Occurring Scripture for the Hour of Matins
Christmas Vigil and Octave
December 24 December 25 Sunday Within the Octave December 26 December 27 December 28 December 29 December 30 December 31 January 1
December 24
The Vigil of ChristmasLesson i
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 1:18-21Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take Mary for your wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son: and you shall call His name JESUS. For He shall save His people from their sins.
An homily of Saint Jerome, Priest
Book of Commentaries, on MatthewWhy was the Lord conceived of an espoused virgin rather than of one who was free? First, for the sake of the genealogy of Mary, which we have obtained by that of Joseph. Secondly, because she was thus saved from being stoned by the Jews as an adulteress. Thirdly, that Himself and His mother might have a guardian on their journey into Egypt. To these, Ignatius, the martyr of Antioch, has added a fourth reason namely, that the birth might take place unknown to the devil, who would naturally suppose that Mary had conceived by Joseph.
Lesson ii
Before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. She was found, that is by Joseph, but by no one else. He had already almost an husband's privilege to know all that concerned her. Before they came together. This does not imply that they ever did come together—the Scripture merely show the absolute fact that up to this time they had not done so.
Lesson iii
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. If any man be joined to a fornicator they become one body; and according to the law they that are privy to a crime and are thereby guilty. How then can it be that Joseph is described as a just man, at the very time he was compounding the criminality of his espoused? It must have been that he knew her to be pure, and yet understood not the mystery of her pregnancy, but, while he wondered at that which had happened, he was willing to hold his peace.
Collect:
Let us pray.
O God, Thou Who gladden us year after year with the expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now welcome with joy thy only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also gaze upon Him without fear when He comes as our judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. Who with Thee and the Holy live and reign, one God, forever and ever. AmenDecember 25
Christmas—Birthday of Our Lord and Savior Jesus ChristLesson i
A reading from the Prophet Isaias
Isaias 9:1-6At the first time the land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtali was lightly touched: and at the last the way of the sea beyond the Jordan of the Galilee of the Gentiles was heavily loaded. The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and have not increased their joy. They shall rejoice before Thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils. For the yoke of their burden, and the rod of their shoulder, and the scepter of their oppressor Thou hast overcome, as in the day of Median. For every violent taking of spoils, with tumult, and garments mingled with blood, shall be burnt, and be fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.
Lesson ii
Isaias 40:1-8"Be comforted, be comforted, My people, says your God. "Speak ye to the heart of Jerusalem, and call to her: for her evil is come to an end, her iniquity is forgiven: she hath received of the hand of the Lord double for all her sins." The voice of one crying in the desert: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the wilderness the paths of our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough ways plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh together shall see, that the mouth of the Lord has spoken." The voice of one, saying: "Cry." And I said: "What shall I cry?" "All flesh is grass, and all the glory thereof as the flower of the field. The grass is withered, and the flower has fallen, because the spirit of the Lord has blown upon it. Indeed the people are grass: The grass is withered, and the flower is fallen: but the word of our Lord endures for ever."
Lesson iii
Isaias 52:1-6Arise, arise, put on thy strength, O Sion, put on the garments of thy glory, O Jerusalem, the city of the Holy One: for henceforth the uncircumcised, and unclean shall no more pass through thee. Shake thyself from the dust, arise, sit up, O Jerusalem: loose the bonds from off thy neck, O captive daughter of Sion. For thus said the Lord: "You were sold gratis, and you shall be redeemed without money." For thus said the Lord God: "My people went down into Egypt at the beginning to sojourn there: and the Assyrian has oppressed them without any cause at all. And now what have I here?" said the Lord: "for My people are taken away gratis. They that rule over them treat them unjustly," said the Lord, "and My name is continually blasphemed all the day long. Therefore My people shall know My name in that day: for I Myself that spoke, behold I am here."
Lesson iv
A Sermon of Pope Saint Leo the Great
First for ChristmasDearly beloved brethren, "Unto us is born this day a Savior" (Luke 2:11). Let us rejoice. It would be unlawful to be sad to day, for today is Life's Birthday; the Birthday of that Life, Which, for us dying creatures, takes away the sting of death, and brings the bright promise of the eternal gladness hereafter. It would be unlawful for any man to refuse to partake in our rejoicing. All men have an equal share in the great cause of our joy, for, since our Lord, Who is the destroyer of sin and of death, finds that all are bound under the condemnation, He has come to make all free. Rejoice, you that are holy, you draw nearer to your crown! Rejoice, you that are sinful, your Savior offers you pardon! Rejoice also, O you Gentile, God calls thee to life! For the Son of God, when the fullness of the time was come, which had been fixed by the unsearchable counsel of God, took upon Him the nature of man, that He might reconcile that nature to Him Who made it, and so the devil, the inventor of death, is met and beaten in that very flesh which had been the field of his victory.
Lesson v
When our Lord entered the field of battle against the devil, He did so with great and wonderful fairness. Being Himself the Almighty, He laid aside His uncreated Majesty to fight with our cruel enemy in our weak flesh. He brought against him the very shape, the very nature of our mortality, yet without sin. (cf. Hebrews 4:15). His birth however was not a birth like other births for no other is born pure, nay, not the little child whose life endures but a day on the earth. [Pope Leo accidentally includes the Blessed Virgin (conceived immaculate) and John the Baptist (purified by Christ before his birth) in saying that "no other is born pure.] To His birth alone the throes of human passion had not contributed, in His alone no consequence of sin had had part. For His Mother was chosen a Virgin of the kingly lineage of David, and when she was to grow heavy with the sacred Child, her soul had already conceived Him before her body. She knew the counsel of God announced to her by the Angel, lest the unwonted events should alarm her. The future Mother of God knew what was to be wrought in her by the Holy Ghost, and that her modesty was absolutely safe.
Lesson vi
Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us give thanks to God the Father, through His Son, in the Holy Ghost: Who, for His great love with which He loved us, had had mercy on us and, even when we were dead in sins, revived us together with Christ, (Cf. Ephesians 2:4, 5), that in Him we might be a new creature, and a new workmanship. "Let us then put off the old man with his deeds" (Colossians 3:9); and, having obtained a share in the Sonship of Christ, let us renounce the deeds of the flesh. Learn, O Christian, how great you are, you who have been made partaker of the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and fall not again by corrupt conversation into the beggarly elements above which you have been lifted. "Remember Whose Body it is of Which you are made a member, and Who is its Head, (Cf. I Corinthians 6:15). Remember that it is He Who delivered you from the power of darkness and has translated you into God's light, and God's kingdom (Collosians 1:13).
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 2:1-14It came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: "Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will."
An homily of Pope Saint Gregory the Great
VIII on the GospelsBy God's mercy we are to say three Masses today, so that there is not much time left for preaching; but at the same time the occasion of the Lord's Birthday itself obliges me to speak a few words. I will first ask why, when the Lord was to be born, the world was enrolled? Was it not to herald the appearing of Him by Whom the elect are enrolled in the book of life? Whereas the Prophet said of the reprobate: "Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous" (Psalm 68:29). Then, the Lord is born in Bethlehem. Now the name Bethlehem signifies "the House of Bread," and thus it is the birth-place of Him Who said: "I am the Living Bread, Which came down from heaven" (John 6:51). We see then that this name of Bethlehem was prophetically given to the place where Christ was born, because it was there that He was to appear in the flesh by Whom the souls of the faithful are fed unto life eternal. He was born, not in His Mother's house, but away from home. And this is a mystery, showing that this our mortality into which He was born was not the home of Him Who is begotten of the Father before the worlds.
Lesson viii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 2: 15-20And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord has shown to us. And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
An homily of Saint Ambrose, Bishop
Book II on Luke 2Behold the beginning of the Church. Christ is born, and the shepherds watch; shepherds, to gather together the scattered sheep of the Gentiles, and to lead them into the fold of Christ, that they might no longer be a prey to the ravages of spiritual wolves in the night of this world's darkness. And that shepherd is wide awake, whom the Good Shepherd stirs up. The flock then is the people, the night is the world, and the shepherds are the Priests. And perhaps he is a shepherd to whom it is said: Be watchful and strengthen (Apocalypse 3:2), for God has ordained as the shepherds of His flock not bishops only, but also angels.
Lesson ix
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John
John 1:1-14In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him: and without Him was made nothing that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shined in darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through Him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light, which enlightens every man that comes into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But to as many as received him, he gave the power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in His name. Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
An homily of Saint Augustine, Bishop
Tract I on JohnYou are so used to hearing human words that you may make the mistake of thinking that the "Word" was an ordinary human "word." So, hear and digest this: "The Word was God". Now perhaps there will come forward some Arian unbeliever, and say that the Word of God was a creature. How can the Word of God be a creature, when it was by the Word that all creatures were made? If He is a creature, then there must have been some other Word, not a creature, by which He was made. And what Word is that? If you say that it was by the word of the Word Himself that He was made, I tell thee that God had no other, but One Only-begotten Son. But if you do not posit a "word of the Word," then grant that the Word through which all things were made was not Itself made. For the Word through which all things were made could not have been made by Itself. Believe the Evangelist.
Collect
Let us pray: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thy Only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.Sunday Withn the Octave of Christmas
If this Sunday falls on December 26th, 27th or 28th, lessons i, ii, and iii are taken from the first nocturn of Christmas Day. If it falls on the 29th, 30th, or 31st of December they are taken from the occurring Scripture of those days
Lesson iv
From the Sermons of Pope Saint Leo the Great. IX on Christmas.Dearly beloved brethren, the greatness of God's work, in its breadth and height, passes the power of man's utterance; and, therefore, when we must not keep silence, we find it hard to know what to say. The words of the Prophet: "Who shall declare His generation?" (Isaias 53:8) look not only to the Divine, but also to the human birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Faith believes, but words cannot explain, how the two natures were joined in one Person, and therein we find that we shall never lack matter of praise in Him, Whose abundance ever outruns the power of our expression.
Lesson v
Therefore let us rejoice, that this mystery of mercy is greater than we can ever speak; and let us feel that it is good for us to fail if we try to express the height and depth of redeeming love. He comes nearest to the knowledge of the truth, who, the farther he advances, sees all the more clearly that he can never overtake that for which he searches. For he that imagines that he has ever attained the goal, has not found that which he seeks, but has missed it altogether.
Lesson v
But lest we be confounded at the weakness of our mortality, we have help in the words of the Prophets and Evangelists; and they are able to inflame and teach us that we may see the Birth of the Lord, wherein the Word was made Flesh, not so much as a thing past, as a thing present. The proclamation of the angel to the shepherds who watched their flocks by night, rings also in our ears; and for this end are we appointed to rule the Lord's flock, that we may ever keep in our heart the word revealed from heaven, and say unto you, as we do this day "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord!"
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 2:33-40At that time, His father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning Him. And so on. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother: "Behold this Child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And a sword shall pierce your soul, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed." And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fasting and prayers serving night and day. Now, at the same hour, coming in, she confessed to the Lord; and spoke of Him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him.
An homily of Saint Ambrose, Bishop
Book ii on Luke 2We see that God's abounding grace is poured forth on all by the birth of the Lord, and that the gift of prophecy is not denied to the righteous, but to the unbelieving. Simeon prophesies that our Lord Jesus Christ is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, setting forth that the just and the unjust reap different fruits from the coming of the Savior; so will it be with us; according to our individual works will the True and Just Judge apportion to us punishment or reward.
Lesson viii
See, "a sword shall pierce your soul" also. We have no record or tradition that Mary left this world by suffering a violent death, and the material sword can pierce the body only, and not the soul. Therefore, here we see the wisdom of Mary in that she was not ignorant of the heavenly mysteries. For, "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" for all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of the Son of God, from Whom also the secret things of our conscience are not hidden. (Cf. Hebrews 4:12).
Lesson ix
There had been a triple prophecy; the prophecy of Simeon had followed the prophecy of the virgin, and the prophecy of the wife; those, namely, of Mary and Elizabeth. And now ought the widow also to prophesy, that no sex nor state might be wanting. And Anna is brought before us with such a title from her widowhood and her life, that we may well believe that she received the grace to announce the Advent of the Redeemer. In our exhortation addressed to widows we have already treated of her gifts at length, and, as we have much matter before us, we will not now again enter on the subject.
Collect:
Let us pray:
O Almighty and everlasting God, do Thou order all our actions in conformity with Thy good pleasure, that through the name of Thy well-beloved Son, we may worthily abound in all good works. Who with Thee.Saint Stephen, Protomartyr
Lesson i
A reading from the Acts of Apostles
Acts 6:1-6And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, that their widows were being neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: "It is not reasonable that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, find among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." And this proposition was approved by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them.
Lesson ii
Acts 6:7-10; 7:54And the word of the Lord increased; and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly: a great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him.
Lesson iii
Acts 7:55-59But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. And they crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth outside the city, they stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, who invoked, and said: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord.
Lesson iv
A Sermon of Saint Fulgentius, Bishop
On Saint StephenYesterday we were celebrating the birth in time of our Eternal King; today we celebrate the victory, through suffering, of one of His soldiers. Yesterday our King was pleased to come forth from His royal palace of the Virgin's womb, clothed in a robe of flesh, to visit the world; today His soldier, laying aside the tabernacle of the body, entered in triumph into the heavenly palaces. The One, preserving unchanged that glory of the Godhead which He had before the world was, girded Himself with the form of a servant, and entered the arena of this world to fight sin; the other takes off the garments of this corruptible body, and entered into the heavenly mansions, where he will reign for ever. The One comes down, veiled in flesh; the other goes up, clothed in a robe of glory, red with blood.
Lesson v
The One comes down amid the jubilation of angels; the other goes up amid the stoning of the Jews. Yesterday the holy angels were singing, "Glory to God in the highest"; today there is joy among them, for they receive Stephen into their company. Yesterday the Lord came forth from the Virgin's womb; today His soldier is delivered from the prison of the body. Yesterday Christ was for our sakes wrapped in swaddling bands; today He girds Stephen with a robe of immortality. Yesterday the new-born Christ lay in a narrow manger; today Stephen enters victorious into the boundless heavens. The Lord came down alone that He might raise many up; our King humbled Himself that He might set His soldiers in high places.
Lesson vi
Why brethren, it behooves us to consider with what arms Stephen was able, amid all the cruelty of the Jews, to remain more than conqueror, and worthily to attain to so blessed a triumph. Stephen, in that struggle which brought him to the crown whereof his name is a prophecy, had for armor the love of God and man, and by it he remained victorious on all hands. The love of God strengthened him against the cruelty of the Jews; and the love of his neighbor made him pray even for his murderers. Through love he rebuked the wandering, that they might be corrected; through love he prayed for them that stoned him, that they might not be punished. By the might of his love he overcame Saul his cruel persecutor; and earned for a comrade in heaven, the very man who had done him to death upon earth.
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 23:34-39
At that time, Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees: "behold I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you will put to death and crucify, and some you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: That upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar. Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them that are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered together your children, as the hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not? Behold, your house shall be left to you, desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see Me henceforth till you say: 'Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.'"An Homily of Saint Jerome, Priest
Book IV Commentary on Matthew 23We have already remarked that the Lord's words, "Fill ye up the measure of your fathers" (Verse 32), refer in the first place to Himself, Whom the Jews afterwards put to death. In a secondary sense they may likewise be applied to His disciples, of whom He said, "Behold, I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, and Scribes." Here observe that, according to the Apostle writing to the Corinthians, (Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4), there are diversities of gifts among Christ's followers. Some are Prophets of that which is to come; some are wise men, who know the due season for rebuke and exhortation; some are Scribes learned in the law. And of these they stoned Stephen, slew Paul with the sword, crucified Peter, and scourged the Disciples mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (5:40; 16:23).
Lesson viii
It is a subject of dispute among commentators who is meant by Zacharias the son of Barachias. We read of several persons of the name of Zacharias. But here, in order to prevent any mistake, it is particularly said, "Whom ye slew between the temple and the altar." I have read various opinions in various places upon this question, and I will give each. First, some hold that Zacharias the son of Barachias is the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets; and this opinion is supported by the father's name. But the Bible nowhere tells us that this Prophet was slain between the temple and the altar; and it is hardly possible that he can have been, for in his time it could scarcely be said that even the ruins of the temple were in existence. Secondly, others maintain that this Zacharias was Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. This interpretation is derived from the dreams of the Apocryphal Gospels, wherein it is asserted that he was martyred for preaching Christ's coming.
Lesson ix
A third school will have it that this Zacharias, the son of Barachias, was that Zacharias of whom we read (2 Paralipomenon 24:22), that he was slain by Joash, king of Judah, between the temple and the altar. Against this it is to be remarked, that that Zacharias was not the son of Barachias, but of Jehoiada the priest; whence it is written, Joash remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him. The question therefore arises, if this opinion be true, why, the name and manner of death both agreeing with this explanation, Zacharias is called the son, not of Jehoiada, but of Barachias. In Hebrew, Barachias signifies the Blessed of the Lord, and Jehoiada proves his Righteousness. In the Gospel used by the Nazarenes the name of Jehoiada is used instead of Barachias.
Collect
Let us pray. Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to emulate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies; for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord: Who with Thee....
Saint John the Apostle
Lesson i
Here begins the first letter of St. John the Apostle
1 John 1:1-5That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life: For the life was manifested; and we have seen and bear witness, and declare to you the life eternal, which was with the Father, and has appeared to us: That which we have seen and have heard, we declare unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship may be with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you, that you may rejoice, and your joy may be full. And this is the declaration which we have heard from Him, and declare unto you: That God is light, and in Him there is no darkness.
Lesson ii
1 John 1:6-10If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not speak the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He also is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleans us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Lesson iii
1 John 2:1-5My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just: And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. And by this we know that we have known Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says that he knows Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But he that keeps His word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected.
Lesson iv
On Ecclesiastical Writers, Chapter 9
By Saint Jerome, PriestThe Apostle John whom Jesus loved was a son of Zebedee, and brother of the Apostle James, who was beheaded by Herod soon after our Lord suffered. He was the last of the Evangelists to write his Gospel, which he published at the request of the Bishops of Asia, against Cerinthus and other heretics, and particularly against the then spreading doctrine of the Ebionites, who asserted that Christ had had no existence before Mary. It was therefore needful for the Evangelist to declare His Eternal and Divine Generation.
Lesson v
In the fourteenth year after Nero, Domitian stirred up the second persecution, and John was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote his Apocalypse, which hath been explained by Justin the Martyr and Irenæus. When Domitian was killed, the Senate annulled all his acts, on account of his savage cruelty, and the Apostle returned to Ephesus, during the reign of Nerva. He remained at Ephesus until the time of Trajan, and founded and governed all the Churches of Asia. There, in an extreme old age, he died, in the sixty-eighth year after the Lord's passion, and was buried near the city.
Lesson vi
Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians, iii. 6
By Saint Jerome, PriestThe Blessed Evangelist John lived at Ephesus to an extreme old age, and, at length, when he was with difficulty carried to the Church, and was not able to exhort the congregation at length, he was used simply to say at each meeting, "My little children, love one another." At last the disciples and brethren were weary with hearing these words continually, and asked him, "Master, why do you always say this only?" To which he replied: "It is the commandment of the Lord, and if this only be done, it is enough."
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John
John 21:19-24At that time Jesus said to Peter: "Follow me." Peter turning about, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said: "Lord, who is he that shall betray thee?" When Peter saw John, he said to Jesus: "Lord, and what shall this man do?" Jesus said to him: "So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? follow me." This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. But Jesus did not say to him: "He should not die"; but, "So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee?" This is that disciple who gives testimony of these things, and has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
An Homily of Saint Augustine, Bishop
124 in the Tract on John.The Church knows two different lives which God has revealed and blessed—one is the life of faith, the other the life of knowledge; one the life of this pilgrimage, the other the life of the eternal mansions; one the life of work, the other the life of rest; one the life of the journey, the other the life of home; one the life of action, the other the life of contemplation. The one eschews evil and does good; the other has no evil to eschew, and only an exceeding good to enjoy. The one strives with the enemy, the other has no enemies, and reigns.
Lesson vii
The one succors the needy; the other is where there are no needy to succor. The one forgives them that trespass against him, that his own trespasses may be forgiven; the other neither has trespasses to forgive nor to be forgiven. The one is chastened with evil, lest it be exalted above measure by good; the other enjoys such a fullness of grace that he feels no evil, and cleaves so firmly to the Highest Good, that he has no temptation to pride.
Lesson ix
Therefore the one is good, but still sorrowful; the other is better and perfectly blessed. And of these two lives there are types, of the one in the Apostle Peter, of the other in John. The one labors here even unto the end, and finds his end hereafter; the other stretches out into the hereafter, and in eternity finds no end. Therefore is it said unto the one, "Follow Me"; but of the other, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" "Follow Me." What is the meaning of these words? who can know? who can understand? what is it? is it "Follow Me," imitating Me in the bearing of earthly sorrow; or "let him tarry till I come again," bringing the everlasting reward?
Collect:
Let us pray:
Do Thou, O Lord, in Thy goodness shine upon Thy Church, that being enlightened by the doctrines of blessed John Thine Apostle and Evangelist, She may attain to everlasting gifts.
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Lesson i
A reading from the book of Jeremias
Jeremias 31:15-17Thus said the Lord: "A voice was heard on high of lamentation, of mourning, and weeping, of Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted for them, because they are not." Thus said the Lord: "Let your voice cease from weeping, and your eyes from tears: for there is a reward for your work," said the Lord: "and they shall return out of the land of the enemy. And here is hope for your last end," said the Lord: "and the children shall return to their own borders."
Lesson ii
Jeremias 31:18-20Hearing I heard Ephraim when he went into captivity: "Thou hast chastised me, and I was instructed, as a young bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. Convert me, and I shall be converted, for Thou are the Lord my God. For after Thou converted me, I did penance: and after Thou did show me, I struck my thigh: I am confounded and ashamed, because I have borne the reproach of my youth." Surely Ephraim is an honorable son to me, surely he is a tender child: for since I spoke of him, I will still remember him.
Lesson iii
Jeremias 31:21-23“Set up the roadmarks, establish the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours. How long will you be dissolute in deliciousness, O wandering daughter? for the Lord has created a new thing upon the earth: A woman shall compass a man." Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: "As yet shall they say this word in the land of Juda, and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring back their captivity: 'The Lord bless you, the beauty of justice, the holy mountain.'"
Lesson iv
A Sermon of Saint Augustine, Bishop
X on the SaintsDearly beloved brethren, today we keep the birthday of those children, who, as we are informed by the Gospel, were massacred by the savage King Herod. Therefore let earth rejoice with great joy, for she is the mother of these heavenly soldiers, and of this numerous host. The love of the vile Herod could never have crowned these blessed ones as has his hatred. For the Church testifies by this holy solemnity, that whereas iniquity did specially abound against these little saints, so much the more were heavenly blessings poured out upon them.
Lesson v
Blessed are you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you have suffered the cruelty of King Herod in the slaughter of your children; you are found worthy to offer at once to God a whole white-robed army of guileless martyrs! Surely, it is well to keep their birth-day, even that blessed birthday which gave them from earth to heaven, more blessed than the day that brought them out of their mother's womb. Scarcely had they entered on the life that now is, when they obtained that glorious life which is to come.
Lesson v
We praise the death of other martyrs because it was the crowning act of an undaunted and persistent testimony; but these were crowned at once. He That makes an end to this present life, gave to them at its very gates that eternal blessedness which we hope for at its close. Those whom the wickedness of Herod tore from their mothers' breasts are rightfully called the flowers of martyrdom; hardly had these buds of the Church shown their heads above the soil, in the winter of unbelief, when the frost of persecution nipped them.
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 2:13-18Behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: "Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy him." Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod: That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and sending, killed all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: "A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."
An Homily of Saint Jerome, Priest
Book i Commentary on Matthew 2He took the young Child, and His mother, and fled into Egypt, by night and in darkness; and the darkness of that night was a figure of the darkness of ignorance in which they left the unbelievers from whom they fled. But when they returned into Judaea, we learn not from the Gospel that it was by night, or in darkness; which is an image of that light which will lighten the Jews, when, at the end of the world, they shall receive back the faith, which now enlightens the Gentiles, even as Judaea received Christ returning from Egypt.
Lesson viii
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying "Out of Egypt have I called My Son." Those who go about to deny the authority of the Hebrew Scriptures, ask where any such passage is to be found in the Septuagint. But, although they find it not there, I tell them that the fact of its being written in the Prophet Osee (11:1) can be proved by the texts which I have lately published.
Lesson ix
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the Prophet, saying; "In Rama was there a voice heard, weeping and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children." The child of Rachel was Benjamin, and Bethlehem is not a town belonging to his tribe. We must therefore seek another reason why Rachel should weep for the children of Judah, to whom Bethlehem belongs, as for her own. The plain answer is that she is buried at Ephrath close to Bethlehem, and she is called Mother on account of the resting-place of her earthly tabernacle being there. It is possible also that she is called Mother because the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were joined together, and Herod slew not only all the children that were in Bethlehem, but also in all the coasts thereof.
Collect:
Let us pray:
O God, Whose praise the martyred innocents did this day proclaim, not by speaking, but by dying, do to death in us all the malice of sinfulness, that our lives may also proclaim Thy faith, which our tongues profess. Through our Lord.
Saint Thomas of Canterbury
Lesson i
Here begins the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 1:1-7Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures, Concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh, Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead; By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name; Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that are at Rome, the beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lesson ii
Romans 1:8-12First I give thanks to my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all, because your faith is spoken of in the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make a commemoration of you; Always in my prayers making request, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey, by the will of God, to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual grace, to strengthen you: That is to say, that I may be comforted together in you, by that which is common to us both, your faith and mine.
Lesson iii
Romans 1:13-19And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come unto you, (and have been hindered hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. To the Greeks and to the barbarians, to the wise and to the unwise, I am a debtor; So (as much as is in me) I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are at Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes, to the Jew first, and to the Greek. For the justice of God is revealed therein, from faith unto faith, as it is written: "The just man lives by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those men that detain the truth of God in injustice: Because that which is known of God is manifest in them. For God hath manifested it unto them.
Lesson iv
Thomas was born in England in the city of London. He succeeded Theobald as bishop of Canterbury. He had previously acquitted himself with much honor as the king's chancellor, and was strenuous and unflinching in his duty as bishop; for when Henry II, King of England, in an assembly of bishops and nobles of the realm, passed certain laws inconsistent with the interests and honor of the Church, the bishop withstood the King's avarice so courageously that neither fair promises nor threats could draw him over to the King's side, and being in danger of imprisonment, he privately withdrew. Not long after all his relatives, young and old, all his friends and household, were banished, and such of them as had attained the age of discretion were made to promise on oath that they would go to Thomas, as perhaps he, who could not be made to swerve from his holy purpose by any personal consideration, might relent at the heart-rending spectacle of the sufferings of those who were dear to him. But he regarded not the demands of flesh and blood, neither did he permit the feelings of natural affection to weaken the firmness required of him as bishop.
Lesson v
He therefore repaired to Pope Alexander III, from whom he met with a kind reception, and who commended him on his departure to the Cistercian monks at Pontigny. As soon as Henry came to know this he strove to have Thomas expelled from Pontigny, and for this purpose sent threatening letters to the General Chapter at Cîtaeux. Whereupon the holy man, fearing lest the Cistercian Order should be made to suffer on his account, left the monastery of his own accord, and betook himself to the hospitable shelter to which he had been invited by Louis, King of France. There he remained until, by the intervention of the Pope and Louis the King, he was called home from his banishment, to the joy of the whole kingdom. Whilst resuming the intrepid discharge of the duty of a good shepherd, certain calumniators denounced him to King Henry as one who was plotting sundry things against the country and the public peace. Wherefore the King was heard frequently complaining that there was only on Priest in his kingdom with whom he could not be in peace.
Lesson vi
Certain wicked satellites concluded from this expression of the King that he would be pleased at their ridding him of Thomas. Accordingly they stealthily entered Canterbury, and finding that the bishop was in the church officiating at Vespers, they began their attack. The clergy were using means to prevent them from entering the church, when the Saint coming to them forbade their opposition, and opening the door, thus spoke to them, "The church is not to be guarded like a citadel, and I am glad to die for God's Church." Then turning to the soldiers, he said, "I command you in the name of God that you hurt not any of them that are with me." After this he knelt down, and commending himself and his church to God, to the Blessed Mary, to St. Denis, and to the other patron saints of his cathedral, with the same courage that he had shown in resisting the King's execrable laws, he bowed down his head to the impious murderers, on the fourth of the Calends of January (December 29th), in the year of our Lord 1171. His brains were scattered on the floor of the church. God having shown the holiness of His servant by many miracles, he was canonized by the same Pope Alexander III.
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John
John 10:11-16
At that time Jesus said to the Pharisees: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flies: and the wolf catches, and scatters the sheep: And the hireling flies, because he is a hireling: and he has no care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know mine, and mine know me. As the Father knows me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep. And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.
An homily of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop
IL on JohnDearly beloved brethren, the bishops of the Church hold a great office, an office that needs much of that wisdom and strength that Christ has given us as an example. We must learn from Him to lay down our lives for the sheep and never to leave them; and to fight bravely against the wolf. This is the difference between the true shepherd and the hireling. The one leaves the sheep and seeks his own safety, but the other thinks not of his own safety, so as he may watch over the sheep. Christ then having given us the pattern of a good shepherd, warns us against two enemies; first, the thief that cometh not but to kill and to steal, and, secondly, the hireling that stands by, and defends not those who are committed to his charge.
Lesson viii
Ezechiel said of old time: "Woe be to the shepherds of Israel! do they not feed themselves? Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" (Ezechiel 34:2). But they did the contrary, a great wickedness and the root of many evils. Therefore, he said, they brought not back that which was gone astray neither did they search for that which was lost neither did they bind up that which was broken, nor strengthen that which was sick; for they fed themselves, and not the flock. And Paul said the same in other words, where he said: "All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's" (Philippians 2:21).
Lesson ix
Christ showed Himself to be very different from either the thief or the hireling; whereas the thief cometh to destroy, He came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. The hireling flees, but He lays down His life for the sheep, that the sheep will not perish. When the Jews went about to kill Him, He ceased not to teach: He did not give up those who believed in Him, but stood steadfast and died. Therefore He has good title to say often, "I am the Good Shepherd." It was but a little while, and He showed us how He could lay down His life for the sheep. And if it appears not as yet how they have life, and have it more abundantly, (but it shall appear, in the world which is to come,) we may well be persuaded of the truth of the second promise, who have seen the fulfillment of the first.
Collect:
Let us pray.
O God, in defense of Whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that all that ask his help, may obtain wholesome fruit of their petition. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Within the Octave
Lesson i
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 2:1-4You are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are that judge. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you do the same things which you judge. For we know that the judgment of God is, according to truth, against those who do such things. Do you think, O man, that when you judge those who do such things, and do the same, that you shall escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, and patience, and longsuffering? Do you not know that the benignity of God leads you to penance?
Lesson ii
Romans 2:5-8But according to your hard and impenitent heart, you treasure for yourself wrath, against the day of wrath, and revelation of the just judgment of God, Who will render to every man according to his works. To those indeed, who according to patience in good work, seek glory and honour and incorruption, eternal life: But to them that are contentious, and who do not obey the truth, but give credit to iniquity, wrath and indignation.
Lesson iii
Romans 2:9-13Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that works evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek. But glory, and honor, and peace to every one that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For there is no respect of persons with God. For whoever has sinned without the law, shall perish without the law; and whoever haa sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. For the hearers of the law are not just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Lesson iv
A Sermon of Pope Saint Leo the Great
The sixth, on the Nativity of the LordOn any day of the year, dearly beloved, whenever we make our meditations, we are mindful of the birth of our Lord and Savior from a Virgin Mother. Whenever our souls are uplifted in the worship of our Maker, whether we sigh in supplication, rejoice in praise, or offer sacrifice, there is nothing which we more frequently or more confidently set our minds upon than the fact that God, the Son of God, begotten of the co-eternal Father, was also born by a human birth. But on this day his Nativity, which is to be adored both in heaven and on earth, is brought before us as at no other time. For today it is as though a new and radiant light is shining forth in the heavens, in such a way that the brightness of this wondrous mystery is perceived even by our senses. And not only do we call to mind what the Angel Gabriel said to the awe-stricken Mary, but in some sort we seem even to be present at that colloquy when she conceived of the Holy Ghost. And we marvel both at the promise made to her, and at her faith in that promise.
Lesson v
For as of today the Maker of the world was brought forth from a virginal womb, and he who made all things became the Son of her whom he had made. As of today the Word of God appeared in a garment of flesh, and that which was never beheld by men's eyes can now be even touched by their hands. As of today the shepherds learned from angelic voices that a Savior was born in the substance of our flesh and soul. And this same angelic message was a pattern to the pastors of the Lord's flock to preach the Gospel on this day, and to do it in such a way that we too may say with the heavenly hosts: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will."
Lesson vi
Truly, the greatness of the gift bestowed upon us demands a reverence worthy of its splendor. For, as the blessed Apostle said, "we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we may know the things that are given us from God" (1 Corinthians 2:12). And we can devoutly worship Him only by offering to Him that which he bestows. And in the treasury of the Lord's bounty, what can we find so appropriate to the honor of the present Feast, as that peace which at the birth of the Lord was first proclaimed by the angelic choir? For peace it is that brings forth the children of God. Peace which is also is the nurse of affection, the mother of unity, the rest of the blessed, and our eternal home. It is peace whose proper work and special benefit is to join to God those whom it separates from the world.
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 2:15-20And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord has showed to us. And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
An Homily of Saint Ambrose, Bishop
Book II on Luke iiThe shepherds came with haste. This is how every one comes who is really earnestly seeking Christ. The shepherds believed the angel. Will you not believe Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Angels, Prophets, and Apostles? Here also remark how carefully every word in the Scripture is chosen. "They came with haste to see this Word," (as the original text has it.) A Word, indeed; the Word of God. He that saw the Lord's Flesh, saw the Word, that is, God the Son.
Lesson viii
Because the office of a shepherd is mean, think not meanly of the example of their faith. Truly, he who is poorest in learning is richest in faith. The Lord seeks not for schools crowded with wise men, but for a people of a single heart unused to overlay and to disguise what they learn, by vain and superfluous adornments. He will have straightforwardness rather than vain-glory.
Lesson ix
Think not meanly either of the shepherds' words. The shepherds strengthen the faith even of Mary; the shepherds lead God's people to His worship. For, all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Let us learn the modesty of the Holy Virgin, that modesty of speech as of body, whereby she laid up in her heart the evidences of her faith.
Collect:
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine Only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same.December 31
Pope Saint Sylvester, ConfessorLesson i
A reading from the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Romans 3:19-21Now we know, that whatever things the law speaks, it speaks to those who are in the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be made subject to God. Because by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified before Him. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now without the law the justice of God is made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the justice of God, by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe in Him: for there is no distinction:
Lesson ii
Romans 3:23-26For all have sinned, and need the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption, that is in Christ Jesus, Whom God has proposed to be a propitiation, through faith in His blood, to the showing of His justice, for the remission of former sins, through the forbearance of God, for the showing of His justice in this time; that He himself may be just, and the justifier of him, who is of the faith of Jesus Christ.
Lesson iii
Romans 3:27-31Where then is your boasting? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we account a man to be justified by faith, without the works of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. For it is one God, that justifies circumcision by faith, and un-circumcision through faith. Do we, then, destroy the law through faith? God forbid: but we establish the law.
Lesson iv
Sylvester was a Roman by birth, and his father's name was Rufinus. He was brought up from a very early age under a Priest named Cyrinus, of whose teaching and example he was a diligent learner. In his thirtieth year he was ordained Priest of the Holy Roman Church by Pope Marcellinus. In the discharge of his duties he became a model for all the clergy, and, after the death of Melchiades, he succeeded him on the Papal throne, in the year of our Lord 314, during the reign of Constantine, who had already by public decree proclaimed peace to the Church of Christ. Hardly had he undertaken the government of the Church when he betook himself to stir up the Emperor to protect and propagate the religion of Christ. Constantine was fresh from his victory over his enemy Maxentius, on the Eve of which the sign of the Cross had been revealed to him illustrated in light upon the sky; and there was an old story in the Church of Rome that it was Sylvester who caused him to recognize the images of the Apostles, administered to him holy Baptism, and cleansed him from the leprosy of unbelief.
Lesson v
The godly Emperor had already granted to Christ's faithful people permission to build public churches, and by the advice of Sylvester he himself set them the example. He built many Basilicas, and magnificently adorned them with holy images, and gifted them with gifts and endowments. Among these there were, besides others, the Church of Christ the Savior, hard by the Lateran Palace; that of Saint Peter, upon the Vatican Mount; that of Saint Paul, upon the road to Ostia; that of Saint Lawrence, in Verus' field; that of the Holy Cross at the Sessorian hall; that of Saint Peter and Saint Marcellinus, upon the Lavican Way; and that of Saint Agnes, upon the road to Mentana. Under this Pope was held the first Council of Nicea, presided over by the Papal Legates, and in the Presence of Constantine, and three hundred and eighteen Bishops, where the holy and Catholic Faith was declared, and Arius and his followers condemned; which Council was finally confirmed by the Pope, at the request of all the assembled Fathers, in a synod held at Rome, where Arius was again condemned. This Pope issued many useful ordinances for the Church of God. He reserved to Bishops the right of consecrating the Holy Chrism; ordered Priests to anoint with Chrism the heads of the newly baptized; settled the officiating dress of Deacons as a dalmatic and a linen maniple; and forbade the consecration of the Sacrament of the Altar on anything but a linen corporal.
Lesson vi
Sylvester is likewise said to have ordained that all persons taking Holy Orders should remain awhile in each grade before being promoted to a higher; that laymen should not go to law against the clergy; and that the clergy themselves were not to plead before civil tribunals. He decreed that the first and seventh days of the week should be called respectively the Lord's Day and the Sabbath, and the others, Second Day, Third Day, and so on. In this he confirmed the use of the word Feria for the weekdays, the which use had already begun in the Church. This word signifies a holiday, and points to the duty of the clergy ever to lay aside all worldly labor, and leave themselves free to do continually the work of the Lord. The heavenly wisdom with which he ruled the Church of God, was joined in him to a singular holiness of life, and an inexhaustible tenderness towards the poor; in which matter he ordained that the wealthy clergy should each relieve a certain number of needy persons; and he also made arrangements for supplying the consecrated virgins with the necessaries of life. He lived as Pope twenty-one years, ten months and one day, and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Salarian Way, in the year 335. He held seven Advent ordinations, and made forty-two Priests, twenty-five Deacons, and sixty-five Bishops of various sees.
Lesson vii
The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 16:13-19
At that time: When Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: "Whom do men say that the Son of man is?" But they said: "Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Jesus said to them: "But whom do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said: "Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art you, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to you: That you are Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.
An Homily by Pope Saint Leo the Great
Sermon II on the anniversary of his assumption of the Papacy (before the middle)When the Lord, as we read in the Gospel, asked his disciples who did men, amid their diverse speculations, believe him the Son of Man to be, blessed Peter answered and said: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." And the Lord answered and said to him: "Blessed art you, Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father, who is in heaven: and I say also unto you: That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. But the dispensation of truth endures, and blessed Peter, persevering in the strength of the rock which he has received, has not relinquished the position he assumed at the helm of the Church.
Lesson viii
In the universal Church it is as if Peter were still saying every day: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." For every tongue which confesses the Lord is taught that confession by the teaching of Peter. This is the Faith that overcomes the devil and looses the bonds of his prisoners. This is the Faith which makes men free of the world and brings them to heaven, and the gates of hell are impotent to prevail against it. This is the rock which God has fortified with such ramparts of salvation, that the contagion of heresy will never be able to infect it, nor idolatry and unbelief to overcome it. And therefore, dearly beloved, we celebrate today’s festival with reasonable obedience, that in my humble person he may be acknowledged and honored who continues to care for all the shepherds as well as sheep entrusted unto him, and who losees none of his dignity even in an unworthy successor.
Lesson viii
When, therefore, we address our exhortations to your godly ears, believe that you are hearing him speak whose office we are discharging. Yea, it is with his love for you that we warn you. And we preach unto you no other thing than that which he taught, entreating you as did he: "Gird up the loins of your mind; be sober; be ye holy in all manner of living; pass the time of your sojourning here in the fear of God" (Cf. 1 Peter 1:13). My disciples, dearly beloved, you are to me as the disciples of the Apostle Paul were to him, namely: My crown and joy; if so be that your faith, abide, still in all lowliness and holiness, like unto the first times of the Gospel. For although the whole Church, which is in all the world, should indeed abound in all the virtues, it becomes especially you among all others to excel in acts of piety, founded as ye be on the very citadel of the Apostolic Rock ye who have not only been redeemed with the rest of men by our Lord Jesus Christ, but who have been instructed by the blessed Apostle Peter far beyond all others.
Collect:
Let us pray:
Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Sylvester Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
