Thursday, May 31, 2012
PENTECOSTE
Spiritus
Paraclitus,
Procedens divinitus,
Manet ante saecula;
Populis,
Discipulis
Ad salutem sedulis
Pacis dedit oscula.
Hodie
Cum tertiae
Surgit hora, veniae
Fit ampla donatio;
Criminum
Est hominum
Per actorem luminum
Facta relaxatio.
Micuit,
Aperuit,
Viros fortes imbuit
Suavis refectio;
Irruit
Et mituit
Et eosdem docuit
Suo magisterio.
Fragiles,
Indociles
Et adhuc inutiles,
Sermonum inopia,
Utiles
Amabiles
Et amici probabiles
Facti sunt ex gratia.
Tenere,
Non temere,
Dilectis occurrere
Vult ita benignitas;
Propere
Consumere
Culpas vult et tergere
Non exstincta caritas.
Audio
Cum gaudio
Quod ejus auxilio
Sit tanta felicitas
Cum tanto tripudio...
Cesset avaritia,
Fugetur iniquitas,
Cesset insolentia,
Cesset infidelitas!
Sit in ipsa veritas;
Mentem cum modestia
Scrutetur humilitas,
Gratiam pro gratia.
Reddat universitas
Ut Christi familia
Quam commendat sanctitas
Sit semper innoxia!
Sit in ipsa veritas,
Sit peccati nescia,
Sit perennis claritas
In coelesti patria! Amen.
XIX. WHITSUNTIDE
The Spirit dear,
That Comforter,
Who, before all ages were,
By procession came from God,
On a race,
That sought His face,
Striving for His saving grace,
Hath the kiss of peace bestowed.
On this day,
When its first ray
The third hour doth display,
Comes full pardon's gift so bright,
Which is then
For all their sin
Freely offered to all men
By the Father of all light.
Its bright sheen
Was fully seen,
And inspired bold dauntless men
With a sweet refreshment there;
Ye, did tame
With rushing flame,
And instruct and teach the same
In its learning rich and rare.
Men, before
Devoid of lore,
Weak and frail, and lacking power
Through the lack of eloquence
Useful prove,
Friends worthy love,
An beloved where'er they move,
Through the grace it doth dispense.
Feelingly,
Not fearfully,
Thus would true benignity
To its well-belovéd come:
Instantly
Sin's infamy
Never-failing charity
Would wipe off us and consume.
O mine ear
With joy doth hear,
That, whene'er His help is near,
Such untold felicity
We shall meet with bounding feet...
Let all avarice vanish hence,
Far away, wrong-doing! flee:
No more pride and insolence,
No more infidelity!
Let the truth still hold its place,
And let but humility
Search the conscience, - grace for grace, -
With all meekness modestly.
May the All in All so bless
Christ the Lord's own family,
That it, marked by holiness,
Be from ills for ever free!
Let the truth there hold its place,
Let it sin ne'er understand:
Let its brightness never cease
In the heavenly fatherland! Amen.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
PENTECOSTE
Simplex in essentia,
Septiformis gratia,
Nos illustret Spiritus;
Cordis lustret tenebras
Et carnis illecebras
Lux emissa coelitus!
Lex praecessit in figura,
Lex poenalis, lex obscura,
Lumen evangelicum.
Spiritalis intellectus,
Litterali fronde tectus,
Prodeat in publicum!
Lex de monte populo,
Paucis in coenaculo
Nova datur gratia.
Situs docet nos locorum,
Praeceptorum vel donorum
Quae sit eminentia.
Ignis, clangor buccinae,
Frago cum caligine,
Lampadum discursio,
Terrorem incutiunt
Nec amorem nutriunt,
Quem effudit unctio.
Sic in Sina
Lex divina
Reis est imposita;
Lex timoris,
Non amoris,
Puniens illicita.
Ecce patres praeelecti
Dii recentes sunt effecti:
Culpae solvunt vincula.
Pluunt verbo, tonant minis;
Novis linguis et doctrinis
Consonant miracula.
Exhibentes aegris curam,
Morbum damnant, non naturam.
Persequentes scelera,
Reos premunt et castigant:
Modo solvunt, modo ligant,
Potestate libera.
Typum gerit Jubilei
Dies iste, si diei
Requiris mysteria,
In quo, tribus millibus
Ad fidem currentibus,
Pullulat Ecclesia.
Jubilaeus est vocatus
Vel dimittens vel mulatus,
Ad priores vocans status
Res distractas libere.
Nos distractos sub peccatis,
Liberet lex charitatis
Et perfectae libertatis
Dignos reddat munere. Amen.
XVIII. WHITSUNTIDE
May the Spirit on us shine,
One in essence all-divine,
Septiform in gifts of grace!
May His beams from Heaven's height
Flood the darkened heart with light
And our lusts' ensnaring ways!
First the penal Law came, clouded
O'er with types, in mystery shrouded,
Ere the Gospel light shone forth.
'Neath the foliage of the letter
May the spirit, free from fetter,
Of that Gospel spread o'er earth!
From the Mount the Law was given
Unto all; new grace from Heaven
In a chamber to a few;
The position of which places
Brings out the respective graces
Of their laws and gifts to view.
Flames of fire, the trump's loud sound,
Din and darkness all around,
Bickering lightnings sent abroad,
Strike wild terror to the heart,
Nor the fostering love impart,
Which that unction hath outpoured.
Thus were given
Out of heaven
Laws to sinners from the Mount;
Laws of terror,
Chastening error,
Making love of small account.
By the fathers, pre-elected,
God-like works are now effected;
They unloose sin's galling bond:
Rain their words, their threatenings thunder,
With their words their works of wonder,
New and startling, correspond.
Caring for each sickly creature,
They condemn disease, not nature;
Punishing iniquity,
Sinners they strike down and chasten;
Chains they loosen, chains they fasten,
With a power from limit free.
Like a jubilee appeareth
The appearance this day weareth, -
If its mystery thou would'st know; -
When three thousand souls make haste
'Mongst believers to be classed,
And the Church doth thrive and grow.
"Jubilee" is a provision
Made for change or for remission,
Freely to their first condition
Calling those in misery.
May the law, by love enacted,
Freeing us, by sin distracted,
Make us, to its gifts attracted,
Fit for perfect liberty! Amen.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
PENTECOSTE
Qui procedis ab utroque,
Genitore Genitoque
Pariter, Paraclite,
Redde linguas eloquentes,
Fac ferventes
In te mentes
Flamma tua divite.
Amor Patris Filiique,
Par amborum et utrique
Compar et consimilis.
Cuncta reples, cuncta foves,
Astra regis, coelum moves,
Permanens immobilis.
Lumen carum,
Lumen clarum,
Internarum
Tenebrarum
Effugas caliginem;
Per te mundi sunt mundati;
Tu peccatum et peccati
Destruis rubiginem.
Veritatem notam facis
Et ostendis viam pacis
Et iter justitiae.
Perversorum
Corda vitas,
Et bonorum
Corda ditas
Munere scientiae.
Te docente
Nil obscurum,
Te prsesente
Nil impurum;
Sub tua praesentia
Gloriatur mens jocunda;
Per te laeta, per te munda
Gaudet conscientia.
Tu commutas elementa;
Per te suam sacramenta
Habent efficaciam:
Tu nocivam vim repellis,
Tu confutas et refellis
Hostium nequitiam.
Quando venis,
Corda lenis;
Quando subis
Atrae nubis
Effugit obscuritas;
Sacer ignis,
Pectus ignis;
Non comburis,
Sed a curis
Purgas, quando visitas.
Mentes prius imperitas
Et sopitas
Et oblitas
Erudis et excitas.
Foves linguas, formas sonum;
Cor ad bonum
Facit pronum
A te data charitas.
O juvamen
Oppressorum,
O solamen
Miserorum,
Pauperum refugium,
Da contemptum terrenorum,
Ad amorem supernorum
Trahe desiderium!
Consolator
Et fundator,
Habitator
Et amator
Cordium humilium,
Pelle mala, terge sordes,
Et discordes
Fac concordes,
Et affer praesidium.
Tu qui quondam visitasti,
Docuisti, confortasti
Timentes discipulos,
Visitare nos digneris;
Nos, si placet, consoleris
Et credentes populos.
Par majestas
Personarum,
Par potestas
Est earum,
Et communis Deitas:
Tu, procedens a duobus,
Coaequalis es ambobus;
In nullo disparitas.
Quia tantus es et talis
Quantus Pater est et qualis;
Servorum humilitas
Deo Patri, Filioque
Redemptori, Tibi quoque
Laudes reddat debitas. Amen.
XVII. WHITSUNTIDE
Comforter, from both together,
From the Son and from the Father,
Who proceedest equally!
Eloquent our utterance render;
With Thy splendour
Bright engender
In our hearts true warmth for Thee.
Love of Father, Son, together;
Equal of them both; with either
One: the same in every part!
All Thou fillest, all Thou lovest,
Stars Thou rulest, heaven Thou movest,
Though immovable Thou art.
Light the dearest!
Light the clearest!
Off Thou scarest,
As Thou nearest,
From the heart its gloomy night:
All the pure Thou purifiest,
Thou it is that sin destroyest,
And its mildew's baleful blight.
Knowledge of the truth Thou spreadest;
On the way of peace Thou leadest,
And the path of righteousness.
From Thee thrusting
Hearts unruly,
Thou all trusting
Hearts and holy
Dost with gifts of wisdom bless.
When Thou teachest,
Nought obscure is!
Where Thou reachest,
Nought impure is;
And, if present Thou wilt be,
Hearts in Thee then blithely glory,
And the conscience joys before Thee,
Gladdened, purified by Thee.
Elements their mystic dower,
Sacraments their saving power,
But through Thee alone possess:
What can harm us Thou repellest,
Thou exposest and Thou quellest,
Adversaries' wickedness.
Where Thou lightest,
Hearts are brightest;
Gloom-enshrouded
Clouds that brooded
There, before Thee disappear;
Fire all-holy!
Hearts Thou truly
Never burnest,
But thence yearnest,
When Thou comest, cares to clear.
Thou the heart, experience needing,
Languor pleading,
Little heeding,
Dost instruct and rouse to right;
Speeches framing, tongues endowing,
And bestowing
Love all-glowing,
Hearts Thou mak'st in good delight.
Sustentation
In dejection!
Consolation
In affliction!
Only refuge of the poor!
Give us scorn for things terrestrial,
And to care for things celestial
Lead our longings more and more!
Comfort wholly,
Founder solely,
Inmate truly,
Lover throughly,
Of those hearts that bow to Thee!
Concord, where is discord, raising,
Ills thence chasing,
Guilt effacing,
Bring us true security!
Thou, Who once by visitation
Didst inform, and consolation
To Thy scared disciples give!
Deign Thou now to come unto us:
If it please Thee, comfort show us,
And all nations that believe!
One excelling
Greatness sharing,
One as well in
Power appearing,
But one God three Persons are.
Coming forth from two together,
Thou co-equal art with either,
No disparity is there.
Such as is the Father Thou art;
Since so great and such Thou now art,
By Thy servants unto Thee,
With the Sire, and Son, in heaven
Our Redeemer, praise be given,
As is due, most reverently! Amen.
Monday, May 28, 2012
PENTECOSTE
Lux jucunda, lux insignis,
Qua de throno missus ignis
In Christi discipulos
Corda replet, linguas ditat,
Ad concordes nos invitat
Linguae cordis modulos.
Christus misit quod promisit
Pignus sponsae, quam revisit
Die quinquagesima;
Post dulcorem melleum
Petra fudit oleum,
Petra jam firmissima.
In tabellis saxeis,
Non in linguis igneis
Lex de monte populo;
Paucis cordis novitas
Et linguarum unitas
Datur in coenaculo.
O quam felix, quam festiva
Dies, in qua primitiva
Fundatur ecclesia!
Vivae sunt primitiae
Nascentis ecclesiae,
Tria primum millia.
Panes legis primitivi
Sub una sunt adoptivi
Fide duo populi:
Se duobus interjecit
Sicque duos unum fecit
Lapis, caput anguli.
Utres novi, non vetusti,
Sunt capaces novi musti;
Vasa parat vidua;
Liquorem dat Eliseus;
Nobis sacrum rorem Deus,
Si corda sunt congrua.
Non hoc musto vel liquore,
Non hoc sumus digni rore,
Si discordes moribus.
In obscuris vel divisis
No potest haec Paraclisis
Habitare cordibus.
Consolator alme, veni;
Linguas rege, corda leni;
Nihil fellis aut veneni
Sub tua praesentia.
Nil jocundum, nil amoenum,
Nil salubre, nil serenum,
Nihil dulce, nihil plenum,
Nisi tua gratia.
Tu lumen es et unguentum,
To coeleste condimentum
Aquae ditans elementum
Virtute mysterii.
Nova facti creatura,
Te laudamus mente pura,
Gratiae nunc, sed natura
Prius irae filii.
Tu qui dator es et donum,
Tu qui condis omne bonum,
Cor ad laudem redde pronum,
Nostrae linguae formans sonum
In tua praeconia.
Tu nos purga a peccatis,
Auctor ipse puritatis,
Et in Christo renovatis
Da perfectae novitatis
Plena nobis gaudia. Amen.
XVI. WHITSUNTIDE
Day delightful! day most noted!
When o'er Christ's disciples floated
Fire sent from the throne on high,
Filling hearts and tongues endowing,
And on hearts and tongues bestowing
Words and thoughts in harmony!
Christ, as once His word had spoken,
Sent his spouse a pledge and token,
Coming back the fiftieth day.
After streams of honey sweet
Oil that rock poured forth from it,
Which is now man's firmest stay.
From the mount to Jewry came
God's law, not in tongues of flame,
But on tables wrought from stone:
In a furnished upper room,
Given but to few, there come
Hearts renewed, and tongues as one.
O the joy and jubilation
Of that day, when first foundation
Of the early Church was laid:
When the Church, then first begun,
Should three hundred to it won,
Lively first-fruits of it made.
Thus one faith binds earth's two nations,
Like the early dispensation's
Twofold offering of bread:
The Head Corner-stone two races
By his presence interlaces,
And thus one the two are made.
In new bottles, not in olden,
Must the new-made wine be holden:
Brings the widow but the cruse;
Oil is by Elijah given:
So doth God for dew from heaven
Hearts, if fitting vessels, use.
Of this wine or oil before Thee,
Of this dew, are we unworthy,
If we have not peace within:
Not in hearts 'gainst God rebelling,
Can this Comforter be dwelling,
Nor in those made dark through sin.
Come, Thou Comforter benignest!
Rule our hearts and tongues, Divinest!
Gall or poison, where Thou shinest,
May not any more be found:
There is not a joy or pleasure,
Health and rest are not a treasure,
Nought is sweet, all scant in measure,
Where Thy grace doth not abound.
Thou, for light and unction given,
A sweet savour sent from heaven,
Fillest simple water even
With a new mysterious power:
We, re-made by Thy creation,
Give Thee, with pure hearts, laudation;
Sons of grace, by generation
Sons of wrath who were before.
Thou, Who art both gift and giver,
Helping every good endeavour,
Cause our hearts to praise Thee ever,
And our lips, O let us never
But in blessing Thee employ:
Wash out every evil passion,
Who alone canst purge transgression!
And in Christ our souls refashion,
That we may, in full possession,
Our new nature's bliss enjoy! Amen.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
FOR THE SUNDAY OF PENTECOST
The Work of His Hands. Alleluia.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaimeth the work of His hands.
By the Word of the Lord were the heavens established.
And all the might of them by the Spirit of His mouth.
For he hath looked out from His holy height. The Lord looked down from heaven, He beheld all the sons of men.
Fire shall go before Him.
And round about Him shall there be a mighty tempest.
Coals were kindled therefrom.
And he bowed the heavens and came down.
from the Far-shining radiance that was before Him there passed by clouds.
The wings of a dove covered with silver.
And her pinions of sparkling gold.
Out of Sion is the magnificence of His comeliness.
When He that is in the heavens ordaineth kings over her.
They shall be made snow-white in Selmon.
All the ends of the earth shall remember and shall turn unto the Lord.
And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Him.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He Himself is sovereign of the nations.
The law of the Lord is blameless, converting souls.
The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, bringing wisdom to infants.
The statutes of the Lord are upright, gladdening the heart.
The commandment of the Lord is far-shining, enlightening the eyes.
The earth was shaken and the heavens dropped dew, at the presence of
The God of Sinai, at the presence of the God of Israel.
A rain freely given shalt Thou ordain, O God, for Thine inheritance; yea it became weak.
But Thou shalt restore it.
In the stead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee.
Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.
Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth.
And their words unto the ends of the world.
Thou wilt send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.
And with Thy governing Spirit establish me. The Lord shall give speech with great power to them that bring good tidings.
The Lord will give strength unto His people.
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
Glory; both now. Alleluia.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Hark, 'tis the watchman's cry
Hark, 'tis the watchman's cry,
wake, brethren, wake:
Jesus himself is nigh;
wake brethren, wake.
Sleep is for sons of night;
ye are children of the light;
yours is the glory bright;
wake, brethren, wake.
Call to each wakening band,
watch, brethren, watch;
clear is our Lord's command,
watch, brethren, watch.
Be ye as men that wait
always at their Master's gate,
e'en though he tarry late;
watch, brethren, watch.
Heed we the Steward's call,
work, brethren, work:
there's room enough for all:
work, brethren, work.
This vineyard of the Lord
constant labor will afford;
he will your work reward;
work, brethren, work.
Hear we the Shepherd's voice,
pray, brethren, pray:
would ye his heart rejoice,
pray, brethren, pray.
Sin calls for ceaseless fear,
weakness needs the Strong One near.
Long as ye struggle hear,
pray, brethren, pray.
Sound now the final chord,
praise, brethren, praise:
thrice holy is the Lord,
praise, brethren, praise.
What more befits the tongues
soon to join the angels' songs?
While heaven the note prolongs
praise, brethren, praise.
Words: Anonymous, 1859
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Captains of the saintly band
Captains of the saintly band,
lights who lighten every land,
princes who with Jesus dwell,
judges of his Israel,
on the nations sunk in night
ye have shed the gospel light;
sin and error flee away,
truth reveals the promised day.
Not by warrior's spear and sword,
not by art of human word,
preaching but the cross of shame,
rebel hearts for Christ ye tame.
Earth, that long in sin and pain
groaned in Satan's deadly chain,
now to serve its God is free
in the law of liberty.
Distant lands with one acclaim
tell the honor of your name,
who, wherever man has trod,
teach the mysteries of God.
Glory to the Three in One,
while eternal ages run,
who from deepest shades of night
called us to his glorious light.
Words: Jean-Baptiste de Santeüil, 1686;
trans. Henry Williams Baker, 1861
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Hail, harbinger of morn
Hail, harbinger of morn:
thou that art this day born,
and heraldest the Word with clarion voice!
Ye faithful ones, in him
behold the dawning dim
of the bright day, and let your hearts rejoice.
John--by that chosen name
to call him, Gabriel came
by God's appointment from his home on high:
what deeds that babe should do
to manhood when he grew,
God sent his Angel forth to testify.
There is none greater, none,
than Zechariah's son;
than this no mightier prophet hath been born:
of prophets he may claim
more than a prophet's fame;
sublimer deeds than theirs his brow adorn.
"Lo, to prepare thy way,"
did God the Father say,
"Before thy face my messenger I send,
thy coming to forerun;
as on the orient sun
doth the bright daystar morn by morn attend."
Praise therefore God most high;
praise him who came to die
for us, his Son that liveth evermore;
and to the Spirit raise,
the Comforter, like praise,
while time endureth, and when time is o'er.
Words: The Venerable Bede (673-735);
trans. C.S. Calverley, 1906
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Ascension
Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch Ascension Hymn
Psalm 24
24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Ascension
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. - Acts 1:11
Look up, your redemption is at hand: Nuzul i Isa, the Parousia of Isa al-Maseeh
He warned us!
25 Behold I have told it to you, beforehand.
Holy Qur'an
075.001 I do call to witness the Resurrection Day;
075.002 And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil).
075.003 Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones?
075.004 Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.
075.005 But man wishes to do wrong (even) in the time in front of him.
075.006 He questions: "When is the Day of Resurrection?"
075.007 At length, when the sight is dazed,
075.008 And the moon is buried in darkness.
075.009 And the sun and moon are joined together,-
075.010 That Day will Man say: "Where is the refuge?"
075.011 By no means! No place of safety!
075.012 Before thy Lord (alone), that Day will be the place of rest.
075.013 That Day will Man be told (all) that he put forward, and all that he put back.
075.014 Nay, man will be evidence against himself,
075.015 Even though he were to put up his excuses.
075.016 Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith.
075.017 It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:
075.018 But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital (as promulgated):
075.019 Nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear):
075.020 Nay, (ye men!) but ye love the fleeting life,
075.021 And leave alone the Hereafter.
075.022 Some faces, that Day, will beam (in brightness and beauty);-
075.023 Looking towards their Lord;
075.024 And some faces, that Day, will be sad and dismal,
075.025 In the thought that some back-breaking calamity was about to be inflicted on them;
075.026 Yea, when (the soul) reaches to the collar-bone (in its exit),
075.027 And there will be a cry, "Who is a magician (to restore him)?"
075.028 And he will conclude that it was (the Time) of Parting;
075.029 And one leg will be joined with another:
075.030 That Day the Drive will be (all) to thy Lord!
075.031 So he gave nothing in charity, nor did he pray!-
075.032 But on the contrary, he rejected Truth and turned away!
075.033 Then did he stalk to his family in full conceit!
075.034 Woe to thee, (O men!), yea, woe!
075.035 Again, Woe to thee, (O men!), yea, woe!
075.036 Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled, (without purpose)?
075.037 Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)?
075.038 Then did he become a clinging clot; then did (God) make and fashion (him) in due proportion.
075.039 And of him He made two sexes, male and female.
075.040 Has not He, (the same), the power to give life to the dead?
Sunday, May 20, 2012
O God, thy soldiers' crown and guard
O God, thy soldiers' great reward,
their portion, crown and faithful Lord,
from all transgressions set us free,
who sing thy martyr's victory.
By wisdom taught, he learned to know
the vanity of all below,
the fleeting joys of earth disdained,
and everlasting glory gained.
Right manfully his cross he bore,
and ran his race of torments sore;
for thee he poured his life away,
with thee he lives in endless day.
We therefore pray thee, Lord of love,
regard us from thy throne above;
on this thy martyr's triumph day,
wash every stain of sin away.
All praise to God the Father be,
all praise, eternal Son, to thee,
whom with the Spirit we adore
for ever and for evermore.
Words: Latin, sixth century;
trans. John Mason Neale, 1851 and Hymns Ancient & Modern
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Hail, gladdening Light
Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured,
who is immortal Father, heavenly blest;
Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord!
Now are we come to the sun's hour of rest;
the lights of evening round us shine,
we hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung,
with undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone!
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.
Words: Greek;
trans. John Keble, 1834
Friday, May 18, 2012
O Kind Creator, bow thine ear
O kind Creator, bow thine ear
to mark the cry, to know the tear
before thy throne of mercy spent
in this thy holy fast of Lent.
Our hearts are open, Lord, to thee:
thou knowest our infirmity;
pour out on all who seek thy face
abundance of thy pardoning grace.
Our sins are many, this we know;
spare us, good Lord, thy mercy show;
and for the honor of thy name
our fainting souls to life reclaim.
Give us the self-control that springs
from discipline of outward things,
that fasting inward secretly
the soul may purely dwell with thee.
We pray thee, Holy Trinity,
one God, unchanging Unity,
that we from this our abstinence
may reap the fruits of penitence.
Words: attributed to Gregory the Great, sixth century;
trans. Thomas Alexander Lacey, 1906
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Ascension of Christ
Postquam hostem et inferna
Spoliavit, ad superna
Christus redit gaudia;
Angelorum ascendenti
Sicut olim descendenti
Parantur obsequia.
Super astra sublimatur;
Non apparet, absentatur
Corporis praesentia;
Cuncta tamen moderatur,
Cujus Patri coaequatur
Honor et potentia.
Modo victor, modo tutus,
Est in coelo constitutus
Rector super omnia.
Non est rursum moriturus,
Nec per mortem mandaturus
Hominum contagia.
Semel enim incarnatus,
Semel passus, semel datus
Pro peccatis hostia,
Nullam feret ultra poenam,
Nam quietem habet plenam
Cum summa laetitia.
Cum recessit, ita dixit,
Intimavit et infixit
Talia discipulis:
"Ite, mundum circuite,
Universos erudite
Verbis et miraculis.
"Nam as Patrem meum ibo;
Sed sciatis quod redibo:
Veniet Paraclitus
Qui desertos et loquaces,
Et securos, et audaces
Faciet vos penitus.
"Super aegros et languentes
Manus vestras imponentes,
Sanitatem dabitis;
Universas res nocentes,
Inimicos et serpentes
Et morbos fugabitis.
"Qui fidelis est futurus
Et cum fide suscepturus
Baptismi remedium,
In peccatis erit purus
Et cum justis habiturus
Sempiternum gaudium." Amen.
-----
XV. ASCENSION
Satan and the realms infernal
Having spoiled, to joys supernal
Christ returneth back once more:
As His upward way he wendeth,
As before, when he descendeth,
Angels set them to adore.
As above the stars He goeth,
Here no more Himself He showeth,
Bodily, to mortal sight;
But all rule to him is given,
Who is with His Sire in Heaven
One in majesty and might.
Victor now, from perils warded,
He in heaven hath been accorded
Empire over all therein:
Nevermore shall He be dying,
Nevermore through death supplying
Means to purify man's sin.
Once for all He took our nature,
Once He suffered, once, a creature,
Was for sin content to die:
Further pain shall He know never,
But, in perfect peace for ever,
Compass endless joys on high.
Thus he spake, as He ascended;
These things straitly He commanded,
And impressed upon His own:
"Go through all the world and preach ye,
Every nation therein teach ye
Both by word and wonder done.
"For I go unto my Father,
To return, as ye may gather,
Since shall come a Comforter,
Who shall make you bold and fearless,
Of all consequences careless,
Eloquent in speech and clear.
"Those laid low by sickness on them,
When ye lay your hands upon them,
Shall their former health regain:
All things hurtful and annoying,
With all deadly snakes, destroying,
Ye shall drive out plagues and pain.
"Whosoever but believeth,
And with simple faith receiveth
Baptism's sure remedy,
Shall be cleansed from all transgression,
And have with the saints possession
Of eternal joys on high!" Amen.
Hymn for Ascension Day
Hymn for Ascension Day
On this day the new bread of the spirit has gone up to heaven.
The mysteries were revealed in your Body which has gone up as an offering.
Blessed be your bread, O Lord!
The Lamb has come to us from the house of David;
the priest, from the stock of Abraham,
has become for our sakes the Lamb of God,
the new minister of sacrifice.
His body is the victim, his blood is our drink. . Blessed be the new sacrifice!
He has descended from heaven like the light; is born of Mary as a divine shoot;
as a fruit he has fallen from the cross;
and is offered up to heaven as the first fruits. Blessed be his will!
You are the offering of heaven and of earth, immolated and at the same time adored.
You came to be a victim,
you ascended as a singular offering,
you ascended, Lord,
bearing with you the offering of your sacrifice.
Ephrem Syrus
The Ascension of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
The Ascension of Christ. Matthias is chosen in place of Judas.
1 The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things, which Jesus began to do and to teach,
2 Until the day *on which giving commandments by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen he was taken up:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God.
4 And eating with them, *he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, **which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth.
5 For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.
6 They, therefore, who were come together, asked him, saying; Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel:
7 But he said to them; It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power:
8 *But you shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you, **and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth.
9 And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments;
11 Who also said; Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, so shall he come as you have seen him going into heaven.
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem, from the mount that is called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, within a sabbath-day's journey.
13 And when they had entered in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James, of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Jude, of James.
14 All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
15 In those days Peter, rising up in the midst of the brethren, said: (now the number of persons together, was about an hundred and twenty:)
16 Men, brethren, the Scripture must be fulfilled, *which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the leader of them that apprehended Jesus:
17 Who was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 *And he indeed hath possessed a field of the reward of iniquity, and being hanged, burst asunder in the midst: and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: so that the field is called in their tongue, Haceldama; that is, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms: *Let their habitation become desolate, and let there be none to dwell therein: **and let another take his bishoprick.
21 Wherefore of these men who have companied with us, all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day wherein he was taken up from us, one of these must be made a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And praying, they said; Thou, O Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, shew which of these two thou hast chosen,
25 To take the place of this ministry, and apostleship, from which Judas hath by transgression fallen, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave them lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
____________________
*
2: about the year A.D. 29/30 if the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ is reckoned from 5/4 B.C.
4: Luke xxiv. 19.; John xiv. 26. --- ** Matthew iii. 11.; Mark i. 8.; Luke iii. 16.; John i. 26.
8: Acts ii. 2. --- ** Luke xxiv. 48.
16: Psalm xl. 10.; John xiii. 18.
18: Matthew xxvii. 7.
20: Psalm lxviii. 26. --- ** Psalm cviii. 8.
Jesus Christ is the only Way and Truth and Life - No one comes to the Father except by Him.
For as it was not possible that the man [Adam and all descended from him by earthly father and mother] who had once for all been conquered, and who had been destroyed through disobedience, could reform himself, and obtain the prize of victory; and as it was also impossible that he could attain to salvation who had fallen under the power of sin,-the Son [Jesus Christ] effected both these things, being the Word of God, descending from the Father, becoming incarnate, stooping low, even to death, and consummating the arranged plan of our salvation, upon whom [Paul], exhorting us unhesitatingly to believe, again says, "Who shall ascend into heaven? that is, to bring down Christ; or who shall descend into the deep? that is, to liberate Christ again from the dead." Then he continues, "If thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved." And he renders the reason why the Son of God did these things, saying, "For to this end Christ both lived, and died, and revived, that He might rule over the living and the dead." And again, writing to the Corinthians, he declares, "But we preach Christ Jesus crucified; "and adds, "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? " - St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book III, Chapter XVIII, Section 2.God, His Infinite Existence and Governing Presence in His creation and His forgiveness of sin
Friday, January 6, 2012
Traditional Catholic Prayers: January 1 is the Feast of the Circumcision - January 6
See: Traditional Catholic Prayers: January 1 is the Feast of the Circumcision - Eternal Faith & Beliefs « BellesHeures's WeblogThe sacrifices of the law were far inferior to that of Christ.
9:1 The former indeed had also justifications of divine service and a sanctuary.
9:2 For there was a tabernacle made the first, wherein were the candlesticks and the table and the setting forth of loaves, which is called the Holy.
9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies:
9:4 Having a golden censer and the ark of the testament covered about on every part with gold, in which was a golden pot that had manna and the rod of Aaron that had blossomed and the tables of the testament.
9:5 And over it were the cherubims of glory overshadowing the propitiatory: of which it is not needful to speak now particularly.
9:6 Now these things being thus ordered, into the first tabernacle, the priests indeed always entered, accomplishing the offices of sacrifices.
9:7 But into the second, the high priest alone, once a year: not without blood, which he offereth for his own and the people's ignorance:
9:8 The Holy Ghost signifying this: That the way into the Holies was not yet made manifest, whilst the former tabernacle was yet standing.
9:9 Which is a parable of the time present: according to which gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot, as to the conscience, make him perfect that serveth, only in meats and in drinks,
9:10 And divers washings and justices of the flesh laid on them until the time of correction.
Of correction. . .Viz., when Christ should correct and settle all things.
9:11 But Christ, being come an high Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hand, that is, not of this creation:
9:12 Neither by the blood of goats or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption.
9:13 For if the blood of goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer, being sprinkled, sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh:
9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by the Holy Ghost offered himself unspotted unto God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?
9:15 And therefore he is the mediator of the new testament: that by means of his death for the redemption of those transgressions which were under the former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
9:16 For where there is a testament the death of the testator must of necessity come in.
9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth.
9:18 Whereupon neither was the first indeed dedicated without blood.
9:19 For when every commandment of the law had been read by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people.
9:20 Saying: This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
9:21 The tabernacle also and all the vessels of the ministry, in like manner, he sprinkled with blood.
9:22 And almost all things, according to the law, are cleansed with blood: and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
9:23 It is necessary therefore that the patterns of heavenly things should be cleansed with these: but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
9:24 For Jesus is not entered into the Holies made with hands, the patterns of the true: but into Heaven itself, that he may appear now in the presence of God for us.
9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the Holies every year with the blood of others:
Offer himself often. . . Christ shall never more offer himself in sacrifice, in that violent, painful, and bloody manner, nor can there be any occasion for it: since by that one sacrifice upon His Cross, he has furnished the full ransom, redemption, and remedy for all the sins of the world. But this hinders not that He, by the Holy Spirit, makes Himself daily present in the sacred Eucharist in the bread and cup given us by God and His power alone and not by any pretended power of men, that sacred Presence whom we receive in faith with all thanksgiving.
9:26 For then he ought to have suffered often from the beginning of the world. But now once, at the end of ages, he hath appeared for the destruction of sin by the sacrifice of himself.
9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment:
9:28 So also Christ was offered once to exhaust the sins of many. The second time he shall appear without sin to them that expect him unto salvation.
John 6:55
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day.
For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.
And the whole people answering, said: His blood be upon us and our children.
Christian Belief
Passion Sunday
Epistle:
Heb:9:
15 ¶ And therefore he is the mediator of the new testament: that by means of his death for the redemption of those transgressions which were under the former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Gospel:
Jn:8:
46 ¶ Which of you shall convince me of sin? If I say the truth to you, why do you not believe me:
59 They took up stones therefore to cast at him. But Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
(DRV)
Palm Sunday (this week, today 4/9/06)
Epistle:
Phil:2:
5 For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
11 And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
Gospel:
Mt:21:
1 ¶ And when they drew nigh to Jerusalem and were come to Bethphage, unto mount Olivet, then Jesus sent two disciples,
10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, the whole city was moved, saying: Who is this?
Mt:26:
27 And taking the chalice, he gave thanks and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this.
Phil:2:5:
5 For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
7 But emptied [His kenosis] himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. (DRV)
But do Thou O Lord have mercy on us.
Thanks be to God.
Magnificat at Vespers
Ant.: For it is written; I will strike the shepherd, and the flock shall be dispersed; but after I shall be risen again I will go before you into Galilee: there ye shall see me, saith the Lord.
46 My soul doth magnify the Lord.
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him.
51 He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.
55 As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
(DRV)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning and now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Ant.: For it is written; I will strike the shepherd, and the flock shall be dispersed; but after I shall be risen again I will go before you into Galilee: there ye shall see me, saith the Lord.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray
O Almighty and everlasting God, who, setting up an example of humility for all mankind to follow, didst will that our Saviour should take upon Him our nature, and should suffer the death of the cross: enable us, we beseech thee, ever to bear in mind the teachings of His patience, and in fine to deserve to have part in His resurrection. Through Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Who Lives and Reigns with Thee in the Unity and Power of the Holy Spirit unto the endless ages. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
The feast of Corpus Christi, Thursday after Trinity Sunday, from the Office of the Hours:
A priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech, Christ the Lord offered bread and wine.
YOU CAN NOT SPEAK OF THE CRUCIFIXION OF OUR LORD WITHOUT SPEAKING OF HIS RESURRECTION. HE ALWAYS DID THAT. HE IS OUR MODEL. SO WE MUST ALWAYS BEAR THAT LINK BETWEEN THE TWO. IN THE FUTURE HE WILL RETURN AND RAISE ALL MEN IN THE FLESH TO JUDGEMENT! THE EUCHARIST IS OUR PLEDGE OF FIDELITY TO HIM IN OUR RECEPTION OF HIS BODY AND BLOOD. NOT A PLEDGE OF FIDELITY TO EVEN A RIGHTEOUS POPE, LIKE PIUS X. AND CERTAINLY NOT TO ANTIPOPES LIKE JOHN PAUL II AND BENEDICT XVI
Of course the chief priests and Pharisees can’t stand that.
Mt. 21
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone (Christ) shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder.
45 And when the ecumenists and legalists had heard his parables, they knew that he spoke of them.
46 And they sought to lay hands on him (while gnashing their teeth), but feared the multitudes, because they held him as a prophet.
Popular Posts
-
Traditional Catholic Prayers: The Mark, the Name, the Number of the beast and the Tower of Babel = Ecumenism: Parousia of Jesus Christ Our ...
-
I ARISE TODAY IN A HYMN OF PRAISE TO THE LORD OF CREATION IN ALL HOLY Blessing and brightness, Wisdom, thanksgiving, Great power and might T...
-
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel + In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Most glorious Prince ...
-
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, Have mercy on us. Jesus,...
-
Terse Open our hearts, O Lord and enlighten us by the grace of the Holy Spirit that we may seek what is pleasing to your will and so order ...
-
Timeline of the Schism that wasn't and the beginning of the Cardinalate that had never been. The Modern Papacy - an invention. In the...
-
It was the ancient Gnostic heretics which were the chief coming of Antichrist fakirs that the Early Church Fathers warned against and fore...
-
Traditional Catholic Prayers: Traditional Catholic Prayers: The Litany of the Saints Traditional Catholic Prayers: The Litany of the Sa...
Christ will return, first: the Coming of Antichrist
The Antichrist comes first. We are to have nothing to do with that, even at the cost of our lives.
МАРК, ИМЯ, НОМЕР ЗВЕРЯ И БАШНЯ BABEL = ECUMENISM