psalm: PS 122(121):1-2, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [791-8]R/. (1) I REJOICED WHEN I HEARD THEM SAY: LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
R/. I REJOICED WHEN I HEARD THEM SAY: LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
- I rejoiced because they said to me,
- "We will go up to the house of the Lord."
- And now we have set foot
- within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R/. I REJOICED WHEN I HEARD THEM SAY: LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
- To it the tribes go up,
- the tribes of the Lord.
- According to the decree for Israel,
- to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
- In it are set up judgment seats,
- seats for the house of David.
R/. I REJOICED WHEN I HEARD THEM SAY: LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
- May those who love you prosper!
- May peace be within your walls,
- prosperity in your buildings.
R/. I REJOICED WHEN I HEARD THEM SAY: LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
- Because of my relatives and friends
- I will say, "Peace be within you!"
- Because of the house of the Lord, our God,
- I will pray for your good.
(29) Alleluia: John 6:39 [797-2]
- This is the will of my Father, says the Lord,
- that I should lose nothing of all that he has given to me,
- and that I should raise it up on the last day.
(30) Gospel: John 17:24-26 [797-17]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am.]Raising his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed and said:
"Father, all those you gave me I would have in my company where I am, to see this glory of mine which is your gift to me, because of the love you bore me before the world began."Just Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you; and these men have known that you sent me. To them I have revealed your name, and I will continue to reveal it so that your love for me may live in them, and I may live in them."
The gospel of the Lord.
February 12 - Blessed Reginald, priest Optional Memorial
(31) Reading I: Philippians 4:4-9 [740-10]A reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians:
[Fill your mind with everything that is holy.]Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice! Everyone should see how unselfish you are. The Lord himself is near. Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude. Then God's own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus.
Finally, my brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise. Live according to what you have learned and accepted, what you have heard me say and seen me do. Then will the God of peace be with you.
The Word of the Lord.
(32) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 63(62):2, 3-4, 5-6;, 8-9 [786-7]R/. (2) MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- O God, you are my God whom I seek;
- for you my flesh pines
- and my soul thirsts like the earth,
- parched, lifeless and without water.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
- to see your power and your glory,
- For your kindness is a greater good than life;
- my lips shall glorify you.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I
- will call upon your name.
- As with the riches of a banquet
- shall my soul be satisfied,
- and with exultant lips
- my mouth shall praise you.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- That you are my help,
- and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
- My soul clings fast to you; your
- right hand upholds me.
(33) Alleluia / Verse before the Gospel:Philippians 4:4
- Rejoice in the Lord always'
- I say it again. Rejoice'
(34) Gospel: Mark 6:7-13 [326]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Mark:
[He began to send them out.]Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing on the journey but a walking stick -- no food, no traveling bag, not a coin in the purse in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals. "Do not bring a second tunic," he said, and added: "Whatever house you find yourself in, stay there until you leave the locality. If any place will not receive you or hear you, shake its dust from your feet in testimony against them as you leave." With that they went off, preaching the need of repentance. They expelled many demons, anointed the sick with oil, and worked many cures.
The gospel of the Lord.
February 13 - Blessed Jordan of Saxony, priest Memorial
(35) Reading I: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 [722-8]A reading from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians:
[In the work of service we help in building up the body of Christ.]I plead with you as a prisoner for the Lord, to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.
Each of us has received God's favor in the measure in which Christ bestows it.
It is he who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature.
The Word of the Lord.
(36) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96(95):1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10 [818-3]R/. (3) PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Sing to the Lord a new song;
- sing to the Lord, all you lands.
- Sing to the Lord; bless his name.
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Announce his salvation, day after day.
- Tell his glory among the nations;
- Among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Give to the Lord, you families of nations,
- give to the Lord glory and praise;
- give to the Lord the glory due his name2
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Worship the Lord in holy attire.
- Tremble before him, all the earth;
- Say among the nations: The Lord is king.
(37) Alleluia / Verse before the Gospel:Luke 4:18-19 [723-3]
- The Lord sent me to bring Good News to the poor,
- and freedom to prisoners.
(38) Gospel: Luke 10:1-9 [724-7]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke
[The harvest is rich but the laborers are few.]The Lord appointed a further seventy-two and sent them in pairs before him to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them:
"The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore ask the harvest-master to send workers to his harvest. Be on your way, and remember: I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves. Do not carry a walking staff or traveling bag; wear no sandals and greet no one along the way. On entering any house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If there is a peaceable man there, your peace well rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the one house eating and drinking what they have, for the laborer is worth his wage. Do not move from house to house."Into whatever city you go, after they welcome you, eat what they set before you, and cure the sick there. Say to them, 'The reign of God is at hand."'
The gospel of the Lord.
April 5 - St. Vincent Ferrer, priest Memorial
[During Easter Season](39) Reading I: Revelation 14:6-7 [No reference]
A reading from the book of Revelation.
[His time has come to sit in judgment.]Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, the herald of everlasting good news to the whole world, to every nation and race, language and people. He said in a loud voice:
"Honor God and give him glory, for his time has come to sit in judgment. Worship the Creator of heaven and earth, the Creator of the sea and the springs."
The Word of the Lord.
[Outside Easter Season](40) Reading I: Ezechiel 37:1-14[423]
A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel:
[Dry bones, I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life.]The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he led me out in the spirit of the Lord and set me in the center of the plain, which was now filled with bones. He made me walk among them in every direction so that I saw how many they were on the surface of the plain. How dry they were! He asked me: Son of man, can these bones come to life? "Lord God," I answered, "you alone know that." Then he said to me: Prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord' Thus says the Lord God to these bones: See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life. I will put sinews upon you, make flesh grow over you, cover you with skin, and put spirit in you so that you may come to life and know that I am the Lord. I prophesied as I had been told, and even as I was prophesying I heard a noise; it was a rattling as the bones came together, bone joining bone. I saw the sinews and the flesh come upon them, and the skin cover them, but there was no spirit in them.
Then he said to me: Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man, and say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord God: From the four winds come, O spirit, and breathe into these slain that they may come to life. I prophesied as he told me, and the spirit came into them; they came alive and stood upright, a vast army. Then he said to me: Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They have been saying, "Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost,and we are cut off." Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people, I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the Lord. I have promised, and I will do it, says the Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
41) Reading I: Titus 2:11-14; 3:3-7 [492 & 493] A reading from the letter of Paul to Titus.
[We must live good lives while we wait in hope for the appearance of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ.] The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all men. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age as we await our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Christ Jesus. It was he who sacrificed himself for us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness and to cleanse for himself a people of his own, eager to do what is right.We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and far from true faith; we were the slaves of our passions and of pleasures of various kinds. We went our way in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared, he saved us; not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the baptism of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he lavished on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs, in hope, of eternal life.
The Word of the Lord.
(42) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98(97):5-6, 7-8, 9 [160]R/. (9) THE LORD COMES TO RULE THE EARTH WITH JUSTICE.
R/. THE LORD COMES TO RULE THE EARTH WITH JUSTICE.
- Sing praise to the Lord with the harp.
- with the harp and melodious song.
- With trumpets and the sound of the horn
- sing joyfully before the King, the Lord.
R/. THE LORD COMES TO RULE THE EARTH WITH JUSTICE.
- Let the sea and what fills it resound,
- the world and those who dwell in it;
- Let the rivers clap their hands,
- the mountains shout with them for joy.
R/. THE LORD COMES TO RULE THE EARTH WITH JUSTICE.
- Before the Lord, for he comes,
- for he comes to rule the earth,
- He will rule the world with justice
- and the peoples with equity.
ALLELUIA.
(43) Alleluia/Verse before the Gospel:
Luke 21:36 [No reference]
- Be on the watch. Pray constantly for the
- strength to stand secure before the Son of Man.
(44) Gospel: Luke 10:1-9 [724-7]
+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke:
[The harvest is rich but the laborers are few.]The Lord appointed a further seventy-two and sent them in pairs before him to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them: "The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore ask the harvest-master to send workers to his harvest. Be on your way, and remember: I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves. Do not carry a walking staff or traveling bag; wear no sandals and greet no one along the way. On entering any house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If there is a peaceable man there, your peace well rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the one house eating and drinking what they have, for the laborer is worth his wage. Do not move from house to house.
"Into whatever city you go, after they welcome you, eat what they set before you, and cure the sick there. Say to them, 'The reign of God is at hand."'
The gospel of the Lord.
April 20 - St. Agnes of Monte Pulciano, virgin Memorial
(45) Reading I: Revelation 5:11-14 [49]
A reading from the book of Revelation:
[The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, wealth, glory, and blessing.]I, John, had a vision, and I heard the voices of many angels who surrounded the throne and the living creatures and the elders. They were countless in number, thousands and tens of thousands, and they all cried out:
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise!"
Then I heard the voices of every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea; everything in the universe cried aloud:
"To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!"
The four living creatures answered, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Word of the Lord.
OR
(46) Reading I: 2 Corinthians 10:17-11:2 [734-2]+ A reading from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
[I have betrothed you to one man, as a chaste virgin for Christ.]"Let him who would boast, boast in the Lord." It is not the man who recommends himself who is approved but the man whom the Lord recommends.
You must endure a little of my folly. Put up with me, I beg you! I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God himself, since I have given you in marriage to one husband, presenting you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
The Word of the Lord.
(47) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 45(44):11-12, 14-15, 16-17 [733-g. (Mt 25:6)R/. THE BRIDEGROOM IS HERE: LET US GO OUT TO MEET CHRIST THE LORD.
R/. THE BRIDEGROOM IS HERE: LET US GO OUT TO MEET CHRIST THE LORD.
- Hear, O daughter, and see; turn you ear,
- forget your people and your father's house.
- So shall the king desire your beauty;
- for he is your lord, and you must worship him.
R/. THE BRIDEGROOM IS HERE: LET US GO OUT TO MEET CHRIST THE LORD.
- All glorious is the king's daughter as she enters;
- her raiment is threaded with spun gold.
- In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;
- behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.
R/. THE BRIDEGROOM IS HERE: LET US GO OUT TO MEET CHRIST THE LORD.
- They are borne in with gladness and joy;
- they enter the palace of the king.
- The place of your fathers your sons shall have;
- you shall make them princes through all the land.
Or
ALLELUIA.(48) Alleluia [735-1]
- This is the wise bridesmaid,
- whom the Lord found waiting;
- at his coming, she went in with him to the wedding feast.
(49) Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 [742-3]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew:
[You have hidden these things from the learned and the clever and revealed them to children.]On one occasion Jesus said:
"Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to you I offer praise; for what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to the merest children. Father, it is true. You have graciously willed it so. Everything has been given over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son -- and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light."
The gospel of the Lord.
April 29 - St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor Feast
(50) Reading I: Revelation 1:5-8 [917-1]A reading from the book of Revelation:
[Because he loves us, he has washed away our sins with his blood.][Grace and peace] from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the first-born from the dead and ruler of the kings of earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his own blood, who has made us a royal nation of priests in the service of his God and Father -- to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
See, he comes amid the clouds. Every eye shall see him, even of those who pierced him. All the peoples of the earth shall lament him bitterly. So it is to be. Amen.
The Lord God says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
The Word of the Lord.
(51) Reading I: Colossians 1:24-29 [722-9]A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians:
[We proclaim Christ while we admonish all men and teach them in the full measure of wisdom.]Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church. I became a minister of this church through the commission God gave me to preach among you his word in its fullness, that mystery hidden from ages and generations past but now revealed to his holy ones. God has willed to make known to them the glory beyond price which this mystery brings to the Gentiles -- the mystery of Christ in you, your hope of glory. This is the Christ we proclaim while we admonish all men and teach them in the full measure of wisdom, hoping to make every man complete in Christ. For this I work and struggle, impelled by that energy of his which is so powerful a force within me.
The Word of the Lord.
(52) Reading I: 1 John 1:5-2:2 [698]
A reading from the first letter of John:
[The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin.]Here, then, is the message we have heard from Jesus Christ and announce to you: that God is light; in him there is no darkness.
If we say, "We have fellowship with him," while continuing to walk in darkness, we are liars and do not act in truth. But if we walk in light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
If we say, "We are free of the guilt of sin," we deceive ourselves; the truth is not to be found in us. But if we acknowledge our sins, hŽ who is just can be trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrong. If we say, "We have never sinned," we make him a liar and his word finds no place in us.
My little ones, I am writing this to keep you from sin. But if anyone should sin, we have in the presence of the Father, Jesus Christ, an intercessor who is just.
He is an offering for our sins, and not for our sins only, but for those of the whole world.
The Word of the Lord.
(53) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103(102):1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18 [739-5]
R/. OH, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL.R/. OH, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL.
- Bless the Lord, O my soul;
- and all my being, bless his holy name.
- Bless the Lord, O my soul,
- and forget not all his benefits.
R/. OH, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL.
- He pardons all your iniquities,
- he heals all your ills.
- He redeems your life from destruction,
- he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R/. OH, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL.
- Merciful and gracious is the Lord,
- slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
- He will not always chide,
- nor does he keep his wrath forever.
R/. OH, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL.
- As a father has compassion on his children,
- so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him,
- For he knows how we are formed;
- he remembers that we are dust.
R/. OH, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL.
- But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity
- toward those who fear him,
- And his justice toward children's children
- among those who keep his covenant.
(54) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 22(21):23a, 24, 25a-b, 25c-d, 26, 27, 28a, 28b, 31R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- I will proclaim your name to my brethren.
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- You who fear the Lord, praise him;
- all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him;
- revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- For he has not spurned nor disdained
- the wretched man in his misery.
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- Nor did he turn his face away from him,
- but when he cried out to him, he heard him.
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- So by your gift will I utter praise in the vast assembly;
- I will fulfill my vows before those who fear him.
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- The lowly shall eat their fill;
- they who seek the Lord shall praise him:
- "May your hearts be ever merry!"
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- All the ends-of the earth shall
- remember and turn to the Lord.
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- All the families of the nations
- shall bow down before him.
R/. IN THE CHURCH OF GOD I WILL PRAISE THE LORD.
- And to him my soul shall live; my
- descendants shall serve him.
OrR/. ALLELUIA
(55) (1) John 7:37b
If anyone thirsts, let him come to me.
(57) Gospel: John 7:14-18, 37-39 [No reference]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John.
[If anyone shirts, let him come to me.]Jesus went into the temple area and began to teach. The Jews were filled with amazement and said, "How did this man get his education when he had no teacher?"
This was Jesus' answer:
"My doctrine is not my own; it comes from him who sent me. Any man who chooses to do his will will know about this doctrine -- namely, whether it comes from God or is simply spoken on my own. Whoever speaks on his own is bent on self-glorification. The man who seeks glory for him who sent him is truthful; there is no dishonesty in his heart."If anyone thirsts, let him come to me; let him drink who believes in me. Scripture has it: 'From with in him rivers of living water shall flow."'
(Here he was referring to the Spirit, whom those that came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit as yet, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.)
The gospel of the Lord.
OR
(58) Gospel: John 17:1-11 [315-6]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[These disciples were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.]Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed: "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son that your Son may give glory to you, inasmuch as you have given him authority over all mankind, that he may bestow eternal life on those you gave him. (Eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ.) I have given you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Do you now, Father, give me glory at your side, a glory I had with you before the world began.
"I have made your name known to those you gave me out of the world. These men you gave me were yours; they have kept your word. Now they realize that all that you gave me comes from you. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me, and they received it. They have known that in truth I came from you, they have believed it was you who sent me."
"For these I pray -- not for the world but for these you have given me, for they are really yours. (Just as all that belongs to me is yours, so all that belongs to you is mine.) It is in them that I have been glorified. I am in the world no more, but these are in the world as I come to you."
The gospel of the Lord.
(59) Gospel: John 14:21-26 [285]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send will teach you all things.]Jesus said to his disciples:
"He who obeys the commandments he has from me is the man who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father. I too will love him and reveal myself to him."
Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, why is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered:
"Anyone who loves me will be true to my word, and my Father will love him; we will come to him and make our dwelling place with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words. Yet the word you hear is not mine; it comes from the Father who sent me. This much have I told you while I was still with you; the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you."
The gospel of the Lord.
[In votive Masses outsidee Easter season, if there are three readings:](60) Reading I: Wisdom 7:7-14 [No reference]
A reading from the book of Wisdom:
[I have loved wisdom more than health and beauty.]Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; Because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands; And I rejoiced in them all, because Wisdom is their leader, though I had not known that she is the mother of these. Simply I learned about her, and ungrudingly do I share -- her riches I do not hide away; For to men she is an unfailing treasure; those who gain this treasure win the friendship of God, to whom the gifts they have from discipline commend them.
The Word of the Lord.
OR
Reading I: Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16 [725-2]
[See the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, p. 13 (n.14)]Reading II: Colossians 1:24-29 [722-9]
[See the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena, p. 49 (n.51 )]
OR
Reading II: 1 John 1:5-2:2 [698]
[See the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena, p. 50 (n.52)]
April 30 - St. Pius V, pope Memorial
(61) Reading I: Acts 20:17-18, 28-32, 36 [720-2]
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
[Be on guard for yourselves and for all whom the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers.]Paul sent word from Miletus to Ephesus, summoning the elders of that church. When they came to him he delivered this address:
"Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has given you to guard. Shepherd the church of God, which he has acquired at the price of his own blood. I know that when I am gone, savage wolves will come among you who will not spare the flock. From your own number, men will present themselves distorting the truth and leading astray any who follow them. Be on guard, therefore. Do not forget that for three years, night and day, I never ceased warning you individually even to the point of tears. I commend you now to the Lord, and to that gracious word of his which can enlarge you, and give you a share among all who are consecrated to him"After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them all and prayed.
The Word of the Lord.
(62) Reading I: 1 Corinthians 2:1-10 [728-2]A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
[We teach the wisdom of God in mystery.]Brothers, when I came to you I did not come proclaiming God's testimony with any particular eloquence or "wisdom." No, I determined that while I was with you I would speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. When I came among you it was in weakness and fear, and with much trepidation. My message and my preaching had none of the persuasive force of "wise" argumentation, but the convincing power of the Spirit. As a consequence, your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God.
There is, to be sure, a certain wisdom which we express among the spiritually mature. It is not a wisdom of this age, however, nor of the rulers of this age, who are men headed for destruction. No, what we utter is God's wisdom: a mysterious, a hidden wisdom. God planned it before all ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew the mystery; if they had known it, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. Of this wisdom it is written: "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man, what God has prepared for those who love him." Yet God has revealed this wisdom to us through the Spirit.
The Word of the Lord.
(63) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 110(109):1, 2, 3, 4 [721-5]R/. (4) YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE LINE OF MELCHIZEDEK.
R/. YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE LINE OF MELCHIZEDEK.
- The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
- till I make your enemies your footstool."
R/. YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE LINE OF MELCHIZEDEK.
- The scepter of your power the Lord will stretch forth from
- Zion: "Rule in the midst of your enemies.
R/. YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE LINE OF MELCHIZEDEK.
- Yours is princely power in the day of your birth,
- in holy splendor; before the daystar,
- like the dew, I have begotten you."
R/. YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE LINE OF MELCHIZEDEK.
- The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent:
- "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
Alleluia:(64)(1) John 10:14 [723-4]
- I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
- I know my sheep, and mine know me.
(67) Gospel: John 21:15-17 [724-11]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[Take care of my lambs and my sheep.]
Jesus appeared to his disciples again and when they had eaten their meal, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know that I love you." At which Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."A second time he put his question, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know that I love you." Jesus replied, "Tend my sheep."
A third time Jesus asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because he had asked a third time, 'Do you love me?' So he said to him: "Lord, you know everything. You know well that I love you." Jesus told him, "Feed my sheep."
The gospel of the Lord.
(68) Gospel: Luke 22:28-32 [No reference]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke.
[You in turn must strengthen your brothers.]Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the ones who have stood loyally by me in my temptations. I for my part assign to you the dominion my Father has assigned to me. In my kingdom you will eat and drink at my table, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."Simon, Simon! Remember that Satan has asked for you, to sift you all like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may never fail. You in turn must strengthen your brothers."
The gospel of the Lord.
May 10 - St. Antoninus, bishop Memorial
(69) Reading I: Sirach 37:16-25 (V=37:20-29) [No reference]
A reading from the book of Sirach:
[The wise man will instruct his people.]
- A word is the source of every deed;
- a thought, of every act.
- The root of all conduct is the mind;
- four branches it shoots forth:
- Good and evil, death and life,
- their absolute mistress is the tongue.
- A man may be wise and benefit many,
- yet be of no use to himself.
- Though a man may be wise, if his words are rejcted
- he will be deprived of all enjoyment.
- When a man is wise to his own advantage,
- the fruits of his knowledge are seen in his own person;
- When a man is wise to his people's advantage,
- the fruits of his knowledge are enduring:
- Limited are the days of one man's life,
- but the life of Israel is days without number.
- One wise for himself has full enjoyment,
- and all who see him praise him;
- One wise for his people wins a heritage of glory,
- and his name endures forever.
The Word of the Lord.
(70) Reading I: James 3:13-18 [832-3]A reading from the letter of James:
[The harvest of justice is sown in peace by those who make peace.]If one of you is wise and understanding, let him show this in practice through a humility filled with good sense. Should you instead nurse bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, at least refrain from arrogant and false claims against the truth. Wisdom like this does not come from above. It is earthbound, a kind of animal, even devilish cunning. Where there are jealousy and strife, there also are inconstancy and all kinds of vile behavior. Wisdom from above, by contrast, is first of all innocent. It is also peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and the kindly deeds that are its fruits, impartial and sincere. The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
The Word of the Lord.
(71) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119(118):9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 [727-3]R/. (12) LORD, TEACH ME YOUR DECREES.
R/. (12) LORD, TEACH ME YOUR DECREES.
- How shall a young man be faultless in his way?
- By keeping to your words.
R/. LORD, TEACH ME YOUR DECREES.
- With all my heart I seek you;
- let me not stray from your commands.
R/.(12) LORD, TEACH ME YOUR DECREES.
- Within my heart I treasure your promise,
- that I may not sin against you.
R/.(12) LORD, TEACH ME YOUR DECREES.
- Blessed are you, O Lord;
- teach me your statutes.
R/.(12) LORD, TEACH ME YOUR DECREES.
- With my lips I declare
- all the ordinances of your mouth.
R/.(12) LORD, TEACH ME YOUR DECREES.
- In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
- as much as in all riches.
OR
R/. ALLELUIA.(72) Alleluia: Matthew 24:42a, 44
- Stay awake and be prepared!
- The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect.
(73) Gospel: Luke 12:35-44 [773- ]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke:
[Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.]Jesus said to his disciples:
"Let your belts be fastened around-your waists and your lamps be burning ready. Be like men awaiting their master's return from a wedding, so that when he arrives and knocks, you will open for him without delay. It will go well with those servants whom the master finds wide-awake on his return. I tell you, he will put on an apron, seat them at table, and proceed to wait on them. Should he happen to come at midnight or before sunrise and find them prepared, it will go well with them. You know as well as I that if the head of the house knew~when the thief was coming he would not let him break into his house. Be on guard, therefore, the Son of Man will come when you least expect him."Peter said, "Do you intend this parable for us, Lord, or do you mean it for the whole world?"
The Lord said, "Who in your opinion is that faithful, farsighted steward whom the master will set over his servants to dispense their ration of grain in season? That servant is fortunate whom his master finds busy when he returns. Assuredly, his master will put him in charge of all his property."
The gospel of the Lord.
May 24 - Translation of our Holy Father Dominic Memorial
[During Easter Season]
(74) Reading I: Acts 4:32-35 [738-1; 785-2]
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
[One heart and one soul.]The community of believers were of one heart and one mind. None of them ever claimed anything as his own; rather, everything was held in common. With power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great respect was paid to them all; nor was there anyone needy among them, for all who owned property or houses sold them and donated the proceeds. They used to lay them at the feet of the apostles to be distributed to everyone according to his need.
The Word of the Lord.
OR[OutsideEaster Season]
(75) Reading I: Isaiah 52:7-10 [719-5]
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah:
[All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.]
The Word of the Lord.
- How beautiful upon the mountains,
- are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
- Announcing peace, bearing good news,
- announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, "Your God is King"'
- Hark! Your watchmen raise a cry,
- together they shout for joy,
- For they see directly, before their eyes,
- the Lord restoring Zion.
- Break out together in song,
- O ruins of Jerusalem'
- For the Lord comforts his people,
- he redeems Jerusalem.
- The Lord has bared his holy arm in the
- sight of all the nations;
- All the ends of the earth will behold
- the salvation of our God.
(76) Reading I: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 [817-6]A reading from the first letter of Paul to Timothy:
[God wills that all men be saved.]First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered for all men, especially for kings and those in authority, that we may be able to lead undisturbed and tranquil lives in perfect piety and dignity. Prayer of this kind is good, and God our savior is pleased with it, for he wants all men to be saved and come to know the truth. And the truth is this:
"God is one. One also is the mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all."
This truth was attested at the fitting time. I have been made its herald and apostle (believe me, I am not lying but speak the truth), the teacher of the nations in the true faith.
It is my wish, then, that in every place the men shall offer prayers with blameless hands held aloft, and be free from anger and dissension.
The Word of the Lord.
(77) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16(15):1-2, 5, 7-8, 11 [721-1]R/. (5) YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE, O LORD.
R/. YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE, O LORD.
- Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
- I say to the Lord, "My Lord are you."
- O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup,
- you it is who hold fast my lot.
R/. YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE, O LORD.
- I bless the Lord who counsels me;
- even in the night my heart exhorts me.
- I set the Lord ever before me;
- with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R/. YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE, O LORD.
- You will show me the path to life,
- fullness of joys in your presence,
- the delights at your right hand forever.
OrR/. ALLELUIA.
(78) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96(95):1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 10 [721-4]R/. (3) PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Sing to the Lord a new song;
- sing to the Lord, all you lands.
- Sing to the Lord; bless his name.
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Announce his salvation, day after day.
- Tell his glory among the nations;
- Among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Give to the Lord, you families of nations,
- give to the Lord glory and praise;
- give to the Lord the glory due his name!
R/. PROCLAIM HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS TO ALL THE NATIONS.
- Say among the nations: The Lord is king.
- He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
- He governs the peoples with equity.
Alleluia:(79)(1) Matthew 28:19-20 [723-1]
"O Loving Father Dominic,
- Go and teach all people my gospel.
- I am with you always,
- until the end of the world.
remember your works;
as you stand before the supreme Judge,
intercede for your poor people."The sequence "Laudes Patri Dominico" (short form) may be used ad libitum; see p.212. The ways in which the sequence may be used are described on p.207.
(81} Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 [724-3]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew:
[Go and make disciples of all the nations.]The eleven disciples made their way to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had summoned them. At the sight of him, those who had entertained doubts fell down in homage. Jesus came forward and addressed them in these words:
"Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name 'of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world"'
The gospel of the Lord.
June 4 - St. Peter of Verona, martyr Memorial
(82) Reading I: Acts 7:55-60 [714-1]
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
[Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.]Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked to the sky above and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand. "Look"' he exclaimed, "I see an opening in the sky, and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand." The onlookers were shouting aloud, holding their hands over their ears as they did so. Then they rushed at him as one man, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses meanwhile were piling their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As Stephen was being stoned he could be heard praying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And with that he died.
The Word of the Lord.
OR(83) Reading I: 2 Timothy 2:3-13 [No reference]
A reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy.
[You must be aware that anybody who tries to live in Christ is certain to suffer persetion.]Bear hardship along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier becomes entangled in the affairs of civilian life; he avoids this in order to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if one takes part in an athletic contest, he cannot receive the winner's crown unless he has kept the rules. The hardworking farmer is the one who should have the first share of the crop. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will make my meaning fully clear.
Remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David was raised from the dead. This is the gospel I preach; in preaching it I suffer as a criminal, even to the point of being thrown into chains -- but there is no chaining the word of God! Therefore I bear with all of this for the sake of those whom God has chosen, in order that they may obtain the salvation to be found in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
You can depend on this: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; If we hold out to the end we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he will still remain faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
The Word of the Lord.
(84) Responsorial Psalm: 31(30):3-4, 6 & 8, 16-17, [715-1]R/. (6) INTO YOUR HANDS, O LORD, I ENTRUST MY SPIRIT.
R/. INTO YOUR HANDS, O LORD, I ENTRUST MY SPIRIT.
- Be my rock of refuge,
- a stronghold to give me safety.
- You are my rock and my fortress;
- for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.
R/. INTO YOUR HANDS, O LORD, I ENTRUST MY SPIRIT.
- Into your hands I commend my spirit;
- you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.
- I will rejoice and be glad of your kindness, when
- you have seen my affliction.
R/. INTO YOUR HANDS, O LORD, I ENTRUST MY SPIRIT.
- Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies
- and my persecutors.
- Let your face shine upon your servant;
- save me in your kindness.
[Or during Easter season.]R/. ALLELUIA.
(85) Alleluia: 1 Peter 4:14 [717-4]
- If you are insulted for the name of Christ,
- blessed are you,
- for the Spirit of God rests upon you.
[Outside of the Easter Season]
(86) Matthew 5:10 [717-1]
- Happy are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake;
- the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
(87) Gospel: John 15:18-21 [718-6]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you too.]Jesus said to his disciples: "If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own; the reason it hates you is that you do not belong to the world.
"But I chose you out of the world. Remember what I told you: no slave is greater than his master. They will harry you as they harried me. They will respect your words as much as they respected mine. All this they will do to you because of my name, for they know nothing of him who sent me."
This is the gospel of the Lord.
OR(88) Gospel: Luke 12:4-9 [No reference]
+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke:
[Do not be afraid of those who kill the body.]Jesus said to his disciples: "I say to you who are my friends: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and can do no more. I will show you whom you ought to fear. Fear him who has power to cast into Gehenna after he has killed. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for a few pennies? Yet not one of them is neglected by God. In very truth, even the hairs of your head are counted! Fear nothing, then. You are worth more than a flock of sparrows.
"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men -- the Son of Man will acknowledge him before the angels of God. But the man who has disowned me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of the angels of God.
The gospel of the Lord.
June 8 - Blessed Diana and Blessed Cecilia, virgins Optional Memorial
(89) Reading I: Colossians 3:1-4 [785-10]A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians:
[Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth.]Since you have been raised up in company with Christ, set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth. After all, you have died! Your life is hidden now with Christ in God. When Christ our life appears, then you shall appear with him in glory.
The Word of the Lord.
OR[During Easter Season]
(90) Reading I: Revelation 19:1, 5-9 [732-1]
A reading from the book of Revelation:
[Happy are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.]I, John, heard what sounded like the loud song of a great assembly in heaven. They were singing:
"Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God."A voice coming from the throne cried out: "Praise our God, all you his servants, the small and the great, who revere him!"
Then I heard what sounded like the shouts of a great crowd, or the roaring of the deep, or mighty peals of thunder, as they cried:
"Alleluia! The Lord is king, our God, the Almighty! Let us rejoice and be glad, and give him glory' For this is the wedding day of the Lamb; his bride has prepared herself for the wedding. She has been given a dress to wear made of finest linen, brilliant white." (The linen dress is the virtuous deeds of God's saints.)The angel then said to me:
"Write this down: Happy are they who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb."The Word of the Lord.
(91)Responsorial Psalm: Ps 63(62):2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 [786-7]R/. (2) MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- O God, you are my God whom I seek;
- for you my flesh pines
- and my soul thirsts like the earth,
- parched, lifeless and without water.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
- to see your power and your glory,
- For your kindness is a greater good than life;
- my lips shall glorify you.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- Thus will I bless you while I live;
- lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
- As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied.
- and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
R/. MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, O LORD MY GOD.
- That you are my help,
- and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
- My soul clings fast to you;
- your right hand upholds me.
OR[During Easter season.]
(92) Alleluia: Luke 11:28 [No reference]
Blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.
(93) Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13 [788-5]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew:
[Look, the bridegroom is coming; go out and meet him.]Jesus told this parable to his disciples: "The reign of God can be likened to ten bridesmaids who took their torches and went out to welcome the groom. Five of them were foolish, while the other five were sensible. The foolish ones, in taking their torches, brought no oil along, but the sensi- ble ones took flasks of oil as well as their torches. The groom delayed his coming, so they all began to nod, then to fall asleep.
At midnight someone shouted, 'The groom is here! Come out and greet him!' At the outcry all the virgins woke up and got their torches ready. The foolish ones said to the sensible, 'Give us some of your oil. Our torches are going out.' But the sensible ones replied, 'No, there may not be enough for you and us. You had better go to the dealers and buy yourselves some.' While they went off to buy it the groom arrived, and the ones who were ready went into the wedding with him. Then the door was barred. Later the other bridesmaids came back. 'Master, master!' they cried. 'Open the door for us.' But he answered, 'I tell you, I do not know you.'
The moral is: keep your eyes open, for you know not the day or the hour."
The gospel of the Lord.
June 10 - Blessed John Dominici, bishop Optional Memorial
(941 Reading I: 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-3 [722-11]
A reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy.
[Guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit.]Take as a model of sound teaching what you have heard me say, in faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
So you, my son, must be strong in the grace which is ours in Christ Jesus. The things which you hew heard from me through many witnesses you must hand on to trustworthy men who will be able to teach others.- Bear hardship along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
The Word of the Lord.
(95) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 89(88): 2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 & 27 [721-3]R/. (2) FOREVER I WILL SING THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.
R/. FOREVER I WILL SING THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.
- The favors of the Lord I will sing forever;
- through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
- For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
- in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R/. FOREVER I WILL SING THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.
- I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
- I have sworn to David my servant:
- Forever will I confirm your posterity
- and establish your throne for all generations.
R/. FOREVER I WILL SING THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.
- I have found David, my servant;
- with my holy oil I have anointed him,
- That my hand may be always with him,
- and that my arm may make him strong.
R/. FOREVER I WILL SING THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.
- My faithfulness and my kindness shall be with him,
- and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
- He shall say of me, "You are my father,
- my God, the Rock, my savior."
(96) Alleluia: John 15:14 [723-4]
- I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
- I know my sheep, and mine know me.
(97) Gospel: John 15:9-17 [724-10]+ A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
[I chose you to go forth and bear fruit.]Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Live on in my love. You will live in my love if you keep my commandments, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and live in his love.
"All this I tell you that my joy may be yours and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer speak of you as slaves, for a slave does not know what his master is about. Instead, I call you friends, since I have made known to you all that I heard from my Father.
"It was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit. Your fruit must endure, so that all you ask the Father in my name he will give you. The command I give you is this: that you love one another."
The gospel of the Lord.
Introduction
This lectionary contains the complete texts of the biblical readings and chants for the liturgy of the word in the celebration of Mass on proper Dominican feasts. The selection of texts and arrangement follow the Proprium O.P. which was approved by the Congregation for Sacraments and Divine Worship (February 18, 1978).
In addition to the texts of the saints found in the General Calendar of the Order of Preachers, two special masses proper to the Order are included: the Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Common of Preachers. These texts were carefully selected by the commission set up by the Master of the Order for this purpose. The brief title which precedes each reading is intended to indicate in summary fashion why the passage was selected (that is, what particular aspect or value of the readings prompted the selection) and also to identify the text. While this brief title is not to be read aloud by the reader, it may suggest the kind of introduction which may be helpful.
Occasionally the Proprium O.P. suggests a chant selection from the Graduale S.O.P. or the Graduale Romanum (1974). These have been included in place. Usually a chant selection is provided as an alternative to another English text, and it is intended that the selection be sung in Latin with the chant melody. In a few cases in which only a chant selection has been suggested, an English translation follows the chant. It is intended that the translation be used in other musical settings, not that it be adapted to the chant melody.
Two special sequences which are proper to the Order, the Laetabundus and the In caelesti hierarchia (in both a long and a short form) are included in an appendix. It should be noted that there are new guidelines for the use of such sequences (see p.207).
The present edition has been prepared under the auspices of the Dominican Liturgical Commission, U.S.A., and follows the guidelines for "The Translation and Approval of Texts" [Analecta S.O.P. 44 (1979):13-30]. It is published in an interim form with the intention that after an appropriate period of use, the members of the Dominican family may make comments and suggestions for its improvement. Only then will a definitive edition be published.
September 1, 1980 Dominican Liturgical Commission, U.S.A. Chicago, Illinois
General Norms for the Lectionary of the Order of Preachers
- 1. Choice of Readings for Proper Dominican Masses
- The use of the readings in this Lectionary depend upon the rank of the celebration and are governed by the following norms:
- a. Solemnity:
- Three readings are used and are taken from the proper.
- b. Feast:
- Two readings are used and are taken from the proper or, if there are no proper readings, readings are chosen from a Common.
- c. Obligatory or Optional Memorials:
- Two readings are used. These may be taken from the proper readings or the readings may be taken from the weekday.
- 2. Celebration of Patronal Feasts
- In addition to the celebrations proper to each province, any community should celebrate the following:
- a. Solemnity of the anniversary of the Dedication of a particular church on the anniversary day of the dedication, if the church was consecrated. But, if the day of Dedication is unknown, this solemnity is observed on October 22;
- b. Solemnity of the titular saint of a church;
- c. Solemnity of the principal patron of the local house;
- d. Feast of the anniversary of the Dedication of the cathedral;
- e. Feast of the principal patron of the diocese, territory, province, or more extensive territory; and
- f. Obligatory Memorial of the Saint or Blessed (found in the Martyrology or its Appendix) whose body is preserved in a church or oratory. [Directorium (1979) - Praenotanda n.34, pp.24-25]
When the day of a Dominican saint found in this Lectionary is celebrated with the rank of a solemnity, the readings given in this Lectionary should be arranged as follows:
- 1st Reading: Old Testament [except during the Faster Season when this reading is taken from the New Testament]
- Responsorial Psalm
- 2nd Reading: New Testament
- Gospel Acclamation
- Gospel
- In the Mass the Gloria and Creed are said, and the proper preface (if there be one) or a preface from the appropriate Common is used.
- 3. Special Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be used for celebrations in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, e.g., on Saturdays [i.e., on Saturdays in Ordinary time when there is no obligatory memorial -CR n. 15] or on special occasions in the life of the Order.
It may also be used as a votive mass throughout the entire Order for the long-desired celebration of the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in as much as the first of the opening prayers corresponds to this intention, provided that nothing be changed in the Calendar of the Order and the no special prayers for the Patronage be introduced separately into the propers of the masses.
Since December 22, the day on which at one time in our tradition the Patronage was celebrated, is impeded because it falls on a weekday of Advent which admits no Memorials, another day must be selected ad libitum for this celebration (e.g., May 8), taking into consideration the greater convenience of various places.
CREDITS
Pro manuscripto cum permissione superiorum
Imprimi potest: Damian C. Fandal, O.P.
Prior Provincial of the Central Dominican Province
Excerpts from the English translation of the Lectionary for Mass c 1969, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Scripture texts used in this work are taken from the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE, copyright © 1970 by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by license of said copyright owner.
Select chants are taken from the Graduale Romanum, Tournai: Desclee & Co., 1974; Graduale S.O.P., Rome, 1933; and Graduale S.O.P., Rome, 1950. All rights reserved.