Occurring Scripture for the Hour of Matins
Octave of the Epiphany
January 6 Holy Family January 7 January 8 January 9 January 10 January 11 January 12 January 13
The Epiphany of Our Lord
Nocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaias
Isaias 55:1-4All you that thirst, come to the waters: and you that have no money make haste, buy, and eat: come ye, buy wine and milk without money, and without any price. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy you? Hearken diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and your soul shall be delighted in fatness. Incline your ear and come to me: hear and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the faithful mercies of David. Behold I have given him for a witness to the people, for a leader and a master to the Gentiles.
Lesson ii
Isaias 60:1-6Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. And the Gentiles shall walk in your light, and kings in the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to you: your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall rise up at your side. Then shall you see, and abound, and your heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to you, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and showing forth praise to the Lord.
Lesson iii
Isaias 61:10-11; 62:1I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation: and with the robe of justice He has covered me, as a bridegroom decked with a crown, and as a bride adorned with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes her seed to shoot forth: so shall the Lord God make justice to spring forth, and praise before all the nations. For Sion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for the sake of Jerusalem, I will not rest till her just one come forth as brightness, and her Savior be lighted as a lamp.
Lesson iv
A sermon of Pope Saint Leo the Great
II for the EpiphanyDearly beloved brethren, rejoice in the Lord; again I say, rejoice. But a few days are past since the solemnity of Christ's Birth, and now the glorious light of His Manifestation is breaking upon us. On that day the Virgin brought Him forth, and on this the world knew Him. The Word made Flesh was pleased to reveal Himself by degrees to those for whom He had come. When Jesus was born He was manifested indeed to the believing, but hidden from His enemies. Already indeed the heavens declared the glory of God, and their sound went out into all lands, when the Herald Angels appeared to tell to the shepherds the glad tidings of a Savior's birth; and now the guiding star leads the wise men to worship Him, that from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof, the Birth of the true King may be known abroad; that through those wise men the kingdoms of the east might learn the great truth, and the Roman empire remain no more in darkness.
Lesson v
The very cruelty of Herod, when he strove to crush at His birth this King Whom he alone feared, was made a blind means to carry out this dispensation of mercy. While the tyrant with horrid guilt sought to slay the little Child he did not know, amid an indiscriminate slaughter of innocents, his infamous act served to spread wider abroad the heaven-told news of the birth of the Lord. Thus were these glad tidings loudly proclaimed, both by the novelty of their story, and the iniquity of their enemies. Then was the Savior borne into Egypt, that nation, of a long time hardened in idolatry, might by the mysterious virtue which went out of Him, even when His presence was unknown, be prepared for the saving light so soon to dawn on them, and might receive the Truth as a wanderer even before they had banished falsehood.
Lesson vi
Dearly beloved brethren, we recognize in the wise men who came to worship Christ, the first-fruits of that dispensation to the Gentiles wherein we also are called and enlightened. Let us then keep this Feast with grateful hearts, in thanksgiving for our blessed hope, whereof it doth commemorate the dawn. From that worship paid to the new-born Christ is to be dated the entry of us Gentiles upon our heir-ship of God and co-heirship with Christ. Since that joyful day the Scriptures which testify of Christ have lain open for us as well as for the Jews. Yea, their blindness rejected that Truth, Which, since that day, hath shed Its bright beams upon all nations. Let all observance, then, be paid to this most sacred day, whereon the Author of our salvation was made manifest, and as the wise men fell down and worshipped Him in the manger, so let us fall down and worship Him enthroned Almighty in heaven. As they also opened their treasures and presented unto Him mystic and symbolic gifts, so let us strive to open our hearts to Him, and offer Him from thence some worthy offering.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel' (Michaes 5:2)". Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the Child, and when you have found Him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore Him. Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
An homily of Pope Saint Gregory the Great
X on the Gospels
Dearly beloved brethren, hear from the Gospel lesson how, when the King of heaven was born, the king of earth was troubled? The heights of heaven are opened and the depths of earth are stirred. Let us now consider the question, why, when the Redeemer was born, an angel brought the news to the shepherds of Judea, but a star led the wise men of the East to worship Him. It seems as if the Jews as reasonable creatures received a revelation from a reasonable being, that is, an angel, but the Gentiles without, being as brutes, are roused not by a voice, but by a sign, that is, a star. Hence Paul hath it: "A sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not but prophesying serves not for them that believe not, but for them which believe" (1 Corinthians 14:22). So the prophesying, that is, of the angel was given to them that believed, and the sign to them that believed not.
Lesson viii
Thus also we remark that afterwards the Redeemer was preached among the Gentiles not by Himself, but by His Apostles, even as, when a little Child, He is shown 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 heaven. But whether we consider the signs which accompanied His birth or His death, this thing is wonderful, namely, the hardness of heart of the Jews, who would not believe in Him either for prophesying or for miracles.
Lesson ix
All things which He had made, bore witness that their Maker had 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 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 the unbelieving Jews will not acknowledge that He to Whom all nature testified is their God, and, being more hardened than the rocks, refuse to be rent by repentance.
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.
Holy Family
Sunday within the Octave of EpiphanyNocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul to the
Colossians 3:12-16Brethren: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, a heart of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against you: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you forgive. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:17-21
And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Colossians 3:22-25; 4:1-2
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, seeking to please men; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.
Nocturn II
Lesson iv
From the Apostolic Letter of Pope Leo XIII, Néminem fugit.When God in his mercy determined to accomplish the work of man's renewal, which same had so many long ages awaited, he appointed and ordained this work on such wise that its very beginning might show to the world the august spectacle of a Family which was known to be divinely constituted ; that therein all men might behold a perfect model, as well of domestic life as of every virtue and pattern of holiness : for such indeed was the Holy Family of Nazareth. There in secret dwelt the Sun of Righteousness, until the time when he should shine out in full splendor in the sight of all nations. There Christ, our God and Savior, lived with his Virgin Mother, and with that most holy man Joseph, who held to him the place of father. No one can doubt that in this Holy Family was displayed every virtue which can be called forth by an ordinary home life, with its mutual services of charity, its holy intercourse, and its practices of godly piety, since the Holy Family was destined to be a pattern to all others. For that very reason was it established by the merciful designs of Providence, namely, that every Christian, in every walk of life and in every place, might easily, if he would but give heed to it, have before him a motive and a pattern for the good life.
Lesson v
To all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit, and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, who was subject to his parents, the children of the family have a divine pattern of obedience which they can admire, reverence, and imitate. Those who are of noble birth may learn, from this Family of royal blood, how to live simply in times of prosperity, and how to retain their dignity in times of distress. The rich may learn that moral worth is to be more highly esteemed than wealth. Artisans, and all such as are bitterly grieved by the narrow and slender means of their families, if they would but consider the sublime holiness of the members of this domestic fellowship, cannot fail to find some cause for rejoicing in their lot, rather than for being merely dissatisfied with it. In common with the Holy Family, they have to work, and to provide for the daily wants of life. Joseph had to engage in trade, in order to live ; even the divine hands labored at an artisan's calling. It is not to be wondered at, that the wealthiest men, if truly wise, have been willing to cast away their riches, and to embrace a life of poverty with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Lesson vi
From the foregoing it is evident how natural and fitting it was that devotion to the Holy Family should in due time have grown up amongst Catholics ; and once begun, that it should spread far and wide. Proof of this lies first in the sodalities instituted under the protection of the Holy Family; then in the unique honors bestowed upon it; and above all, by the privileges and favors granted to this devotion by our predecessors to stimulate fervor and piety in its regard. This devotion was already held in great esteem in the seventeenth century. Widely propagated in Italy, France, and Belgium, it spread over almost the whole of Europe ; thence, crossing the wide ocean, through Canada it made is way in the Americas, and finding favor there, became very flourishing. Indeed, among Christian families, nothing more salutary nor efficacious can be imagined than the example of the Holy Family, where are to be found all domestic virtues in perfection and completeness. When Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are invoked in the home, charity is likely to be maintained in the family through their example and heavenly entreaty ; a good influence is thus exerted over conduct ; the practice of virtue is thus incited ; and thus the hardships which are everywhere wont to harass mankind, are both mitigated and made easier to bear.—To increase devotion to the Holy Family, Pope Leo XIII prescribed that Christian families should be consecrated thereto. Benedict XV extended the Mass and Office to the whole Church.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 2:42-32
At that time : When Jesus was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and His parents knew it not. And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers. And seeing Him, they wondered. And His mother said to Him: "Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." And he said to them: "How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about My Father's business? And they understood not the word that He spoke to them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.
An homily of Saint Bernard, Abbot
I supra "Missus est", nos. 7-8And he was subject unto them. Who was subject? And to whom? God to man! God, I repeat, to Whom the Angels are subject, Whom the Principalities and Powers do obey, was subject to Mary ; and not only to Mary, but to Joseph also for Mary's sake. Marvel, therefore, both at God and man, and choose that which gives greater wonder, whether it be the most loving condescension of the Son, or the exceeding great dignity of His Mother. Both amaze us, both are marvelous. That God should obey a woman is lowliness without parallel, that woman should rule over God, an elevation beyond comparison. In praise of virgins it is sung of them alone, that they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. Of what praise do ye judge that woman to be worthy who is thus placed before the Lamb of God.
Lesson viii
Learn, O man, to obey! Learn, O earth, to be subject! Learn, O dust, to submit! The Evangelist speaking of thy Creator says : "And he was subject unto them." And there is no doubt that this shows us that God was subject to Mary and Joseph. Shame on you, ye proud entities of dust and ashes! God abases Himself, and dost thou, O creature sprung from the earth, exalt thyself? God makes Himself subject to man, and do you, who are always so eager to lord it over men, set up yourself to lord it over your Creator? For as often as I desire pre-eminency over men, so often do I strive to excel God. For of Him it was said: "And He was subject unto them." If you disdain, O man, to follow the example of man, at least you can follow your Creator without dishonor. If you can not, perchance, follow him wherever He goes, deign at least to follow Him in this thing wherein He has emptied Himself, and made Himself of no reputation, for the sake of such as you.
Lesson ix
If you cannot enter upon the lofty paths of virginity, at least follow God by the most safe road of humility. If any turn aside from this straight way, though they be virgins, they do not follow the Lamb, if the truth be told, wherever He goes. The humble man, though stained with sin, follows the Lamb; the virgin, though proud, also follows; but neither of these two follows wherever He goes. The former cannot attain unto the purity of the Lamb, for He is without spot; the latter deigns not to descend to His meekness, who was dumb, not before the shearer, but before the murderer. Yet the sinner who follows in humility has chosen a more saving way than the proud man who follows in virginity; for the humble one makes satisfaction, and is cleansed of his impurity, but the proud one's chastity is stained by his pride.
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.
January 7
Second Day of the Octave of the Epiphany
Nocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 9:1-5I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie , my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost: That I have great sadness, and continual sorrow in my heart. For I wished myself to be an anathema from Christ, for my brethren, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh, Who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as of children, and the glory, and the testament, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises: Whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ, according to the flesh, who is over all things, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Lesson ii
Romans 9:6-10Not as though the word of God has miscarried. For all are not Israelites that are of Israel: Neither are all they that are the seed of Abraham, children; but in Isaac shall thy seed be called: That is to say, not they that are the children of the flesh, are the children of God; but they, that are the children of the promise, are accounted for the seed. For this is the word of promise: According to this time will I come; and Sara shall have a son. And not only she. But when Rebecca also had conceived at once, of Isaac our father.
Lesson iii
Romans 9:11-16For when the children were not yet born, nor had done any good or evil that the purpose of God, according to election, might stand, Not of works, but of Him that called, it was said to her: "The elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). As it is written: "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated" (Malachias 1:2-3) What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? God forbid. For he said to Moses: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy; and I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy" (cf. Exodus 33:19). So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.
Nocturn II
Lesson iv
A sermon of Saint Augustine, Bishop
2nd on the EpiphanyWise men came from the East to worship the Virgin's Son. This is the event which we commemorate today, the occasion in honor of which this sermon is preached. On them that day first broke in gladness, which year by year, now comes round to us for celebration. They were the first-fruits of that Gentile Church of which we are the in-gathering. To us the voice of Apostles, to them a star, as a voice from heaven, proclaimed the advent of a Savior; and to us the voice of the Apostolic preachers is also as a voice from heaven, a heaven declaring the glory of God.
Lesson v
Great is the mystery. While He lay in the manger, He drew to Himself wise men from the East; while He was unknown in the stable, He was recognized in the heavens; and, being recognized in the heavens, made Himself known in the stable. So this day is called in the Greek "Epiphaneia," which is, being interpreted, "Manifestation." Wherein is manifested both the greatness and the lowliness of Him, Whose greatness was attested in the stars of heaven, and Who, being sought on earth, is found so lowly that there is no room for Him in the inn. And yet, though to be found in fashion as a little Child wrapped in swaddling clothes, He is the object of worship to the wise men and of terror to the godless.
Lesson vi
Nor Herod feared when he heard from the wise men of Him Whom they sought, and of Whose birth they knew by the witness of a star. What will be the fearful judgment-seat of Him, Who, even as a Suckling, struck terror into haughty kings? How much wiser is the thought of those kings who seek Christ like the wise men, to worship Him, than of those who seek Him, like Herod, to slay Him! who seek to put Him to that same death, which He came to suffer from His enemies for their own salvation, and which, by His death, He hath trodden down! Kings will do well to fear Him Who now sits at the right hand of the Father, and Whom Herod feared when He hung upon His mother's breast.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' (Michaes 5:2)." Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: "Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him." Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
An homily of Pope Saint Gregory the Great
X on the Gospels.When Herod knew of the birth of our King, he betook himself to his cunning wiles, and lest he should be deprived of an earthly kingdom he desired the wise men to search diligently for the young Child, and when they had found Him, to bring him word again. He said, that he also might come and worship Him, but, in reality, that, when he had found Him, he might put Him to death. But, behold, of how light weight is the malice of man, when it is tried against the counsel of God. It is written "There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel, against the Lord" (cf. Proverbs 21: 30). So the star which the wise men saw in the East, still led them on; they found the new-born King, and presented unto Him gifts; then they were warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod. And as it came to pass that, when Herod sought Jesus, he could not find Him even so is it with hypocrites, who, while they make pretence to seek the Lord to worship Him, find Him not.
Lesson viii
It is as well to know that it is one of the opinions of the Priscillianist heretics that every man is born under the influence of a star; and, to confirm this notion, they bring forward the instance of the star of Bethlehem, which appeared when the Lord was born; and which they call His star, that is, the star ruling over His fate or destiny. But if we consider the words of the Gospel concerning this star, they are It went before, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. Whence we see that it was not the young Child Who followed the star, but the star which followed the young Child, as if to show that the young Child ruled the star, instead of the star ruling Him.
Lesson ix
But I pray that the hearts of the faithful may ever be free from the thought that anything rules their destiny. In this world there is but One Who rules the destiny of man, even He Who made man; neither was man made for the stars, but the stars for man; and if we say that they rule his destiny, we set them above him for whose service they were made. When Jacob came out of his mother's womb, and his hand took hold on his elder brother Esau's heel, he could not have done so unless this his first movement had been behind his brother, and, nevertheless, such was not in after life the position of those two brethren whom their mother brought forth at one birth.
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.
January 8
Third Day of the Octave of the EpiphanyNocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 12:1-3I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God. For I say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you, not to be more wise than it behooves to be wise, but to be wise unto sobriety, and according as God has divided to every one the measure of faith.
Lesson ii
Romans 12:4-8For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office: So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. And having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used according to the rule of faith; Or ministry, in ministering; or he that teaches, in doctrine; He that exhorts, in exhorting; he that gives, with simplicity; he that rules, with carefulness; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Lesson iii
Romans 12:9-16Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good. Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood, with honour preventing one another. In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer. Communicating to the necessities of the saints. Pursuing hospitality. Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Being of one mind one towards another. Not minding high things, but consenting to the humble. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Nocturn II
Lesson iv
A sermon of Saint Augustine, Bishop
Second on the EpiphanyMany kings of the Jews had been born, and died, but which of them was sought after by wise men to worship him? Not one—for none had been proclaimed by the voice of heaven. Let us not also pass by the fact that the enlightenment of the wise men stands in strong contrast to the blindness of the Jews. The first came from far to find Him, Whom, being born in their midst, the second knew not.
Lesson v
The wise men found the young Child among those who denied Him. These holy pilgrims came and worshipped the yet silent Christ in the land whose inhabitants, after He grew up and worked miracles, crucified Him. They worshipped in that tiny Body the God Whom, amid great signs and wonders, the Jews would not spare even as a man. They who saw the Star which shone at His birth, put it to more profit than they who saw the sun veiled at His death.
Lesson vi
The star which led the wise men towards the place where the new-born God dwelt with His Virgin Mother, ceased to shine when it came to the city of Jerusalem, while they were inquiring of the Jews where Christ should be born. The Jews answered them according to the testimony of the Divine Scriptures In Bethlehem of Judah for thus it is written: "And thou Bethlehem in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah, for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel." What else are we to understand that God's Providence would here signify, than that there should remain among the Jews those Divine Writings only, whereby the Gentiles are enlightened, while they themselves remain dark?
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' (Michaes 5:2)." Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: "Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him." Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
An homily of Pope Saint Gregory the Great
X on the GospelsThe wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold is the fitting gift to a King, frankincense is offered in sacrifice to God, and with myrrh are embalmed the bodies of the dead. By the gifts, therefore, which they presented unto Him, the wise men set forth three things concerning Him to Whom they offered them; by the gold, that He was King; by the frankincense, that He was God; and by the myrrh, that He was to die. There are some heretics who believe Him to be God, but confess not His Kingly dominion over all things; these offer unto Him frankincense, but refuse Him gold. There are some others who admit that He is King, but deny that He is God; these present unto Him gold, but will not give Him frankincense.
Lesson viii
There are some other heretics who profess that Christ is both God and King, but not that He took a dying nature; these offer Him gold and frankincense, but not myrrh for the Manhood. Let us, however, present gold to the new-born Lord, acknowledging His universal Kingship; let us offer Him frankincense, confessing that He Who has been made manifest to us in time, is God before time was; let us give Him myrrh, believing that He Who cannot suffer as touching His Godhead, was made capable of death as touching the manhood which He shares with us.
Lesson ix
There is also another signification in this gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold is a type of wisdom; as Solomon said: "In the mouth of the wise abideth a treasure to be desired" (Cf. Proverbs 24:4). Frankincense, which is burnt in honour of God, is a figure of prayer; witness the words of the Psalmist: "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee" (Psalm 140:2). By myrrh is represented the putting to death of the body; as where the holy Church says of her laborers who strive for God even unto death "My hands dropped with myrrh" (Canticles 5:5).
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.
January 9
Fourth Day of the Octave of the Epiphany
Nocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 13:1-4Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. Therefore he that resists the power, resists the ordinance of God. And those who resist, purchase to themselves damnation. For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and you shall have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you, for good. But if you do that which is evil, fear: for he carries not the sword in vain.
Lesson ii
Romans 13:4-7For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon he who does evil. Therefore be subject of necessity, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For therefore also you pay tribute. For they are the ministers of God, serving unto this purpose. Render therefore to all men their dues. Tribute, to whom tribute is due: custom, to whom custom: fear, to whom fear: honor, to whom honor.
Lesson iii
Romans 13:8-10Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.9 For: "Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet." And if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The love of our neighbor works no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law.
Nocturn II
Lesson iv
A sermon of Pope Saint Leo the Great
Sermon 1 for EpiphanyDearly beloved brethren, we have but lately celebrated that day on which the inviolate virginity of Blessed Mary gave to man a Savior. And now the venerable solemnity of the Epiphany gives us a continuance of this joy. So that by the nearness of these two holy Feasts, the freshness of our gladness and the quickening of our faith has no time to die away. And truly it concerns the salvation of all men, that the Mediator between God and men is already made manifest before leaving the humble city of His birth.
Lesson v
It is true that the Lord chose the nation of Israel, and in that nation one family, whence to take upon Him that nature which He shares with all mankind, but, at the same time, He would not that the narrow walls of His Mother's house should imprison within them all the brightness of His appearing, and, as He was pleased to be born for all, so willed He to be forthwith made manifest to all. Three wise men in the East, therefore, saw a new and brilliant star, which, by excelling all others in brightness and beauty, attracted the eyes and thoughts of all beholders and thereby it became at once evident that some new and great event had taken place.
Lesson vi
Then He Who had given the sign, gave understanding to those that saw it; and having given to them to understand that He was born, He gave them the grace to seek Him; and, being sought by them, was pleased to be found. The three wise men followed the guiding of the heavenly light, and, with their eyes firmly fixed upon the glory that went before them, were so led by the light of grace as to obtain the knowledge of truth. They, knowing that He was born a King, sought Him in the Royal City; but He Who had taken upon Him the form of a servant, and came not to judge but to be judged, had chosen Bethlehem for His birth, and Jerusalem for His Suffering.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' (Michaes 5:2)." Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: "Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him." Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
An homily of Pope Saint Gregory the Great
Homily 10 on the GospelsThe wise men teach us a great lesson in that they departed into their own country another way. That which they did, being warned of God in a dream, we ought to do. Our country is heaven; and, when we have once known Jesus, we can never get there by returning on the way wherein we walked before we knew Him. We have left our country far, by the way of pride, and disobedience, and worldliness, and forbidden indulgence we must seek that heavenly Fatherland by tears, by subjection, by contempt of the things which are seen, and by curbing the fleshly appetites.
Lesson viii
Let us then depart into our own country another way. They that have by enjoyment put themselves away from it, must seek it again by sorrow. Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, it behooves us to be ever fearful and watch, having continually before the eyes of our heart, on the one hand, the guilt of our doings, and, on the other, the judgment at the latter day. It behooves us to think how that awful Judge will surely come, Whose judgment is hanging over us, and has not yet fallen the wrath to come is before sinners, and has not yet smitten them and the Judge yet tarries in order that, when He cometh, there may haply be less to condemn.
Lesson ix
Let us afflict ourselves for our faults with weeping, and, with the Psalmist, let us come before His Presence with thanksgiving. Let us take heed that we be not fooled by the appearance of earthly happiness, or seduced by the vanity of earthly pleasure. For the Judge is at hand, even He That said: "Woe unto you that laugh now, for ye shall mourn and weep" (Luke 6:25). Hence also Solomon said: "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness" (Cf. Proverbs 14:13). And again: I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What does it?" (Cf. Ecclesiastes 2:2) And yet again: "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth" (Cf. Ecclesiastes 7:5).
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.
January 10
Fifth Day within the Octave of the Epiphany
Nocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 14:1-4Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts. For one believes that he may eat all things: but he that is weak, let him eat herbs. Let not he who eats, despise he who eats not: and he who eats not, let him not judge he who eats. For God hath taken him to him. Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. And he shall stand: for God is able to make him stand.
Lesson ii
Romans 14:5-8For one judges between day and day: and another judges every day: let every man abound in his own sense. He that regards the day, regards it unto the Lord. And he that eats, eats to the Lord: for he gives thanks to God. And he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself; and no man dies to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord. Therefore, whether we live, or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
Lesson iii
Romans 14:9-13For to this end Christ died and rose again; that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? or you, why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: "As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God" (Isaias 45:24). Therefore every one of us shall render account to God for himself. Let us not therefore judge one another any more. But judge this rather, that you put not a stumblingblock or a scandal in your brother's way.
Nocturn II
Lesson iv
A sermon of Saint Maximus of Turin
First on the EpiphanyDearly beloved brethren, we are instructed by the tradition of the Fathers, that we have to keep holiday on this solemnity in honour of several joyful events. We are taught that on this day, our Lord Christ was, first, manifested to the Gentiles by the leading of a star; secondly, that being bidden to a marriage, He turned water into wine; and, thirdly, that He received baptism from John, whereby He hallowed the waters of the Jordan, and cleansed him that baptized Him.
Lesson v
Which of these events was the greatest, He knows by Whose Will they came to pass; for us it is needful to believe and doubt not that whatever was wrought was wrought for us. For to the Gentiles is given a hope of worshipping that Very God of Very God, to adore Whom the Chaldaeans were led by the rays of a glorious star. So also He That by His Will changed water into wine, has given us to drink of the cup of His Blood of the New Testament; and the Lamb of God baptized in the Jordan has hallowed for us that saving Fountain wherein we are born again.
Lesson vi
Therefore, my brethren, as we have lately celebrated with gladness the Festival of our Savior's birth, so now it behooves us with all earnestness to keep holy in His honour, this the birth-day of His wonderworking. And, truly, these three anniversaries are rightly on one day preached to us, who acknowledge the unspeakable mystery of the Trinity under the name of one God. By these miracles the Lord Christ our Redeemer willed to manifest to men some of the power of that Godhead, Which in Him lay hidden under the Manhood.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' (Michaes 5:2)." Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: "Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him." Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
An homily of Saint Jerome, Priest
Book. i. Commentary on Matthew II"We have seen His star in the East." In order that the Jews might be confounded by hearing from the Gentiles of the birth of Christ, the star rose in the East. They knew that it would come, by the prophecy of Balaam, whose successors they were. See the Book of Numbers, xxiv. 17. The star led the wise men to Judea, that the Priests, having it demanded of them where Christ should be born, might have no power to plead that they knew not of His coming.
Lesson viii
And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judea," this is a mistake of copyists. In our opinion, what the Evangelist wrote must have been, not of Judea, but of Judah. Thus it is in the Hebrew text. Nor is there any town called Bethlehem among any other people, that this should be called of Judea to distinguish it. But it is fitly distinguished as of Judah, because there is in Judea another Bethlehem, namely, the one in Galilee. See the Book of Josue the son of Nun (19:15). Finally, the passage cited, which is in the prophet Michaes (5:2), has "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel."
Lesson ix
And treasures they presented unto Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. The mystic meaning of these gifts is thus neatly expressed by Juvencus the Priest, "To God made man, born Israel's King, Frankincense, myrrh, and gold they bring. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." They who had presented unto the Lord gifts, were honored by receiving a warning, not from an Angel, but from God Himself; whereas even Joseph was warned only by an Angel. They departed into their own country another way, that they might not be brought into contact with the unbelief of the Jews.
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.January 11
Sixth Day of the Octave of the Epiphany
Nocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 15:1-4Now we that are stronger, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of you please his neighbor unto good, to edification. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written: "The reproaches of them that reproached Thee, fell upon me" (Psalm 68:10). For what things soever were written, were written for our learning: that through patience and the comfort of the scriptures, we might have hope.
Lesson ii
Romans 15:5-11Now may the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of one mind one towards another, according to Jesus Christ: That with one mind, and with one mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, as Christ also has received you unto the honor of God. For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. But that the Gentiles are to glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: "Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and will sing to Thy name" (2 Kings 22:50). And again he said: "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people" (Cf. Deuteronomy 32:43). And again: "Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and magnify Him, all ye people" (Psalm 116:1).
Lesson iii
Romans 15:12-16And again Isaias said: "There shall be a root of Jesse; and he that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in him the Gentiles shall hope" (Cf. Isaias 11:10-11). Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; that you may abound in hope, and in the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also, my brethren, am assured of you, that you also are full of love, replenished with all knowledge, so that you are able to admonish one another. But I have written to you, brethren, more boldly in some sort, as it were putting you in mind: because of the grace which is given me from God. That I should be the minister of Christ Jesus among the Gentiles; sanctifying the gospel of God, that the oblation of the Gentiles may be made acceptable and sanctified in the Holy Ghost.
Nocturn II
Lesson iv
A sermons of Saint Fulgentius, Bishop
Fifth on the EpiphanyThe same God Who in the Old Testament had commanded the first-fruits to be offered to Himself, being born as a man, Himself consecrated to His own worship the first-fruits of the nations. The Shepherds were the first-fruits of the Jews, and the wise men of the Gentiles. The first came from near at hand, the second from afar. "Where is He," say they, "that is born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2). Herod, the king of the Jews, had already had children. Archelaus was born in a palace, Christ at an inn; Archelaus was laid in a silver cradle, Christ in a manger. And yet the wise men sought, not Archelaus, but Christ; they did not even name him that was born in a palace, but when they found Him That lay in a manger, they fell down and worshipped Him.
Lesson v
Who is the King of the Jews? The Poor and the Rich, the Lowly and the Exalted One. Who is the King of the Jews? He Who, being carried at the breast, is adored as the Eternal; He Who lies tiny in the manger, and is He Whom the heavens cannot contain; He Who is meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes, and is more glorious than all the stars. Why art thou troubled, O Herod? He that is born King of the Jews comes not by carnal warfare to conquer other kings, but by a marvelous working, by dying, to subdue them to Himself. He is not born to be your successor, but that the world may faithfully believe in Him. He comes, not that He may fight in the flesh, but that He may conquer through the suffering of death.
Lesson vi
The little Child, Whom the wise men call the King of the Jews, is the Maker and Lord of Angels. If you fear Him at His birth, you have more reason to fear Him as the Almighty Judge. Fear Him, not as a pretender to your kingdom, but fear Him as He Who will pass a most just sentence of condemnation on you because you have not believed in Him. "Go," said Herod, "and bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also" (Cf. Matthew 2:8). We know thy cunning lying, thy godless unbelief, thine iniquitous treachery. The blood of the innocents which you cruelly shed, is witness to us of what you wouldst have done to Him.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' (Michaes 5:2)." Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: "Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him." Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
An homily of Saint Ambrose, Bishop
Book ii. on Luke 2What are the gifts of the faithful and true? Gold to our King, frankincense to our God, and myrrh to Him Who died for us. The first is that what are made the royal honors of kings, the second is that mystic offering which is used in the worship of the Divine Power, and the third is that where with we pay respect to the dead, whose bodies it keeps from corruption. My brethren, let us who hear and read these things, make offering out of what treasures we have—albeit we have it "in earthen vessels" 2 Corinthians 4:7). If we confess that all that we have, we have, not from ourselves, but from Christ, how much more should we confess that whatever we have is not our own, but Christ's?
Lesson viii
The wise men out of their treasures presented Him gifts. Will you know how pleasing to Him they were? The star appeared to them, but disappeared when it came near Herod. Then it appeared to them again, leading them on the way that led to Christ. This star then was the way, and we know that Christ called Himself "the Way" (John 14:6). And truly also in the mystery of His Incarnation He is called a Star; as it is written "There shall come forth a Star out of Jacob, and a Man shall rise out of Israel"(Cf. Numbers 24:17). Where Christ is, there is a Star; yea, He is Himself "the bright and morning Star" (Apocalypse 22:16). And the light that leads to Jesus is His own.
Lesson ix
Remark another point. The wise men came by one way and departed by another. They that had seen Christ, knew Christ, and they departed better than they came. There are two ways, the one which leads to destruction, the other which leads to the kingdom; the one is the way of sin, which leads to Herod; the other is Christ, the true Way, Who leads us home to the fatherland, from that journeying here, whereof it is said My soul has long dwelt as an exile (sojourner)" (Cf. Psalm 119:6).
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
January 12
Seventh Day within the Octave of Epiphany
Nocturn I
Lesson i
A reading from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 16:1-5And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae: That you receive her in the Lord as becomes saints; and that you assist her in whatsoever business she shall have need of you. For she also has assisted many, and myself also. Salute Prisca and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus, who have for my life laid down their own necks: to whom not I only give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles, And the church which is in their house. Salute Epenetus, my beloved: who is the first-fruits of Asia in Christ.
Lesson ii
Romans 16:17-19Now I beseech you, brethren, to mark them who make dissensions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such, serve not Christ our Lord, but their own belly; and by pleasing speeches and good words, seduce the hearts of the innocent. For your obedience is published in every place. I rejoice therefore in you. But I would have you to be wise in good, and simple in evil.
Lesson iii
Romans 16:21-24Timothy, my fellow laborer, salutes you, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Caius, my host, and the whole church, salute you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, salutes you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Nocturn II
Lesson iv
A Sermon of Pope Saint Leo the Great
The Fifth on the EpiphanyThis meet and right, dearly beloved brethren, yea, it is our bounden duty and godly service, to rejoice with full hearts upon those days which more especially set forth before us the workings of God's mercy; and to have in honorable memory those things that were done for our salvation. Hereto are we called by the seasons of the year which continually return, and notably by this present, which, after but a short time hath passed since that day whereon the Coeternal Son of God was born of a Virgin, bring now the Feast of the Epiphany, hallowed by the Manifestation of the Lord.
Lesson v
A sermon of Pope Saint Leo the Great
Fifth on the the EpiphanyThis meet and right, dearly beloved brethren, yea, it is our bounden duty and godly service, to rejoice with full hearts upon those days which more especially set forth before us the workings of God's mercy; and to have in honorable memory those things that were done for our salvation. We are called by the seasons of the year which continually return, and notably by this present, which, after but a short time hath passed since that day whereon the Coeternal Son of God was born of a Virgin, brings now the Feast of the Epiphany, hallowed by the Manifestation of the Lord.
Lesson vi
In this said Manifestation the good Providence of God has appointed a strong bulwark to our faith. For now, while in solemn worship we call to mind how the childhood of the Savior was adored in its first infancy, we receive from the original Scriptures the doctrine that Christ was born with the very nature of man. For this is that which makes of sinners saints, even to believe that in one and the same our Lord Jesus Christ there is very Godhead and very Manhood—very Godhead, as touching Which, He, being in the form of God, is equal to the Father from everlasting to everlasting and very Manhood, wherein He, taking upon Him the form of a servant, has in these latter days been born Man.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' (Michaes 5:2)." Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: "Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him." Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
An homily of Saint John Chrysostom
Homily VIII, on Matthew, n. 1"The wise men entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh." But what was it that induced them to worship? For neither was the Virgin conspicuous, nor the house distinguished, nor was any other of the things which they saw apt to amaze or attract them. Yet they not only worship, but also open their treasures, and offer gifts; and gifts, not as to a man, but as to God. For the frankincense and the myrrh were a symbol of this. What then was their inducement? That which wrought upon them to set out from home and to come so long a journey; and this was both the star, and the illumination wrought of God in their mind, guiding them little by little to the more perfect knowledge.
Lesson viii
For, surely, had it not been so, all that was in sight being ordinary, they would not have shown so great honor. Therefore none of the outward circumstances was great in that instance, but it was a manger, and a shed, and a mother in poor estate; to set before your eyes, naked and bare, those wise men's love of wisdom, and to prove to you, that not as mere man they approached Him, but as a God, and Benefactor. Wherefore neither were they offended by any of what they saw outwardly, but even worshipped, and brought gifts; gifts not only free from Judaical grossness, in that they sacrificed not sheep and calves, but also coming near to the self-devotion of the Church, for it was knowledge and obedience and love that they offered unto Him.
"And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country." See from this also their faith, how they were not offended, but are docile, and considerate; neither are they troubled, nor reason with themselves, saying, "And yet, if this Child be great, and has any might, what need of flight, and of a clandestine retreat? And wherefore can it be, that when we have come openly and with boldness, and have stood against so great a people, and against a king's madness, the angel sends us out of the city as runaways and fugitives?" But none of these things did they either say or think. For this most especially belongs to faith, not to seek an account of what is enjoined, but merely to obey the commandments laid upon us.
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, who on this day by the guidance of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same.
January 13
Octave Day of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
and Commemoration of His BaptismIf January 13 is a Sunday, the Office is that of the Holy Family, without any commemoration of the following.
Nocturn IThe Lessons of the First Nocturn are taken from the day of week falling in the First full Calendar Week after Epiphany,
and will be from Saint Paul's First Epistle to the CorinthiansNocturn II
Lesson iv
A sermon of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop
Second on the EpiphanyI am not able to restrain the outbursts of my happiness. I feel changed and elated. I forget my own meanness while I undertake and try to discharge the office of the great John. It is true that I am not the Forerunner, but at least I come from the desert. Christ is enlightened, or rather, He enlightens us with His own light. Christ is baptized; let us go down with Him into the water, that we may come up with Him.
Lesson v
John is baptizing. Jesus comes. He comes that He may make holy him who baptizes Him; He comes to bury the old Adam in the waters; He comes to hallow the blessed flood of Jordan. He Who is Flesh and Spirit comes to open for all that should ever be baptized that power of generation whereby new peoples are constantly begotten of water and the Holy Ghost. The Baptist will not receive Him. Jesus strives with him. "I," said John, "should be baptized of Thee." Thus speaks the candle to the Sun, the voice to the Word.
Lesson vi
Jesus came up out of the water, having, in a manner, washed the whole world, and brought it up with Him. And He saw the heavens opened not divided, even those heavens which Adam had once shut upon himself and us his descendants, when the cherub's fiery sword barred the gates of Paradise. And the Holy Spirit bore witness, witness to He Who is of One Substance with Himself. And witness was given from Heaven, to He Who came down from heaven.
Nocturn III
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John
John 1:29-34
The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he said: "Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sin of the world." This is He, of whom I said: "After me there comes a Man, Who is preferred before me: because He was before me. And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John gave testimony, saying: "I saw the Spirit coming down, as a Dove from heaven, and He remained upon Him. And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptize with water, said to me: 'He upon Whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon Him, He it is that baptizes with the Holy Ghost.'" And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God.
An homily of Saint Augustine, Bishop
Tract VI on John
John knew Jesus even before He came to be baptized by him in Jordan, as we perceive by the words I have need to be baptized of Thee, and Thou come to me? Behold, how he knew that He was the Lord, how he knew that He was the Son of God! How do we prove that he knew that He it was 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 loose He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire" (Luke 3:16.) Behold, John knew this also.
Lesson viii
Yet John said: "I knew Him not," 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 that peculiar attribute, that, whoever should baptize with His Baptism, 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 Who baptizes with the Holy Ghost—Whether it be Peter, or Paul, or Judas, that performs the ceremony, the real Baptizer and effectual Worker is Christ. For if the holiness of the baptism depended on the holiness of the particular officiator, 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 a saint.
Lesson ix
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 said: "the Lord knows those who are His" (2 Timothy 2:19), these good men differ one from another by diversities of graces, and are not all of the same worthiness. Some are holier than others, and some are better than others. Supposing then for the sake of argument that A is baptized by B, a righteous saint, and C is baptized by D who is less worthy in the sight of God, who has attained only a lower degree in godliness, who 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?
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, Whose only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who acknowledge His outward likeness to us may deserve to be inwardly refashioned in His image. Who with Thee.
