Solemnities

by

(Usus Antiquior) Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King (Double I Classis) – Sunday, 29 October 2023 : Offertory, Secret Prayer of the Priest, Communion and Post-Communion Prayer

Liturgical Colour : White

Offertory

Psalm 2 : 8

Postula a Me, et dabo tibi gentes hereditatem tuam, et possessionem Tuam terminos terrae.

English translation

Ask of Me, and I will give you the Gentiles for your inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for your possession.

Secret Prayer of the Priest

Hostiam Tibi, Domine, humanae reconciliationis offerimus : praesta, quaesumus; ut, quem sacrificiis praesentibus immolamus, ipse cunctis gentibus unitatis et pacis dona concedat, Jesus Christus Filius Tuus, Dominus noster : Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

O Lord, we offer You this host for the reconciliation of humanity, grant, we beseech You, that Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, Whom we immolate in this sacrifice, will bestow on all Gentiles the gifts of unity and peace, Who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

Preface of Christ the King

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos Tibi semper et ubique gratias agere : Domine, Sancte Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus : Qui unigenitum Filium Tuum, Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Sacerdotem aeternum et universorum Regem, oleo exsultationis unxisti : ut, seipsum in ara crucis hostiam immaculatam et pacificam offerens, redemptionis humanae sacramenta perageret : et suo subjectis imperio omnibus creaturis, aeternum et universale regnum, immensae Tuae traderet Majestati. Regnum veritatis et vitae : regnum sanctitatis et gratiae : regnum justitiae, amoris et pacis. 

Et ideo cum Angelis et Archangelis, cum Thronis et Dominationibus cumque omni militia caelestis exercitus hymnum gloriae Tuae canimus, sine fine dicentes :

English translation

It is truly meet and just, right and profitable, for us, at all times, and in all places, to give thanks to You, o Lord, the Holy One, the Father Almighty, the Everlasting God, Who had anointed with the oil of gladness Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal Priest and King of the universe, that, offering Himself as a stainless peace offering on the altar of the cross, He might fulfil the pledges of man’s redemption, and, having all creatures subject to His power, might deliver to Your sublime majesty an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.

And therefore with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the array of the heavenly host, we sing a hymn to Your glory and unceasingly repeat :

Communion

Psalm 28 : 10, 11

Sedebit Dominus Rex in aeternum : Dominus benedicet populo Suo in pace.

English translation

The Lord shall sit as King forever. The Lord will bless His people with peace.

Post-Communion Prayer

Immortalitatis alimoniam consecuti, quaesumus, Domine : ut, qui sub Christi Regis vexillis militare gloriamur, cum ipso, in caelesti sede, jugiter regnare possimus : Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

Fed with this immortal nourishment, we beseech You, o Lord, that we who glory to fight under the standard of Christ the King, may forever reign with Him on the heavenly throne. Who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

by

(Usus Antiquior) Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King (Double I Classis) – Sunday, 29 October 2023 : Holy Gospel

Liturgical Colour : White

Sequentia Sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem – Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St. John

John 18 : 33-37

In illo tempore : Dixit Pilatus ad Jesum : Tu es Rex Judaeorum? Respondit Jesus : A temetipso hoc dicis, an alii dixerunt tibi de Me? Respondit Pilatus : Numquid ego Judaeus sum? Gens Tua et pontifices tradiderunt Te mihi : quid fecisti?

Respondit Jesus : Regnum Meum non est de hoc mundo. Si ex hoc mundo esset regnum Meum, ministri mei utique decertarent, ut non traderer Judaeis : nunc autem regnum Meum non est hinc.

Dixit itaque ei Pilatus : Ergo Rex es Tu? Respondit Jesus : Tu dicis, quia Rex sum Ego. Ego in hoc natus sum et ad hoc veni in mundum, ut testimonium perhibeam veritati : omnis, qui est ex veritate, audit vocem Meam.

English translation

At that time, Pilate said to Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “You have said this thing of yourself, or have others told it to you of Me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered You up to me, what have You done?”

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from hence.”

Pilate therefore said to Him, “You are a King then?” Jesus answered, “You said that I am a King, for this I was born, and for this I came into the world, that I should give testimony to the truth. Everyone that is of the truth, hears My voice.”

by

(Usus Antiquior) Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King (Double I Classis) – Sunday, 29 October 2023 : Gradual and Alleluia

Liturgical Colour : White

Psalm 71 : 8, 11 and Daniel 7 : 14

Dominabitur a mari usque ad mare, et a flumine usque ad terminos orbis terrarum.

Priest : Et adorabunt eum omnes reges terrae : omnes gentes servient ei.

Alleluja, Alleluja.

Priest : Potestas ejus, potestas aeterna, quae non auferetur : et regnum ejus, quod non corrumpetur. Alleluja.

English translation

He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

Priest : And all kings of the earth shall adore Him, all nations shall serve Him.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Priest : His power is an everlasting power that shall not be taken away, and His kingdom that shall not be destroyed. Alleluia.

by

(Usus Antiquior) Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King (Double I Classis) – Sunday, 29 October 2023 : Epistle

Liturgical Colour : White

Lectio Epistolae Beati Pauli Apostoli ad Colossenses – Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Colossians

Colossians 1 : 12-20

Fratres : Gratias agimus Deo Patri, qui dignos nos fecit in partem sortis sanctorum in lumine : qui eripuit nos de potestate tenebrarum, et transtulit in regnum Filii dilectionis suae, in quo habemus redemptionem per sanguinem ejus, remissionem peccatorum : qui est imago Dei invisibilis, primogenitus omnis creatura : quoniam in ipso condita sunt universa in caelis et in terra, visibilia et invisibilia, sive Throni, sive Dominationes, sive Principatus, sive Potestates : omnia per ipsum, et in ipso creata sunt : et ipse est ante omnes, et omnia in ipso constant.

Et ipse est caput corporis Ecclesiae, qui est principium, primogenitus ex mortuis : ut sit in omnibus ipse primatum tenens; quia in ipso complacuit omnem plenitudinem inhabitare; et per eum reconciliare omnia in ipsum, pacificans per sanguinem crucis ejus, sive quae in terris, sive quae in caelis sunt, in Christo Jesu Domino nostro.

English translation

Brethren, we give thanks to God the Father, Who had made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light, Who had delivered us from the power of darkness, and had translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. In Whom we have redemption through His Blood, the remission of sins, Who is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of every creature for in Him were all things created in Heaven and on earth visible and invisible, whether Thrones, or Dominations, or Principalities, or Powers, all things were created by Him and in Him. And He is before all, and by Him all things consist.

And He is the Head of the Body, the Church. Who is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may hold the primacy, because in Him it had well pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell, and through Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, making peace through the Blood of His cross, both as to the things that are on earth, and the things that are in Heaven, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

by

(Usus Antiquior) Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King (Double I Classis) – Sunday, 29 October 2023 : Introit and Collect

Liturgical Colour : White

Introit

Apocalypse 5 : 12, 1, 6 and Psalm 71 : 1

Dignus est Agnus, qui occisus est, accipere virtutem, et divinitatem, et sapientiam, et fortitudinem, et honorem. Ipsi gloria et imperium in saecula saeculorum.

Deus, judicium Tuum Regi da : et justitiam Tuam Filio Regis.

Priest : Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto, sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper : et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive the power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honour to Him be glory and empire forever and ever.

Give to the King Your Judgment, o God, and to the King’s Son Your justice.

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

Collect

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui in dilecto Filio Tuo, universorum Rege, omnia instaurare voluisti : concede propitius; ut cunctae familiae gentium, peccati vulnere disgregatae, ejus suavissimo subdantur imperio : Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

Almighty and Eternal God, Who has wished to restore all things through Your beloved Son, the King of the Universe, graciously grant that all the families of the Gentiles separated by the wound of sin, may be subjected to His most loving dominion, Who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

by

Friday, 29 September 2023 : Feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : White

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today the Church celebrates the great occasion of the Feast of the Holy Archangels, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Gabriel the Archangel and St. Raphael the Archangel, three of the seven Archangels that serve the Lord by His Throne, as the leaders and most prominent ones among the Angelic Host, and the three whose names are known to us from the Scriptures. Originally this day in the past was a celebration dedicated only to St. Michael the Archangel, the Prince of the Heavenly Host, leader of all the Angels of God in the struggle and war against the forces of the wicked fallen angels, the rebels led by Lucifer, now known as Satan, the great enemy and the deceiver, who had fallen from grace, and has swept a third of the Heavenly Host with his rebellion.

St. Michael the Archangel is indeed probably the most well-known among the Archangels, and we know him for being the one who leads God’s mighty Heavenly Host, the force of Angels in their constant and daily struggles against the forces of the evil and wicked spirits, the demons, fallen angels and all those who have been arrayed against us, in the spiritual warfare ever raging all around us. St. Michael according to tradition was not the strongest and mightiest among the Angels of God, as back then the most brilliant and mightiest among the Angels created by God was one named Lucifer, or the lightbringer, who became enamoured and arrogant because of his own brilliance, and in whose vanity and pride, ended up rebelling against God.

As recorded in the Scriptures and according to Church traditions, it was told that Lucifer aspired to be greater than God and to put himself above all the Angels of God and creation, so swayed he was by his pride and vanity, his greatest sin, and hence, in one tradition, took his seat upon God’s Throne when God was away for a moment. St. Michael was the one who rebuked Lucifer and told him that he was not worthy to aspire to such a height. And with his own name, Michael as battlecry, ‘Who is like God?’, St. Michael the Archangel led the forces of Angels that remained faithful to God, against Lucifer and those who sided with him, just as we heard in one of our Scripture readings today, as the War in Heaven. Lucifer was defeated and cast down from Heaven, where henceforth he is known as Satan, the devil, the great enemy.

St. Michael is especially honoured for his role in leading the forces of the faithful Angels in the struggles that happened then, and ever since, and also for his great faith and commitment to God. It was told that St. Michael always trembled whenever he is in the presence of God, as he, a mighty Archangel he may be, but he is still nothing compared to the Almighty God, Whom he served with complete commitment. However, before the forces of the evil, St. Michael the Archangel stands strong at the head of God’s mighty Angelic Host, ever ready to smite those who would harm the people of God, those who have been placed under the care of St. Michael and the other Angels, our Guardian Angels and more.

Meanwhile, St. Gabriel the Archangel was known to be the one who brought the Good News and revelation to Mary, the Mother of God, at the moment of the Annunciation, in which her role as the one to bear the Saviour of the world was revealed to her. According to tradition of the Church, St. Gabriel the Archangel was also the one who brought the news of the conception of St. John the Baptist to his father, Zechariah the priest at the Temple. Gabriel means the ‘Strength of God’, and through his role in delivering the words of God’s help and deliverance for His people, he reminded them all of the Lord’s guidance and providence, and how each and every one of us should remain firm in our trust and faith in God, and depend on His strength amidst the challenges and trials that may be facing us.

Then, St. Raphael the Archangel was known in the Book of Tobit as he took the disguise of a young man named Azariah, so that he could bring God’s help and intervention in the case of Tobit himself, the protagonist of the Book of Tobit, and Sara, the daughter of Ragouel, who would become Tobit’s daughter-in-law. Both of them had been beset by troubles, and prayed to God for help and deliverance, for strength and guidance, and it was there and then that God, having heard their prayers and willed to help them, sent His Archangel, St. Raphael, to go upon each of them, to help them and to show them His love and compassionate mercy. Raphael’s name, which means ‘Healing of God’ was indeed apt, as he helped to bring God’s healing to both Tobit and Sara, who were therefore freed from their problems.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today as we recall the deeds and the works of these mighty Archangels of God, Holy Archangels, St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, let us all ask them for their continued intercession and protection, especially in the midst of the constant spiritual warfare that have always raged around us. Let us ask them to guide and help us in our journey of faith and life, so that in everything that we say and do, we will always do what we can in order to glorify the Lord by our lives and works, and to do His will at all times. We should always trust in the Lord and be obedient to Him as how St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael had always done God’s will and works, in guiding and protecting us at every moments in our lives.

Let us all be thankful of all that the Angels of God had done for us, and those three Holy Archangels whom we honour today. Let us all strive to live lives that are more worthy of the Lord, and be truly righteous, virtuous and worthy of Him. May God be with us all, and may His Archangels, St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael continue to help and guide us along our journey towards righteousness and grace in God. Amen.

by

Friday, 29 September 2023 : Feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

John 1 : 47-51

At that time, when Jesus saw Nathanael coming, He said to him, “Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him.” Nathanael asked Him, “How do You know me?”

And Jesus said to him, “Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.” Nathanael answered, “Master, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” But Jesus replied, “You believe because I said, ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ But you will see greater things than that.”

“Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

by

Friday, 29 September 2023 : Feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : White

Psalm 137 : 1-2a, 2bc-3, 4-5

I thank You, o YHVH, with all my heart, for You have heard the word of my lips. I sing Your praise in the presence of the gods. I bow down toward Your holy Temple and give thanks to Your Name.

For Your love and faithfulness, for Your word, which exceeds everything. You answered me when I called; You restored my soul and made me strong.

O YHVH, all kings on earth will give You praise, when they have heard Your words. They will celebrate the ways of YHVH, “Great is the glory of YHVH!”

by

Friday, 29 September 2023 : Feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

Daniel 7 : 9-10, 13-14

I looked and saw the following : Some thrones were set in place and One of Great Age took His seat. His robe was white, as snow, His hair, white as washed wool. His throne was flames of fire with wheels of blazing fire. A river of fire sprang forth and flowed before Him. Thousands upon thousands served Him and a countless multitude stood before Him.

Those in the tribunal took their seats and opened the book. I continued watching the nocturnal vision : One like a Son of Man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was brought into His presence. Dominion, honour and kingship were given Him, and all the peoples and nations of every language served Him. His dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; His kingdom will never be destroyed.

Alternative reading (Second Reading if this Feast is celebrated as a Solemnity)

Revelations 12 : 7-12a

War broke out in heaven, with Michael and his Angels battling with the dragon. The dragon fought back with his angels, but they were defeated, and lost their place in heaven. The great dragon, the ancient serpent, known as the devil, or Satan, seducer of the whole world, was thrown out. He was hurled down to earth, together with his angels.

Then, I heard a loud voice from heaven : Now has salvation come, with the power and the kingdom of our God, and the rule of His Anointed. For our brothers’ accuser has been cast out, who accused them night and day, before God. They conquered him, by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, for they gave up their lives, going to death.

Rejoice, therefore, o you heavens, and you who dwell in them.

by

(Usus Antiquior) Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel (Double I Classis) – Friday, 29 September 2023 : Offertory, Secret Prayer of the Priest, Communion and Post-Communion Prayer

Liturgical Colour : White

Offertory

Apocalypse 8 : 3, 4

Stetit Angelus juxta aram templi, habens thuribulum aureum in manu sua, et data sunt ei incensa multa : et ascendit fumus aromatum in conspectu Dei, Alleluja.

English translation

An angel stood near the altar of the Temple, having a golden censer in his hand, and there was given to him much incense, and the smoke of the perfumes ascended before God, Alleluia.

Secret Prayer of the Priest

Hostias Tibi, Domine, laudis offerimus, suppliciter deprecantes : ut easdem, angelico pro nobis interveniente suffragio, et placatus accipias, et ad salutem nostram provenire concedas. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

We offer You sacrifices of praise, o Lord, humbly praying that You may be pleased to receive them, through the angelic intercession in our behalf, and grant that they may avail for our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

Communion

Daniel 3 : 58

Benedicite, omnes Angeli Domini, Dominum : hymnum dicite et superexaltate eum in saecula.

English translation

All you angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. Sing a hymn, and exalt Him above all forever, Alleluia.

Post-Communion Prayer

Beati Archangeli Tui Michaelis intercessione suffulti : supplices Te, Domine, deprecamur; ut, quod ore prosequimur, contingamus et mente. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

Relying upon the intercession of Blessed Michael, Your Archangel, o Lord, we Your suppliants pray that what we perform with our lips we may attain with our hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.