Wednesday within the Octave of the Ascension

Semidouble

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

Invitatory and Hymn

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

O come, let us worship, alleluia.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Æterne Rex altíssime,
Redémptor et fidélium,
Cui mors perémpta détulit
Summæ triúmphum glóriæ :

Ascéndis orbes síderum,
Quo te vocábat cælitus
Colláta, non humánitus,
Rerum potéstas ómnium :

Ut trina rerum máchina,
Cæléstium, terréstrium,
Et inferórum cóndita,
Flectat genu jam súbdita.

Tremunt vidéntes Angeli
Versam vicem mortálium :
Peccat caro, mundat caro,
Regnat Deus Dei caro.

Sis ipse nostrum gáudium,
Manens olympo præmium,
Mundi regis qui fábricam,
Mundána vincens gáudia.

Hinc te precántes quæsumus,
Ignósce culpis ómnibus,
Et corda sursum súbleva
Ad te supérna grátia.

Ut, cum repénte cœperis
Clarére nube júdicis,
Pœnas repéllas débitas,
Reddas corónas pérditas.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui victor in cælum redis,
Cum Patre, et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

Eternal Monarch, King most high,
Whose blood hath brought redemption nigh,
By whom the death of Death was wrought,
And conquering grace to man was brought :

Ascending to the throne of might,
And seated at the Father's right,
All power, O Jesu, is thine own
That here thy Manhood had not known.

To thee the whole creation now
Doth in its three-fold order bow,
Of things on earth, and things on high,
And things that underneath do lie.

With awe the Angels contemplate
The wondrous change of man's estate;
Though flesh hath sinned, Flesh purged the stain,
And in that Flesh our God doth reign.

Be thou our joy, O mighty Lord,
As thou wilt be our great reward;
Earth's joys to thee are nothing worth,
Thou joy and crown of heaven and earth.

We therefore beg, dear Lord, of thee
To pardon our iniquity;
Yea, of thine own supernal grace
Uplift our hearts to seek thy face :

That when in clouds, O Judge of doom,
Thy glory shall this earth illume,
Thou mayst remit our debt of pain,
And grant our long-lost crowns again.

Proper Doxology
All praise from every heart and tongue
To thee, ascended Lord, be sung;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn. 
 

First Nocturn

Ant.    Eleváta est.

Ant.    Thou hast set thy glory.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!
2  Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.
3  Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.
4  Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.
5  Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?
6  Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.
7  Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas : ínsuper et pécora campi.
8  Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.
9  Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!
2  For thou hast set thy glory * above the heavens.
3  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger.
4  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
5  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6  Thou madest him lower than the Angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and worship : * thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
7  Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet : * all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8  The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
9  O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Ant.    Eleváta est magnificéntia tua super cælos, Deus, allelúja.

Ant.    Thou hast set thy glory above the heavens, O God, alleluia.

Ant.    Dóminus in templo.

Ant.    The Lord is in his holy Temple.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 10.  In Domino confido

In Dómino confído : quómodo dícitis ánimæ meæ: * Tránsmigra in montem sicut passer?
2  Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.
3  Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * justus autem quid fecit?
4  Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes ejus.
5  Oculi ejus in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ ejus intérrogant fílios hóminum.
6  Dóminus intérrogat justum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.
7  Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.
8  Quóniam justus Dóminus, et justítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

Psalm 10.  In Domino confido

In the Lord do I put my trust : how say ye then to my soul, * that she should flee as a bird unto the hill?
2  For lo, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrows within the quiver, * that they may shoot in the dark at them which are true of heart.
3  For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made : * and what hath the righteous done?
4  The Lord is in his holy temple; * the Lord's seat is in heaven.
5  His eyes consider the poor, * and his eyelids try the children of men.
6  The Lord trieth the righteous and the wicked : * but he that delighteth in wickedness, abhoreth his own soul.
7  Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, * fire and brimstone, storm and tempest shall be their portion to drink.
8  For the Lord is righteous and loveth righteousness; * his countenance hath beholden the thing that is just.

Ant.    Dóminus in templo sancto suo, Dóminus in cælo, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven, alleluia.

Ant.    A summo cælo.

Ant.    His going forth.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18.  Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cælo egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18.  Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    A summo cælo egréssio ejus, et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus, allelúja.

Ant.    His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit even to the end thereof, alleluia.

STAND

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

Sénior Eléctæ dóminæ et natis ejus, quos ego díligo in veritáte, et non ego solus, sed et omnes qui cognovérunt veritátem, propter veritátem, quæ pérmanet in nobis, et nobíscum erit in ætérnum.  Sit vobíscum grátia, misericórdia, pax a Deo Patre et a Christo Jesu Fílio Patris in veritáte et caritáte.  Gavísus sum valde, quóniam invéni de filiis tuis ambulántes in veritáte sicut mandátum accépimus a Patre.  Et nunc rogo te, dómina, non tamquam mandátum novum scribens tibi, sed quod habúimus ab inítio, ut diligámus altérutrum.

The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; for the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.  Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.  I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.  And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Post passiónem suam per dies quadragínta appárens eis, et loquens de regno Dei, allelúja : * Et, vidéntibus illis, elevátus est, allelúja : et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum, allelúja.
V.  Et convéscens præcépit eis, ab Jerosólymis ne discéderent, sed exspectárent promissiónem Patris.
R.  Et, vidéntibus illis, elevátus est, allelúja : et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum, allelúja.

R.  After his passion he was seen of them forty days, wherein he spake of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, alleluia :  *  And while they beheld he was taken up, alleluia : and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.
V.  And as he sat at meat with them, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father.
R.  And while they beheld he was taken up, alleluia : and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Et hæc est cáritas, ut ambulémus secúndum mandáta ejus.  Hoc est enim mandátum, ut quemádmodum audístis ab inítio, in eo ambulétis.  Quóniam multi seductóres exiérunt in mundum, qui non confiténtur Jesum Christum venísse in carnem.  Hic est sedúctor et antichrístus.  Vidéte vosmetípsos, ne perdátis, quæ operáti estis : sed ut mercédem plenam accipiátis.  Omnis, qui recédit, et non pérmanet in doctrína Christi, Deum non habet : qui pérmanet in doctrína, hic et Patrem et Fílium habet.

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Omnis pulchritúdo Dómini exaltáta est super sídera : * Spécies ejus in núbibus cæli, et nomen ejus in ætérnum pérmanet, allelúja.
V.  A summo cælo egréssio ejus, et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus.
R.  Spécies ejus in núbibus cæli, et nomen ejus in ætérnum pérmanet, allelúja.

R.  Like as the moon shining in the firmament, so is the Lord exalted to be the beauty of heaven, *  Giving light above the glory of the stars in the highest places, wherein his Name endureth for ever and ever, alleluia.
V.  He goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven, and runneth about unto the end of it again.
R.  Giving light above the glory of the stars in the highest places, wherein his Name endureth for ever and ever, alleluia.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Si quis venit ad vos et hanc doctrínam non affert, nolíte recípere eum in domum, nec Ave ei dixéritis.  Qui enim dicit illi Ave, commúnicat opéribus ejus malígnis.  Plura habens vobis scríbere, nólui per chartam et atraméntum : spero enim me futúrum apud vos et os ad os loqui, ut gáudium vestrum plenum sit.  Salútant te filii soróris tuæ Eléctæ.

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.  Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.  The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Exaltáre, Dómine, allelúja, * In virtúte tua, allelúja.
V.  Eleváta est, magnificéntia tua super cælos, Deus.
R.  In virtúte tua, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  In virtúte tua, allelúja.

R.  Be thou exalted, Lord, alleluia : * In thine own strength, alleluia.
V.  Thou hast set thy glory above the heavens, O God.
R.  In thine own strength, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  In thine own strength, alleluia.

If today's Office be that of the day within the Octave of the Ascension, the Second Nocturn is begun as below.  However, if the Office be that of an occurring Feastday, the Office is continued according to the current weekday.

Second Nocturn of Wednesday within the Octave of the Ascension

Second Nocturn of Occurring Feastday

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Exaltáre, Dómine.

Ant.    Be thou exalted, O Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

Dómine, in virtúte tua lætábitur rex: * et super salutáre tuum exsultábit veheménter.
2  Desidérium cordis ejus tribuísti ei: * et voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.
3  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis: * posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.
4  Vitam pétiit a te: * et tribuísti ei longitúdinem diérum in sæculum, et in sæculum sæculi.
5  Magna est glória ejus in salutári tuo: * glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eum.
6  Quóniam dabis eum in benedictiónem in sæculum sæculi: * lætificábis eum in gáudio cum vultu tuo.
7  Quóniam rex sperat in Dómino: * et in misericórdia Altíssimi non commovébitur.
8  Inveniátur manus tua ómnibus inimícis tuis: * déxtera tua invéniat omnes, qui te odérunt.
9  Pones eos ut clíbanum ignis in témpore vultus tui: * Dóminus in ira sua conturbábit eos, et devorábit eos ignis.
10  Fructum eórum de terra perdes: * et semen eórum a fíliis hóminum.
11  Quóniam declinavérunt in te mala: * cogitavérunt consília, quæ non potuérunt stabilíre.
12  Quóniam pones eos dorsum: * in relíquiis tuis præparábis vultum eórum.
13  Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua: * cantábimus et psallémus virtútes tuas.

Psalm 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord; * exceeding glad shall he be in thy salvation.
2  Thou hast given him his heart's desire, * and hast not denied him the request of his lips.
3  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, * and hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.
4  He asked life of thee; * and thou gavest him length of days, for ever, even world without end.
5  His honour is great in thy salvation; * glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him.
6  For thou shalt give him to be a blessing for ever and ever, * and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance.
7  For the king putteth his trust in the Lord; * and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not be moved.
8  May all thine enemies find thy hand; * and may thy right hand find out all them that hate thee.
9  Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath: * the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them.
10  Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, * and their seed from among the children of men.
11  For they intended mischief against thee, * and devised counsels such as they were not able to perform.
12  Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, * in thy remnants shalt thou make ready the face of them.
13  Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength; * so will we sing, and praise thy power.

Ant.    Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua : cantábimus et psallémus, allelúja.

Ant.    Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thine own strength : so will we sing, and praise thy power, alleluia.

Ant.    Exaltábo te. †

Ant.    I will magnify thee. †

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 29.  Exaltabo te, Domine

Exaltábo te, † Dómine, quóniam suscepísti me: * nec delectásti inimícos meos super me.
2  Dómine, Deus meus, clamávi ad te, * et sanásti me.
3  Dómine, eduxísti ab inférno ánimam meam: * salvásti me a descendéntibus in lacum.
4  Psállite Dómino, sancti ejus: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctitátis ejus.
5  Quóniam ira in indignatióne ejus: * et vita in voluntáte ejus.
6  Ad vésperum demorábitur fletus: * et ad matutínum lætítia.
7  Ego autem dixi in abundántia mea: * Non movébor in ætérnum.
8  Dómine, in voluntáte tua, * præstitísti decóri meo virtútem.
9 Avertísti fáciem tuam a me, * et factus sum conturbátus.
10  Ad te, Dómine, clamábo: * et ad Deum meum deprecábor.
11  Quæ utílitas in sánguine meo, * dum descéndo in corruptiónem?
12  Numquid confitébitur tibi pulvis, * aut annuntiábit veritátem tuam?
13  Audívit Dóminus, et misértus est mei: * Dóminus factus est adjútor meus.
14  Convertísti planctum meum in gáudium mihi: * conscidísti saccum meum, et circumdedísti me lætítia:
15  Ut cantet tibi glória mea, et non compúngar: * Dómine, Deus meus, in ætérnum confitébor tibi.

Psalm 29.  Exaltabo te, Domine

I will magnify thee, † O Lord, for thou hast set me up, * and not made my foes to triumph over me.
2  O Lord my God, I cried unto thee; * and thou hast healed me.
3  Thou, Lord, hast brought my soul out of hell: * thou hast saved me from them that go down to the pit.
4  Sing praises unto the Lord, O ye saints of his : and give thanks to the memory of his holiness.
5  For wrath is in his indignation : * and life in his good will.
6  Weeping may endure for a night, * but with the morning cometh joy..
7  And in my prosperity I said, * I shall never be removed.
8  Thou, Lord, in thy favour * gavest strength to my beauty.
9  Thou didst turn thy face from me, * and I was troubled.
10  Unto thee, O Lord, will I cry; * and gat me to my Lord right humbly.
11  What profit is there in my blood, * when I go down to corruption?
12  Shall the dust give thanks unto thee? * or shall it declare thy truth?
13  The Lord hath heard, and was merciful unto me; * the Lord became my helper.
14 Thou hast turned my mourning into joy; * thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness :
15  To the end that my glory shall sing unto thee : * O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Ant.    Exaltábo te, Dómine, quóniam suscepísti me, allelúja.

Ant.    I will magnify thee, O Lord, for thou hast set me up, alleluia.

Ant.    Ascéndit Deus.

Ant.    God is gone up.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 46.  Omnes Gentes

Omnes Gentes, pláudite mánibus: * jubiláte Deo in voce exsultatiónis.
2  Quóniam Dóminus excélsus, terríbilis: * Rex magnus super omnem terram.
3  Subjécit pópulos nobis: * et Gentes sub pédibus nostris.
4  Elégit nobis hereditátem suam : * spéciem Jacob, quam diléxit.
5  Ascéndit Deus in júbilo: * et Dóminus in voce tubæ.
6  Psállite Deo nostro, psállite: * psállite Regi nostro, psállite.
7  Quóniam Rex omnis terræ Deus: * psállite sapiénter.
8  Regnábit Deus super Gentes: * Deus sedet super sedem sanctam suam.
9  Príncipes populórum congregáti sunt cum Deo Abraham: * quóniam dii fortes terræ veheménter eleváti sunt.

O clap your hands, all ye nations: * O shout unto God with the voice of joy.
2  For the Lord is high, and to be feared; * he is the great King upon all the earth.
3  He hath subdued the peoples under us, * and the nations under our feet.
4  He hath chosen out an heritage for us, * even the excellency of Jacob, whom he loved.
5  God is gone up with a merry noise, * and the Lord with the sound of the trump.
6  O sing praises, sing praises unto our God; * O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.
7  For God is the King of all the earth: * sing ye praises with understanding.
8  God shall reign over the nations; * God sitteth upon his holy throne.
9  The princes of the people are joined unto the God of Abraham; * for the strong gods of the earth are very high exalted.

Ant.    Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, et Dóminus in voce tubæ, allelúja.

Ant.    God is gone up with a merry noise, and the Lord with the sound of the trump, alleluia.

STAND

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Hodiérnam celebritátem satis per se magnam, prophéta David majórem éfficit, dum illi gáudium e Psalmis adjúngit.  Hic enim excélsus Prophéta supra seípsum egrédiens, tamquam córporis ónere nihil premátur, infert se cæléstibus potestátibus, et voces eárum nobis expónit, cum in cælum redeúntem Dóminum ipsæ comitántes, Angelis, qui versántur in terris, quibúsque in humánam vitam ingréssus commíssus est, ímperant ad hunc modum : Tóllite portas, príncipes, vestras ; et elevámini, portæ æternáles, et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

The festival which we are now keeping is full of glory.  But the Prophet David hath made it more glorious still by the Psalms, wherein he stirreth us up to such a joyful enthusiasm.  Sometimes this noble Prophet seemeth rapt out of himself, like as though he were no longer held back by the weight of his body ; as, for example, when he taketh his place amongst the very Powers of heaven, and telleth us what they said when they ascended heavenward with the Lord.  In this Psalm we hear the Angels that are the Lord's bodyguard crying out in tones of command to the Angels that do occupy themselves with the affairs of this earthly sphere (the same to whom he was entrusted when he was born into this earthly life).  Hear the order which they give : Lift up your gates, O ye heads, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Tempus est, ut revértar ad eum, qui me misit, dicit Dóminus : nolíte contristári, nec turbétur cor vestrum : * Rogo pro vobis Patrem, ut ipse vos custódiat, allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Nisi ego abíero, Paráclitus non véniet : cum assúmptus fúero, mittam vobis eum.
R.  Rogo pro vobis Patrem, ut ipse vos custódiat, allelúja, allelúja.

R.  Now I go my way to him that sent me, saith the Lord : let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid : *  For I will pray the Father that he may keep you in my Name, alleluia, alleluia.
V.  If I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart I will send him unto you.
R.  For I will pray the Father that he may keep you in my Name, alleluia, alleluia.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

Et quóniam ubicúmque fúerit ille, qui in seípso ómnia cóntinet, pro suscipiéntium captu seípsum dimetítur (neque enim solum inter hómines homo fit, verum étiam dum inter Angelos versátur, ad illórum vocem sese demíttit) idcírco janitóres intérrogant : Quis est iste Rex glóriæ?  Respóndent ipsis, demonstrántque fortem et poténtem in prælio, qui pugnatúrus erat contra illum, qui natúram humánam in servitúte captívam detinébat, et eversúrus eum, qui mortis habébat impérium : ut gravíssimo hoste superáto, genus hóminum in libertátem et pacem vindicáret. 

Now he that containeth all things in himself, wherever he may be, is pleased to adapt his own measure to the comprehension of them that receive him (for not only was he made Man amongst men, but when amongst Angels, he humbleth himself to their way of doing things).  On this wise, then, the angelic gatekeepers demand of their fellow Angels of the Lord's body-guard : Who is this King of glory?  And the answer cometh : The Lord, strong and mighty ; the Lord, mighty in battle.  by which he is shewn to be the One who had fought against him that held mankind in bondage, yea, and had overthrown him, even him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.  In these words, then, was declared that for mankind peace and liberty had been won.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Non turbétur cor vestrum : ego vado ad Patrem ; et cum assúmptus fúero a vobis, mittam vobis, allelúja, * Spíritum veritátis, et gaudébit cor vestrum, allelúja.
V.  Ego rogábo Patrem, et álium Paráclitum dabit vobis.
R.  Spíritum veritátis, et gaudébit cor vestrum, allelúja.

R.  Let not your heart be troubled that I go unto my Father ; for when I am taken up from you, I will send you the Paraclete, * Even the Spirit of Truth, and your heart shall rejoice, alleluia.
V.  I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter.
R.  Even the Spirit of Truth, and your heart shall rejoice, alleluia.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Occúrrunt ei custódes, et portas jubent reclúdi, ut in ipsis rursum glóriam assequátur.  Verum non agnóscunt eum, qui sórdidam vitæ nostræ stolam indútus est : cujus rubra sunt vestiménta ex humanórum malórum torculári.  Itaque rursus cómites ejus vócibus illis interrogántur : Quis est iste Rex glóriæ?  Respondétur autem non ámplius, Fortis et potens in prælio ; sed, Dóminus virtútum, qui mundi principátum obtínuit, qui summátim ómnia in se collégit, qui prístinum in statum cuncta restítuit : ipse est Rex glóriæ.

Then do the keepers run to the gates, and unfold the doors, that he may enter in, and take again the glory that he had with them before.  But when they see him, clad in the likeness of sinful flesh, they know him not, for he is red in his apparel, because he hath trodden alone the winepress of human pain, wherefrom the blood is sprinkled upon his garments.  Therefore they cry once again to their fellows that bear him company : Who is this King of glory?  And the same do no more make answer with the words : The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle : but rather, they proclaim : Even the Lord of Hosts, he is the King of glory.  And in these words is indicated him whose own are become all the kingdoms of the world ; the Lord who hath made himself the Head of all things ; the Lord who hath made all things new : for this same is indeed the King of glory.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Ascéndens Christus in altum, captívam duxit captivitátem, * Dedit dona homínibus, allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, et Dóminus in voce tubæ.
R.  Dedit dona homínibus, allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Dedit dona homínibus, allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.

R.  When Christ went up on high, and led captivity captive,  * He received gifts for men, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
V.  God is gone up with a merry noise, and the Lord with the sound of the trump.
R.  He received gifts for men, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  He received gifts for men, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Nimis exaltátus est.

Ant.    Thou art exalted.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.
2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.
3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.
4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.
5  Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.
6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.
7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.
8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.
9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:
10  Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.
11  Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.
12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.
13  Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

The Lord hath reigned, may the earth be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles shall be joyful.
2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.
4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and trembled.
5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * the whole earth at the presence of the Lord.
6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in their vain gods.
8  Worship him, all ye his Angels : * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.
9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
10  For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.
11  O ye that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joy for such as are true-hearted.
13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Ant.    Nimis exaltátus est, allelúja : super omnes deos, allelúja.

Ant.    Thou art exalted, alleluia : far above all gods, alleluia.

Ant.    Dóminus in Sion.

Ant.    The Lord is great in Sion.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 98.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, irascántur pópuli: * qui sedet super Chérubim, moveátur terra.
2  Dóminus in Sion magnus: * et excélsus super omnes pópulos.
3  (fit reverentia) Confiteántur nómini tuo magno : quóniam terríbile, et sanctum est : * et honor regis judícium díligit.
4  Tu parásti directiónes: * judícium et justítiam in Jacob tu fecísti.
5  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte scabéllum pedum ejus: * quóniam sanctum est.
6  Móyses et Aaron in sacerdótibus ejus: * et Sámuel inter eos, qui ínvocant nomen ejus:
7  Invocábant Dóminum, et ipse exaudiébat eos: * in colúmna nubis loquebátur ad eos.
8  Custodiébant testimónia ejus: * et præcéptum quod dedit illis.
9  Dómine, Deus noster, tu exaudiébas eos: * Deus, tu propítius fuísti eis, et ulcíscens in omnes adinventiónes eórum.
10  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte in monte sancto ejus: * quóniam sanctus Dóminus Deus noster.

The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry : * he that sitteth upon the Cherubim, let the earth be moved.
2  The Lord is great in Sion, * and high above all people.
3  (all bow) Let them give thanks unto thy great Name, for it is terrible, and holy : * and the King's honour loveth judgment.
4  Thou hast prepared equity, * thou hast executed judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
5  O magnify the Lord our God, and worship his footstool; * for it is holy.
6  Moses and Aaron among his priests, * and Samuel among such as call upon his Name:
7  These called upon the Lord, and he heard them: * he spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar.
8  They kept his testimonies, * and the law that he gave them.
9  Thou heardest them, O Lord our God; * thou wast to them a merciful God, and taking vengeance against all their inventions.
10  O magnify the Lord our God, and worship in his holy mountain; * for the Lord our God is holy.

Ant.    Dóminus in Sion, allelúja : magnus et excélsus, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord is great in Sion, alleluia : and high above all people, alleluia.

Ant.    Dóminus in cælo.

Ant.    The Lord hath prepared.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 102. Benedic, anima mea

Bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino : * et ómnia, quæ intra me sunt, nómini sancto ejus.
2  Bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino : * et noli oblivísci omnes retributiónes ejus.
3  Qui propitiátur ómnibus iniquitátibus tuis : * qui sanat omnes infirmitátes tuas.
4  Qui rédimit de intéritu vitam tuam : * qui corónat te in misericórdia et miseratiónibus.
5  Qui replet in bonis desidérium tuum : * renovábitur ut áquilæ juvéntus tua.
6  Fáciens misericórdias Dóminus : * et judícium ómnibus injúriam patiéntibus.
7  Notas fecit vias suas Móysi, * fíliis Israël voluntátes suas.
8  Miserátor, et miséricors Dóminus : * longánimis et multum miséricors.
9  Non in perpétuum irascétur :  * neque in ætérnum comminábitur.
10  Non secúndum peccáta nostra fecit nobis : * neque secúndum iniquitátes nostras retríbuit nobis.
11  Quóniam secúndum altitúdinem cæli a terra : * corroborávit misericórdiam suam super timéntes se.
12  Quantum distat ortus ab occidénte : * longe fecit a nobis iniquitátes nostras.
13  Quómodo miserétur pater filiórum, misértus est Dóminus timéntibus se : * quóniam ipse cognóvit figméntum nostrum.
14  Recordátus est quóniam pulvis sumus : * homo, sicut fœnum dies ejus, tamquam flos agri sic efflorébit.
15  Quóniam spíritus pertransíbit in illo, et non subsistet : * et non cognóscet ámplius locum suum.
16  Misericórdia autem Dómini ab ætérno, * et usque in ætérnum super timéntes eum.
17  Et justítia illius in fílios filiórum, * his qui servant testaméntum ejus.
18   Et mémores sunt mandatórum ipsíus, * ad faciéndum ea.
19  Dóminus in cælo parávit sedem suam : * et regnum ipsíus ómnibus dominábitur.
20  Benedícite Dómino, omnes Angeli ejus : * poténtes virtúte, faciéntes verbum illius, ad audiéndam vocem sermónum ejus.
21  Benedícite Dómino, omnes virtútes ejus : * minístri ejus, qui fácitis voluntátem ejus.
22  Benedícite Dómino, ómnia ópera ejus : * in omni loco dominatiónis ejus, bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; * and all that is within me, praise his holy Name.
2  Bless the Lord, O my soul, * and forget not all his benefits:
3  Who forgiveth all thy sin, * and healeth all thine infirmities;
4  Who saveth thy life from destruction, * and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness;
5  Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, * thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle's.
6  The Lord executeth righteousness * and judgment for all them that are oppressed with wrong.
7  He shewed his ways unto Moses, * his works unto the children of Israel.
8  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, * longsuffering, and of great goodness.
9  He will not alway be chiding; * neither keepeth he his anger for ever.
10  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; * nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses.
11  For according to the height of the heaven above the earth; * so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him.
12  As far as the east is from the west; * so far hath he removed our iniquities from us.
13  Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children, even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him : * for he knoweth whereof we are made.
14  He remembereth that we are but dust : * the days of man are but as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish.
15  For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone; * and the place thereof shall know it no more.
16  But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever, * and for evermore upon them that fear him.
17  And his righteousness upon children's children; * even upon such as keep his covenant,
18  And think upon his commandments * and to the keeping thereof.
19  The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven, * and his kingdom shall rule over all.
20  O bless the Lord, all ye angels of his, * ye that are mighty in strength, and fulfil his commandment, even ye that hearken unto the voice of his word.
21  O bless the Lord, all ye his hosts; * ye servants of his that do his pleasure.
22  O bless the Lord, all ye works of his, * in all places of his dominion, bless thou the Lord, O my soul.

Ant.    Dóminus in cælo, allelúja : parávit sedem suam, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord hath prepared, alleluia : his seat in heaven, alleluia.

STAND

Absolutio: A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 7: Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 7:  May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection.
R.  Amen.

In illo témpore : Recumbéntibus úndecim discípulis, appáruit illis Jesus : et exprobrávit incredulitátem eórum et durítiam cordis, quia iis, qui víderant eum resurrexísse, non credidérunt.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Jesus appeared unto the eleven disciples as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart : because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Hoc autem nobis primum quæréndum est, quidnam sit, quod, nato Dómino, apparuérunt Angeli, et tamen non legúntur in albis véstibus apparuísse : ascendénte autem Dómino, missi Angeli in albis legúntur véstibus apparuísse.  Sic étenim scriptum est : Vidéntibus illis elevátus est, et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum.  Cumque intueréntur in cælum eúntem illum, ecce duo viri stetérunt juxta illos in véstibus albis.  In albis autem véstibus gáudium et solémnitas mentis osténditur.  Quid est ergo, quod, nato Dómino, non in albis véstibus ; ascendénte autem Dómino, in albis véstibus Angeli appárent : nisi quod tunc magna solémnitas Angelis facta est, cum cælum Deus homo penetrávit?  Quia nascénte Dómino, videbátur divínitas humiliáta ; ascendénte vero Dómino, est humánitas exaltáta.  Albæ étenim vestes exaltatióni magis cóngruunt, quam humiliatióni.

And now, since by God's help we have endeavoured to comment on our reading from the Gospel, and that so briefly, it remaineth for us to continue in contemplation upon the truth that this so great festival hath set forth unto us.  The first question we have to ask is why we read that Angels appeared at the time of the birth of the Lord, but we read not that they appeared in white apparel ; whereas, when the Lord ascended into heaven, it is written that the Angels which appeared were clad in white.  While they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight ; and while they looked stedfastly toward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel.  White raiment is an outward sign of solemn inward joy.  Hence we may conclude that the entrance of God-made-Man into heaven was a great festival for the Angels, and that therefore the Angels are specially named as robed in white at his Ascension, and not at his birth.  At the birth of the Lord the Godhead was manifested, veiled under the form of a servant, but at his ascension the Manhood was seen exalted ; and white vestments are more fitting for exaltation than humiliation.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Ego rogábo Patrem, et álium Paráclitum dabit vobis, * Ut máneat vobíscum in ætérnum, Spíritum veritátis, allelúja.
V.  Si enim non abíero, Paráclitus non véniet ad vos : si autem abíero, mittam eum ad vos.
R.  Ut máneat vobíscum in ætérnum, Spíritum veritátis, allelúja.

R.  I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, *  That he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, alleluia.
V.  For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you : but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
R.  That he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, alleluia.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 8: Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 8: May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding.
R.  Amen.

In ascensióne ergo ejus Angeli in albis véstibus vidéri debuérunt : quia qui in nativitáte sua appáruit Deus húmilis, in ascensióne sua osténsus est homo sublímis.  Sed hoc nobis magnópere, fratres caríssimi, in hac solemnitáte pensándum est : quia delétum est hodiérna die chirógraphum damnatiónis nostræ, mutáta est senténtia corruptiónis nostræ.  Illa enim natúra, cui dictum est : Terra es, et in terram ibis ; hódie in cælum ivit.  Pro hac ipsa namque carnis nostræ sublevatióne, per figúram beátus Job Dóminum avem vocat.  Quia enim ascensiónis ejus mystérium Judæam non intellígere conspéxit, de infidelitáte ejus per figúram beátus Job senténtiam prótulit, dicens : Sémitam ignorávit avis.

Therefore the Angels did fitly appear in white apparel at the Ascension.  At his birth he who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, was seen in the form in which he had humbled himself.  At his Ascension the Manhood which he had taken into God was seen glorified.  Again, dearly beloved brethren, we must remember today, how that Christ hath blotted out the handwriting that was against us, and reversed the sentence which doomed us to corruption.  That same nature to which it was said : Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return : that same nature is his who hath this day ascended up into heaven.  It is because of this up-lifting of our flesh  that blessed Job speaketh of the Lord under the type of a bird.  Jewry could not understand they mystery of the Ascension, and therefore blessed Job spake in symbols thereof, saying : There is a path which no fowl of the air knoweth.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Ponis nubem ascénsum tuum, Dómine : * Qui ámbulas super pennas ventórum, allelúja.
V.  Confessiónem et decórem induísti, amíctus lumen sicut vestiméntum.
R.  Qui ámbulas super pennas ventórum, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Qui ámbulas super pennas ventórum, allelúja.

R.  Thou makest the clouds thy chariot, O Lord, * Thou walkest upon the wings of the wind, alleluia.
V.  Thou art clothed with honour and majesty, covering thyself with light as with a garment.
R.  Thou walkest upon the wings of the wind, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Thou walkest upon the wings of the wind, alleluia.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven.
R.  Amen.

Avis enim recte appellátus est Dóminus, quia corpus cárneum ad æthera librávit.  Cujus avis sémitam ignorávit, quisquis eum ad cælum ascendísse non crédidit.  De hac solemnitáte per Psalmístam dícitur : Eleváta est magnificéntia tua super cælos.  De hac rursus ait : Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, et Dóminus in voce tubæ.  De hac íterum dicit : Ascéndens in altum captívam duxit captivitátem, dedit dona homínibus.  Ascéndens quippe in altum, captívam duxit captivitátem : quia corruptiónem nostram virtúte suæ incorruptiónis absórbuit.  Dedit vero dona homínibus : quia misso désuper Spíritu, álii sermónem sapiéntiæ, álii sermónem sciéntiæ, álii grátiam virtútum, álii grátiam curatiónum, álii génera linguárum, álii interpretatiónem tríbuit sermónum.

We may well take a bird as a symbol of the Lord, who bodily soared up into heaven.  And the path of such an one is known by no man, except he believeth in the Ascension of our Lord into heaven.  It is of this glorious occasion that the Psalmist saith : Thou hast set thy glory above the heavens.  And again : God is gone up with a merry noise, and the Lord with the sound of the trump.  And yet again he saith : Thou art gone up on high ; thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men.  When Christ thus ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, because by his own incorruptibility he swallowed up our corruptibility.  He then received gifts to give unto men, because by enduing them with the power of the Spirit from on high, he gave to one the word of wisdom ; to another, the word of knowledge ; to another, the working of miracles ; to another, the gifts of healing ; to another, divers kinds of tongues ; to another, the interpretation of tongues.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Lauds

The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Viri Galilæi.

Ant.    Ye men of Galilee.

Psalmus 92.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se.
2  Etenim firmávit orbem terræ, * qui non commovébitur.
3  Paráta sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu es.
4  Elevavérunt flúmina, Dómine: * elevavérunt flúmina vocem suam.
5  Elevavérunt flúmina fluctus suos, * a vócibus aquárum multárum.
6  Mirábiles elatiónes maris: * mirábilis in altis Dóminus.
7  Testimónia tua credibília facta sunt nimis: * domum tuam decet sanctitúdo, Dómine, in longitúdinem diérum.

The Lord hath reigned, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength.
2  For he hath stablished the round world, * that it cannot be moved.
3  Thy throne is prepared from of old : * thou art from everlasting.
4  The floods have lift up, O Lord, * yea, the floods have lift up their voice.
5  The floods have lift up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
6  The waves of the sea are mighty, * glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on high.
7  Thy testimonies are become exceeding credible: * holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever and ever.

Ant.    Viri Galilæi, quid aspícitis in cælum?  Hic Jesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, allelúja.

Ant.    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, alleluia.

Ant.    Cumque intueréntur.

Ant.    And while they looked.

Psalmus 99.  Jubilate

Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * servíte Dómino in lætítia.
2  Introíte in conspéctu ejus, * in exsultatióne.
3  Scitóte quóniam Dóminus ipse est Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos.
4  Pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus: * introíte portas ejus in confessióne, átria ejus in hymnis: confitémini illi.
5  Laudáte nomen ejus: quóniam suávis est Dóminus, in ætérnum misericórdia ejus, * et usque in generatiónem et generatiónem véritas ejus.

Psalm 99.  Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness,
2  And come before his presence * with a song..
3  Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; * it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.
4  We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture : * O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be ye thankful unto him.
5  Give praises unto his Name: for the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Ant.    Cumque intueréntur in cælum eúntem illum, dixérunt, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven, as he went up they sang Alleluia.

Ant.    Elevátis mánibus.

Ant.    And he lifted up his hands.

Psalmus 62.  Deus, Deus meus

Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce vígilo.
2  Sitívit in te ánima mea, * quam multiplíciter tibi caro mea.
3  In terra desérta, et ínvia, et inaquósa: * sic in sancto appárui tibi, ut vidérem virtútem tuam, et glóriam tuam.
4  Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas: * lábia mea laudábunt te.
5  Sic benedícam te in vita mea: * et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas.
6  Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea: * et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum.
7  Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in matutínis meditábor in te: * quia fuísti adjútor meus.
8  Et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo, adhæsit ánima mea post te: * me suscépit déxtera tua.
9  Ipsi vero in vanum quæsiérunt ánimam meam, introíbunt in inferióra terræ: * tradéntur in manus gládii, partes vúlpium erunt.
10  Rex vero lætábitur in Deo, laudabúntur omnes qui jurant in eo: * quia obstrúctum est os loquéntium iníqua.

Psalm 62.  Deus, Deus meus

O God, thou art my God; * to thee do I watch at break of day.
2  My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my flesh also in many different ways.
3  In a barren and dry land where no water is: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, that I might behold thy power and thy glory.
4  For thy mercy is better than the life itself : * my lips shall praise thee.
5  Thus will I bless thee as long as I live : * and I will lift up my hands in thy Name.
6  My soul shall be filled as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.
7  If I have remembered thee in my bed, I will think upon thee in the morning : * because thou hast been my helper.
8  And under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me.
9  But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go down into the nether parts of the earth : * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be a portion for foxes.
10  But the king shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak wicked things shall be stopped.

Ant.    Elevátis mánibus, benedíxit eis, et ferebátur in cælum, allelúja.

Ant.    And he lifted up his hands, and blessed them, and was taken up into heaven, alleluia.

Ant.    Exaltáte Regem regum.

Ant.    Praise ye the King of kings.

Canticum trium Puerorum
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 et 56

Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.

2    Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino.

3    Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino.

4    Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino.

5    Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino.

6    Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino.

7    Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino.

8    Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino.

9    Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino.

10  Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

11  Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino.

12  Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino.

13  Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino.

14    Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino.

15    Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

16    Benedícite, sacerdótes Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, servi Dómini, Dómino.

17    Benedícite, spíritus, et ánimæ justórum, Dómino: * benedícite, sancti et húmiles corde, Dómino.

18    Benedícite, Ananía, Azaría, Mísaël, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.
(Fit reverentia:)

19    Benedicámus Patrem et Fílium cum Sancto Spíritu: * laudémus et superexaltémus eum in sæcula.
20  Benedíctus es, Dómine, in firmaménto cæli: * et laudábilis, et gloriósus, et superexaltátus in sæcula.
Hic non dícitur Glória Patri, neque Amen.

The Song of the Three Holy Children
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 and 56

O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
2  O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord.
3  O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
4  O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the Lord.
5  O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord.
6  O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord.
7  O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord.
8  O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord.
9  O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord.
10  O let the Earth bless the Lord; * yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
11  O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord. 
12  O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord.
13  O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord.
14  O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord.
15  O let Israël bless the Lord; * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
16  O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
17  O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord.
18  O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever:
(During the following verse, all bow:)
19  Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise him and magnify him for ever.
20  Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven; * and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
Here is not said Amen or Glory be.

Ant.    Exaltáte Regem regum, et hymnum dícite Deo, allelúja.

Ant.    Praise ye the King of kings, yea, sing a hymn to God, alleluia.

Ant.    Vidéntibus illis.

Ant.    And while they beheld.

Psalmus 148.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum de cælis: * laudáte eum in excélsis.
2  Laudáte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * laudáte eum, omnes virtútes ejus.
3  Laudáte eum, sol et luna: * laudáte eum, omnes stellæ et lumen.
4  Laudáte eum, cæli cælórum: * et aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, laudent nomen Dómini.
5  Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt.
6  Státuit ea in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi: * præcéptum pósuit, et non præteríbit.
7  Laudáte Dóminum de terra, * dracónes, et omnes abyssi.
8  Ignis, grando, nix, glácies, spíritus procellárum: * quæ fáciunt verbum ejus:
9  Montes, et omnes colles: * ligna fructífera, et omnes cedri.
10  Béstiæ, et univérsa pécora: * serpéntes, et vólucres pennátæ:
11  Reges terræ, et omnes pópuli: * príncipes, et omnes júdices terræ.
12  Júvenes, et vírgines : senes cum junióribus laudent nomen Dómini: * quia exaltátum est nomen ejus solíus.
13  Conféssio ejus super cælum et terram: * et exaltávit cornu pópuli sui.
14  Hymnus ómnibus sanctis ejus: * fíliis Israël, pópulo appropinquánti sibi.

Psalm 148.  Laudate Dominum

O praise ye the Lord from the heavens: * praise ye him in the height.
2  Praise him, all ye Angels of his: * praise him, all his host.
3  Praise ye him, O sun and moon: * praise him, all ye stars and light.
4  Praise him, all ye heavens of heavens, * and ye waters that are above the heavens, praise the Name of the Lord.
5  For he spake the word, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created.
6  He hath established them for ever, yea, unto ages of ages : * he hath set forth a law, and it shall not pass away.
7  Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye dragons and all deeps;
8  Fire and hail, snow and ice, wind and storm, * fulfilling his word;
9  Mountains and all hills; * fruitful trees and all cedars;
10  Beasts and all cattle; * creeping things and flying fowls;
11  Kings of the earth, and all people; * princes, and all judges of the world;
12  Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord: * for his Name only is exalted.
13  His praise is above heaven and earth : * and he shall exalt the horn of his people.
14  A hymn unto all his saints : * even unto the children of Israel, a people that draw nigh unto him.

Ant.    Vidéntibus illis, elevátus est, et nubes suscépit eum in cælo, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.

STAND

Capitulum           Act. 1. 1-2.
Primum quidem sermónem feci de ómnibus, o Theóphile, quæ cœpit Jesus fácere et docére usque in diem, qua præcípiens Apóstolis per Spíritum Sanctum, quos elégit assúmptus est.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Act. 1. 1-2.
The former Treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Salútis humánæ Sator,
Jesu, volúptas córdium
Orbis redémpti Cónditor,
Et casta lux amántium:

Qua victus es cleméntia,
Ut nostra ferres crímina?
Mortem subíres ínnocens,
A morte nos ut tólleres?

Perrúmpis inférnum chaos:
Vinctis caténas détrahis;
Victor triúmpho nóbili
Ad déxteram Patris sedes.

Te cogat indulgéntia,
Ut damna nostra sárcias,
Tuíque vultus cómpotes
Dites beáto lúmine.

Sequens Conclusio numquam mutatur.
Tu, dux ad astra, et sémita,
Sis meta nostris córdibus,
Sis lacrimárum gáudium,
Sis dulce vitæ præmium.  Amen.

Hail, thou who man's Redeemer art,
Jesu, the joy of every heart;
Great maker of the world's wide frame,
And purest love's delight and flame:

What nameless mercy thee o'ercame,
To bear our load of sin and shame?
For guiltless, thou thy life didst give,
That sinful erring man might live.

The realms of woe are forced by thee,
Its captives from their chains set free;
And thou, amid thy ransomed train,
At God's right hand dost victor reign.

Let mercy sweet with thee prevail,
To cure the wounds we now bewail;
Oh, bless us with thy holy sight,
And fill us with eternal light.

The following Ending is never changed.
Our guide, our way to heavenly rest,
Be thou the aim of every breast;
Be thou the soother of our tears,
Our sweet reward above the spheres.  Amen.

Ad Bened. Ant:  Ascéndo ad Patrem meum, * et Patrem vestrum : Deum meum, et Deum vestrum, allelúja.

Ant. on Bened:  I ascend to my Father * and your Father, to my God and your God, alleluia.

Oremus.
Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui hodiérna die Unigénitum tuum Redemptórem nostrum ad cælos ascendísse crédimus; ipsi quoque mente in cæléstibus habitémus.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that like as we do believe thine only-begotten Son our Saviour to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell.  Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

Prime

Ant.    Viri Galilæi, * quid aspícitis in cælum?  Hic Jesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, allelúja.

Ant.    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, alleluia.

Festal Psalms

Return to the Office of Prime

V.  Thou that hast ascended above the stars.

Lectio Brevis   Act 1. 11.
Viri Galilæi, quid statis aspiciéntes in cælum?  Hic Jesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, quemádmodum vidístis eum eúntem in cælum.  Tu autem,  Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

Brief Lesson    Act. 1. 11.
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.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Return to the Office of Prime
 

Terce

Ant.    Cumque intueréntur * in cælum eúntem illum, dixérunt, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they looked * stedfastly toward heaven, as he went up they sang Alleluia.

Sunday Psalms

After completing the Antiphon following the Psalms, the Choir stands and then is said the Little Chapter and Brief Respond as follows:

STAND

Capitulum           Act. 1. 1-2.
Primum quidem sermónem feci de ómnibus, o Theóphile, quæ cœpit Jesus fácere et docére usque in diem, qua præcípiens Apóstolis per Spíritum Sanctum, quos elégit assúmptus est.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Act. 1. 1-2.
The former Treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, * Allelúja, allelúja.
R.  Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, * Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Et Dóminus in voce tubæ.
R.  Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, * Allelúja, allelúja.

V.  Ascéndens Christus in altum, allelúja.
R.  Captívam duxit captivitátem , allelúja.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  God is gone up with a merry noise, * Alleluia, alleluia.
R.  God is gone up with a merry noise, * Alleluia, alleluia.
V.  And the Lord with the sound of the trump.
R.  Alleluia, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  God is gone up with a merry noise, * Alleluia, alleluia.

V.  Christ is gone up on high, alleluia.
R.  And hath led captivity captive, alleluia.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

Sext

Ant.    Elevátis mánibus, * benedíxit eis, et ferebátur in cælum, allelúja.

Ant.    And he lifted up his hands, * and blessed them, and was taken up into heaven, alleluia.

Sunday Psalms

After completing the Antiphon following the Psalms, the Choir stands and then is said the Little Chapter and Brief Respond as follows:

STAND

Capitulum                      Act. 1. 4-5.
Et convéscens, præcépit eis, ab Jerosólymis ne discéderent, sed exspectárent promissiónem Patris, quam audístis (inquit) per os meum : quia Joánnes quidem baptizávit aqua, vos autem baptizabímini Spíritu Sancto non post multos hos dies.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Act. 1. 4-5.
And being assembled together with them, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Ascéndens Christus in altum, * Allelúja, allelúja.
R.  Ascéndens Christus in altum, * Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Captívam duxit captivitátem. 
R.  Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ascéndens Christus in altum, * Allelúja, allelúja.

V.  Ascéndo ad Patrem meum, et Patrem vestrum, allelúja.
R.  Deum meum, et Deum vestrum, allelúja.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  Christ is gone up on high, * Alleluia, alleluia.
R.  Christ is gone up on high, * Alleluia, alleluia.
V.  And hath led captivity captive.
R.  Alleluia, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Christ is gone up on high, * Alleluia, alleluia.

V.  I ascend to my Father and your Father, alleluia.
R.  To my God and your God, alleluia.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

None

Ant.    Vidéntibus illis, * elevátus est, et nubes suscépit eum in cælo, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they beheld, * he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.

Sunday Psalms

After completing the Antiphon following the Psalms, the Choir stands and then is said the Little Chapter and Brief Respond as follows:

STAND

Capitulum   Act 1. 11.
Viri Galilæi, quid statis aspiciéntes in cælum?  Hic Jesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, quemádmodum vidístis eum eúntem in cælum.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter    Act. 1. 11.
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.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Ascéndo ad Patrem meum, et Patrem vestrum, * Allelúja, allelúja.
R.  Ascéndo ad Patrem meum, et Patrem vestrum, * Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Deum meum, et Deum vestrum.
R.  Allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ascéndo ad Patrem meum, et Patrem vestrum, * Allelúja, allelúja.

V.  Dóminus in cælo, allelúja.
R.  Parávit sedem suam, allelúja.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  I ascend to my Father and your Father, * Alleluia, allelúja.
R.  I ascend to my Father and your Father, * Alleluia, allelúja.
V.  To my God and your God.
R.  Alleluia, allelúja.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  I ascend to my Father and your Father, * Alleluia, allelúja.

V.  The Lord hath prepared, alleluia.
R.  His seat in heaven, alleluia.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.