Office of Readings
0811 Virgins Feast
Invitatory Antiphon
【Ant.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: come, let us adore him.
Hymn
Let all God's faithful people sing,
This virgin to the world proclaim,
Who Christ's own mother following
By newer way to God so came.
The eldest child among those poor,
With gifts of God she was endowed,
Beyond all merits graces sure
Rewarded her for all she vowed.
A star, a new and lovely sight,
A dazzling light above came out,
For that great light which streams forth light
Would blazon Clare with light about.
With poverty her blessed rule
And Francis there to prove her worth,
In Christ, her teacher's humble school
Did Clare shed light upon the earth.
The world and flesh she overcame,
At one with Christ's own Mother dear,
Depending on the Lord, her aim
To be as poor as Francis here.
Through all the good that Clare has done
Praise to the Father infinite,
And to his sole-begotten Son
With glory to the Paraclete. Amen.
Psalmody
Psalm 18A, 2-7
Ant. 1:She devoted herself to the Lord's affairs that she might be holy in body and spirit.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God *
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story *
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard +
yet their span extends through all the earth, *
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun; +
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent, *
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun; +
to the furthest end of the sky is its course. *
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
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:She devoted herself to the Lord's affairs that she might be holy in body and spirit.
Psalm 44 I
Ant. 2:She accepted the loss of everything: and so she found something better and lasting.
My heart overflows with noble words. +
To the king I must speak the song I have made; *
my tongue as nimble as the pen of the scribe.
You are the fairest of the children of men +
and graciousness is poured upon your lips: *
because God has blessed you for evermore.
O mighty one, gird your sword upon your thigh; +
in splendour and state, ride on in triumph *
for the cause of truth and goodness and right.
Take aim with your bow in your dread right hand. +
Your arrows are sharp: peoples fall beneath you. *
The foes of the king fall down and lose heart.
Your throne O God, shall endure for ever. +
A sceptre of justice is the sceptre of your kingdom. *
Your love is for justice; your hatred for evil.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you +
with the oil of gladness above other kings: *
your robes are fragrant with aloes and myrrh.
From the ivory palace you are greeted with music. +
The daughters of kings are among your loved ones. *
On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
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:She accepted the loss of everything: and so she found something better and lasting.
Psalm 44 II
Ant. 3:She laid aside her finery, and subdued her body with fasting.
Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words: *
forget your own people and your father's house.
So will the king desire your beauty: *
He is your lord, pay homage to him.
And the people of Tyre shall come with gifts *
the richest of the people shall seek your favour.
The daughter of the king is clothed with splendour *
her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold.
She is led to the king with her maiden companions. +
They are escorted amid gladness and joy; *
they pass within the palace of the king.
Sons shall be yours in place of your fathers: *
you will make them princes over all the earth.
May this song make your name for ever remembered, *
May the peoples praise you from age to age.
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:She laid aside her finery, and subdued her body with fasting.
【V】:She is led to the King with her maiden companions.
【R】:They are escorted amid gladness and joy.
The First Reading
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians [Phil. 3, 7-16; 4, 4-9]
For Christ I have accepted the loss of everything
Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature be thus minded, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Responsory
【V】:We thank God for the grace which has been given to us in Christ Jesus: *
【R】:in him we have been enriched in every way.
【V】:God will sustain us: to-the end, until the coming of the Lord. *
【R】:In him we have been enriched in every way.
The Second Reading
A reading from the letter of Saint Clare to Blessed Agnes of Prague
Consider the poverty, humility and charity of Christ
Happy the soul to whom it is given to attain this life with Christ, to cleave with all one's heart to him whose beauty all the heavenly hosts behold forever, whose love inflames our love, the contemplation of whom is our refreshment, whose graciousness is our delight, whose gentleness fills us to overflowing, whose remembrance makes us glow with happiness, whose fragrance revives the dead, the glorious vision of whom will be the happiness of all the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. For he is the brightness of the eternal glory, the splendour of eternal light, the mirror without spot. Look into that mirror daily, O queen and spouse of Jesus Christ, and ever study therein your countenance, that within and without you may adorn yourself with the flowers and garments that become the daughter and chaste spouse of the most high King. In that mirror are reflected poverty, holy humility and ineffable charity, as, with the grace of God, you may perceive.
Gaze first upon the poverty of Jesus, placed in a manger in swaddling clothes. What marvellous humility! What astounding poverty! The King of angels, Lord of heaven and earth, is laid in a manger. Consider next the humility, the blessed poverty, the untold labours and burdens which he endured for the redemption of the human race. Then look upon the unutterable charity with which he willed to suffer on the tree of the cross and to die thereon the most shameful kind of death. This mirror, Christ himself, fixed upon the wood of the cross, bade the passer-by consider these things: "All you who pass this way look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow." With one voice and one mind let us answer him as he cries and laments, saying in his own words: "I will be mindful and remember and my soul shall languish within me." Thus, O queen of the heavenly King, may you ever burn more ardently with the fire of his love. Contemplate further the indescribable joys, the wealth and unending honours of the King, and sighing after them with great longing, cry to him: "Draw me after you: we shall run to the fragrance of your perfumes, O heavenly bridegroom." I will run and faint not until you bring me into the wine cellar, until your left hand be under my head and your right hand happily embrace me and kiss me with the kiss of your mouth.
In such contemplation be mindful of your little mother and know that I have inscribed your happy memory indelibly on the tablets of my heart, holding you dearer than all others.
Responsory
【V】:Clare, a worthy daughter of Francis, despised the world's empty shows; *
【R】:she spread the cult of chastity around the earth.
【V】:United to Christ her spouse, she became the mother of many virgins, a virgin, she had spiritual daughters. *
【R】:she spread the cult of chastity around the earth.
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
Lord God, in your mercy you led Saint Clare to the love of poverty. Help us, by her intercession, to follow Christ in poverty of spirit, so that, in the kingdom of heaven, we may see you in your glory: we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
【Ant.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: 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.】:Clare loved Christ the King with her whole heart: come, let us adore him.
Hymn
Let all God's faithful people sing,
This virgin to the world proclaim,
Who Christ's own mother following
By newer way to God so came.
The eldest child among those poor,
With gifts of God she was endowed,
Beyond all merits graces sure
Rewarded her for all she vowed.
A star, a new and lovely sight,
A dazzling light above came out,
For that great light which streams forth light
Would blazon Clare with light about.
With poverty her blessed rule
And Francis there to prove her worth,
In Christ, her teacher's humble school
Did Clare shed light upon the earth.
The world and flesh she overcame,
At one with Christ's own Mother dear,
Depending on the Lord, her aim
To be as poor as Francis here.
Through all the good that Clare has done
Praise to the Father infinite,
And to his sole-begotten Son
With glory to the Paraclete. Amen.
Psalmody
Psalm 18A, 2-7
Ant. 1:She devoted herself to the Lord's affairs that she might be holy in body and spirit.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God *
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story *
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard +
yet their span extends through all the earth, *
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun; +
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent, *
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun; +
to the furthest end of the sky is its course. *
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
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:She devoted herself to the Lord's affairs that she might be holy in body and spirit.
Psalm 44 I
Ant. 2:She accepted the loss of everything: and so she found something better and lasting.
My heart overflows with noble words. +
To the king I must speak the song I have made; *
my tongue as nimble as the pen of the scribe.
You are the fairest of the children of men +
and graciousness is poured upon your lips: *
because God has blessed you for evermore.
O mighty one, gird your sword upon your thigh; +
in splendour and state, ride on in triumph *
for the cause of truth and goodness and right.
Take aim with your bow in your dread right hand. +
Your arrows are sharp: peoples fall beneath you. *
The foes of the king fall down and lose heart.
Your throne O God, shall endure for ever. +
A sceptre of justice is the sceptre of your kingdom. *
Your love is for justice; your hatred for evil.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you +
with the oil of gladness above other kings: *
your robes are fragrant with aloes and myrrh.
From the ivory palace you are greeted with music. +
The daughters of kings are among your loved ones. *
On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
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:She accepted the loss of everything: and so she found something better and lasting.
Psalm 44 II
Ant. 3:She laid aside her finery, and subdued her body with fasting.
Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words: *
forget your own people and your father's house.
So will the king desire your beauty: *
He is your lord, pay homage to him.
And the people of Tyre shall come with gifts *
the richest of the people shall seek your favour.
The daughter of the king is clothed with splendour *
her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold.
She is led to the king with her maiden companions. +
They are escorted amid gladness and joy; *
they pass within the palace of the king.
Sons shall be yours in place of your fathers: *
you will make them princes over all the earth.
May this song make your name for ever remembered, *
May the peoples praise you from age to age.
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:She laid aside her finery, and subdued her body with fasting.
【V】:She is led to the King with her maiden companions.
【R】:They are escorted amid gladness and joy.
The First Reading
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians [Phil. 3, 7-16; 4, 4-9]
For Christ I have accepted the loss of everything
Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature be thus minded, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Responsory
【V】:We thank God for the grace which has been given to us in Christ Jesus: *
【R】:in him we have been enriched in every way.
【V】:God will sustain us: to-the end, until the coming of the Lord. *
【R】:In him we have been enriched in every way.
The Second Reading
A reading from the letter of Saint Clare to Blessed Agnes of Prague
Consider the poverty, humility and charity of Christ
Happy the soul to whom it is given to attain this life with Christ, to cleave with all one's heart to him whose beauty all the heavenly hosts behold forever, whose love inflames our love, the contemplation of whom is our refreshment, whose graciousness is our delight, whose gentleness fills us to overflowing, whose remembrance makes us glow with happiness, whose fragrance revives the dead, the glorious vision of whom will be the happiness of all the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. For he is the brightness of the eternal glory, the splendour of eternal light, the mirror without spot. Look into that mirror daily, O queen and spouse of Jesus Christ, and ever study therein your countenance, that within and without you may adorn yourself with the flowers and garments that become the daughter and chaste spouse of the most high King. In that mirror are reflected poverty, holy humility and ineffable charity, as, with the grace of God, you may perceive.
Gaze first upon the poverty of Jesus, placed in a manger in swaddling clothes. What marvellous humility! What astounding poverty! The King of angels, Lord of heaven and earth, is laid in a manger. Consider next the humility, the blessed poverty, the untold labours and burdens which he endured for the redemption of the human race. Then look upon the unutterable charity with which he willed to suffer on the tree of the cross and to die thereon the most shameful kind of death. This mirror, Christ himself, fixed upon the wood of the cross, bade the passer-by consider these things: "All you who pass this way look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow." With one voice and one mind let us answer him as he cries and laments, saying in his own words: "I will be mindful and remember and my soul shall languish within me." Thus, O queen of the heavenly King, may you ever burn more ardently with the fire of his love. Contemplate further the indescribable joys, the wealth and unending honours of the King, and sighing after them with great longing, cry to him: "Draw me after you: we shall run to the fragrance of your perfumes, O heavenly bridegroom." I will run and faint not until you bring me into the wine cellar, until your left hand be under my head and your right hand happily embrace me and kiss me with the kiss of your mouth.
In such contemplation be mindful of your little mother and know that I have inscribed your happy memory indelibly on the tablets of my heart, holding you dearer than all others.
Responsory
【V】:Clare, a worthy daughter of Francis, despised the world's empty shows; *
【R】:she spread the cult of chastity around the earth.
【V】:United to Christ her spouse, she became the mother of many virgins, a virgin, she had spiritual daughters. *
【R】:she spread the cult of chastity around the earth.
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
Lord God, in your mercy you led Saint Clare to the love of poverty. Help us, by her intercession, to follow Christ in poverty of spirit, so that, in the kingdom of heaven, we may see you in your glory: we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.