Divine Office Office of Readings

Feb 13, Invitatory for Friday of the 5th week of Ordinary Time

Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord for his great love is without end. Psalm 95 Come, let us sing to the Lord and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us. Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving and sing joyful songs to the Lord. Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord for his great love is without end. The Lord is God, the mighty God, the great king over all the gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the highest mountains as well. He made the sea; it belongs to him, the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands. Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord for his great love is without end. Come, then, let us bow down and worship, bending the knee before the Lord, our maker, For he is our God and we are his people, the flock he shepherds. Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord for his great love is without end. Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did in the wilderness, when at Meriba and Massah they challenged me and provoked me, Although they had seen all of my works. Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord for his great love is without end. Forty years I endured that generation. I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray and they do not know my ways.” So I swore in my anger, “They shall not enter into my rest.” Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord for his great love is without end. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord for his great love is without end.

Feb 13, Office of Readings for Friday of the 5th week of Ordinary Time

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 651 Proper of Seasons: 189 Psalter: Friday, Week I, 786 Office of Readings for Friday in Ordinary Time 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 1 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 [https://divineoffice.org/melinda-kirigin-voss/] • Available on iTunes [https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/yesterday-today-and-forever/id418013978] • Text from Psalm 23 King James Version; Used wih permission • Albums that contain this Hymn: Yesterday, Today, and Forever PSALMODY Ant. 1 Rise up, Lord, and come to my aid. Psalm 35:1-2, 3c, 9-19, 22-23, 27-28 The Lord as Savior in time of persecution They came together… and laid their plans to capture Jesus by treachery and put him to death (Matthew 26:3-4). I O Lord, plead my cause against my foes; fight those who fight me. Take up your buckler and shield; arise to help me. O Lord, say to my soul: “I am your salvation.” But my soul shall be joyful in the Lord and rejoice in his salvation. My whole being will say: “Lord, who is like you who rescue the weak from the strong and the poor from the oppressor?” Lying witnesses arise and accuse me unjustly. They repay me evil for good: my soul is forlorn. 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. Rise up, Lord, and come to my aid. Ant. 2 All-powerful Lord, stand by me and defend me. II When they were sick I went into mourning, afflicted with fasting. My prayer was ever on my lips, as for a brother, a friend. I went as though mourning a mother, bowed down with grief. Now that I am in trouble they gather, they gather and mock me. They take me by surprise and strike me and tear me to pieces. They provoke me with mockery on mockery and gnash their teeth. 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. All-powerful Lord, stand by me and defend me. Ant. 3 My tongue will speak of your goodness all the day long. III O Lord, how long will you look on? Come to my rescue! Save my life from these raging beasts, my soul from these lions. I will thank you in the great assembly, amid the throng I will praise you. Do not let my lying foes rejoice over me. Do not let those who hate me unjustly wink eyes at each other. O Lord, you have seen, do not be silent, do not stand afar off! Awake, stir to my defense, to my cause, O God! Let there be joy for those who love my cause. Let them say without end: “Great is the Lord who delights in the peace of his servant.” Then my tongue shall speak of your justice, all day long of your 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. Psalm-prayer Lord, you rescue the poor from their oppressors, and you rose to the aid of your beloved Son against those who unjustly sought his life. Look on your Church as we journey to you, that the poor and weak may recognize the help you provide and proclaim your saving acts. Ant. My tongue will speak of your goodness all the day long. 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. My son, take my words to heart. — Do as I say, and you will live. READINGS First reading From the letter to the Galatians 5:1-25 The freedom of those who live by faith Stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time! Pay close attention to me, Paul, when I tell you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no use to you! I point out once more to all who receive circumcision that they are bound to the law in its entirety. Any of you who seek your justification in the law have severed yourselves from Christ and fallen from God’s favor! It is in the spirit that we eagerly await the justification we hope for, and only faith can yield it. In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor the lack of it counts for anything; only faith, which expresses itself through love. You were progressing so very well; who diverted you from the path of truth? Such enticement does not come from him who calls you. “A little yeast can affect the entire dough.” I trust that, in the Lord, you will not adopt a different view. May condemnation fall on whoever it is that is unsettling you. As for me, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why do the attacks on me continue? If I were, the cross would be a stumbling block no more. Would that those who are troubling you might go the whole way, and castrate themselves! My brothers, remember that you have been called to live in freedom—but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh. Out of love, place yourselves at one another’s service. The whole law has found its fulfillment in this one saying: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If you go on biting and tearing one another to pieces, take care! You will end up in mutual destruction! My point is that you should 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. If you are guided by the spirit, you are not under the law. It is obvious what proceeds from the flesh: lewd conduct, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, bickering, jealousy, outbursts of rage, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I have warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! In contrast, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness and chastity. Against such there is no law! 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. RESPONSORY Galatians 5:18, 22, 23-25 If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. — The signs of the Spirit’s presence are love, joy and peace. Since we live by the Spirit, let him direct our lives. — The signs of the Spirit’s presence are love, joy and peace. Second reading From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, Pope Recognize the dignity of your nature Our Lord Jesus Christ, born true man without ever ceasing to be true God, began in his person a new creation and by the manner of his birth gave man a spiritual origin. What mind can grasp this mystery, what tongue can fittingly recount this gift of love? Guilt becomes innocence, old becomes new, strangers are adopted and outsiders are made heirs. Rouse yourself, man, and recognize the dignity of your nature. Remember that you were made in God’s image; though corrupted in Adam, that image has been restored in Christ. Use creatures as they should be used: the earth, the sea, the sky, the air, the springs and the rivers. Give praise and glory to their Creator for all that you find beautiful and wonderful in them. See with your bodily eyes the light that shines on earth, but embrace with your whole soul and all your affections the true light which enlightens every man who comes into this world. Speaking of this light the prophet said: Draw close to him and let his light shine upon you and your face will not blush with shame. If we are indeed the temple of God and if the Spirit of God lives in us, then what every believer has within himself is greater than what he admires in the skies. Our words and exhortations are not intended to make you disdain God’s works or think there is anything contrary to your faith in creation, for the good God has himself made all things good. What we do ask is that you use reasonably and with moderation all the marvelous creatures which adorn this work; as the Apostle says: The things that are seen are transient but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we are born in the present only to be reborn in the future. Our attachment, therefore, should not be to the transitory; instead, we must be intent upon the eternal. Let us think of how divine grace has transformed our earthly natures so that we may contemplate more closely our heavenly hope. We hear the Apostle say: You are dead and your life is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ your life appears, then you will also appear in glory with him, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. RESPONSORY Psalm 144:9; 118:28 I will sing a new song to you, O God. — I will sing to you and play on the ten-stringed lyre. You are my God, I give you praise; my God, I give thanks to you. — I will sing to you and play on the ten-stringed lyre. CONCLUDING PRAYER Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care, that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace, they may be defended always by your protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (at least in the communal celebration) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.

Feb 15, Invitatory for Sunday of the 6th week of Ordinary Time

Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. Come, worship the Lord for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia. Psalm 95 Come, let us sing to the Lord and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us. Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving and sing joyful songs to the Lord. Ant. Come, worship the Lord for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia. The Lord is God, the mighty God, the great king over all the gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the highest mountains as well He made the sea; it belongs to him, the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands. Ant. Come, worship the Lord for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia. Come, then, let us bow down and worship, bending the knee before the Lord, our maker, For he is our God and we are his people, the flock he shepherds. Ant. Come, worship the Lord for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia. Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did in the wilderness, when at Meriba and Massah they challenged me and provoked me, Although they had seen all of my works. Ant. Come, worship the Lord for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia. Forty years I endured that generation. I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray and they do not know my ways.” So I swore in my anger, “They shall not enter into my rest.” Ant. Come, worship the Lord for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Come, worship the Lord for we are his people, the flock he shepherds, alleluia.

Feb 15, Office of Readings for Sunday of the 6th week of Ordinary Time

Ribbon Placement: Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III: Ordinary: 651 Proper of Seasons: 197 Psalter: Sunday, Week II, 827 Office of Readings for Sunday in Ordinary Time 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 On this day, the first of days, God the Father's name we praise; Who, creation's Lord and spring, Did the world from darkness bring. On this day the eternal Son Over death his triumph won; On this day the Spirit came With his gifts of living flame. Father, who didst fashion man Godlike in thy loving plan, Fill us with that love divine, And conform our wills to thine. Word made flesh, all hail to thee! Thou from sin has set us free, And with thee we die and rise Unto God in sacrifice. Holy Spirit, you impart Gifts of love to every heart; Give us light and grace, we pray, Fill our hearts this holy day. God, the blessed Three in One, May thy holy will be done; In thy word our souls are free. And we rest this day with thee. 𝄞"On this day, the first of days" by Gabe Bouck, Rebecca Hincke • Title: On this day, the first of days; Words: From the Breviary of the Diocese of LeMans, 1748; translated by Henry W. Baker in 1861.; Music by Johann A. Freylinghausen (1704); Artists: Gabe Bouck and Rebecca Hincke; Recording (c) 2016 Surgeworks, Inc. • Albums that contain this Hymn: Divine Office PSALMODY Ant. 1 Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia. Psalm 104 Hymn to God the Creator To be in Christ means being a completely new creature. Everything of the old is gone, now everything is made anew (2 Corinthians 5:17). I Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are, clothed in majesty and glory, wrapped in light as in a robe! Ant. Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia. You stretch out the heavens like a tent. Above the rains you build your dwelling. You make the clouds your chariot, and walk on the wings of the wind; you make the winds your messengers and flashing fire your servants. Ant. Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia. You founded the earth on its base, to stand firm from age to age. You wrapped it with the ocean like a cloak: the waters stood higher than the mountains. Ant. Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia. At your threat they took to flight; at the voice of your thunder they fled. They rose over the mountains and flowed down to the place which you had appointed. You set the limits they might not pass lest they return to cover the earth. Ant. Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia. You make springs gush forth in the valleys: they flow in between the hills. They give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild-asses quench their thirst. On their banks dwell the birds of heaven; from the branches they sing their song. Ant. Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, 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. Lord, our God, in splendor and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia. Ant. 2 The Lord has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, alleluia. II From your dwelling you water the hills; earth drinks its fill of your gift. You make the grass grow for the cattle and the plants to serve man’s needs, that he may bring forth bread from the earth and wine to cheer man’s heart; oil, to make him glad and bread to strengthen man’s heart. Ant. The Lord has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, alleluia. The trees of the Lord drink their fill, the cedars he planted on Lebanon; there the birds build their nests: on the tree-top the stork has her home. The goats find a home on the mountains and rabbits hide in the rocks. Ant. The Lord has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, alleluia. You made the moon to mark the months; the sun knows the time for its setting. When you spread the darkness it is night and all the beasts of the forest creep forth. The young lions roar for their prey and ask their food from God. Ant. The Lord has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, alleluia. At the rising of the sun they steal away and go to rest in their dens. Man goes forth to his work, to labor till evening falls. Ant. The Lord has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, 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 has brought forth bread from the earth, and wine to give warmth to men’s hearts, alleluia. Ant. 3 The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. III How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your riches. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. There is the sea, vast and wide, with its moving swarms past counting, living things great and small. The ships are moving there and the monsters you made to play with. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. All of these look to you to give them their food in due season. You give it, they gather it up: you open your hand, they have their fill. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. You hide your face, they are dismayed; you take back your spirit, they die, returning to the dust from which they came. You send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. May the glory of the Lord last forever! May the Lord rejoice in his works! He looks on the earth and it trembles; the mountains send forth smoke at his touch. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. I will sing to the Lord all my life, make music to my God while I live. May my thoughts be pleasing to him. I find my joy in the Lord. Let sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked exist no more. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. Bless the Lord, my soul. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, 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-prayer Father, as you made springs in valleys to form streams between mountains, so you made living streams of grace flow from the apostles that their teaching may bring salvation to all nations. May we have a practical knowledge of their doctrine, be obedient to their commands, obtain remission of sins through their prayers and finally receive the reward of eternal happiness. Ant. The Lord looked upon all he had made and saw that it was very good, alleluia. 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 your eyes, for they see God’s works. — And your ears, for they hear his word. READINGS First reading The beginning of the book of Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-33 An exhortation to choose wisdom The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: That men may appreciate wisdom and discipline, may understand words of intelligence; May receive training in wise conduct, in what is right, just and honest; That resourcefulness may be imparted to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man by hearing them will advance in learning, an intelligent man will gain sound guidance, That he may comprehend proverb and parable, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction fools despise. Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the open squares she raises her voice; Down the crowded ways she calls out, at the city gates she utters her words: “How long, you simple ones, will you love inanity, how long will you turn away at my reproof? Lo! I will pour out to you my spirit, I will acquaint you with my words. “Because I called and you refused, I extended my hand and no one took notice; Because you disdained all my counsel, and my reproof you ignored — I, in my turn, will laugh at your doom; I will mock when terror overtakes you; When terror comes upon you like a storm, and your doom approaches like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish befall you. “Then they call me, but I answer not; they seek me, but find me not; Because they hated knowledge, and chose not the fear of the Lord; They ignored my counsel, they spurned all my reproof; And in their arrogance they preferred arrogance, and like fools they hated knowledge: “Now they must eat the fruit of their own way, and with their own devices be glutted. For the self-will of the simple kills them, the smugness of fools destroys them. But he who obeys me dwells in security, in peace, without fear of harm.” RESPONSORY Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 3:18-19; 1:23, 24 Never allow yourself to be self-satisfied; if you pride yourself on your worldly wisdom, you will have to unlearn it all before you are truly wise; — worldly wisdom is foolishness in the eyes of God. We preach a crucified Christ, and he is the power of God and the wisdom of God. — Worldly wisdom is foolishness in the eyes of God. Second reading From a commentary on the Diatessaron by Saint Ephrem, deacon God’s word is an inexhaustible spring of life Lord, who can comprehend even one of your words? We lose more of it than we grasp, like those who drink from a living spring. For God’s word offers different facets according to the capacity of the listener, and the Lord has portrayed his message in many colors, so that whoever gazes upon it can see in it what suits him. Within it he has buried manifold treasures, so that each of us might grow rich in seeking them out. The word of God is a tree of life that offers us blessed fruit from each of its branches. It is like that rock which was struck open in the wilderness, from which all were offered spiritual drink. As the Apostle says: They ate spiritual food and they drank spiritual drink. And so whenever anyone discovers some part of the treasure, he should not think that he has exhausted God’s word. Instead he should feel that this is all that he was able to find of the wealth contained in it. Nor should he say that the word is weak and sterile or look down on it simply because this portion was all that he happened to find. But precisely because he could not capture it all he should give thanks for its riches. Be glad then that you are overwhelmed, and do not be saddened because he has overcome you. A thirsty man is happy when he is drinking, and he is not depressed because he cannot exhaust the spring. So let this spring quench your thirst, and not your thirst the spring. For if you can satisfy your thirst without exhausting the spring, then when you thirst again you can drink from it once more; but if when your thirst is sated the spring is also dried up, then your victory would turn to your own harm. Be thankful then for what you have received, and do not be saddened at all that such an abundance still remains. What you have received and attained is your present share, while what is left will be your heritage. For what you could not take at one time because of your weakness, you will be able to grasp at another if you only persevere. So do not foolishly try to drain in one draught what cannot be consumed all at once, and do not cease out of faintheartedness from what you will be able to absorb as time goes on. RESPONSORY 1 Peter 1:25; Baruch 4:1 The word of the Lord endures for ever. — This same word, the Gospel, has been proclaimed to you. This is the book of the commandments of God, the law that stands for ever; all who keep it shall live. — This same word, the Gospel, has been proclaimed to you. TE DEUM You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord: we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you: Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the King of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come, and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance. — Govern and uphold them now and always. Day by day we bless you. — We praise your name for ever. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin. — Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. Lord, show us your love and mercy, — for we have put our trust in you. In you, Lord, is our hope: — And we shall never hope in vain. Concluding Prayer O God, who teach us that you abide in hearts that are just and true, grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. — Amen. ACCLAMATION (at least in the communal celebration) Let us praise the Lord. — And give him thanks.

Feb 17, Invitatory for Tuesday of the 6th week of Ordinary Time

Lord, open my lips. — And my mouth will proclaim your praise. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God. Psalm 100 Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God. Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God. Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God. Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Ant. Come, let us worship the Lord, our mighty God.