Martyrdom
Within the Octave
DOUBLE / RED
John and Paul, Roman brothers, were imperial officers of high repute. When Julian the Apostate summoned them to appear at his court they refused, in order to remain faithful to their Master in Heaven. Having been allowed ten days in which to reconsider their decision, the brothers used the time distributing their possessions to the poor. Firm in their love of God and fellow men, John and Paul were beheaded in about A.D. 362.
INTROIT Ps. 33:20-21
Many
were the troubles of the just men, but out of them all the Lord
delivered them. The Lord watches over all their bones; not one of them
shall be broken.
Ps. 33:2. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.
V. Glory be . . .
GLORIA
COLLECT
O
Almighty God, let our joy be doubled on this feast of the victory of
blessed John and Paul, for they were made true brothers by sharing the
same faith and the same martyrdom. Through our Lord . . .
READING Eccli. 44:10-15 [Sirach]
These
were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed: Good things
continue with their seed, Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and
their seed hath stood in the covenants. And their children for their
sakes remain for ever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken.
Their
bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and
generation. Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church
declare their praise.
GRADUAL Ps. 132:1-2
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity!
V. It is like the precious ointment upon the head that runs down over the beard, the beard of Aaron.
Alleluia, alleluia! V.
Here
was true brotherliness which overcame the sinfulness of the world and
followed Christ to attain the glorious kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!
GOSPEL Luke 12:1-8
At that time, Jesus began to say to his disciples: "Beware
ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is
nothing covered that shall not be revealed: nor hidden that shall not be
known. For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness shall be
published in the light: and that which you have spoken in the ear in the
chambers shall be preached on the housetops. And I say to you, my
friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body and after that have no
more that they can do. But I will shew you whom you shall fear: Fear ye
him who, after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say
to you: Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not
one of them is forgotten before God? Yea, the very hairs of your head
are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many
sparrows. And I say to you: Whosoever shall confess me before men, him
shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 5:12-13
All
those who love Your name shall glory in You, for You, O Lord, will
bless the just man. You, O Lord, will surround us with Your good will,
as with a shield.
SECRET
O
Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed
martyrs, John and Paul, and help us to find in them unending
assistance. Through our Lord . . .
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Sap. 3:4, 5. 6
And
though in the sight of men they suffered torments, God was trying them,
and as gold in the fire He was proving them, and as a victim of a
holocaust He received them.
POSTCOMMUNION
We
have received Your Sacrament of Heaven, O Lord, to commemorate Your
holy martyrs John and Paul. May this Sacred Rite which we celebrate now
on earth bring us happiness in eternity. Through our Lord . . .
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