is no longer wonderful: nor has faith i might verily shew His Body after the any more merit, when human reason resurrection to be the same in nature, has given it experience. But these but differing in glory. works of our Redeemer which, in themselves can no way be understood, are to be weighed together with other works of His: that by their wondrous ways they may excite faith in doings more wondrous still. For that same Body of the LORD went in through the shut doors to the disciples, which, in truth, came forth to human gaze at His Birth through the shut womb of the Virgin. What marvel then, if already victorious after His resur rection to eternity, He should pass through shut doors, Who, when He came to die, issued forth from the unopened womb of the Virgin? R. From the mouth of the wise proceedeth honey: the sweetness of the honeycomb is under His tongue. Al. His lips drop as the honey-comb. Al. Al. y. Wisdom abideth in His heart, and prudence in the discourse of His mouth. His lips. BU Lesson VIII. UT because the faith of those that beheld doubted concerning that Body which could be seen: He sheweth them more closely His Hands and His Side: and suffered that flesh to be handled, which He had brought in through the shut doors. By which thing He sheweth in Himself two marvels, most contrary indeed to human condition: since He shewed that after His Resurrection, His Body was incorruptible and yet palpable. For it must needs be that what can be handled may also be corrupted: and that which cannot corrupt cannot be handled. But in wondrous and inconceivable manner our Redeemer shewed His Body after His Resurrection to be at once incorruptible and palpable: that by shewing it to be incorruptible He might call us to our reward and by offering it to be touched He might confirm our faith. He proved Himself therefore to be both ncorruptible and palpable: that He Ry. The LORD JESUS arising, stood in the midst of His disciples, and said: Peace be unto you. Al. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD. AI. V. On the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were gathered together, came JESUS, and stood in the midst of them, and said. Peace. Glory. Peace. Lesson IX. The HE said unto them: Peace be unto Me, even so send Ĭ you: that is, as GoD you. As My FATHER hath sent the FATHER hath sent Me as GOD, even so I, as Man, send you men. FATHER sent the SON Whom He ordained to be made flesh for the redemption of mankind. Whom verily He willed to come into the world to suffer: yet nevertheless He loved that SoN Whom He sent to suffer. And so indeed the LORD sent not his elect apostles to the joys of the world, but even as He was sent Himself, He sent them to sufferings in the world. Because therefore the Son is both loved by the FATHER and is also nevertheless sent to suffer, even so the disciples also are loved by their LORD, Who nevertheless sent them to suffer in the world. As the FATHER hath sent Me, even so Therefore rightly is it said: send I you: that is, I love you with that love, when I send you forth amid the offences of your persecutors, with which same love the Father loved Me, Whom He ordained to come to endure sufferings. Te Deum, p. 15. MONDAY. Inv. Al. Al. * Al. Ps., Venite, p. 3. Hymn. Rex sempiterne, p. 5. Ant. Alleluia. Ps. xxvii. Dominus illuminatio, with the rest of the Monday Pss. p. 16. The Ferial Psalms are said under this Ant., Alleluia, till the Ascension. y. The LORD is risen from the tomb. Al. Ry. Who for us hung upon the Cross. Al. which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem Here beginneth the Book of the Acts from the mount called Olivet, which is of the Apostles. Lesson I. Chap. i. THE former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that JESUS began both 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: to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of GoD: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the FATHER, which, saith he, ye have heard of For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the HOLY GHOST not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, LORD, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the FATHER hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. me. Ry. With great power. p. clxxxvii. AND when he had spoken these things, 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; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same JESUS, from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James, the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of JESUS, and with his brethren. Ry. From the mouth of the wise. p. clxxxviii. Lesson III. AND in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the HOLY GHOST by the mc ith of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took JESUS. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field Aceldama, that is to say, The field of is called in their proper tongue, blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the LORD JESUS went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, LORD, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. In the Paschal season, instead of a third Ry. is said Te Deum, p. 15. TUESDAY. Of the Acts of the Apostles. Lesson I. Chap. ii. AND when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the HOLY GHOST, and began to speak with other tongues, as the SPIRIT gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed, and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Ry. Behold the Lion. p. clxxxii. that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my SPIRIT upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my SPIRIT; and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood and fire, and vapour of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the LORD come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved. Ry. I am the true vine. p. clxxxii. YE men of Israel, hear these words: JESUS of Nazareth, a man approved of GoD among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which GOD did by him in the midst of you, as ye delivered by the determinate counsel yourselves also know him, being and foreknowledge of GOD, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the LORD always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see BUT Peter, standing up with the corruption. eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is Te Deum. p. 15. WEDNESDAY. Of the Acts of the Apostles. Lesson I. Chap. iii. OW Peter and John went up to gether into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the Name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth rise up and walk. Ry. The LORD JESUS. p. clxxxviii. Lesson II. AND he took him by the right hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising GOD. And all the people saw him walking and praising GoD: and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. Ry. Purge out. p. clxxxiv. A1 Lesson III. ND when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The GOD of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his SON JESUS; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Te Deum. p. 15. THURSDAY. Of the Acts of the Apostles. Lesson I. Chap. v. BUT a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. R. Christ being raised. p. clxxix. Lesson II. AND it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the SPIRIT of the LORD? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the Lesson II. church, and upon as many as heard NOW when the apostles which were these things. at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they Ry. The good Shepherd. p. clxxxvii. sent unto them Peter and John: Lesson III. who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might AND by the hands of the apostles receive the HOLY GHOST: (for as yet were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the LORD, multitudes both of men and women ;) insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. Te Deum, p. 15. FRIDAY. Of the Acts of the Apostles. Lesson I. Chap. viii. BUT there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of GOD, and the name of JESUS CHRIST, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Ry. With great power. p. clxxxvii. he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the LORD JESUS :) then laid they their hands on them, and they received the HOLY GHOST. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the HOLY GHOST was given, he offered them money: saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the HOLY GHOST. Ry. Out of the mouth. p. clxxxviii. BUT Peter said unto him, Thy thou hast thought that the gift of money perish with thee, because GOD may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of GOD. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray GoD, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Te Deum, p. 15. SATURDAY. Of the Acts of the Apostles. Lesson I. Chap. x. THERE was a certain man in Ce sarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band: a devout man, and one that feared GOD with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to GOD alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of GoD coming in to |him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. |