Office of Readings
0715 Pastors Feast
Invitatory Antiphon
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;
hail the God who save us.
Let us come before him giving thanks,
with songs let us hail the Lord.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
A mighty God is the Lord,
a great king above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his.
To him belongs the sea, for he made it,
and the dry land shaped by his hands.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Come in; let us bow and bend low;
let us kneel before the God who made us
for he is our God and we +
the people who belong to his pasture,
the flock that is led by his hand.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
O that today you would listen to his voice!
"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the desert +
when your fathers put me to the test;
when they tried me, though they saw my work.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
For forty years I was wearied of these people
and I said: 'Their hearts are astray,
these people do not know my ways.' +
Then I took an oath in my anger:
'Never shall they enter my rest.'"
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Hymn
Scholar and humble friar
Of Francis' family
Remaining unassuming, when
Raised to high dignity.
Knowledge he'd learnt from books
- this widely studied man -
but deeper wisdom from the cross
he read, and read again.
His inspiration, Christ,
Devout to Mary too;
His integrated purpose shone
Through all that he might do.
The talents he'd received
Were used for God's design
He lectured, governed, lived to serve
Inspired by love divine.
His learning so sublime
His virtue equally
Wi11lead us to that summit where
He lives eternally.
All glory to our God
The source of every grace
Be rendered everlastingly
Beyond the bounds of space.
Psalmody
Psalm 20: 2-8,14
Ant. 1:His foot has trodden the path of wisdom, he has explored all her ways, walking in her footsteps.
O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king: *
how your saving help makes him glad!
You have granted him his heart's desire· *
you have not refused the prayer of his lips.
You came to meet him with the blessings of success *
you have set on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked you for life and this you have given, *
days that will last from age to age.
Your saving help has given him glory. *
You have laid upon him majesty and splendour,
you have granted your blessings to him for ever. *
You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence.
The king has put his trust in the Lord: *
through the mercy of the Most High he shall stand firm.
O Lord, arise in your strength; *
we shall sing and praise your power.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant 1:His foot has trodden the path of wisdom, he has explored all her ways, walking in her footsteps.
Psalm 91 I
Ant 2:Doctrine poured out of him like a river; he left it as a legacy to all who seek wisdom.
It is good to give thanks to the Lord *
to make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning *
and your truth in the watches of the night,
on the ten-stringed lyre and the lute, *
with the murmuring sound of the harp.
Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad; *
for the work of your hands I shout with joy.
O Lord, how great are your works! *
How deep are your designs!
The foolish man cannot know this *
and the fool cannot understand.
Though the wicked spring up like grass *
and all who do evil thrive:
they are doomed to be eternally destroyed. *
But you, Lord, are eternally on high.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant 2:Doctrine poured out of him like a river; he left it as a legacy to all who seek wisdom.
Psalm 91 II
Ant. 3:See how I worked not only for myself but for all who seek the truth.
See how your enemies perish; *
all doers of evil are scattered.
To me you give the wild-ox's strength; *
you anoint me with the purest oil.
My eyes looked in triumph on my foes; *
my ears heard gladly of their fall.
The just will flourish like the palm-tree *
and grow like a Lebanon cedar.
Planted in the house of the Lord *
they will flourish in the courts of our God,
still bearing fruit when they are old, *
still full of sap, still green,
to proclaim that the Lord is just. *
In him, my rock, there is no wrong.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 3:See how I worked not only for myself but for all who seek the truth.
【V】:The Lord gave him the bread of life and understanding to eat.
【R】:And the water of saving wisdom to drink.
The First Reading
From the book of Wisdom [Wisdom 8, 2-7, 9-13, 16-19]
Wisdom is an initiate in the mysteries of God's knowledge
I loved her and sought her from my youth, and I desired to take her for my bride, and I became enamoured of her beauty. She glorifies her noble birth by living with God, and the Lord of all loves her. For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and an associate in his works. If riches are a desirable possession in life, what is richer than wisdom who effects all things? And if understanding is effective, who more than she is fashioner of what exists? And if anyone loves righteousness, her labours are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for men than these.
Therefore I determined to take her to live with me, knowing that she would give me good counsel and encouragement in cares and grief. Because of her I shall have glory among the multitudes and honour in the presence of the elders, though I am young. I shall be found keen in judgement, and in the sight of the rulers I shall be admired. When I am silent they will wait for me, and when I speak they will give heed; and when I speak at greater length they will put their hands on their mouths. Because of her I shall have immortality, and leave an everlasting remembrance to those who come after. When I enter my house, I shall find rest with her, for companionship with her has no bitterness, and life with her has no pain, but gladness and joy. When I considered these things inwardly, and thought upon them in my mind, that in kinship with wisdom there is immortality, and in friendship with her, pure delight, and in the labours of her hands, unfailing wealth, and in the experience of her company, understanding, and renown in sharing her words, I went about seeking how to get her for myself. As a child I was by nature well endowed, and a good soul fell to my lot.
Responsory
【V】:How wise you were in your youth brimming over with understanding like a river *
【R】:You were loved for your peace.
【V】:Your name reached the distant islands. *
【R】:You were loved for your peace.
The Second Reading
A reading from "The Journey of the Mind to God" by Saint Bonaventure
Mystical wisdom is revealed through the Spirit
Christ is the way and the door, Christ is the ladder and the conveyance, the propitiatory, as it were, placed over the Ark of God, and "the mystery which has been hidden from eternity". Whoever looks upon the propitiatory and turns his face fully towards the Crucified, with faith, hope, and love: with devotion, admiration, and exultation, with appreciation, praise, and joy, makes the Pasch, that is, the Passover, in the company of Christ. By the staff of the cross, he enters the Red Sea, on his way out of Egypt to. the desert; there he tastes the "hidden manna", and with Christ he lies in the tomb, apparently dead to the world, but all the while experiencing in himself, as much as is possible in the present state of wayfaring, what was said on the cross to the robber who confessed Christ: “Amen, I say to you, this day you will be with me in paradise."
If this passing over is to be perfect, all intellectual operations must be given up, and the sharp point of our desires must be entirely directed towards God and transformed in him. Such a motion as this is something mystical and very secret, and no one knows it except him who receives It, and no one receives it except him who desires it, and no one desires it unless the fire of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to earth, inflames him to the very marrow. That is why the apostle attributes to the Holy Spirit the revelation of such mystical wisdom.
But if you wish to know how such things come about, consult grace, not doctrine; desire, not understanding; prayerful groaning, not studious reading; the Spouse, not the teacher; God, not man; darkness, not clarity.
Consult, not light, but the fire that completely inflames the mind and carries it over to God in transports of fervour and blazes of love. This fire is God, "and his furnace is in Jerusalem". Christ starts the flame with the fiery heat of his intense suffering, which that man alone truly embraces who can say: "My soul rather chooses hanging; and my bones death". Whoever loves this death may see God, for this is beyond doubt true: "No man sees me and still lives".
Let us die, then, and pass over into the darkness; let us silence every care, every craving, every dream; with Christ crucified, let us "pass out of this world to the Father". Thus, having seen the Father, we may say with Philip: "It is enough for us"; and may hear with Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you"; and may rejoice with David, saying: "Though my flesh and my heart waste away, God is the rock of my heart and my portion for ever - Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, through all eternity! Let all the people say, Amen! Alleluia!"
Responsory
【V】:He was moved to speak before the assembled people *
【R】:And the Lord filled him with knowledge and understanding.
【V】:He found happiness and a crown of joy; he has inherited an everlasting name. *
【R】:And the Lord filled him with knowledge and understanding.
TeDeum
We praise you, O God: *
we acclaim you as the Lord.
Everlasting Father, *
all the world bows down before you.
All the angels sing your praise, *
the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers,
all the cherubim and seraphim *
call out to you in unending song:
Holy, Holy, Holy, *
is the Lord God of angel hosts!
The heavens and the earth are filled *
with your majesty and glory.
The glorious band of apostles, *
the noble company of prophets,
the white-robed army who shed their blood for Christ, *
all sing your praise.
And to the ends of the earth *
your holy Church proclaims her faith in you:
Father, whose majesty is boundless, +
your true and only Son, who is to be adored *
the Holy Spirit sent to be our Advocate.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, *
Son of the eternal Father.
When you took our nature to save mankind *
you did not shrink from birth in the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the power of death *
opening the Father's kingdom to all who believe in you.
Enthroned at God's right hand in the glory of the Father, *
you will come in judgment according to your promise.
You redeemed your people by your precious blood. *
Come we implore you, to our aid.
Grant us with the saints *
a place in eternal glory.
***
Lord, save your people *
and bless your inheritance.
Rule them and uphold them *
for ever and ever.
Day by day we praise you: *
we acclaim you now and to all eternity.
In your goodness, Lord, keep us free from sin. *
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
May your mercy always be with us, Lord, *
for we have hoped in you.
In you, Lord, we put our trust: *
we shall not be put to shame.
Concluding Prayer
Almighty God and Father, on this feast of Saint Bonaventure, enlighten our minds with the splendour of his teaching, and help us to imitate his ardent love of you: we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;
hail the God who save us.
Let us come before him giving thanks,
with songs let us hail the Lord.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
A mighty God is the Lord,
a great king above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his.
To him belongs the sea, for he made it,
and the dry land shaped by his hands.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Come in; let us bow and bend low;
let us kneel before the God who made us
for he is our God and we +
the people who belong to his pasture,
the flock that is led by his hand.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
O that today you would listen to his voice!
"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the desert +
when your fathers put me to the test;
when they tried me, though they saw my work.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
For forty years I was wearied of these people
and I said: 'Their hearts are astray,
these people do not know my ways.' +
Then I took an oath in my anger:
'Never shall they enter my rest.'"
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
【Ant.】:The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.
Hymn
Scholar and humble friar
Of Francis' family
Remaining unassuming, when
Raised to high dignity.
Knowledge he'd learnt from books
- this widely studied man -
but deeper wisdom from the cross
he read, and read again.
His inspiration, Christ,
Devout to Mary too;
His integrated purpose shone
Through all that he might do.
The talents he'd received
Were used for God's design
He lectured, governed, lived to serve
Inspired by love divine.
His learning so sublime
His virtue equally
Wi11lead us to that summit where
He lives eternally.
All glory to our God
The source of every grace
Be rendered everlastingly
Beyond the bounds of space.
Psalmody
Psalm 20: 2-8,14
Ant. 1:His foot has trodden the path of wisdom, he has explored all her ways, walking in her footsteps.
O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king: *
how your saving help makes him glad!
You have granted him his heart's desire· *
you have not refused the prayer of his lips.
You came to meet him with the blessings of success *
you have set on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked you for life and this you have given, *
days that will last from age to age.
Your saving help has given him glory. *
You have laid upon him majesty and splendour,
you have granted your blessings to him for ever. *
You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence.
The king has put his trust in the Lord: *
through the mercy of the Most High he shall stand firm.
O Lord, arise in your strength; *
we shall sing and praise your power.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant 1:His foot has trodden the path of wisdom, he has explored all her ways, walking in her footsteps.
Psalm 91 I
Ant 2:Doctrine poured out of him like a river; he left it as a legacy to all who seek wisdom.
It is good to give thanks to the Lord *
to make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning *
and your truth in the watches of the night,
on the ten-stringed lyre and the lute, *
with the murmuring sound of the harp.
Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad; *
for the work of your hands I shout with joy.
O Lord, how great are your works! *
How deep are your designs!
The foolish man cannot know this *
and the fool cannot understand.
Though the wicked spring up like grass *
and all who do evil thrive:
they are doomed to be eternally destroyed. *
But you, Lord, are eternally on high.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant 2:Doctrine poured out of him like a river; he left it as a legacy to all who seek wisdom.
Psalm 91 II
Ant. 3:See how I worked not only for myself but for all who seek the truth.
See how your enemies perish; *
all doers of evil are scattered.
To me you give the wild-ox's strength; *
you anoint me with the purest oil.
My eyes looked in triumph on my foes; *
my ears heard gladly of their fall.
The just will flourish like the palm-tree *
and grow like a Lebanon cedar.
Planted in the house of the Lord *
they will flourish in the courts of our God,
still bearing fruit when they are old, *
still full of sap, still green,
to proclaim that the Lord is just. *
In him, my rock, there is no wrong.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 3:See how I worked not only for myself but for all who seek the truth.
【V】:The Lord gave him the bread of life and understanding to eat.
【R】:And the water of saving wisdom to drink.
The First Reading
From the book of Wisdom [Wisdom 8, 2-7, 9-13, 16-19]
Wisdom is an initiate in the mysteries of God's knowledge
I loved her and sought her from my youth, and I desired to take her for my bride, and I became enamoured of her beauty. She glorifies her noble birth by living with God, and the Lord of all loves her. For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and an associate in his works. If riches are a desirable possession in life, what is richer than wisdom who effects all things? And if understanding is effective, who more than she is fashioner of what exists? And if anyone loves righteousness, her labours are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for men than these.
Therefore I determined to take her to live with me, knowing that she would give me good counsel and encouragement in cares and grief. Because of her I shall have glory among the multitudes and honour in the presence of the elders, though I am young. I shall be found keen in judgement, and in the sight of the rulers I shall be admired. When I am silent they will wait for me, and when I speak they will give heed; and when I speak at greater length they will put their hands on their mouths. Because of her I shall have immortality, and leave an everlasting remembrance to those who come after. When I enter my house, I shall find rest with her, for companionship with her has no bitterness, and life with her has no pain, but gladness and joy. When I considered these things inwardly, and thought upon them in my mind, that in kinship with wisdom there is immortality, and in friendship with her, pure delight, and in the labours of her hands, unfailing wealth, and in the experience of her company, understanding, and renown in sharing her words, I went about seeking how to get her for myself. As a child I was by nature well endowed, and a good soul fell to my lot.
Responsory
【V】:How wise you were in your youth brimming over with understanding like a river *
【R】:You were loved for your peace.
【V】:Your name reached the distant islands. *
【R】:You were loved for your peace.
The Second Reading
A reading from "The Journey of the Mind to God" by Saint Bonaventure
Mystical wisdom is revealed through the Spirit
Christ is the way and the door, Christ is the ladder and the conveyance, the propitiatory, as it were, placed over the Ark of God, and "the mystery which has been hidden from eternity". Whoever looks upon the propitiatory and turns his face fully towards the Crucified, with faith, hope, and love: with devotion, admiration, and exultation, with appreciation, praise, and joy, makes the Pasch, that is, the Passover, in the company of Christ. By the staff of the cross, he enters the Red Sea, on his way out of Egypt to. the desert; there he tastes the "hidden manna", and with Christ he lies in the tomb, apparently dead to the world, but all the while experiencing in himself, as much as is possible in the present state of wayfaring, what was said on the cross to the robber who confessed Christ: “Amen, I say to you, this day you will be with me in paradise."
If this passing over is to be perfect, all intellectual operations must be given up, and the sharp point of our desires must be entirely directed towards God and transformed in him. Such a motion as this is something mystical and very secret, and no one knows it except him who receives It, and no one receives it except him who desires it, and no one desires it unless the fire of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to earth, inflames him to the very marrow. That is why the apostle attributes to the Holy Spirit the revelation of such mystical wisdom.
But if you wish to know how such things come about, consult grace, not doctrine; desire, not understanding; prayerful groaning, not studious reading; the Spouse, not the teacher; God, not man; darkness, not clarity.
Consult, not light, but the fire that completely inflames the mind and carries it over to God in transports of fervour and blazes of love. This fire is God, "and his furnace is in Jerusalem". Christ starts the flame with the fiery heat of his intense suffering, which that man alone truly embraces who can say: "My soul rather chooses hanging; and my bones death". Whoever loves this death may see God, for this is beyond doubt true: "No man sees me and still lives".
Let us die, then, and pass over into the darkness; let us silence every care, every craving, every dream; with Christ crucified, let us "pass out of this world to the Father". Thus, having seen the Father, we may say with Philip: "It is enough for us"; and may hear with Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you"; and may rejoice with David, saying: "Though my flesh and my heart waste away, God is the rock of my heart and my portion for ever - Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, through all eternity! Let all the people say, Amen! Alleluia!"
Responsory
【V】:He was moved to speak before the assembled people *
【R】:And the Lord filled him with knowledge and understanding.
【V】:He found happiness and a crown of joy; he has inherited an everlasting name. *
【R】:And the Lord filled him with knowledge and understanding.
TeDeum
We praise you, O God: *
we acclaim you as the Lord.
Everlasting Father, *
all the world bows down before you.
All the angels sing your praise, *
the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers,
all the cherubim and seraphim *
call out to you in unending song:
Holy, Holy, Holy, *
is the Lord God of angel hosts!
The heavens and the earth are filled *
with your majesty and glory.
The glorious band of apostles, *
the noble company of prophets,
the white-robed army who shed their blood for Christ, *
all sing your praise.
And to the ends of the earth *
your holy Church proclaims her faith in you:
Father, whose majesty is boundless, +
your true and only Son, who is to be adored *
the Holy Spirit sent to be our Advocate.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, *
Son of the eternal Father.
When you took our nature to save mankind *
you did not shrink from birth in the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the power of death *
opening the Father's kingdom to all who believe in you.
Enthroned at God's right hand in the glory of the Father, *
you will come in judgment according to your promise.
You redeemed your people by your precious blood. *
Come we implore you, to our aid.
Grant us with the saints *
a place in eternal glory.
***
Lord, save your people *
and bless your inheritance.
Rule them and uphold them *
for ever and ever.
Day by day we praise you: *
we acclaim you now and to all eternity.
In your goodness, Lord, keep us free from sin. *
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
May your mercy always be with us, Lord, *
for we have hoped in you.
In you, Lord, we put our trust: *
we shall not be put to shame.
Concluding Prayer
Almighty God and Father, on this feast of Saint Bonaventure, enlighten our minds with the splendour of his teaching, and help us to imitate his ardent love of you: we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen