Occurring Scripture for the Hour of Matins
Ferias of the Sixth Full Week after Epiphany
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Sixth Sunday after EpiphanyLesson i
Here begins the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Hebrews 1:1-4God, Who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, In these days has spoken to us by His Son, Whom He has appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the world. Who being the brightness of His glory, and the figure of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, making purgation of sins, sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Being made so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Lesson ii
Hebrews 1:5-9For to which of the angels had He said at any time, "Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten Thee"? And again, "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"? And again, when He brought in the first begotten into the world, He said: "And let all the angels of God adore Him." And to the angels indeed He said: "He that makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire." But to the Son: "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of justice is the scepter of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, Thy God, has anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows."
Lesson iii
Hebrews 1:10-14And: "Thou in the beginning, O Lord, founded the earth: and the works of Thy hands are the heavens. They shall perish, but Thou shall continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment. And as a vesture shall Thou change them, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the selfsame, and Thy years shall not fail." But to which of the angels said He at any time: "Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool"? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?
Lesson iv
A Sermon of Saint Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria
Against the Arians (II)If the heretics had but known the person, the matter, and the times of the Apostle who spoke, they would never have spoken of Godhead as if It were human, nor borne themselves so wickedly, and withal so foolishly against Christ. It will be permitted to us to return, and to take again the first words of the Lesson. The Apostle then said: "God, Who at sundry times and in diverse manners, spoke in time past to the fathers by the Prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son," and again, a little farther on: "When the Son had purged our sins, He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." The Apostle here expressly named the times in which God has spoken to us by His Son, and in which His same Son has purged our sins—for when had He spoken unto us by His Son, when did the Son purge our sins, or when was He born a Man—but since God spoke to the Fathers by the Prophets, namely, in these last days?
Lesson v
The Apostle, about to enter on the subject of the Word's human dispensation and the last days, naturally mentions first that God had not, up to those days, been silent, but had spoken to the fathers by the Prophets and, after the Prophets had discharged their office, and the law had been given by the ministry of angels, that the Son also came down unto us to minister and then he added, "being made so much better than the angels," to show that as the Son differs from a servant, so is the ministry of the Son better than the duty and office of servants.
Lesson vi
The Apostle, therefore, seeing the difference between the new ministry and the old, makes very bold in writing and speaking to the Jews. For this cause, therefore, he does not compare the details of the two ministries, and then come to the general conclusion that the new was greater or more honorable than the old, (lest any should understand that the two ministries were of the same kind, and that the conclusion that the new is better is arrived at by comparing the degrees in each of things which they had in common,) but he said that the Son was made better, to distinguish at once and completely the nature of the Son from the nature of things created.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 13:31-32
At that time, Jesus proposed a parable to to the people: "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. Which is the least indeed of all seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come, and dwell in the branches thereof." Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, until the whole was leavened."An homily of Saint Jerome, Priest
Book II Commentary on Matthew xiiiThe kingdom of heaven is the proclamation of the Gospel, and that knowledge of the Scriptures, which leads to life, and whereof it is said to the Jews: "The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof" (Matthew 21:43). Therefore is this kingdom like to a grain of mustard-seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. By the man that sowed it in his field, many understand to be meant the Savior, because He is the Sower That sowes in the souls of believers; others understand every man that sowes good seed in his own field, that is, in himself and in his own heart.
Lesson viii
Who is he that sows, but our own mind and soul, which take the grain from preaching, and by nourishing it in the soil, cause it to sprout in the field of our own breast? The preaching of the Gospel is the least of all doctrines. He that preaches, for his first lesson, God made man, Christ dead, and the stumbling-block of the Cross, receives at first but little credit. Compare such teaching as this with the doctrines of the Philosophers, with their books, their magnificent eloquence, and their rounded sentences, and you shall see how the grain of the Gospel, when it is sown, is the humblest of all seeds.
Lesson ix
But when the doctrines of men grow up, there nothing piercing, nothing healthy, nothing life-giving in them. The plant is drooping, and delicate, and soft. There are herbs and grass whereof it may truly be said that the grass withers and the flower fades. (Cf. Isaias 40:8). But the grain of Gospel seed, though, when it was sown, it seemed to be the least of all seeds, when once it is rooted in the soul of man, or in the whole world, grows not into an herb, but becomes a tree so that the birds of the air (whereby we may understand, either the souls of believers, or the (angelic) powers bound to the service of God,) come and lodge in the branches thereof. I consider that the branches of the Gospel tree, which grow from the grain of mustard-seed, are the divers developments of doctrine, on which the birds above mentioned find resting-places.
Collect:
Let us pray:
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that ever meditating upon the truths Thou hast proposed for our intelligence, we may in every word and work of ours, do that which is pleasing to Thee.
Lesson i
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Hebrews 3:1-4Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly vocation, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus: Who is faithful to Him that made Him, as was also Moses in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, by so much as he that built the house, has greater honour than the house. For every house is built by some man: but He that created all things, is God.
Lesson ii
Hebrews 3:5-8And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be said: But Christ as the Son in his own house: which house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and glory of hope unto the end. Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost said: "To day if you shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation; in the day of temptation in the desert" (Psalm 94:8).
Lesson iii
Hebrews 3:12-16Take heed, brethren, lest perhaps there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from the living God. But exhort one another every day, while it is still called today, that none of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of his substance firm until the end. While it is said, "Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in that provocation" (ibid.) For some who heard did provoke: but not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
Lesson i
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Hebrews 4:1-3
Let us fear therefore lest the promise being left of entering into His rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting. For unto us also it has been declared, in like manner as unto them. But the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mixed with faith of those things they heard. For we, who have believed, shall enter into rest; as He said: As I have sworn in my wrath; "If they shall enter into my rest; and this indeed when the works from the foundation of the world were finished."
Lesson ii
Hebrews 4:4-7For in a certain place He spoke of the seventh day thus: "And God rested the seventh day from all his works." And in this place again: "If they shall enter into my rest." Seeing then it remains that some are to enter into it, and they, to whom it was first preached, did not enter because of unbelief: Again He designated a certain day, saying in David, "Today," after so long a time, as it is above said: "Today if you shall hear His voice, harden not your hearts."
Lesson iii
Hebrews 4:8-12For if Jesus had given them rest, He would never have afterwards spoken of another day. There remains therefore a day of rest for the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from His. Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Lesson i
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Hebrews 6:1-3Therefore leaving the word of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to things more perfect, not laying again the foundation of penance from dead works, and of faith towards God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and imposition of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permits.
Lesson ii
Hebrews 6:4-6For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Have moreover tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, And have fallen away: to be renewed again to penance, crucifying again to themselves the Son of God, and making him a mockery.
Lesson iii
Hebrews 6:7-10For the earth that drinks in the rain which comes often upon it, and brings forth herbs good for those by whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God. But that which brings forth thorns and briers, is reprobate, and very near to a curse, whose end is to be burnt. But, my dearly beloved, we trust better things of you, and nearer to salvation; though we speak thus. For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work, and the love which you have shown in his name, you who have ministered, and do minister to the saints.
Lesson i
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Hebrews 7:1-3For this Melchisedech was king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him: To whom also Abraham divided the tithes of all: who first indeed by interpretation, is king of justice: and then also king of Salem, that is, king of peace: Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but likened unto the Son of God, continues a priest for ever.
Lesson ii
Hebrews 7:4-6Now consider how great this man is, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave tithes out of the principal things. And indeed they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is to say, of their brethren: though they themselves also came out of the loins of Abraham. But he, whose pedigree is not numbered among them, received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
Lesson iii
Hebrews 7:7-12And without all contradiction, that which is less, is blessed by the superior. And this case indeed, mortal men receive tithes: but other case he has testimony, that he lives on. And (as it may be said) even Levi who received tithes, paid tithes in Abraham: For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedech met him. If then perfection was by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchisedech, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being translated, it is necessary that a translation also be made of the law.
Lesson i
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Hebrews 11:1-4
Now faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things that are not seen. For by this the ancients obtained a testimony. By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God; that from invisible things visible things might be made. By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice exceeding that of Cain, by which he obtained a testimony that he was just, God giving testimony to his gifts; and by it he although being dead yet speaks.
Lesson ii
Hebrews 11:5-7By faith Henoch was translated, that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that comes to God, must believe that He is, and rewards those who seek him. By faith Noe, having received an answer concerning those things which as yet were not seen, moved with fear, framed the ark for the saving of his house. Having thus condemned the world; and was made heir of the justice which is by faith.
Lesson iii
Hebrews 11:8-10By faith he that is called Abraham, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he went. By faith he abode in the land, dwelling in cottages, with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise. For he looked for a city that hath foundations; whose architect and maker is God.
Lesson i
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Hebrews 13:1-4Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you. And hospitality do not forget; for by this some, [thinking they were entertaining strangers] being not aware of it, have entertained angels. Remember them that are in bands, as if you were bound with them; and them that labor, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be honorable in all, and let the bed undefiled. For God will judge the fornicators and adulterers.
Lesson ii
Hebrews 13:5-8Let your manners be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have; for He has said: "I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee." So that we may confidently say: "The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man shall do to me" (Psalm 117:6). Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ, yesterday, and to day; and the same for ever.
Lesson iii
Hebrews 13:9-12Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. For it is best that the heart be established with grace, not with foods; which have not profited those that walk in them. We have an altar, whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the holies by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people by His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
In an Office of three lessons, ii and iii above are concatenated and the third is taken from the proper of saints or the Saturday Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
