SATURDAY OF PASSION WEEK

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 30:10, 16, 18)
Have pity on me, O Lord, for I am in distress. Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I have called upon You. Ps. 30:2. In You, O Lord, have I hoped; let me never be put to shame. In Your justice rescue me. Have pity on me . . .

PRAYER
O Lord, may Your people who are already dedicated to You, grow stronger in loving devotion to Your service. May they grow in appreciation of the sacred rite and, by becoming more pleasing to You, receive even greater gifts from You. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Jer. 18:18-23)
In those days, the wicked Jews said: "Come, and let us invent devices against Jeremias: for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet: come, and let us strike him with the tongue, and let us give no heed to all his words."
"Give heed to me, O Lord, and hear the voice of my adversaries. Shall evil be rendered for good, because they have digged a pit for my soul? Remember that I have stood in thy sight, to speak good for them, and to turn away thy indignation from them. Therefore deliver up their children to famine, and bring them into the hands of the sword: let their wives be bereaved of children and widows: and let their husbands be slain by death: let their young men be stabbed with the sword in battle. Let a cry be heard out of their houses: for thou shalt bring the robber upon them suddenly: because they have digged a pit to take me, and have hid snares for my feet. But thou, O Lord, knowest all their counsel against me unto death: not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from thy sight: let them be overthrown before thy eyes, in the time of thy wrath do thou destroy them, O Lord our God."

GRADUAL (Ps. 34:20, 22)
My enemies spoke peaceably to me, but in their hatred they were devising treachery. V. You have seen it, O Lord; be not silent, be not far from me.

GOSPEL (John 12:10-36)
At that time, the chief priests thought to kill Lazarus also: Because many of the Jews, by reason of him, went away and believed in Jesus.
And on the next day, a great multitude that was come to the festival day, when they had heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him and cried "Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it, as it is written: "Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold thy king cometh, sitting on an ass's colt." These things his disciples did not know at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of him and that they had done these things to him.
The multitude therefore gave testimony, which was with him, when he called Lazarus out of the grave and raised him from the dead. For which reason also the people came to meet him, because they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves: "Do you see that we prevail nothing? Behold, the whole world is gone after him!"
Now there were certain Gentiles among them, who came up to adore on the festival day. These therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying: "Sir, we would see Jesus." Philip cometh and telleth Andrew. Again Andrew and Philip told Jesus. But Jesus answered them, saying: "The hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, Itself remaineth alone. But if it die it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it and he that hateth his life in this world keepeth it unto life eternal. If any man minister to me, let him follow me: and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause I came unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name." A voice therefore came from heaven: "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."
The multitude therefore that stood and heard said that it thundered. Others said: "An angel spoke to him." Jesus answered and said: "This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself." (Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.) The multitude answered him: "We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever. And how sayest thou: The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?" Jesus therefore said to them: "Yet a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the light, and the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither be goeth. Whilst you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light." These things Jesus spoke: and he went away and hid himself from them.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 118:12, 121, 42)
Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your commandments. Leave me not to my slanderers, so that I shall have an answer for those who reproach me.

SECRET PRAYER
O God, You gave us a share in this great Sacrament. Mercifully free us from all guilt and danger of sin. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Ps. 26:12)
Hand me not over to the wishes of my foes, O Lord, for false witnesses have risen up against me, whose malice betrays itself.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We have been nourished by Your divine Gift, O Lord our God. Mat the reception of this Bread of Heaven bring us eternal life. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O Lord, let Your right hand shield Your suppliant people. Purify and instruct them, that their present consolation may lead them toward future good. Through Our Lord . . .

THE SEVEN SORROWS
OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

The psalms of David and the prophecies of Isaias told rather plainly what would happen to Mary's Son. But to help extend God's mercy to all men, Mary suffered the seven great swords of her life and the multitude of little swords. All of them were the cost of mothering the earth's Redeemer and His members. Calvary was the climax of her sorrows.
The graces and merits won by the anguish of Jesus and His Mother continually come to us through her hands. This fruit of her tears makes her also the "cause of our joy" and the sweetness and hope of the world.

ENTRANCE HYMN (John 19:25)
There stood by the cross of Jesus His Mother and His Mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Salome, and Mary Magdalene. V. "Woman, behold thy Son," Jesus said; and to the disciple, "Behold, thy Mother." V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, in Your passion, the prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled that a sword of sorrow should pierce the sweet soul of Your glorious Virgin-Mother Mary. We reverently recall her sufferings and sorrow; mercifully grant us the fruits of the redemption that was paid for by Your own sufferings, through the merits and prayers of all the saints watching beside the cross; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Lord, fill our hearts with Your grace so that we may avoid sin through our voluntary penance. May we suffer here in this life rather than be condemned to punishment in eternity. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Judith 13:22, 23-25)
The Lord hath blessed thee by his power, because by thee he hath brought our enemies to nought. Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed be the Lord who made heaven and earth, who hath directed thee to the cutting off the head of the prince of our enemies. Because he hath so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever, for that thou hast not spared thy life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.

GRADUAL
You are sorrowful and tearful, O Virgin Mary, standing by the cross of the Lord Jesus, your Son, our Redeemer. V. O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain, the author of life who was made man, bears this punishment of the cross.

TRACT (John 19:25; Lam. 1:12)
By the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ stood the sorrowing Holy Mary, the Queen of Heaven and the Mistress of the world. V. Look, all you who pass by, and see if there is any sorrow like unto mine.

SEQUENCE

At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.

Through her Heart, His sorrow sharing,
All His bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole-begotten One!

Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
'Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother's pain untold?

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.

For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.

O sweet Mother! Font of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with yours accord.

Make me feel as you have felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.

Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.

Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with you,
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.

By the Cross with you to stay,
There with you to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of you to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.

Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.

Wounded with His every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In His very Blood away.

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In His awful judgment day.

Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.

While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally.
Amen.

GOSPEL (John 19:25-27)
At that time, there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: "Woman, behold thy son." After that, he saith to the disciple: "Behold thy mother." And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Jer. 18:20)
Remember, O Virgin Mother, to speak good things in our behalf before the face of God, that He may turn away His anger from us.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord Jesus Christ, we offer You our prayers and sacrifices. May we, who commemorate the piercing of the sweet soul of the Blessed Mary, Your Mother, share the reward of the saints through her loving and constant intercession and the prayers of those who stood with her beside the cross, as well as through Your own meritorious death; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O merciful God, may we always serve worthily at Your altar, and be saved by partaking continually of its gifts. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN
Happy the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who without dying earned the palm of martyrdom beneath the cross of our Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord Jesus Christ, may this Sacrifice which we have received in memory of the sorrows of Your Virgin-Mother obtain for us from Your mercy every grace and help; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Lord, protect us always by the Sacrament we have received, and shield us against all that is harmful. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O Almighty God, may we who seek the help of Your protection be delivered from all evil to serve You with untroubled minds. Through Our Lord . . .

THURSDAY OF PASSION WEEK

ENTRANCE HYMN (Dan. 3:31, 29, 43, 42)
All that You have done to us, O Lord, You have done in just judgment, because we have sinned against You and disobeyed Your commandments; but give glory to Your own name and deal with us in accord with Your bounteous mercy. Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. All that You . . .

PRAYER
O Almighty God, the dignity of our human nature has been undermined by self-indulgence. Strengthen it again through the practice of salutary self-denial. through Our Lord . . .

READING (Dan. 3:25, 34-45)
In those days, Azarias standing up, prayed in this manner, and opening his mouth in the midst of the fire, he said: "Deliver us not up for ever, we beseech thee, for thy name's sake, and abolish not thy covenant. And take not away thy mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, thy beloved, and Isaac, thy servant, and Israel, thy holy one: To whom thou hast spoken, promising that thou wouldst multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that is on the sea shore.
"For we, O Lord, are diminished more than any nation, and are brought low in all the earth this day for our sins. Neither is there at this time prince, or leader, or prophet, or holocaust, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place of first fruits before thee, That we may find thy mercy: nevertheless, in a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be accepted. As in holocausts of rams, and bullocks, and as in thousands of fat lambs: so let our sacrifice be made in thy sight this day, that it may please thee: for there is no confusion to them that trust in thee.
"And now we follow thee with all our heart, and we fear thee, and seek thy face. Put us not to confusion, but deal with us according to thy meekness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies. And deliver us, according to thy wonderful works, and give glory to thy name, O Lord:
And let all them be confounded that shew evils to thy servants, let them be confounded in all thy might, and let their strength be broken: And let them know that thou art the Lord, the only God, and glorious over all the world. O Lord our God."

GRADUAL (Ps. 95:8-9; 28:9)
Bring offerings, and enter His courts; worship the Lord in His holy Temple. V. The Lord lays the forests bare, and in His temple all shall proclaim His glory.

GOSPEL (Luke 7:36-50)
At that time, one of the Pharisees desired him to eat with him. And he went into the house of the Pharisee and sat down to meat. And behold a woman that was in the city, a sinner, when she knew that he sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment. And standing behind at his feet. she began to wash his feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
And the Pharisee, who had invited him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying: "This man, if he were if a prophet, would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner." And Jesus answering, said to him: Simon, "I have somewhat to say to thee." But he said: "Master, say it." "A certain creditor had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence and the other fifty. And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most?" Simon answering, said: "I suppose that he to whom he forgave most." And he said to him: "Thou hast judged rightly."
And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon: "Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house: thou gavest me no water for my feet. But she with tears hath washed my feet; and with her hairs hath wiped them. Thou gavest me no kiss. But she, since she cane in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint. But she with ointment hath anointed my feet. Wherefore, I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less." And he said to her: "Thy sins are forgiven thee." And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves: "Who is this that forgiveth sins also?"
And he said to the woman: "Thy faith hath made thee safe. Go in peace."

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 136:1)
By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered you, O Sion.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord our God, You created these material things to support our weak human bodies, and chose that we should offer these same things to You in sacrifice to Your name. May they nourish us in this life and be a pledge of our eternal happiness. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Ps. 118:49-50)
Remember Your promise to Your servant, by which You have given me hope. This is my solace in my affliction.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may we cherish with pure hearts this spiritual Food that we have taken with our lips, and may this Gift that we received on earth become for us an everlasting remedy. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Be merciful to Your people, O Lord. May they despise the things that displease You and find their joy in keeping Your commandments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

WEDNESDAY OF PASSION WEEK

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 17:48-49)
You, who preserved me from the wrathful nations, will exalt me above my adversaries. You, O Lord, will rescue me from the man of violence. Ps. 17:2, 3. I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my support, my refuge, and my deliverer. You, who preserved me . . .

PRAYER
O God, sanctify the Lenten fast and in Your mercy enlighten the hearts of Your faithful. Hear the prayers of those who, by Your grace, call upon You with devotion. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN CAPISTRAN, Confessor
John was born in 1386, at Capistrano in the kingdom of Naples. He became a famous lawyer and then was appointed governor of Perugia. At the age of 34 he entered the Franciscan Order. John Capistran was the friend of four Popes: he reformed his order, and he evangelized Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Poland. At the close of his life, John led a crusade against the Turks and was a chief organizer of the glorious Christian victory at Belgrade in 1456.

O God, blessed John manifested the power of the most holy name of Jesus when he led the faithful in triumph over the enemies of the Cross. May we overcome the deceits of our spiritual enemies and receive the crown of justice from You through the intercession of this saint. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

READING (Lev. 19:1-2, 11-19, 25)
In those days, the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel. And thou shalt say to them: 'Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy. You shall not steal. You shall not lie: neither shall any man deceive his neighbour. Thou shalt not swear falsely by my name, nor profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord. Thou shalt not calumniate thy neighbour, nor oppress him by violence. The wages of him that hath been hired by thee shall not abide with thee until the morning. Thou shalt not speak evil of the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind: but thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, because I am the Lord. Thou shalt not do that which is unjust, nor judge unjustly. Respect not the person of the poor: nor honour the countenance of the mighty. But judge thy neighbour according to justice. Thou shalt not be a detractor nor a whisperer among the people. Thou shalt not stand against the blood of thy neighbour. I am the Lord. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: But reprove him openly, lest thou incur sin through him. Seek not revenge, nor be mindful of the injury of thy citizens. Thou shalt love thy friend as thyself. I am the Lord. Keep ye my laws. I am the Lord your God.' "

GRADUAL (Ps. 29:2-4)
I will extol You, O Lord, for You have upheld me, and have not let my enemies rejoice over me. V. O Lord my God, I cried out to You and You healed me, O Lord, You have brought my soul up from the depths, You have preserved me from among those going down into the pit.

TRACT (Ps. 102:10; 78:8-9)
O Lord, repay us not according to the sins we have committed, nor according to our iniquities. V. O Lord, remember not our iniquities of the past; let Your mercy come quickly to us, for we are being brought very low. (All kneel.) V. Help us, O God our Savior, and for the glory of Your name, O Lord, deliver us; and pardon us our sins for Your name's sake.

GOSPEL (John 10:22-38)
At that time, And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. The Jews therefore came round about him and said to him: "How long dost thou hold our souls in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them: "I speak to you, and you believe not: the works that I do in the name of my Father, they give testimony of me. But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. And I know them: and they follow me. And I give them life everlasting: and they shall not perish for ever. And no man shall pluck them out of my hand. That which my Father hath given me is greater than all: and no one can snatch them out of the hand of my Father. I and the Father are one."
The Jews then took up stones to stone him. Jesus answered them: "Many good works I have shewed you from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?" The Jews answered him: "For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy: and because that thou. being a, man, makest thyself God."
Jesus answered them: "Is it not written in your law: I said, you are gods? If he called them gods to whom the word of God was spoken; and the scripture cannot be broken: Do you say of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world: Thou blasphemest; because I said: I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though you will not believe me, believe the works: that you may know and believe that the Father is in me and I in the Father."

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 58:2)
Rescue me from my enemies, O my God; and defend me from my adversaries, O Lord.

SECRET PRAYER
O merciful God, hear us, and grant that we may offer this sacrifice of praise and reparation with true devotion. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN CAPISTRAN
May the sacrifice we offer please You, O Lord, and protect us against the trickery of our enemies through the intercession of Your blessed confessor John. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Ps. 25:6-7)
I wash my hands in innocence, and go around Your altar, O Lord, listening to the sound of Your praises and recounting all Your wondrous deeds.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Almighty God, we humbly beg the heavenly blessings of Your Sacrament which we have received. May it bring us Your grace and salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN CAPISTRAN
We have been nourished by the Food of Heaven and refreshed by Spiritual Drink. Shield us from our evil enemies and keep the Church in enduring peace. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Hear our petitions, Almighty God. You gave us hope because of Your goodness, now graciously shield us with Your mercy. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE

Confessor and Doctor of the Church

Although Christian, John was grand vizier of the Mohammedan caliph of Damascus, when Emperor Leo the Isaurian began his campaign in the eight century against the veneration of holy images. John strongly opposed the destroyers of images, and for that reason lost his high post. John became a monk and passed the rest of his life in prayer, in study, and in writing about the things of God. He composed commentaries on St. Paul, many beautiful poems, and the Fountain of Wisdom, a summary of Christian beliefs. He is the last of the Greek Fathers, and has been called the St. Thomas Aquinas of the East.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 72:24)
You have held me by my right hand, and guided me with Your counsel, and in the end you will receive me in glory. Ps. 72:1. How good is God to Israel, to those whose hearts are upright! V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
Almighty and Eternal God, You endowed blessed John with divine learning and wondrous fortitude of soul in order that he might defend the veneration of sacred images. May the example and prayers of blessed John help us to imitate the virtues and enjoy the protection of the saints whose images we venerate. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK
May our fasting be acceptable to You, O Lord. Let it atone for our sins, make us worthy of Your grace and lead us to eternal life. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Wisdom 10:10-17)
The Lord conducted the just, through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. In the deceit of them that overreached him, he stood by him, and made him honourable. He kept him safe from his enemies, and he defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. He forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: he went down with him into the pit. And in bands he left him not, till he brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory. He delivered the just people, and blameless seed, from the nations that oppressed them. He entered into the soul of the servant of God and stood against dreadful kings in wonders and signs. And he rendered to the just the wages of their labours.

GRADUAL (Ps. 17:33, 35)
God who girded me with strength and made my way sinless. V. He has trained my hands for battle and my arms like a bow of brass.

TRACT (Ps. 17:38, 39, 50)
I pursued my enemies and overtook them. V. I struck them and they could not stand; they fell beneath my feet. V. Therefore I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations, and sing a hymn of praise to Your name.

GOSPEL (Luke 6:6-11)
At that time, it came to pass also, on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught. And there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched if he would heal on the sabbath: that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts and said to the man who had the withered hand: "Arise and stand forth in the midst." And rising he stood forth. Then Jesus said to them: "I ask you, if it be lawful on the sabbath days to do good or to do evil? To save life or to destroy?" And looking round about on them all, he said to the man: "Stretch forth thy hand." And he stretched it forth. And his hand was restored. And they were filled with madness: and they talked one with another, what they might do to Jesus.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Job. 14:7)
A tree has hope; if it be cut, it grows green again, and its boughs will sprout once more.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, may our offerings be pleasing to You through the prayerful intercession of blessed John and of Your saints whose images we today venerate in our churches because of the efforts of their defender. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Lord, we offer You as a sacrifice these gifts, which are symbols of our consolation in this life. May they keep us from ever losing hope in the promises of eternal life. Through Our Lord.

COMMUNION HYMN (Ps. 36:17)
The strength of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord supports the just.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Shield us, O Lord, with Your divine protection through the Gift we have just received. Cover us over with the prayers of blessed John and of all Your saints whose images are held in veneration in our churches today because of his efforts. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Almighty God, may our ceaseless search of divine things make us worthy of the reward of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O Lord, grant that we may persevere in being obedient to Your will so that our own day may see an increase in the numbers and merits of Your faithful. Through Our Lord . . .

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
[Transferred]

Every year this feast recalls anew Mary's reply to God's angelic messenger: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word." Every work of the Creator is called to perfection, and perfection consists in obedience. The heavens and the earth inevitably announce the glory of God, but to human beings alone God granted a free will to serve Him. At the Annunciation, the obedience of Mary brought Christ down on earth to save fallen humanity. we, too, are called upon to co-operate with the Creator. The glory of God awaits our human word of obedient consent.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 44:13, 15, 16)
All the rich among the people shall seek your favor. Behind her the virgins shall be led to the king, her friends shall be brought to you with gladness and joy. Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, by Your divine decree the Word was made flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the announcement of the angel. May the prayers of the Virgin help us, for we believe that she is truly the Mother of God. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of MONDAY OF PASSION WEEK
We pray You, O Lord, sanctify our Lenten fast and mercifully pardon all our faults. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Isa. 7:10-15)
In those days, the Lord spoke again to Achaz, saying: "Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above." And Achaz said: "I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord." And he said: "Hear ye therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that he may know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good."

GRADUAL (Ps. 44:3, 5)
Grace is poured out on your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever and for all ages. V. For the sake of truth and meekness and justice, may your right hand lead you on wonderfully.

TRACT (Ps. 44:11, 12, 13, 10 15-16)
Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, for the king greatly desires your beauty. V. All the rich among the people seek your favor, the daughters of the king wish to be held in honor by you. V. Behind her the virgins shall be led to the king; her friends shall be brought to you. V. They shall be brought in with gladness and joy, they shall be led into the temple of the king.

GOSPEL (Luke 1:26-38)
At that time, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end."
And Mary said to the angel: "How shall this be done, because I know not man?" And the angel answering, said to her: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren. Because no word shall be impossible with God." And Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word."

OFFERTORY HYMN (Luke 1:28, 42)
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, fix deeply in our minds the mysteries of our true faith. We profess that Your Son who was conceived of a virgin is true God and true man. May His life-giving resurrection bring us the reward of eternal happiness. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of MONDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Lord, our God, grant that this offering of the Sacrifice of salvation may take away our sins and appease Your majesty. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Isa. 7:14)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Pour forth Your grace into our hearts, O Lord, so that we who learned of the Incarnation of Your Son Christ through the message of an angel, may be brought to the glory of Jesus' resurrection by His passion and cross. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of MONDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Lord, purify us and heal us through the reception of this Sacrament of salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O Lord, grant Your people health of soul and body. May we be fervent in doing good and so deserve to be protected by Your mighty power. Through Our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
continued . . .

13--Demonstrate, by quoting the encyclical, Mediator Dei, that our Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, clearly defines the nature of Christ's Sacrifice; namely, Christ's continuous obedience to His Father from the first moment of His Incarnation.

The page from the Mediator Dei here cited is one of the most important. It tells us in what Christ's Sacrifice consists; and makes it clear to us, that following our Saviour's example, our participation in the Mass does not mean just a few acts of penance accomplished now and then during life; but extends to our whole existence: which should be wholly devoted to the glory of God.

The passages in question are paragraphs 22-25:
"Indeed, scarcely has 'the Word been made flesh' {John 1:14.}, than He manifests himself to the world in His priestly character; by making an act of submission to God the Father that is to be life-long: 'Therefore, in coming into the world, He says, 'Behold, I come to do Your Will, O God .' {Heb. 10:5-7.} This act of submission is to be brought to its full perfection in a wonderful way in the bloody Sacrifice of the Cross: 'It is in this 'Will' that we have been sanctified through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.' {Heb. 10:10.} All Christ's activity among men had no other purpose. As a child, He is presented to the Lord in the Temple of Jerusalem. As a youth, He goes again to the Temple. Later on, He will often return to instruct the people and to pray. Before inaugurating His public ministry, He fasts for forty days. by word and example, He exhorts us to pray, whether by day or by night. As Master of Truth, He 'enlightens every man' {John 1:9,}; that mortals may recognize the true immortal God, and not be 'among those who draw back unto destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.' {Heb. 10:39.} As Shepherd, He has charge of His flock. He leads it into living pastures, and gives it a law to be observed; in order that none may turn aside from Him: but that all may lead holy lives under His inspiration and guidance. at the Last Supper He celebrated the New Passover with pomp and solemn rite; and, thanks to the divine institution of the Eucharist, assured its permanence. the next day, uplifted between Heaven and earth, He offers His life in sacrifice for our salvation; and from His riven side, causes the Sacraments to flow that distribute to men's souls the fruits of the Redemption. In so doing, He has no other aim than his Father's glory and man's greater sanctity.

"Entering, then, into the place of eternal beatitude, He desires that the worship initiated and offered during His earthly life, may continue without interruption. For He will not leave the human race orphans, but will ever assist it by His continuous and powerful protection; making Himself our Advocate in Heaven with the Father. {I John, 2:2.} He will assist it also by His Church, in which His divine presence is perpetuated from age to age; which He established as a 'pillar and mainstay of the truth' {I Tim. 3:15.}, and dispenser of His grace; and which, by the Sacrifice of the Cross, He founded, consecrated, and confirmed forever."

[from 'Your Mass and Your Life', to be continued]

PASSION SUNDAY

Jesus, eternal God, became mortal man in order to mediate our redemption, to form a new people that would be His Mystical Self, and to bring all men into an eternal union with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There can be no living of Christ without living the price of mediation for souls. That price may vary, from mere fidelity in the performance of monotonous duty, to bearing with loneliness and misunderstanding, or even to suffering violence and death. Sin continues, and therefore suffering for sin must continue. Since Christians share Christ's priesthood through Baptism and Confirmation, His passion becomes their passion, for an "eternal inheritance."

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 42:1-2)
Do me justice, O God, and fight against a faithless people; from the deceitful and impious man rescue me. For You, O God, are my strength. Ps. 42:3. Send forth Your light and Your truth; they shall lead me on and bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling place. Do me justice, O God . . .

PRAYER
O Almighty God, look with mercy upon Your family. Guide and guard us in body and soul by Your bounteous grace and protection. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Heb. 9:11-15)
Brethren: But Christ, being come an high Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hand, that is, not of this creation: Neither by the blood of goats or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer, being sprinkled, sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by the Holy Ghost offered himself unspotted unto God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?
And therefore he is the mediator of the new testament: that by means of his death for the redemption of those transgressions which were under the former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

GRADUAL (Ps. 142:9, 10; 17:48-49)
Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord. Teach me to do Your will. V. O Lord, who preserved me from the wrathful nations, You will exalt me above my adversaries,You will rescue me from the man of violence.

TRACT (Ps. 128:1-4)
Often they have fought against me from my youth. V. Let Israel now say, "Often have they fought against me from my youth. V. Yet they could not prevail over me. The wicked have furrowed my back. V. They have continued their iniquity, but the Lord, who is just, will humble the pride of the sinners."

GOSPEL (John 8:46-59)
At that time, Jesus said to the crowds of the Jews, "Which of you shall convince me of sin? If I say the truth to you, why do you not believe me: He that is of God heareth the words of God. Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God."
The Jews therefore answered and said to him: "Do not we say well that thou art a Samaritan and hast a devil?" Jesus answered: "I have not a devil: but I honour my Father. And you have dishonoured me. But I seek not my own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Amen, amen, I say to you: If any man keep my word, he shall not see death for ever."
The Jews therefore said: "Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets: and thou sayest: If any man keep my word, he shall not taste death for ever. Art thou greater than our father Abraham who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom dost thou make thyself?"
Jesus answered: "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father that glorifieth me, of whom you say that he is your God. And you have not known him: but I know him. And if I shall say that I know him not, I shall be like to you, a liar. But I do know him and do keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced that he might see my day: he saw it and was glad." The Jews therefore said to him: "Thou art not yet fifty years old. And hast thou seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them: "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham was made, I AM." They took up stones therefore to cast at him. But Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 118:17, 107)
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart. Be good to Your servant, that I may live and keep Your words. O Lord, give me life according to Your word.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, may these offerings free us from the bondage of sin and win for us the gift of Your mercy. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (I Cor. 11:24, 25)
"This is My Body which shall be given up for you; this cup is the New Covenant in My Blood," said the Lord. "Do this as often as you receive it, in remembrance of Me."

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Be close to us, O Lord our God, and with Your unfailing help defend those who have been renewed through Your Sacrament. Through Our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
continued . . .

12--In what does Christ's sacrifice consist?

1. Our Lord's Sacrifice consists in His complete self-renunciation--an immolation that began with the first instant of His earthly existence and terminated on Calvary's Cross.

2. Our Lord's Sacrifice consists above all in the preferring of God's Will to His own: a preference shown by His oblation, which persists eternally. This perfect love of Christ for His Father was stabilized by His death and will abide throughout eternity.

Death fixes us in the dispositions we have at the moment of dying. Our degree of charity at death will mark our degree of glory for eternity. After death there are no more successive acts. The set of our hearts at death remains as the final disposition of our wills. Our Lord, at the moment of His death on the Cross, attained (so to speak) the climax of His love for His Father. In fact, Christ's life, from birth to death, was the manifestation of His great love for God.

And it is precisely these sublime dispositions of Our Lord toward His Father at the moment of His death that are made actual in the Mass. Now do you see why the Mass is of such great value?

[From 'Your Mass and Your Life', to be continued]

SAINT GABRIEL

Archangel

Gabriel the Archangel announced to Daniel the time of the coming of the Messias (Dan. 9:21), and to Zachary the future birth of the Precursor of the Word Incarnate (Luke 1:10). Then came the sublime message to Mary at Nazareth and the God-inspired salutation, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women" (Luke 1:28).
In the "Hail Mary," the words of the Angel of the Annunciation have been repeated through the centuries by countless millions of human beings. Thrice daily the church bells ring the "Angelus" to recall through the ages how the strong angel who stands before God bowed in reverence to a humble Jewish virgin, soon to become the Mother of Christ and the Queen of heaven and earth.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 102:20)
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding, obeying the voice of His commands. Ps. 102:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, from among all the angels You chose the archangel Gabriel as the messenger of the mystery of Your Incarnation. May his intercession in heaven help us as we celebrate his feast on earth; who lives and rules with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Commemoration of SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
O Lord, may Your grace bring us the fruitful effects of our devoted love, for the Lenten fast that we observe will be of profit to us only if it pleases You. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Dan. 9:21-26)
In those days, behold the man, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, flying swiftly, touched me at the time of the evening sacrifice. And he instructed me, and spoke to me, and said: "O Daniel, I am now come forth to teach thee, and that thou mightest understand. From the beginning of thy prayers the word came forth: and I am come to shew it to thee, because thou art a man of desires: therefore, do thou mark the word, and understand the vision.
"Seventy weeks are shortened upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, that transgression may be finished, and sin may have an end, and iniquity may be abolished; and everlasting justice may be brought; and vision and prophecy may be fulfilled; and the Saint of saints may be anointed.
Know thou, therefore, and take notice: that from the going forth of the word, to build up Jerusalem again, unto Christ, the prince, there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: and the street shall be built again, and the walls, in straitness of times. And after sixty-two weeks Christ shall be slain: and the people that shall deny him shall not be his. And a people, with their leader, that shall come, shall destroy the city, and the sanctuary: and the end thereof shall be waste, and after the end of the war the appointed desolation."

GRADUAL (Ps. 102:20, 1)
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding. V. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.

TRACT (Luke 1:28, 42, 32, 35)
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. V. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! V. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Emmanuel. V. The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. V. And therefore the Holy One to be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

GOSPEL (Luke 1:26-38)
At that time, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end."
And Mary said to the angel: "How shall this be done, because I know not man?" And the angel answering, said to her: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren. Because no word shall be impossible with God." And Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word."

OFFERTORY HYMN (Apoc. 8:3, 4)
An angel stood before the altar, having a golden censer in his hand; and there was given to him much incense, and the smoke of the incense went up before God.

SECRET PRAYER
Accept the offering of our gift and the prayers of the blessed archangel Gabriel, O Lord. May he whom we venerate on earth be our advocate before You in heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
Accept our gifts as a peace offering, O Lord, and by the constraint of Your mercy make our rebellious wills submit to you. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Dan. 3:58)
All you angels of the Lord, bless the Lord; sing a hymn of praise and exalt Him above all forever.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We have received the Sacrament of Your Body and Blood, O Lord our God. may Gabriel, who brought us the news of Your Incarnation, help us to obtain the benefits of it; who lives and rules with God . . .

Commemoration of SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
We pray You, O Lord, purify us through this Sacrament and make us pleasing to You by Its grace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O God, it is Your will to show mercy rather than anger to those who trust in You. May we have proper sorrow for our sins so that we may be worthy of Your comfort. Through Our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
continued . . .

11--We call the Mass the "Holy Sacrifice." Can you give a simple, clear definition of the word "sacrifice"?

A. SACRIFICE IN GENERAL
In current usage, the word "sacrifice" may be taken in two ways:
1. In the active sense--as an act of immolation.
2. In the passive sense--as the object immolated.
The passive sense presupposes the active sense.
The word "sacrifice" conveys the idea of something painful of privation, of self-denial, of a voluntary giving up of a cherished object.
Sacrifice also implies the idea of subordination to something else--of a choice.
In a word, one might define sacrifice as the act of giving up something I like very much, for something I like even better. (Thus a person may sacrifice his health to study.)
When a father gives up his fortune so that his children may have a good education, while he himself lives a life of privation; people say. "He is making great sacrifices for his children." When a soldier goes to war in defense of his country, risking his life and health, they say, "He is sacrificing himself for his country."
Note that this act of renunciation (the material element) is transient: it is made at the moment of decision or choice and is symbolized by the immolation of the victim.
The choice (formal element) is permanent, once the decision has been made and provided it is not withdrawn. This choice is symbolized by the sacrifice.

B. RELIGIOUS OBLATION
The name of oblation is ordinarily given to an offering made to God. For instance, the poor widow who, for love of God, offered her last two mites in the temple, made a great sacrifice. (Mark 12:43) During the Jewish Captivity, Tobias distributed all his fortune to indigent Jews for the love of God; and--at the risk of his life--buried his slain companions. Tobias thus made a great sacrifice to God. (Tob. 1)
Consequently, in religious oblation the object renounced must be a good thing: the object preferred is God. The choice is motivated by love for God.
It is a preferential love. "he who loves father and mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. He who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matt. 10:37) "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and his own life, too, he can be no disciple of Mine." (Luke 14:26) {Knox}
"Giving up creatures," means giving up all created things and my own self-surrender.
The sacrifice required by God hinges on these two points:
First, the giving up, out of love for God, of seeking my own pleasure, and of doing my own will.
Second, the preferring of God to all things outside myself. That is, I acknowledge that God is better than these things. Next, I prefer God to myself. This means that I believe that God's will is better, more lovable, than mine. I ought to consider God's excellence, as well as His sovereignty.
To sum up, religious oblation may be defined as the recognition of God's excellence or absolute goodness, as shown by my renunciation of all created things; and the recognition of His sovereignty, as demonstrated by my acceptance of His will in preference to mine.
Let us apply these principles to Our Lord's Sacrifice.
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued]

FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 18:15)
The thoughts of my heart are always before You, O Lord, my helper and my Redeemer. Ps. 18:2. The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, You renew the world through the miracle of Your Sacraments. May Your Church be faithful to Your eternal commands and be assisted by You in this life. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (I Kings 17:17-24)
In those days, the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick, and the sickness was very grievous, so that there was no breath left in him. And she said to Elias: "What have I to do with thee, thou man of God? art thou come to me, that my iniquities should be remembered, and that thou shouldst kill my son?"
And Elias said to her: "Give me thy son." And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him into the upper chamber where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed. And he cried to the Lord, and said: "O Lord, my God, hast thou afflicted also the widow, with whom I am after a sort maintained, so as to kill her son?" And he stretched, and measured himself upon the child three times, and cried to the Lord, and said: "O Lord, my God, let the soul of this child, I beseech thee, return into his body."
And the Lord heard the voice of Elias: and the soul of the child returned into him, and he revived. And Elias took the child, and brought him down from the upper chamber to the house below, and delivered him to his mother, and said to her: "Behold thy son liveth." And the woman said to Elias: "Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and the word of the Lord in thy mouth is true."

GRADUAL (Ps. 117:8-9)
It is better to trust in the Lord than to confide in man. V. It is better to have confidence in the Lord than to rely on princes.

TRACT (Ps. 102:10; 78:8-9)
O Lord, repay us not according to the sins we have committed, nor according to our iniquities. V. O Lord, remember not our iniquities of the past; let Your mercy come quickly to us, for we are being brought very low (All kneel.) V. Help us, O God our Saviour, and for the glory of Your name, O Lord, deliver us; and pardon us our sins for Your name's sake.

GOSPEL (John 11:1-45)
At that time, there was a certain man sick, named Lazarus, of Bethania, of the town of Mary and of Martha her sister. (And Mary was she that anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair: whose brother Lazarus was sick.) His sisters therefore sent to him, saying: Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. And Jesus hearing it, said to them: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God: that the Son of God may be glorified by it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he still remained in the same place two days. Then after that, he said to his disciples: "Let us go into Judea again." The disciples say to him: "Rabbi, the Jews but now sought to stone thee. And goest thou thither again?" Jesus answered: "Are there not twelve hours of the day? If a man walk in the day he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world: But if he walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him."
These things he said; and after that he said to them: "Lazarus our friend sleepeth: but I go that I may awake him out of sleep." His disciples therefore said: "Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well." But Jesus spoke of his death: and they thought that he spoke of the repose of sleep. Then therefore Jesus said to them plainly: "Lazarus is dead. And I am glad, for your sakes; that I was not there, that you may believe. But, let us go to him." Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
Jesus therefore came: and found that he had been four days already in the grave. (Now Bethania was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.) And many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Martha therefore, as soon as she heard that Jesus was come, went to meet him: but Mary sat at home.
Martha therefore said to Jesus: "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." Jesus saith to her: "Thy brother shall rise again." Martha saith to him: "I know that he shall rise again, in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her: "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live: And every one that liveth and believeth in me shall not die for ever. Believest thou this?" She saith to him: "Yea, Lord, I have believed that thou art Christ, the Son of the living God, who art come into this world."
And when she had said these things, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying: "The master is come and calleth for thee." She, as soon as she heard this, riseth quickly and cometh to him. For Jesus was not yet come into the town: but he was still in that place where Martha had met him. The Jews therefore, who were with her in the house and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up speedily and went out, followed her, saying: "She goeth to the grave to weep there." When Mary therefore was come where Jesus was, seeing him, she fell down at his feet and saith to him. "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Jesus, therefore, when he saw her weeping, and the Jews that were come with her weeping, groaned in the spirit and troubled himself, And said: "Where have you laid him?" They say to him: Lord, come and see. And Jesus wept. The Jews therefore said: "Behold how he loved him." But some of them said: "Could not he that opened the eyes of the man born blind have caused that this man should not die?"
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre. Now it was a cave; and a stone was laid over it. Jesus saith: "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith to him: "Lord, by this time he stinketh, for he is now of four days." Jesus saith to her: "Did not I say to thee that if thou believe, thou shalt see the glory of God?"
They took therefore the stone away. And Jesus lifting up his eyes, said: "Father, I give thee thanks that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people who stand about have I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." When he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice: "Lazarus, come forth." And presently he that had been dead came forth, bound feet and hands with winding bands. And his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said to them: "Loose him and let him go." Many therefore of the Jews, who were come to Mary and Martha and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed in him.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 17:28, 32)
You will save the humble, O Lord, but the eyes of th eproud You will bring low; for who is God except You, O Lord?

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, purify us through the gifts we offer You and let us be reconciled with You forever. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (John 11:33, 35, 43, 44, 39)
When the Lord saw the sisters of Lazarus weeping at the tomb, He wept before the Jews, and cried out, "Lazarus, come forth!" And he who had been dead four days came forth, bound hands and feet.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may the reception of this Sacrament cleanse us forever from our sins and shield us from all adversity. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O Lord, we are aware of our own weakness but we trust in Your strength. May we always rejoice in Your loving care. Through Our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
continued . . .

10--What else does the Holy Father (Pius XII) have to say on the subject in his encyclical, Mediator Dei et hominum, on the liturgy?

In the paragraph 101 we read: "Renewed daily, the Holy Sacrifice reminds us that there is no salvation outside the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ [Gal. 6:14]; and that God Himself has ratified this Sacrifice from 'the rising to the going down of the sun.' [Mal. 1:11] to the end that the hymn of thanksgiving and glory owed by men to their Creator, may never cease; for man has a perpetual need of God's assistance--need also of the Redeemer's Blood to blot out the sins that provoke God's justice."
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life']

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARM LABORER
Confessor

IN ALL DIOCESES OF THE UNITED STATES

In the twelfth century, Isidore earned his living as a day laborer on an estate just outside Madrid. Because he attended Mass daily, some fellow laborers, reported to the owner that Isidore was neglecting his work. St. Isidore was not troubled by what was said of him, because he knew that the Christian must have patience and must keep up his courage, "for the coming of the Lord is at hand" (Reading).

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

PRAYER
O Merciful God, shield us from the pride that comes from learning, through the intercession of Your holy farm worker Isidore. May his merits and example help us to please You by our humble service. through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
O Almighty God, grant that we may be happy in chastising our bodies through fasting. May we bring our passions under control, and thus more easily attain the rewards of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (James 5:7-8, 10-11, 16-18)
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth: patiently bearing till he receive the early and latter rain. Be you therefore also patient and strengthen your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Behold, we account them blessed who have endured. You have heard of the patience of Job and you have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is merciful and compassionate. Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much. Elias was a man passible like unto us: and with prayer he prayed that it might not rain upon the earth. And it rained not for three years and six months. And he prayed again. And the heaven gave rain: and the earth brought forth her fruit.

GOSPEL (John 15:1-7)
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "I am the true vine: and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he will take away: and every one that beareth fruit, he will purge it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean, by reason of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me: and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine: you the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch and shall wither: and they shall gather him up and cast him into the fire: and he burneth. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will: and it shall be done unto you."

SECRET PRAYER
Let our prayers win peace for Your people, O Lord, so that their offerings may be pleasing in Your sight. Grant the requests we confidently make of You through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Isidore. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
Cleanse us, O merciful God. Let the prayers of the Church, which are so pleasing to You when they are accompanied by this offering, be even more acceptable to You because our souls are free from sin. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
May this Heavenly Sacrament bring us health of soul and body, O Lord, and through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Isidore make us feel the power of the sacred rite that we have celebrated. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
O Lord, let us not be condemned by unworthily receiving this Gift of Heaven which was instituted for the spiritual health of Your faithful. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O God, Creator and Ruler of Your people, free Your own from the temptations assailing them, so that they may please You and be protected by You. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ . . .