In Festo S Marcelli (Jan. 16), Acta

In Festo S Marcelli (Jan. 16), Acta

From Matins of the Feast of St. Marcellus, Pope and Martyr
Online Source: www.breviary.net

Second Nocturn
Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum. R.  Amen.	Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever. R.  Amen.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens. R.  Amen.	Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity. R.  Amen.
Lesson iv
Marcéllus Románus, a Constántio et Galério usque ad Maxéntium pontificátum gessit.  Cujus hortátu Lucína matróna Romána, bonórum suórum Dei Ecclésiam fecit herédem.  Aucto in Urbe fidélium número, ad eórum utilitátem, ad baptísmum pœnitentiámque dandam eis, qui christiánam religiónem suscíperent, et ad Mártyrum sepultúram, novos Títulos instítuit, et quasi álteras diœcéses distríbuit.  Quibus rebus ira incénsus Maxéntius, Marcéllo grávia supplícia minátur, nisi, depósito pontificátu, idólis immoláret.	This Marcellus was a Roman, and held the supreme Pontificate from the reign of Constantius and Galerius, till that of Maxentius.  It was through his persuasion that the Roman lady Lucina left the whole of her property to the Church of God.  As the believers increased, he instituted new titles in the City, which he divided after the manner of dioceses for their convenience, and for the baptism and penance of heathens converted to Christianity, and for the burial of the martyrs.  These proceedings excited the wrath of Maxentius, who threatened Marcellus with the heaviest punishment, unless he would lay down the Popedom and sacrifice to idols.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
The Emperor Maxentius
R.  Honéstum fecit illum Dóminus, et custodívit eum ab inimícis, et a seductóribus tutávit illum: * Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam. V.  Descendítque cum illo in fóveam, et in vínculis non derelíquit eum. R.  Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.	R.  The Lord multiplied the fruit of his labours and defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait: * And gave him perpetual glory. V.  The Lord went down with him into the pit, and left him not in bonds. R.  And gave him perpetual glory.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ. R.  Amen.	Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal. R.  Amen.
Lesson v
San Marcello, Rome
Qui cum insánas hóminis voces neglígeret, misit eum in catábulum, ut bestiárum, quæ públice alebántur, curam sustinéret : ubi Marcéllus assíduis jejúniis et précibus novem menses vitam duxit, paróchias, quas præsens non póterat, vísitans per epístolas.  Inde eréptus a cléricis, hospítio recípitur a beáta Lucína, in cujus ædibus ecclésiam dedicávit, quæ hódie título sancti Marcélli nominátur : in qua et Christiáni orábant, et ipse beátus Marcéllus prædicábat.	The servant of God treated with contempt the mad cries of this man, who accordingly took him and sent him to a menagerie, to take care of the beasts which were fed at the public cost.  Marcellus remained at this place for nine months, which he spent in continual fasting and prayer, and, as he could not visit the parishes in person, he wrote letters to them.  Some clerks rescued him, and the blessed Lucina hospitably received him into her house, in which he dedicated a church, which is now known under the title of St. Marcellus.  Here the Christians met to pray, and the blessed Marcellus himself preached.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Desidérium ánimæ ejus tribuísti ei, Dómine, *Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum. V.  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis, posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso. R.  Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.	R.  Thou hast given him, O Lord, his heart's desire,* And hast not denied him the request of his lips. V.  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, and hast set a crown of pure gold upon his head. R.  And hast not denied him the request of his lips.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris. R.  Amen.	Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love. R.  Amen.
Lesson vi
Quibus cógnitis, Maxéntius in eam ecclésiam catábuli béstias transférri, et a Marcéllo custodíri jubet : ubi loci fœditáte, multísque ærúmnis afflíctus obdormívit in Dómino.  Cujus corpus in cœmetério Priscíllæ via Salária a beáta Lucína sepúltum est décimo séptimo Kaléndas Februárii.  Sedit annos quinque, mensem unum, dies vigínti quinque.  Scripsit epístolam ad epíscopos Antiochénæ provínciæ de primátu Románæ Ecclésiæ, quam caput ecclesiárum appellándam demónstrat ; ubi étiam illud scriptum est, nullum concílium jure celebrári, nisi ex auctoritáte Románi Pontíficis.  Ordinávit mense Decémbri Romæ presbyteros vigínti quinque, diáconos duos, epíscopos per divérsa loca vigínti unum.	These proceedings came to the knowledge of Maxentius, who thereupon had wild beasts brought from the menagerie and located in the church, where Marcellus was made to feed them.  The noisomeness of the place and the filthiness of his occupation broke down a constitution already enfeebled by many ailments, and he fell asleep in the Lord.  The blessed Lucina buried his body in the cemetery of Priscilla, on the Salarian Way, on the 16th of January.  He sat on the throne of Peter for five years, one month, and twenty-five days.  He wrote an epistle to the Bishops of the Patriárchate of Antioch on the primacy of the Roman Church, wherein he proveth the right of the same Church to be called the head of all the Churches.  In the letter he likewise saith that no Council can be lawfully gathered together except by the authority of the Roman Pontiff.  He ordained at Rome in the month of December twenty-five Priests, two Deacons, and twenty-one Bishops for divers Sees.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
The Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome
R.  Stola jucunditátis índuit eum Dóminus : * Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus. V.  Cibávit illum Dóminus pane vitæ et intelléctus : et aqua sapiéntiæ salutáris potávit illum. R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus. V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.	R.  The Lord hath put on him a robe of honour, *And hath put about his head a crown of joy. V.  With the bread of life and understanding the Lord hath fed him, and hath given him the water of wisdom to drink. R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy. V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy.

Malta: Catholic Social Teaching in Practice

Malta: Catholic Social Teaching in Practice

(1) The religion of Malta is the Roman Catholic apostolic religion. (2) The authorities of the Roman Catholic apostolic church have the duty and the right to teach which principles are right and which are wrong. (3) Religious teaching of the Roman Catholic apostolic faith shall be provided in all state schools as part of compulsory education.

Chapter 1, Article 2 of the Constitution of Malta

In Festo S. Hilarii (Jan. 14), Acta

In Festo S. Hilarii (Jan. 14), Acta

From Matins of the Feast of St. Hilary of Poitiers, 
Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Online Source: www.breviary.net

Second Nocturn
Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum. R.  Amen.	Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever. R.  Amen.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens. R.  Amen.	Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity. R.  Amen.
Lesson iv
Hilárius, in Aquitánia nóbili génere natus, doctrína et eloquéntia excélluit.  Qui primum in matrimónio quasi mónachi vitam egit : deínde propter singuláres virtútes Pictavórum epíscopus creátur : quod munus episcopále sic gessit, ut a fidélibus summam laudem consequerétur.  Quo témpore, cum terróribus, bonórum spoliatióne, exsílio, et omni crudelitáte Constántius imperátor Cathólicos vexáret, nisi ad Ariánas partes transírent ; Hilárius tamquam firmíssimum murum se Ariánis oppónens, illórum furórem in se concitávit.  Itaque multis petítus insídiis, tandem dolo Saturníni Arelaténsis epíscopi, de synodo Biterrénsi in Phrygiam relegátus est : ubi et mórtuum suscitávit, et libros duódecim scripsit de Trinitáte contra Ariános.	Hilary was born of a noble family in Aquitaine, and is distinguished as a divine and an orator.  He was married in his earlier life, but even then lived the life of a monk : and on account of his remarkable holiness, was ultimately made Bishop of Poitiers, in which office he did his duty so as to gain the universal praise of the faithful.  At that time the Emperor Constantius was persecuting the Catholics by threats, by the plundering of their goods, by exile, and at length, by every species of cruelty, in order to force them to yield to the Arian heresy.  Against the Arians Hilary set himself up as a brazen wall, and turned upon himself the fierceness of their anger.  They assailed him by many artifices, and at last Saturninus, Bishop of Arles, at the Council of Beziers, procured his banishment to Phrygia.  During this exile he raised a dead man to life, and wrote a work in twelve books on the Trinity, against the Arians.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Invéni David servum meum, óleo sancto meo unxi eum : * Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei. V.  Nihil profíciet inimícus in eo, et fílius iniquitátis non nocébit ei. R.  Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.	R.  I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him. * My hand shall hold him fast. V.  The enemy shall not be able to do him violence ; the son of wickedness shall not hurt him. R.  My hand shall hold him fast.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ. R.  Amen.	Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal. R.  Amen.
Lesson v
St. Hilary of Poitiers baptizes St. Martin of Tours
Quadriénnio post coácto concílio ad Seleucíam, Isáuriæ urbem, Hilárius adésse compúlsus est : ac deínde Constantinópolim proféctus, ubi extrémum fídei perículum animadvértit, tribus libéllis públice datis, audiéntiam imperatóris popóscit, ut de fide cum adversáriis coram disputáret.  Verum cum Ursácius et Valens Ariáni epíscopi, quos Hilárius scriptis confutárat, præséntis eruditiónem pertiméscerent, Constántio persuasérunt, ut spécie honóris eum in suum episcopátum restitúeret.  Tunc Hilárium e prælio hæreticórum reverténtem, ut inquit sanctus Hierónymus, Galliárum ecclésia compléxa est : quem ad episcopátum secútus est Martínus, qui póstea Turonénsi præfuit ecclésiæ ; tantúmque illo doctóre profécit, quantum ejus póstea sánctitas declarávit.	In the fourth year of his exile took place the Council of Seleucia in Isauria, at which Hilary was obliged to be present, but afterwards withdrew to Constantinople.  Here he realized more sharply the awful nature of this crisis in the history of Christianity, published three pamphlets in the form of letters to the Emperor, and demanded from that Prince leave to hold a public disputation in his presence.  The Arian Bishops Ursacius and Valens, whom Hilary had already confuted in writing, were afraid to meet him in debate, and therefore induced Constantius, under pretence of pardon, to send him back to his Bishoprick.  His mother, the Church of Gaul, to use the language of Jerome, received him with open arms on his return from the battle with the hereticks.  He was followed to Poitiers by Martin, afterwards Bishop of Tours, whose after holiness was a fruit of his teaching.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Pósui adjutórium super poténtem, et exaltávi eléctum de plebe mea : * Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei. V.  Invéni David servum meum, óleo sancto meo unxi eum. R.  Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.	R.  I have laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the people. * My hand shall hold him fast. V.  I have found David, my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him. R.  My hand shall hold him fast.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris. R.  Amen.	Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love. R.  Amen.
Lesson vi
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame-La Grande, Poitiers
Magna deínceps tranquillitáte Pictavórum ecclésiam administrávit : Galliámque univérsam addúxit, ut Arianórum impietátem condemnáret.  Multos libros scripsit mira eruditióne ; quos omnes sanctus Hierónymus ad Lætam, sine ulla erróris suspicióne legi posse testátur illis verbis : Hilárii libros inoffénso decúrrat pede.  Migrávit in cælum Idibus Januárii, Valentiniáno et Valénte imperatóribus, anno post Christum natum trecentésimo sexagésimo nono.  Eum a multis Pátribus et concíliis insígnem Ecclésiæ Doctórem nuncupátum, atque uti talem in áliquot diœcésibus cultum, tandem instánte synodo Burdigalénsi Pius nonus Póntifex máximus, ex sacrórum Rítuum Congregatiónis consúlto, universális Ecclésiæ Doctórem declarávit et confirmávit, ac ipsíus festo die Missam et Offícium de Doctóribus ab ómnibus recitári jussit.	Henceforth he ruled the Church of Poitiers in great peace.  By his exertions the Church of Gaul was led to denounce the Arian blasphemy.  His wonderful learning is seen in his numerous works, of which Jerome writeth to Laeta that he deemeth them quite faultless.  One can follow Hilary in his books, saith he, without tripping once.  He passed from earth to heaven upon the thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord 369, in the reign of the Emperors Valentinian and Valens.  He had already been called an illustrious Doctor of the Church, by many Fathers and Councils, and was so styled in the Liturgy in some dioceses, when at length, Pope Pius IX, at the prayer of the Synod of Bordeaux, and in accordance with a resolution of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, proclaimed and confirmed the title, and commanded that the Mass and Office of his Feast should be everywhere said as those of a Doctor.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Iste est, qui ante Deum magnas virtútes operátus est, et omnis terra doctrína ejus repléta est : * Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum. V.  Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna. R.  Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum. V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R.  Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum.	R.  This is he who wrought mighty deeds and valiant in the sight of God, and all the earth is filled with his doctrine: * May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people. V.  He was a man who despised the life of the world and attained unto the kingdom of heaven. R.  May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people. V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R.  May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people.

In Octava Epiphaniae (Jan. 13), Evangelium & Homilia

In Octava Epiphaniae (Jan. 13), Evangelium & Homilia

Octave of the Epiphany: The Baptism of the Lord

Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem (1:29-34).

In illo témpore: Vidit Joánnes Jesum veniéntem ad se, et ait: Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccátum mundi. Hic est, de quo dixi: Post me venit vir, qui ante me factus est: quia prior me erat. Et ego nesciébam eum, sed ut manifestétur in Israël, proptérea veni ego in aqua baptízans. Et testimónium perhíbuit Joánnes, dicens: Quia vidi Spíritum descendéntem quasi colúmbam de cælo, et mansit super eum. Et ego nesciébam eum; sed qui misit me baptizare in aqua alle mihi dixit: Super quem víderis Spíritum descendéntem, et manéntem super eum, hic est, qui baptizat in Spíritu Sancto. Et ego vidi: et testimónium perhíbuit quia hic est Fílius Dei.

29 Τῇ ἐπαύριον βλέπει ὁ ᾿Ιωάννης τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν ἐρχόμενον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει· ἴδε ὁ ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ αἴρων τὴν ἁμαρτίαν τοῦ κόσμου. 30 οὗτός ἐστι περὶ οὗ ἐγὼ εἶπον· ὀπίσω μου ἔρχεται ἀνὴρ ὃς ἔμπροσθέν μου γέγονεν, ὅτι πρῶτός μου ἦν. 31 κἀγὼ οὐκ ᾔδειν αὐτόν, ἀλλ' ἵνα φανερωθῇ τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ, διὰ τοῦτο ἦλθον ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ ὕδατι βαπτίζων. 32 καὶ ἐμαρτύρησεν ᾿Ιωάννης λέγων ὅτι τεθέαμαι τὸ Πνεῦμα καταβαῖνον ὡς περιστερὰν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ ἔμεινεν ἐπ' αὐτόν. 33 κἀγὼ οὐκ ᾔδειν αὐτόν, ἀλλ' ὁ πέμψας με βαπτίζειν ἐν ὕδατι, ἐκεῖνός μοι εἶπεν· ἐφ' ὃν ἂν ἴδῃς τὸ Πνεῦμα καταβαῖνον καὶ μένον ἐπ' αὐτόν, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ βαπτίζων ἐν Πνεύματι ῾Αγίῳ. 34 κἀγὼ ἑώρακα καὶ μεμαρτύρηκα ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ.

From the Second Nocturn of Matins of the Octave of the Epiphany

Online Source: www.breviary.net

Lesson vii
Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Joánnem	The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to John
Chap. 1, 29-34
In illo témpore : Vidit Joánnes Jesum veniéntem ad se, et ait : Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccátum mundi.  Et réliqua.	At that time : John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith : Behold the Lamb of God, behold him that taketh away the sin of the world.   And so on, and that which followeth.
De Homilía sancti Augustíni Epíscopi	A Homily by St. Augustine the Bishop
Tract. 6 in Joannem, ante medium
Antequam veníret Dóminus ut baptizarétur a Joánne in Jordáne, nóverat eum illis vócibus, ubi ait : Tu ad me venis baptizári? ego a te débeo baptizári.  Sed ecce Dóminum nóverat, nóverat Fílium Dei.  Unde probámus quod jam nóverat, quia ipse baptizáret in Spíritu Sancto?  Antequam veníret ad flúvium, cum multi ad Joánnem cúrrerent baptizári, ait illis : Ego quidem baptízo vos in aqua : qui autem post me venit, major me est : cujus non sum dignus corrígiam  calceaménti sólvere : ipse vos baptizábit in Spíritu Sancto, et igni.  Jam et hoc nóverat.	John knew Jesus even before he came to be baptized of him in Jordan, as we perceive by the words : I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?  Behold, let us see how he came to know that Jesus was the Lord, even the Son of God.  How do we prove that John knew Jesus to be the one who should baptize with the Holy Ghost?  Before the Lord came to the river, when many betook themselves to John to be baptized of him, the Baptist said : I indeed baptize you with water ; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose ; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.  This, then, he already knew also.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Stella, quam víderant Magi in Oriénte, antecedébat eos, donec venírent ad locum, ubi puer erat : * Vidéntes autem eam, gavísi sunt gáudio magno. V.  Et intrántes domum, invenérunt púerum cum María matre ejus, et procidéntes adoravérunt eum. R.  Vidéntes autem eam, gavísi sunt gáudio magno.	R.  The star, which the Wise Men beheld in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. * And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. V.  When they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his Mother, and fell down before him in worship. R.  And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Pray, Sir (Lord), give me thy blessing.
Benedíctio 8: Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum. R.  Amen.	Benediction 8: May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding. R.  Amen.
Lesson viii
Quid ergo per colúmbam dídicit, ne mendax póstea inveniátur, (quod avértat a nobis Deus opinári) nisi quamdam proprietátem in Christo talem futúram, ut quamvis multi minístri baptizatúri essent, sive justi, sive injústi, non tribuerétur, sánctitas baptísmi, nisi illi, super quem descéndit colúmba, de quo dictum est : Hic est qui baptízat in Spíritu Sancto?  Petrus baptízet, hic est qui baptízat : Paulus baptízet, hic est qui baptízat : Judas baptízet, hic est qui baptízat.  Nam si pro diversitate meritórum baptísma sanctum est : quia divérsa sunt mérita, divérsa erunt baptísmata : et tanto quisque áliquid mélius putátur accípere, quanto a melióre vidétur accepísse.	But John also saith : I knew him not.  Now, how are we to explain this without calling John a liar?  And God forbid that we should ever even think anything of the kind.  Was it not that when the Dove descended on Christ, John then for the first time knew him to have a certain peculiar attribute, namely, that, whosoever should baptize with the Baptism of Jesus, whether they were themselves just or unjust, the virtue of the Sacrament should proceed, not from them, but from him on whom abode the Dove ; so that he is the real Baptizer in every Christian Baptism until the end of time.  And it is in this sense that it is said of him : The Same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  Whether it be Peter, or Paul, or Judas, that performeth the ceremony, the real Baptizer and effectual worker is Christ.  For if the holiness of the Baptism depended on the holiness of the particular offíciator, no two Baptisms would be exactly alike, and every one would be supposed to be more or less regenerated according as the minister who baptized him was more or less of Saint.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Vidéntes stellam Magi, gavísi sunt gáudio magno :* Et intrántes domum, invenérunt púerum cum María matre ejus, et procidéntes adoravérunt eum : * Et, apértis thesáuris suis, obtulérunt ei múnera, aurum, thus, et myrrham. V.  Stella, quam víderant Magi in Oriénte, antecedébat eos, usque dum véniens staret supra ubi erat puer. R.  Et intrántes domum, invenérunt púerum cum María matre ejus, et procidéntes adoravérunt eum. V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R.  Et, apértis thesáuris suis, obtulérunt ei múnera, aurum, thus, et myrrham.	R.  When the Wise Men saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy : * And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his Mother, and fell down before him in worship, * And so when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts : gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. V.  The star, which the Wise Men beheld in the East, went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was. R.  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his Mother, and fell down before him in worship. V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R.  And so when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts : gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Pray, Sir (Lord), give me thy blessing.
Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum. R.  Amen.	Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven. R.  Amen.
Lesson ix
Ipsi sancti, (intellígite, fratres) boni pertinéntes ad colúmbam, pertinéntes ad sortem civitátis illíus Jerúsalem, ipsi boni in Ecclésia, de quibus dicit Apóstolus : Novit Dóminus qui sunt ejus ; diversárum gratiárum sunt, non omnes pária mérita habent.  Sunt álii áliis sanctióres, sunt álii áliis melióres.  Quare ergo si unus ab illo, verbi grátia, justo, sancto baptizétur, álius ab álio inferióris mériti apud Deum, inferióris gradus, inferióris continéntiæ, inferióris vitæ ; unum tamen et par et æquále est quod accepérunt, nisi quia hic est, qui baptízat?	Now, my brethren, understand me.  The Saints themselves, those good men who appertain to the Dove, those good men whose portion is in Jerusalem, those good men in the Church, of whom the Apostle saith : The Lord knoweth them are his : those good men differ one from another by diversities of graces, and are not all of the same worthiness.  Some are holier than others.  Supposing then (for the sake of argument) that A is baptized by B, a righteous and holy man ; and C is baptized by D who is a man less worthy in the sight of God, and hath attained only a lower degree in godliness, and is not so chaste, and whose life is not so good as B's ; yet A and C receive just the same thing.  And how is this, unless it be that it is Christ himself who is the effectual Baptizer?
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
TE DEUM LAUDAMUS	TE DEUM

Graduate School in the Humanities: Just Don't Go

Graduate School in the Humanities: Just Don't Go

An eye-opening article by Thomas H. Benton.

In Festo Epiphaniae (Jan. 6), Evangelium & Homilia

In Festo Epiphaniae (Jan. 6), Evangelium & Homilia

Feast of the Epiphany

+ Léctio sancti Evangélii secundum Mattheum. c. 2.

In illo témpore. Cum natus esset Dóminus Jesus in Béthlehem Judæ in diebus Herodis regis, ecce Magi ab Oriente venerunt Jerosólymam, dicentes: Ubi est, qui natus est, rex Judæorum ? Vídimus enim stellam ejus in Oriente, et vénimus adorare eum. Áudiens autem Herodes rex turbatus est, et omnis Jerosólyma cum illo. Et cóngregans omnes príncipes sacerdotum, et scribas pópuli, sciscitabatur ab illis, ubi Christus nasceretur. At illi dixerunt ei: In Béthlehem Judæ. Sic enim scriptum est per Prophetam: Et tu Béthlehem, terra Juda, nequaquam mínima es in princípibus Juda: ex te enim éxiet dux, qui regat pópulum meum Ísrael. Tunc Herodes, clam vocatis Magis, diligenter dídicit ab eis tempus stellæ, quæ appáruit eis. Et mittens illos in Béthlehem, dixit: Ite, et interrogate diligenter de púero: et cum invenéritis, renunciate mihi, ut et ego véniens adorem eum. Qui, cum audíssent regem, abierunt. Et ecce stella, quam víderant in Oriente, antecedebat eos, usque dum véniens staret supra, ubi erat puer. Videntes autem stellam, gavisi sunt gáudio magno valde. Et intrantes domum, invenerunt púerum cum Maria matre ejus ( hic genuflectitur ) ET PROCIDENTES ADORAVERUNT EUM. Et apertis thesauris suis, obtulerunt ei múnera, aurum, thus, et myrrham. Et admóniti in somnis, ne redirent ad Herodem, per áliam viam reversi sunt in regionem suam.

῾Η ἐπίσκεψις τῶν μάγων

Β´\ΤΟΥ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦ γεννηθέντος ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς ᾿Ιουδαίας ἐν ἡμέραις ῾Ηρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως, ἰδοὺ μάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν παρεγένοντο εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα 2 λέγοντες· ποῦ ἐστιν ὁ τεχθεὶς βασιλεὺς τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων; εἴδομεν γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ καὶ ἤλθομεν προσκυνῆσαι αὐτῷ.  3 ᾿Ακούσας δὲ ῾Ηρῴδης ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐταράχθη καὶ πᾶσα ῾Ιεροσόλυμα μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ, 4 καὶ συναγαγὼν πάντας τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ γραμματεῖς τοῦ λαοῦ ἐπυνθάνετο παρ᾿ αὐτῶν ποῦ ὁ Χριστὸς γεννᾶται. 5 οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς ᾿Ιουδαίας· οὕτω γὰρ γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου· 6 καὶ σὺ Βηθλεέμ, γῆ ᾿Ιούδα, οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν ᾿Ιούδα· ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος, ὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν ᾿Ισραήλ. 7 Τότε ῾Ηρῴδης λάθρα καλέσας τοὺς μάγους ἠκρίβωσε παρ᾿ αὐτῶν τὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος, 8 καὶ πέμψας αὐτοὺς εἰς Βηθλεὲμ εἶπε· πορευθέντες ἀκριβῶς ἐξετάσατε περὶ τοῦ παιδίου, ἐπὰν δὲ εὕρητε, ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι, ὅπως κἀγὼ ἐλθὼν προσκυνήσω αὐτῷ. 9 οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπορεύθησαν· καὶ ἰδοὺ ὁ ἀστὴρ ὃν εἶδον ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ προῆγεν αὐτούς, ἕως ἐλθὼν ἔστη ἐπάνω οὗ ἦν τὸ παιδίον· 10 ἰδόντες δὲ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐχάρησαν χαρὰν μεγάλην σφόδρα, 11 καὶ ἐλθόντες εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν εἶδον τὸ παιδίον μετὰ Μαρίας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ πεσόντες προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀνοίξαντες τοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ δῶρα, χρυσὸν καὶ λίβανον καὶ σμύρναν·
12 καὶ χρηματισθέντες κατ᾿ ὄναρ μὴ ἀνακάμψαι πρὸς ῾Ηρῴδην, δι᾿ ἄλλης ὁδοῦ ἀνεχώρησαν εἰς τὴν χώραν αὐτῶν.

From Matins of the Feast of the Epiphany (Second Nocturn)
Online Source: www.breviary.net

Lesson vii
Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthæum	The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Chap. 2, 1-12
Cum natus esset Jesus in Béthlehem Juda in diébus Heródis regis, ecce Magi ab Oriénte venérunt Jerosólymam, dicéntes : Ubi est qui natus est Rex Judæórum?  Et réliqua.	When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the King : Behold, there came Wise Men from the East to Jerusalem, saying : Where is he that is born King of the Jews?   And so on, and that which followeth.
Homilía sancti Gregórii Papæ	A Homily by St. Gregory the Pope
Homilia 10 in Evangelia
Sicut in lectióne evangélica, fratres caríssimi, audístis, cæli Rege nato, rex terræ turbátus est : quia nimírum terréna  altitúdo confúnditur, cum celsitúdo cæléstis aperítur.  Sed quæréndum nobis est, quidnam sit, quod, Redemptóre nato, pastóribus in Judæa Angelus appáruit, atque ad adorándum hunc ab Oriénte Magos non Angelus, sed stella perdúxit?  Quia vidélicet Judæis, tamquam ratióne uténtibus, rationále ánimal, id est, Angelus prædicáre débuit : Gentíles vero, quia uti ratióne nesciébant, ad cognoscéndum Dóminum non per vocem, sed per signa perducúntur.  Unde étiam per Paulum dícitur : Prophetíæ fidélibus dátæ sunt, non infidélibus ; signa autem infidélibus, non fidélibus.  Quia et illis prophetíæ tamquam fidélibus, non infidélibus ; et istis signa tamquam infidélibus, non fidélibus data sunt.	Dearly beloved brethren, ye have heard from the Gospel how, when the King of heaven was born, an earthly king was troubled.  For earthly greatness is brought to confusion when the might of heaven is made manifest.  But let us ask a question : When the Redeemer was born, why was it that, to the shepherds of Judaea, an Angel was sent to bring tidings thereof, whereas it was a star that led the Wise Men of the East to worship him?  It would seem that the Jews, who had been hitherto under the governance of reason, received a revelation from a reasonable being, that is, an Angel ; but that the Gentiles, who knew not the right use of reason, were brought to the Lord, not by a voice, but by a sign, that is, by a star.  Hence Paul hath it : Prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.  So the prophesying was given to them that believed and the sign to them that believed not.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Stella, quam víderant Magi in Oriénte, antecedébat eos, donec venírent ad locum, ubi puer erat : * Vidéntes autem eam, gavísi sunt gáudio magno. V.  Et intrántes domum, invenérunt púerum cum María matre ejus, et procidéntes adoravérunt eum. R.  Vidéntes autem eam, gavísi sunt gáudio magno.	R.  The star, which the Wise Men beheld in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. * And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. V.  When they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his Mother, and fell down before him in worship. R.  And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 8: Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum. R.  Amen.	Benediction 8: May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding. R.  Amen.
Lesson viii
Et notándum, quod Redemptórem nostrum, cum jam perféctæ esset ætátis, eísdem Gentílibus Apóstoli prædicant, eúmdem párvulum, et necdum per humáni córporis offícium loquéntem, stella Géntibus denúntiat : quia nimírum ratiónis ordo poscébat, ut et loquéntem jam Dóminum loquéntes nobis prædicatóres innotéscerent, et necdum loquéntem eleménta muta prædicárent.  Sed in ómnibus signis, quæ vel nascénte Dómino vel moriénte eo monstráta sunt, considerándum nobis est, quanta fúerit in quorúmdam Judæórum corde durítia, qui hunc nec per prophetíæ donum, nec per mirácula agnovérunt.	It is worthy of notice also, that to these same Gentiles the Redeemer, when he was of full age, was preached by his Apostles ; whereas while he was as yet the little Child, and unable to use the organs of speech, he was shewn to them, not by the voice of Angels, but merely by the vision of a star.  When he himself had begun to speak he was made known to us by speakers, but when he lay silent in the manger, by that silent testimony in the heavens.  But whether we consider the signs which accompanied his birth or his death, this thing is wonderful, namely, the hardness of heart of Jewry, which would not believe in him, either for prophesying or for miracles.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Vidéntes stellam Magi, gavísi sunt gáudio magno : * Et intrántes domum, invenérunt púerum cum María matre ejus, et procidéntes adoravérunt eum : * Et, apértis thesáuris suis, obtulérunt ei múnera, aurum, thus, et myrrham. V.  Stella, quam víderant Magi in Oriénte, antecedébat eos, usque dum véniens staret supra ubi erat puer. R.  Et intrántes domum, invenérunt púerum cum María matre ejus, et procidéntes adoravérunt eum. V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R.  Et, apértis thesáuris suis, obtulérunt ei múnera, aurum, thus, et myrrham.	R.  When the Wise Men saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy : * And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his Mother, and fell down before him in worship, * And so when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts : gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. V.  The star, which the Wise Men beheld in the East, went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was. R.  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his Mother, and fell down before him in worship. V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R.  And so when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts : gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum. R.  Amen.	Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven. R.  Amen.
Lesson ix
Omnia quippe eleménta auctórem suum venísse testáta sunt.  Ut enim de eis quiddam usu humáno loquar : Deum hunc cæli esse cognovérunt, quia prótinus stellam misérunt.  Mare cognóvit, quia sub plantis ejus se calcábile præbuit.  Terra cognóvit, quia eo moriénte, contrémuit.  Sol cognóvit, quia lucis suæ rádios abscóndit.  Saxa et paríetes cognovérunt, quia témpore mortis ejus scissa sunt.  Inférnus agnóvit, quia hos, quos tenébat mórtuos, réddidit.  Et tamen hunc, quem Dóminum ómnia insensibília eleménta sensérunt, adhuc infidélium Judæórum corda Deum esse mínime cognóscunt, et durióra saxis, scindi ad pœniténdum nolunt.	All things which he had made bore witness that their Maker was come.  Let me reckon them after the manner of men.  The heavens knew that he was God, and sent a star to shine over where he lay.  The sea knew it, and bore him up when he walked upon it.  The earth knew it, and quaked when he died.  The sun knew it, and was darkened.  The rocks and walls knew it, and were rent at the hour of his death.  Hell knew it, and gave up the dead that were in it.  And yet up to this very hour the hearts of unbelieving Jewry will not acknowledge that he, to whom all nature hath testified, is their God.  Yea, it is as though they are more hardened than the rocks, and refuse to be rent by repentance.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
TE DEUM LAUDAMUS	TE DEUM

In Festo S. Nominis Jesu (Dom. post Oct. Nativitatis)

In Festo S. Nominis Jesu (Dom. post Oct. Nativitatis)

Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
(Sunday after the Octave of the Nativity)

Sequentia Sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam (1:21) 


In illo témpore: Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur puer: vocátum est nomen ejus Jesus, quod vocátum est ab Angelo priúsquam in útero conciperétur.

Καὶ ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ τοῦ περιτεμεῖν τὸ παιδίον, καὶ ἐκλήθη τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦς, τὸ κληθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀγγέλου πρὸ τοῦ συλληφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ.

From the Second Nocturn of Matins of the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Online source: www.breviary.net

Lesson vii
Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam	The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Chap. 2, 21
In illo témpore : Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur Puer : vocátum est nomen ejus Jesus.  Et réliqua.	At that time : When eight days were accomplished for the circumcision of the Child, his Name was called Jesus.   And so on, and that which followeth.
Homilía sancti Bernárdi Abbátis	A Homily by St. Bernard the Abbot
Sermo 1 de Circumcisione
Magnum et mirábile sacraméntum! Circumcíditur Puer, et vocátur Jesus.  Quid sibi vult ista connéxio?  Circumcísio nempe magis salvándi, quam Salvatóris esse vidétur ; et Salvatórem circumcídere pótius decet, quam circumcídi.  Sed agnósce mediatórem Dei et hóminum, qui ab ipso nativitátis suæ exórdio divínis humána sóciat, ima summis.  Náscitur ex mulíere, sed cui fœcunditátis fructus sic accédat, ut non décidat flos virginitátis.  Pannis invólvitur  ; sed panni ipsi angélicis láudibus honorántur.  Abscónditur in præsépio  ; sed próditur radiánte stella de cælo.  Sic et circumcísio veritátem suscéptæ probat humanitátis ; et nomen, quod est super omne nomen, glóriam índicat majestátis.  Circumcíditur tamquam verus Abrahæ fílius  ; Jesus vocátur tamquam verus Fílius Dei.	Behold a mystery, great and full of wonder!  The child is circumcised, and his Name is called Jesus.  Why are these two things thus mentioned together?  It would seem that circumcision should rather be for the saved than for the Saviour ; that the Saviour ought rather to be Circumciser than circumcised.  But behold here the Mediator between God and men, how even from his childhood he joineth the things of the Highest to the things of the lowest, the things of God to the things of men.  He is born of a woman, but her womb is made fruitful without the loss of the flower of her virginity.  He is wrapped in swaddling-bands, but these swaddling-bands are a theme for the jubilation of Angels.  He is laid in a manger, but a bright star standeth in heaven over the place.  So also in his Circumcision, the ceremony gave proof of the reality of the Manhood which he had taken, and that Name which is above every name proclaimed the glory of his blessed Majesty.  As very son of Abraham he underwent circumcision ; he assumed the Name of Jesus as very Son of God.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Tribulatiónem et dolórem invéni : * Et nomen Dómini invocávi. V.  Turris fortíssima nomen Dómini, in ipso sperávi, et adjútus sum. R.  Et nomen Dómini invocávi.	R.  Whensoever I have found heaviness and sorrow, *Then have I called upon the Name of the Lord. V.  For the Name of the Lord is a strong tower, wherein I have hoped and been holpen. R.  Then have I called upon the Name of the Lord.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 8: Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum. R.  Amen.	Benediction 8: May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding. R.  Amen.
Lesson viii
Neque enim ad instar priórum meus iste Jesus nomen vácuum aut ináne portat : non est in eo magni nóminis umbra, sed véritas.  Cælitus síquidem índitum nomen Evangelísta testátur, quod vocátum est ab Angelo, priúsquam in útero conciperétur.  Et atténde verbi profunditátem : Postquam natus est Jesus, Jesus vocátur ab homínibus, qui vocátus est ab Angelo, priúsquam in útero conciperétur.  Idem quippe et Angeli Salvátor et hóminis  ; sed hóminis ab incarnatióne, Angeli ab inítio creatúræ.  Vocátum est, ait, nomen ejus Jesus, quod vocátum est ab Angelo.  In ore ergo duórum vel trium téstium stat omne verbum  ; et ipsum, quod in Prophéta abbreviátum, maniféstius in Evangélio légitur caro factum.	My Jesus doth not bear this Name as an empty, honourific title, as did all others before him who were so named.  In him this Name is not the mere shadow cast by the great Name of God as our Saviour ; rather it is he himself that giveth the true meaning to this Name.  Wherefore his Name was revealed from heaven, as saith the Evangelist.  After he was born, men called him Jesus ; but Angels called him Jesus even before he was conceived in the womb.  Thus this same Lord is Saviour to the Angels as well as to man ; he became man's Saviour at his incarnation ; but to the Angels he was Saviour from the beginning of their creation.  And therefore, as saith the Evangelist : His Name was called Jesus, which was so named of the Angel before he was conceived in the womb.  And thus is fulfilled the Scripture which saith : At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.  So it was that the Word which the Prophet saith was cut short for Jewry is made manifest in the Gospel in all fulness, to wit : The Word was made flesh.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.
R.  Exspectábo nomen tuum, Dómine, * Quóniam bonum est in conspéctu sanctórum tuórum. V.  Ut confiteámur nómini sancto tuo, et gloriémur in laude tua. R.  Quóniam bonum est in conspéctu sanctórum tuórum. V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R.  Quóniam bonum est in conspéctu sanctórum tuórum.	R.  I will hope in thy Name, O Lord, * For it is good in the sight of thy Saints. V.  That we may give thanks unto thy Holy Name, and make our boast of thy praise. R.  For it is good in the sight of thy Saints. V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R.  For it is good in the sight of thy Saints.
V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.	V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.
Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum. R.  Amen.	Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven. R.  Amen.
Lesson ix
Sermo 2 de Circumcisione
Mérito sane, dum circumcíditur puer, qui natus est nobis, Salvátor vocátur ; quod vidélicet ex hoc jam cœperit operári salútem nostram, immaculátum illum pro nobis sánguinem fundens.  Neque enim jam quærere est Christiánis, cur volúerit Dóminus Christus circumcídi.  Propter hoc síquidem circumcísus est, propter quod natus, propter quod passus.  Nihil horum propter se, sed ómnia propter eléctos.  Nec in peccáto génitus, nec a peccáto circumcísus, nec mórtuus est pro peccáto suo  ; magis autem propter delícta nostra.  Quod vocátum est, inquit, ab Angelo, priúsquam in útero conciperétur.  Vocátum plane, non impósitum : nempe hoc ei nomen est ab ætérno.  A natúra própria habet, ut sit Salvátor : innátum est ei nomen hoc, nonínditum ab humána vel angélica creatúra.	However, it is fitting that the Child which was born for man should, at the moment of his Circumcision, be called Saviour by man : because from that moment he began to work for our salvation by shedding for us that most pure blood.  Nor should Christians need to ask why the Lord Christ willed to be circumcised.  He was circumcised for the same reason for which he was born, and for which he suffered.  He desired none of these things for himself but all for the elect.  He was neither born in sin, nor circumcised from sin, nor did he die for his own sin ; but rather, he did all these things because of our sins.  He was called Jesus (saith the Gospel) by the Angel, before he was conceived in the womb.  That is to say, this Name was not merely attributed to him ; he was truly what he was called, for it was his from the very beginning ; he was Saviour by his very nature, so that this Name was natural to him, and therefore it was not bestowed upon him by any creature, man or Angel.
V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. R.  Deo grátias.	V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R.  Thanks be to God.

Old Testament Genealogy

Old Testament Genealogy