Saturday of the Second Week in Lent; SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (1274 A.D.)

 

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT

[Commemoration]

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

 

INTROIT (Ps. 18:8)
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. Ps. 18:2. The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, may our fasting attain its saving effect so that the mortification of our bodies may bring a new life to our souls. Through Our Lord . . .

 Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS

Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON (Gen. 27:6-40)
In those days, Rebecca said to her son Jacob: "I heard thy father talking with Esau, thy brother, and saying to him: 'Bring me of thy hunting, and make me meats that I may eat, and bless thee in the sight of the Lord, before I die.' Now therefore, my son, follow my counsel: And go thy way to the flock, bring me two kids of the best, that I may make of them meat for thy father, such as he gladly eateth. Which when thou hast brought in, and he hath eaten, he may bless thee before he die." And he answered her: "Thou knowest that Esau, my brother, is a hairy man, and I am smooth: If my father should feel me, and perceive it, I fear lest he will think I would have mocked him, and I shall bring upon me a curse instead of a blessing." And his mother said to him: "Upon me be this curse, my son: only hear thou my voice, and go, fetch me the things which I have said."
He went, and brought, and gave them to his mother. She dressed meats, such as she knew his father liked. And she put on him very good garments of Esau, which she had at home with her: And the little skins of the kids she put about his hands, and covered the bare of his neck. And she gave him the savoury meat, and delivered him bread that she had baked. Which when he had carried in, he said: "My father?" But he answered: "I hear. Who art thou, my son?" And Jacob said: "I am Esau, thy firstborn: I have done as thou didst command me: arise, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me." And Isaac said to his son: "How couldst thou find it so quickly, my son?" He answered: "It was the will of God, that what I sought came quickly in my way:" And Isaac said: "Come hither, that I may feel thee, my son, and may prove whether thou be my son Esau, or no." He came near to his father, and when he had felt him, Isaac said: "The voice indeed is the voice of Jacob; but the hands, are the hands of Esau." And he knew him not, because his hairy hands made him like to the elder.
Then blessing him, He said: "Art thou my son Esau?" He answered: "I am." Then he said: "Bring me the meats of thy hunting, my son, that my soul may bless thee." And when they were brought, and he had eaten, he offered him wine also, which after he had drunk, He said to him: "Come near me, and give me a kiss, my son." He came near, and kissed him. And immediately as he smelled the fragrant smell of his garments, blessing him, he said: "Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of a plentiful field, which the Lord hath blessed. God give thee of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, abundance of corn and wine. And let peoples serve thee, and tribes worship thee: be thou lord of thy brethren, and let thy mother's children bow down before thee. Cursed be he that curseth thee: and let him that blesseth thee be filled with blessings."
Isaac had scarce ended his words, when, Jacob being now gone out abroad, Esau came, And brought in to his father meats, made of what he had taken in hunting, saying: "Arise, my father, and eat of thy son's venison; that thy soul may bless me." And Isaac said to him: "Why! who art thou?" He answered: "I am thy firstborn son, Esau." Isaac was struck with fear, and astonished exceedingly; and wondering beyond what can be believed, said: "Who is he then that even now brought me venison that he had taken, and I ate of all before thou camest? and I have blessed him, and he shall be blessed."
Esau having heard his father's words, roared out with a great cry; and, being in a consternation, said: "Bless me also, my father." And he said: "Thy brother came deceitfully and got thy blessing." But he said again: "Rightly is his name called Jacob; for he hath supplanted me lo this second time: My birthright he took away before, and now this second time he hath stolen away my blessing." And again he said to his father: "Hast thou not reserved me also a blessing?" Isaac answered: "I have appointed him thy lord, and have made all his brethren his servants: I have established him with corn and wine, and after this, what shall I do more for thee, my son?" And Esau said to him: "Hast thou only one blessing, father? I beseech thee bless me also." And when he wept with a loud cry, Isaac being moved, said to him: "In the fat of the earth, and in the dew of heaven from above, Shall thy blessing be."

GRADUAL (Ps. 91:2-3)
It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High. V. To proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth throughout the night.

GOSPEL (Luke 15:11-32)
At that time, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and Scribes this parable: "A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father: 'Father, give me the portion of substance that falleth to me.' And he divided unto them his substance. "And not many days after, the younger son, gathering all together, went abroad into a far country: and there wasted his substance, living riotously. And after he had spent all, there came a mighty famine in that country: and he began to be in want. And he went and cleaved to one of the citizens of that country. And he sent him into his farm to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And returning to himself, he said: 'How many hired servants in my father's house abound with bread, and I here perish with hunger! I will arise and will go to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee. I am not worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.' And rising up, he came to his father. "And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion and running to him fell upon his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him: 'Father: I have sinned against heaven and before thee I am not now worthy to be called thy son.' And the father said to his servants: 'Bring forth quickly the first robe and put it on him: and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it: and let us eat and make merry: Because this my son was dead and is come to life again, was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said to him: 'Thy brother is come and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe.' And he was angry and would not go in. His father therefore coming out began to entreat him. And he answering, said to his father: 'Behold, for so many years do I serve thee and I have never transgressed thy commandment: and yet thou hast never given me a kid to make merry with my friends. But as soon as this thy son is come, who hath devoured his substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.' But he said to him: 'Son, thou art always with me; and all I have is thine. But it was fit that we should make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead and is come to life again; he was lost, and is found.' "

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 12:4-5)
Give light to my eyes that I may never sleep in death, that my enemy may never say, "I have overcome him."

SECRET
O Lord, be appeased by this sacrifice. We seek forgiveness for our own sins; let us not be burdened with the sins of others. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Luke 15:32)
You ought to rejoice, my son, for your brother was dead, and has come to life; he was lost, and is found.

POSTCOMMUNION
May this sacramental libation of Your Sacrament fill our hearts, O Lord, and impart its own strength to us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O Lord, watch over Your household with constant, loving care. Let Your protection forever shield those who place their trust solely upon the hope of Your heavenly grace. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (1274 A.D.); Confessor and Doctor of the Church; FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

 

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

 

FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

DOUBLE / WHITE
Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

Introit
Sir 15:5
In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory.
Ps 91:2
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, Most High.
Gloria
In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory.

 

GLORIA
 

COLLECT
O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

 
Commemoration of Ash Friday

May Your kindly favor, we beseech You, O Lord, accompany the fast we have begun, that we may be able to practice with a pure mind what we perform bodily.

READING (Wisdom 7:7-14)
Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me: And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold, in comparison of her, is as a little sand; and silver, in respect to her, shall be counted as clay. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out. Now all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable riches through her hands, And I rejoiced in all these: for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of them all. Which I have learned without guile, and communicate without envy, and her riches I hide not. For she is an infinite treasure to men: which they that use, become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts of discipline.

Gradual
Ps 36:30-31
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom :
℣. And his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be supplanted.
Ps 111:1-3
Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.
℣. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
℣. Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.

GOSPEL Matt.5:13-19

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing anymore but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
       "Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps.91:13

The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

SECRET
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of Ash Friday

Grant, O Lord, we beseech You, that as we offer the sacrifice of Lent, our hearts may be made acceptable to You; and the sacrifice may give us greater willingness for self-denial.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:42

This is  the faithful and wise steward, whom the Lord has set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of Ash Friday 

Fill us, O Lord, with the spirit of Your love, to unite in charity those whom You have filled with one and the same heavenly Bread.

THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT; SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (1274 A.D.)

 

 

THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

 

[Commemoration]

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

 

SIMPLE/PURPLE

Man's entire being cries out for the presence of God -- a God who knows, loves, protects, forgives, and heals. The man whose life is God-centered will be God's agent of charity toward the oppressed, the abandoned, the sick, the stranger, regardless of race or nationality. Such God-centered agents of charity were Saints Cosmas and Damian, martyred physicians in whose honor the "stational church" of today's liturgy was built.

INTROIT

"I AM the salvation of the people," said the Lord. "In whatever distress they shall cry to me, I will hear them; and I will be their Lord forever."

Ps. 77:1 Hearken, my people, to my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

We honor You, O Lord, in the celebration of the feast of Your blessed Cosmas and Damian. Help us through these saints upon whom, in Your wondrous providence, You have bestowed eternal glory. Through Our Lord . . . 

 

 Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS

Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Jer. 7:1-7
In those days, the word that came to Jeremias from the Lord, saying:
"Stand in the gate of the house of the Lord, and proclaim there this word, and say: Hear ye the word of the Lord, all ye men of Juda, that enter in at these gates, to adore the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Make your ways and your doings good: and I will dwell with you in this place.
"Trust not in lying words, saying: The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, it is the temple of the Lord. For if you will order well your ways, and your doings: if you will execute judgment between a man and his neighbour, If you oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, and walk not after strange gods to your own hurt, I will dwell with you in this place: in the land, which I gave to your fathers from the beginning and for evermore, says the Lord Almighty."

GRADUAL Ps. 144:15-16
The eyes of all look hopefully to You, O Lord, and You give them food in due season.
V. You open Your hand, and fill every living creature with blessing.

GOSPEL Luke 4:38-44
And Jesus rising up out of the synagogue, went into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever: and they besought him for her. And standing over her, he commanded the fever: and it left her. And immediately rising, she ministered to them.
And when the sun was down, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them to him. But he, laying his hands on every one of them, healed them. And devils went out from many, crying out and saying: "Thou art the son of God." And rebuking them he suffered them not to speak; for they knew that he was Christ.
And when it was day, going out he went into a desert place: and the multitudes sought him, and came unto him. And they stayed him that should not depart from them. To whom he said: "To other cities also I must preach the kingdom of God: for therefore am I sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 137:7
Though I walk in the midst of tribulation, you shall preserve my life, O Lord. You will stretch forth Your right hand against the anger of my enemies, and Your right hand shall save me.

SECRET
We honor the glorious death of Your saints, O Lord, in the offering of this sacrifice which has given meaning to all martyrdom. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 118:4-5
You have commanded that Your precepts be kept most diligently. Oh, that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!

POSTCOMMUNION
We beg You, O Lord, through the merits of Your blessed Martyrs Cosmas and Damian, to let this Sacrament be a sure promise of our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . . 

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Draw all nations to Yourself by Your divine mercy, O Lord, and make them always obedient to Your commandments. Through our Lord . . .

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT; SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (1274 A.D.)

 

 

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

[Commemoration]

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

SIMPLE / PURPLE
The clear will of God is the light and the salvation of all men. No one can desire anything good unless God desires it. Even the best of intentions, even seemingly worthy projects, are no good if they are not God's will at the moment. Distress, suffering, even death, can be accepted as His mysterious will. His creative love is always at work drawing the greatest possible good out of everything. Be the humble servant of God's will and you will be truly wise and always at peace.
 
INTROIT Ps. 26:8, 9
My heart has spoken to You; I have sought You. Your presence, O Lord, I will still seek; hide not Your face from me.
Ps. 26:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, help us keep the holy lenten fast. Teach us our duties and assist us with Your grace to perform them. Through Our Lord . . .

 

 Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS

Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON III Kings 17:8-16 [I King 17:8-16]

In those days, the word of the Lord came to Elias the Thesbite, saying: "Arise, and go to Sarephta of the Sidonians, and dwell there: for I have commanded a widow woman there to feed thee."
He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: "Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink." And when she was going to fetch it, he called after her, saying: "Bring me also, I beseech thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand." And she answered: "As the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but only a handful of meal in a pot, and a little oil in a cruise: behold I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it, for me and my son, that we may eat it and die."
And Elias said to her: "Fear not; but go, and do as thou hast said but first make for me of the same meal a little hearth cake, and bring it to me, and after make for thyself and thy son. For thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel: 'The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruise of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth.' "
She went, and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she, and her house: and from that day The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruise of oil was not diminished according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.

GRADUAL Ps. 54:23, 17, 18, 19
Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you.
V. When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice and delivered me from those who war against me.

GOSPEL Matt. 23:1-12
At that time Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, Saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses. All things therefore whatsoever they shall say to you, observe and do: but according to their works do ye not. For they say, and do not. For they bind heavy and insupportable burdens and lay them on men's shoulders: but with a finger of their own they will not move them. And all their works they do for to be seen of men. For they make their phylacteries broad and enlarge their fringes. And they love the first places at feasts and the first chairs in the synagogues, And salutations in the market place, and to be called by men, Rabbi. But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master: and all you are brethren. And call none your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 50:3
Have mercy on me, O Lord; in the greatness of Your compassion, O Lord, blot out my sinfulness.

SECRET
O Lord, sanctify us by this sacred rite so that we may be cleansed from earthly sinfulness and come to our eternal reward. Through Our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 9:2-3
I will declare all Your wondrous deeds; I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, make us ever obedient to Your commandments so that we may be deserving of Your heavenly gifts. Through Our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE  

O Lord, be moved by our prayers and heal the sickness of our souls. Grant us pardon for our sins and make us always joyous in Your blessings. Through our Lord . . .

MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT; SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (1274 A.D.)

 

MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

[Commemoration]

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

SIMPLE/PURPLE
Today's Mass indicates the twofold aspect of God's providence: that is,  that all men receive the tender care of God (Reading) and in turn, become the agents of God to extend His care to those in need (Gospel). God's Will in not only in what happens to men, but also in what men cause to happen, for charity's sake and within the norms of justice and prudence.

INTROIT (Ps, 122:2)
As the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, so are our eyes on the Lord, our God, until He have pity on us. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! Ps. 122:1. To You, who are enthroned in heaven, have I lifted up my eyes. V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord of our salvation, change our hearts and enlighten us by Your heavenly teachings, that this Lenten fast may be profitable to us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON (Ezech. 34:11-16)
For thus saith the Lord God: "Behold I myself will seek my sheep, and will visit them. As the shepherd visiteth his flock in the day when he shall be in the midst of his sheep that were scattered, so will I visit my sheep, and will deliver them out of all the places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples, and will gather them out of the countries, and will bring them to their own land: and I will feed them in the mountains of Israel, by the rivers, and in all the habitations of the land. I will feed them in the most fruitful pastures, and their pastures shall be in the high mountains of Israel: there shall they rest on the green grass, and be fed in fat pastures upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my sheep: and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost: and that which was driven away, I will bring again: and I will bind up that which was broken, and I will strengthen that which was weak, and that which was fat and strong I will preserve, and I will feed them in judgment," says the Lord Almighty.

GRADUAL (Ps. 83:10, 9)
Behold our protector, O God, and look upon Your servants. V. O Lord, God of hosts, hear the prayers of Your servants.

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 names sake.

GOSPEL (Matt. 25:31-46)
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "And when the Son of man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty. And all nations shall be gathered together before him: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: 'Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me.' "Then shall the just answer him, saying: 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry and fed thee: thirsty and gave thee drink? Or when did we see thee a stranger and took thee in? Or naked and covered thee? Or when did we see thee sick or in prison and came to thee?' And the king answering shall say to them: 'Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.' "Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: 'Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty and you gave me not to drink. I was a stranger and you took me not in: naked and you covered me not: sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also shall answer him, saying: 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to thee?' Then he shall answer them, saying: 'Amen: I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me.' And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 118:18, 26, 73)
I will lift up my eyes and consider Your wondrous deeds, O Lord, that You may teach me Your way of justice. Give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.

SECRET
Bless these gifts we offer You, O Lord. May they cleanse us from the stain of our sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Matt. 25:40, 34)
Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did for Me. Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may the banquet of salvation, of which we have partaken with joy, bring us a new life. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Free us from the slavery of our sins, O Lord, and mercifully shield us from the punishments these sins deserve. Through our Lord . . .

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT; SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (1274 A.D.)

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

[Commemoration]

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE / PURPLE
Today we worship Jesus as the Prince of Light, the "stronger" One, who casts out a devil, defends His authority over the whole kingdom of devils, and demands that we declare our allegiance to Him. Loyalty is in our very blood because God put it there; it is meant to hold us firm when truant desires tempt us. Loyalties reveal where we have put our securities. False loyalties can be given to lofty ideals as well as to earthly pleasures. As "children of the light," be wise. "Hear the word of God and keep it." Above everything, be loyal as love. "Walk in love."

INTROIT Ps. 24:15-16My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall free my feet from the snare. Look upon me, and have pity on me, for I am alone and wretched.
Ps. 24:1-2. I have lifted up my soul to You, O my God; in You I place my trust. Let me not be put to shame.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Almighty God, fulfill the petitions of the humble; and defend us with Your right hand of power. Through Our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.


O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

 
EPISTLE Eph. 5:1-9
Brethren: Be ye therefore followers of God, as most dear children: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath delivered himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odour of sweetness.
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints: Or obscenity or foolish talking or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but rather giving of thanks. For know you this and understand: That no fornicator or unclean or covetous person (which is a serving of idols) hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For you were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light. For the fruit of the light is in all goodness and justice and truth.

GRADUAL Ps. 9:20, 4
Arise, O Lord, let not man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your presence. V. When my enemies shall be turned back, they shall be weakened and destroyed before you.

TRACT Ps. 122:1-3
To You who are enthroned in heaven, have I lifted up my eyes. 
V. Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters.
V. And as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the Lord, our God, until He have pity on us.
V. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy.

GOSPEL Luke 11:14-28
At that time, Jesus was casting out a devil: and the same was dumb. And when he had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke: and the multitudes, were in admiration at it. But some of them said: "He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils." And others tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven. But he seeing their thoughts, said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to desolation; and house upon house shall fall. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Because you say that through Beelzebub I cast out devils. Now if I cast out devils by Beelzebub, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges. But if I by the finger of God cast out devils, doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth. But if a stronger than he come upon him and overcome him, he will take away all his armour wherein he trusted and will distribute his spoils. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without water, seeking rest: and not finding, he saith: I will return into my house whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself: and entering in they dwell there. And the last state of that man becomes worse than the first." 
And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: "Blessed is the womb that bore thee and the paps that gave thee suck." But he said: "Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 18:9, 10, 11, 12The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart, and His judgments are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb; for Your servant observes them.

SECRET 
May this offering cleanse us from our sins, O Lord, and may it sanctify Your servants in body and soul for the celebration of this sacrifice. Through Our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 83:4-5
The sparrow has found herself a home, and the turtledove a nest in which to lay her young -- Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God! Blessed are they who dwell in Your house; they shall praise You forever and ever.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O God, You have allowed us to share in this great Sacrament. In Your mercy free us also from all guilt and danger of sin. Through Our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (1274 A.D.); Confessor and Doctor of the Church; EMBER SATURDAY IN LENT

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

EMBER SATURDAY IN LENT

DOUBLE / WHITE
Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except
COLLECT
O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of EMBER SATURDAY IN LENT
O God, who protected the three young men from the flames of fire, grant that the flames of sin may not consume us, Your servants. Through our Lord . . .

READING (Wisdom 7:7-14)
Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me: And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold, in comparison of her, is as a little sand; and silver, in respect to her, shall be counted as clay. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out. Now all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable riches through her hands, And I rejoiced in all these: for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of them all. Which I have learned without guile, and communicate without envy, and her riches I hide not. For she is an infinite treasure to men: which they that use, become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts of discipline.

TRACT Ps. 116:1-2

Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise Him in unison, all you peoples!
V. For His mercy is steadfast towards us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever.

GOSPEL Matt. 17:1-9

At that time, Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. And Peter answering, said to Jesus: "Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias."
And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo a voice out of the cloud, saying: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him." And the disciples hearing fell upon their face, and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them: "Arise, and fear not." And they lifting up their eyes, saw no one, but only Jesus.

And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: "Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man be risen from the dead."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 87:2-3

O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out by day and by night in Your presence. let my prayer come before You, O Lord.

SECRET
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of EMBER SATURDAY IN LENT

O Lord, sanctify our fasting by these offerings, so that our acts of penance may interiorly accomplish in us the effect that they outwardly signify. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 7:2

O Lord, my God, in You have I placed my trust; save me from all my persecutors, and rescue me.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of EMBER SATURDAY IN LENT

Almighty God, may the grace of this Sacrament cure our sinfulness and be an everlasting remedy for our weakness. Through our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE

O God, strengthen Your people with the blessing they ask, so that they may always be obedient to Your will and rejoice in Your gifts. Through our Lord . . .

 

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

WEDNESDAY OF THE 

SECOND WEEK IN LENT

SIMPLE / PURPLE
INTROIT Ps. 37:22-23
Forsake me not, O Lord, my God; be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!
Ps. 37:2. Rebuke me not in Your anger, O Lord, and chastise me not in Your wrath.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, look mercifully upon Your people. We abstain from food at Your command; may we also turn away from the spiritual poison of sin. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Esther 13:8-11; 15-17
But Mardochai besought the Lord, remembering all his works, And said: "O Lord, Lord, almighty king, for all things are in thy power, and there is none that can resist thy will, if thou determine to save Israel. Thou hast made heaven and earth and all things that are under the cope of heaven. Thou art Lord of all, and there is none that can resist thy majesty. And now, O Lord, O king, O God of Abraham, have mercy on thy people, because our enemies resolve to destroy us, and extinguish thy inheritance. Despise not thy portion, which thou hast redeemed for thyself out of Egypt. Hear my supplication, and be merciful to thy lot and inheritance, and turn our mourning into joy, that we may live and praise thy name, O Lord, and shut not the mouths of them that sing to thee."

GRADUAL Ps. 27:9, 1
Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.
V. To You, O Lord my God, I cry; be not deaf to me, lest I become like those who go 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 Matt. 20:17-28
At that time. as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples apart and said to them: "Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed to the chief priests and the scribes: and they shall condemn him to death. And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified: and the third day he shall rise again." 
Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of him. Who said to her: "What wilt thou?" She saith to him: "say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom." And Jesus answering, said: They say to him: "We can." He saith to them: "You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?""My chalice indeed you shall drink; but to sit on my right or left hand is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared by my Father." 
And the ten, hearing it, were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them to him and said: "You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them; and that they that are the greater, exercise power upon them. It shall not be so among you: but whosoever is the greater among you, let him be your minister. And he that will be first among you shall be your servant. Even as the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many." 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 24:1-3
I have lifted up my soul to You, O Lord; in You, O my God, I place my trust. Let me not be put to shame, nor let my enemies exalt over me. No one who waits for You shall be left in confusion.

SECRET
O Lord, look with favor upon the sacrifices we offer You. May this holy exchange of gifts free us from the bondage of our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS


O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 10:8
The Lord is just, and He has loved justice; the upright shall see His face.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may the reception of Your Sacrament bring us ever nearer to our eternal redemption. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O God, You love innocence and have restored it to us. Turn the hearts of Your people towards Yourself. Set them on fire with Your Spirit, that they may be firm in faith and zealous in virtues. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE / WHITE
Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe's most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church's liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except
COLLECT
O God, the wondrous learning of Your blessed confessor Thomas enlightened Your Church and still makes her fruitful because of his holy efforts. Grant that we may understand his teachings and put them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .


READING (Wisdom 7:7-14)
Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me: And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold, in comparison of her, is as a little sand; and silver, in respect to her, shall be counted as clay. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out. Now all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable riches through her hands, And I rejoiced in all these: for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of them all. Which I have learned without guile, and communicate without envy, and her riches I hide not. For she is an infinite treasure to men: which they that use, become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts of discipline.

TRACT Ps. 111: 1-3

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments.
V. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the righteous generation shall be blessed.
V. Glory and wealth shall be in his house, and his righteousness shall endure forever.

GOSPEL Matt.5:13-19

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing anymore but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
       "Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps.91:13

The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

SECRET
O Lord, let Your blessed Confessor and Doctor Thomas always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:42

This is  the faithful and wise steward, whom the Lord has set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Thomas. Through our Lord . . .