EVENING PRAYER I
The season of Christmas begins iwth the First EP of the feast, which contains antiphons of great beauty and mystery. The psalms are proper to this service.
(1) He comes in splendor, the King who is our peace;
the whole wolrd longs to see him. (sung with Psalm 113)
(2) He sends forth his Word to the earth,
and his command spreads swiftly through the land (Psalm 147:12-20)
(3) The eternal Word, born of the Father before time began,
today emptied himself for our sake and became man. (NT Cant: Phil. 2:6-11)
The Reading is Gal. 4:3-7, "When the designated time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman." The Responsory is sung only on this evening: "Today you will know that the Lord is coming, and in the morning you shall see his glory!"
Evening Prayer comes to its climax with the singing of the Magnificat, which is paired with this antiphon:
When the sun rises in the morning sky,
you will see the King of Kings coming forth from the Father,
like a radiant bridegroom from the bridal chamber.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are from the Proper for today.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B: Commentary
II Samuel 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Psalm 89
Romans 16: 25-27
Luke 1: 26-38
The Fourth Sunday of Advent, in all three cycles, is devoted to the immediate coming of the feast of Christmas. The readings are directly connected to the incarnation of the Son of God. The Introit (Entrance Antiphon) of this Sunday is from Isaiah 63:
"Drop down dew, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let hte earth be opened and bud forth a Savior."
Accordingly, the first reading on this Sunday tells of the ancestor of Jesus, King David, deciding to build "a house for the Lord." God tells David not to worry---instead, God is going to build David a house, and assures him that "your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." The psalm echoes this promise, with God announcing "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant----establish your throne for all generations!" St. Paul, in the letter to the Romans, ties all of this together by saying, "According to the revelation of the mystery kept secred for long ages, but now made known to all the nations," reminding us that all of this has its climax in the coming of Jesus, the Son of God.
Today's Gospel is the story of the Annunciation--the archangel Gabriel coming to Mary to tell her that the Messiah, the Son of God, would be born of her womb. Mary's YES thus begins the reversal of all the times humanity has said NO to God, and Mary's consent brings Jesus into the world. The angel tells her that "he will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High--and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the hosue of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end." The prophecies of the First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm come to their fulfillment in the words of today's Gospel.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux speaks these words to Mary, as she decides how to answer the angel Gabriel:
"You have heard, O Viring, that you will conceive and bear a Son...the angel awaits an answer...we too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion...Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin...that is what the whole world waits for...for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned...Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the Divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the Eternal Word."
(Homilia 4)
The propers and readings have inspired so much music:
"Rorate coeli desuper," William Byrd. "Music for Advent," www.litpress.org
"Nova, nova!" medieval carol, "Music for Advent," www.litpress.org
"To a Maid Engaged to Joseph," hymn, "Music for Advent II," www. litpress.org
"The Annunciation Gospel," "Redeemer of the Nations, Come," www.jspaluch.com/wlp
Psalm 89
Romans 16: 25-27
Luke 1: 26-38
The Fourth Sunday of Advent, in all three cycles, is devoted to the immediate coming of the feast of Christmas. The readings are directly connected to the incarnation of the Son of God. The Introit (Entrance Antiphon) of this Sunday is from Isaiah 63:
"Drop down dew, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let hte earth be opened and bud forth a Savior."
Accordingly, the first reading on this Sunday tells of the ancestor of Jesus, King David, deciding to build "a house for the Lord." God tells David not to worry---instead, God is going to build David a house, and assures him that "your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." The psalm echoes this promise, with God announcing "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant----establish your throne for all generations!" St. Paul, in the letter to the Romans, ties all of this together by saying, "According to the revelation of the mystery kept secred for long ages, but now made known to all the nations," reminding us that all of this has its climax in the coming of Jesus, the Son of God.
Today's Gospel is the story of the Annunciation--the archangel Gabriel coming to Mary to tell her that the Messiah, the Son of God, would be born of her womb. Mary's YES thus begins the reversal of all the times humanity has said NO to God, and Mary's consent brings Jesus into the world. The angel tells her that "he will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High--and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the hosue of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end." The prophecies of the First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm come to their fulfillment in the words of today's Gospel.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux speaks these words to Mary, as she decides how to answer the angel Gabriel:
"You have heard, O Viring, that you will conceive and bear a Son...the angel awaits an answer...we too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion...Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin...that is what the whole world waits for...for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned...Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the Divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the Eternal Word."
(Homilia 4)
The propers and readings have inspired so much music:
"Rorate coeli desuper," William Byrd. "Music for Advent," www.litpress.org
"Nova, nova!" medieval carol, "Music for Advent," www.litpress.org
"To a Maid Engaged to Joseph," hymn, "Music for Advent II," www. litpress.org
"The Annunciation Gospel," "Redeemer of the Nations, Come," www.jspaluch.com/wlp
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Liturgy of the Hours
Evening Prayer I
The Advent Vesper Office Hymn for the Greater Advent Days is "Verbum salutis omnium."
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week Four of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, reflecting on the Savior's coming at Christmas:
(1) He comes, the desire of all human hearts;
his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.
(2) Come, Lord, do not delay;
free your people from their sinfulness.
(3) The fullness of time has come upon us at last;
God sends his Son into the world.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The Antiphon on the Magnificat for December 20 is sung tonight:
O Key of David,
O royal Power of Israel,
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
Come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory:
The Lord is close at hand:
come let us worship him!
The Advent Morning Office Hymn is Magnis prophetae vocibus.
The psalms are from Sunday, Week Four of the four-week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper:
(1) Sound the trumpet in Zion, the day of the Lord is near;
he comes to save us, alleluia.
(2) The Lord is here, go out to meet him, saying:
great his birth, eternal his kingdom--
strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.
(3) Your all-powerful Word, O Lord,
will come to earth from his throne of glory, alleluia.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The Advent Vesper Office Hymn during the Greater Advent Days is "Verbum salutis omnium."
The Psalms from Week 4 of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service:
(1) See how glorious he is,
coming forth as the Savior of all peoples.
(2) Crooked paths will be straightened and rough ways smooth.
Come, O Lord, and do not delay, alleluia.
(3) Ever wider will his kingdom spread,
eternally at peace.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Prayer.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The Great O Antiphon on the Magnificat is that for December 21, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere:
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light,
sun of justice:
Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
The Advent Vesper Office Hymn for the Greater Advent Days is "Verbum salutis omnium."
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week Four of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, reflecting on the Savior's coming at Christmas:
(1) He comes, the desire of all human hearts;
his dwelling place shall be resplendent with glory, alleluia.
(2) Come, Lord, do not delay;
free your people from their sinfulness.
(3) The fullness of time has come upon us at last;
God sends his Son into the world.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The Antiphon on the Magnificat for December 20 is sung tonight:
O Key of David,
O royal Power of Israel,
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
Come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory:
The Lord is close at hand:
come let us worship him!
The Advent Morning Office Hymn is Magnis prophetae vocibus.
The psalms are from Sunday, Week Four of the four-week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper:
(1) Sound the trumpet in Zion, the day of the Lord is near;
he comes to save us, alleluia.
(2) The Lord is here, go out to meet him, saying:
great his birth, eternal his kingdom--
strong God, Ruler of all, Prince of Peace, alleluia.
(3) Your all-powerful Word, O Lord,
will come to earth from his throne of glory, alleluia.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The Advent Vesper Office Hymn during the Greater Advent Days is "Verbum salutis omnium."
The Psalms from Week 4 of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service:
(1) See how glorious he is,
coming forth as the Savior of all peoples.
(2) Crooked paths will be straightened and rough ways smooth.
Come, O Lord, and do not delay, alleluia.
(3) Ever wider will his kingdom spread,
eternally at peace.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Prayer.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The Great O Antiphon on the Magnificat is that for December 21, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere:
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light,
sun of justice:
Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Gaudete, the Third Sunday of Advent: Commentary
Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11
Magnificat (Lk 1:46-54)
I Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1: 6-8, 19-28
The Third Sunday of Advent is called GAUDETE (i.e., "rejoice"), from the first Latin word in its Introit/Entrance Psalm. On this Sunday, the Church permits the use of rose-colored vestments in place of the more customary Advent violet. Why? if you take violet paint and mix in white (the color of rejoicing), you will eventually come to the color rose.
The First Reading, the Second Reading, and the canticle taking the place of the Responsorial Psalm for this day, all utilize the word "rejoice." The words of the prophet Isaiah are caught up in the spirit of hte Lord, who anoints God's Messiah and charges him to "announce a year of favor from the Lord." Today's psalm is not a psalm at all---it is the Canticle of Mary, the "Magnificat" sung with the refrain, "My soul rejoices in my God!" and proceeeds to tell us that "the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name!" St. Paul, in the Second Reading, tells his readers, "Rejoice always!" so that "in all circumstances, give thanks--for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
The Gospel gives us the second Sunday appearance of John the Baptist, giving testimony to all who would listen that he was "the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord. The Baptist points to the coming Messiah, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Abbot William of St. Thierry said:
Truly, you alone are the Lord. You dominion is our salvation. And this is clearly the reason: You first loved us so that we might love you---not because you needed our love, but because we could not be what you created us to be, except by loving you. Now, in these last days, you have spoken to us in your Son, your Word; for you to speak thus, in your Son, was to bring out into the light of day how much and in what way you loved us, for you did not spare your own Son, but delivered him up for us all."
(On the Contemplation of God)
This Sunday's propers and readings are sung in these pieces:
"The Desert Shall Rejoice," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
"Tell Out My Soul," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
"Rejoice in the Lord Alway," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org (INTROIT)
"Dicite: pusillanimes," Music for Advent, www.litpress.org (COMMUNION)
Magnificat (Lk 1:46-54)
I Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1: 6-8, 19-28
The Third Sunday of Advent is called GAUDETE (i.e., "rejoice"), from the first Latin word in its Introit/Entrance Psalm. On this Sunday, the Church permits the use of rose-colored vestments in place of the more customary Advent violet. Why? if you take violet paint and mix in white (the color of rejoicing), you will eventually come to the color rose.
The First Reading, the Second Reading, and the canticle taking the place of the Responsorial Psalm for this day, all utilize the word "rejoice." The words of the prophet Isaiah are caught up in the spirit of hte Lord, who anoints God's Messiah and charges him to "announce a year of favor from the Lord." Today's psalm is not a psalm at all---it is the Canticle of Mary, the "Magnificat" sung with the refrain, "My soul rejoices in my God!" and proceeeds to tell us that "the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name!" St. Paul, in the Second Reading, tells his readers, "Rejoice always!" so that "in all circumstances, give thanks--for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
The Gospel gives us the second Sunday appearance of John the Baptist, giving testimony to all who would listen that he was "the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord. The Baptist points to the coming Messiah, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Abbot William of St. Thierry said:
Truly, you alone are the Lord. You dominion is our salvation. And this is clearly the reason: You first loved us so that we might love you---not because you needed our love, but because we could not be what you created us to be, except by loving you. Now, in these last days, you have spoken to us in your Son, your Word; for you to speak thus, in your Son, was to bring out into the light of day how much and in what way you loved us, for you did not spare your own Son, but delivered him up for us all."
(On the Contemplation of God)
This Sunday's propers and readings are sung in these pieces:
"The Desert Shall Rejoice," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
"Tell Out My Soul," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
"Rejoice in the Lord Alway," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org (INTROIT)
"Dicite: pusillanimes," Music for Advent, www.litpress.org (COMMUNION)
Third Sunday in Advent: Liturgy of the Hours
Evening Prayer I
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week Three of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service:
(1) Rejoice, Jerusalem, let your joy overflow;
your Savior will come to you, alleluia.
(2) I, the Lord, am coming to save you; already I am near;
soon I will free you from your sins.
(3) Lord, send the Lamb, the ruler of hte earth,
from the rock in the desert to the mountain of the daughter of Zion.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
A man named John was sent from God;
he came for testimony, to testify to the Light.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory, which is used until the Saturday after Advent II, inclusive:
Come, let us worship the Lord,
the King who is to come!
The traditional Advent Morning Office Hymn is Verbum Supernum prodiens, which is recorded in English on "Music for Advent" (www.litpress.org).
The psalms are from Sunday, Week Three of the four-week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper:
(1) The Lord is coming without delay.
He will reveal things kept hidden,
and show himself to all mankind, alleluia.
(2) Mountains ans hills shall be level,
crooked paths straight, rough ways smooth.
Come, Lord, do not delay, alleluia.
(3) I shall enfold Zion with My salvation
and shed my glory around Jerusalem, alleluia.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
John said: I am the voice of one crying in the desert,
make straight the way of the Lord.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP II, Week 3 of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service:
(1) Our Lord will come to claim his glorious throne
in the assembly of the princes.
(2) Let the mountains break out with joy
and the hills with answering gladness,
for the world's ture light, the Lord, comes with power and might.
(3) Let us live in holiness and love
as we patiently await our blessed hope,
the coming of our Savior.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Payer.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
I baptize with water, but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the One who is coming after me.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week Three of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service:
(1) Rejoice, Jerusalem, let your joy overflow;
your Savior will come to you, alleluia.
(2) I, the Lord, am coming to save you; already I am near;
soon I will free you from your sins.
(3) Lord, send the Lamb, the ruler of hte earth,
from the rock in the desert to the mountain of the daughter of Zion.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
A man named John was sent from God;
he came for testimony, to testify to the Light.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory, which is used until the Saturday after Advent II, inclusive:
Come, let us worship the Lord,
the King who is to come!
The traditional Advent Morning Office Hymn is Verbum Supernum prodiens, which is recorded in English on "Music for Advent" (www.litpress.org).
The psalms are from Sunday, Week Three of the four-week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper:
(1) The Lord is coming without delay.
He will reveal things kept hidden,
and show himself to all mankind, alleluia.
(2) Mountains ans hills shall be level,
crooked paths straight, rough ways smooth.
Come, Lord, do not delay, alleluia.
(3) I shall enfold Zion with My salvation
and shed my glory around Jerusalem, alleluia.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
John said: I am the voice of one crying in the desert,
make straight the way of the Lord.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP II, Week 3 of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service:
(1) Our Lord will come to claim his glorious throne
in the assembly of the princes.
(2) Let the mountains break out with joy
and the hills with answering gladness,
for the world's ture light, the Lord, comes with power and might.
(3) Let us live in holiness and love
as we patiently await our blessed hope,
the coming of our Savior.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Payer.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
I baptize with water, but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the One who is coming after me.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Second Sunday of Advent, Year B: Commentary
Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85
II Peter 3: 8-14
Mark 1: 1-8
The Isaiah passage proclaimed on this sunday is from what is known as the "book of the consolation of Israel." Its strong words, "Comfort! Give comfort to my people, says your God!" have been immortalized in the oratorio "Messiah" by G. F. Handel. The prophecy goes on to command, "In the desert, prepare the way of the Lord!" This text is quoted in the Gospel we hear today, where John the Baptist is referred to by St. Mark as "the voice of one crying in the desert, prepare the way of hte Lord, make straight his paths." John did this preparation by proclaiming the need for repentance---acknowledgment of past wrongs and the need to ask God both for forgiveness and for grace--the ability to live a new life. As he said this, John emphasized that he was preparing the way for One yet to come: "One mightier than I, coming after me."
In between the comfort of Isaiah and the challenge of John the Baptist comes the assurance of the Apostle Peter that "the Lord does not delay his promise--but is being patient with you, not wishing that any should perish." It is this incredible loving-kindness that we celebrate in Advent, leading up to the miracle of God-with-us, EMMANUEL.
Eusebius of Caesarea, preaching on todays First Reading, says:
"The profphecy meant that God was to come to a deserted place, inaccessible from the beginning. None of hte pagans had any knowledge of God, since his holy servants and the prophets were kept from approaching them. The voice commands that a way be prepared for the Word of God; the rough and trackless ground is to be made level, so that our God may find a highway when he comes. Prepare the way of the Lord---the way is the preaching of the Gospel, the new message of consolation, ready to pring all people the knowledge of God's saving power."
(Commentary on Isaiah)
There are many pieces based on today's readings. Some of them are:
"Comfort, Comfort Now My People" Music for Advent, www.litpress.org
"Take Comfort, God's People, Take Comfort" Music for Advent, www.litpress.org
"Isaiah Lesson" God Is With Us, www.jspaluch.com/wpl
"Vox Clamantis in Deserto," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
"There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
Psalm 85
II Peter 3: 8-14
Mark 1: 1-8
The Isaiah passage proclaimed on this sunday is from what is known as the "book of the consolation of Israel." Its strong words, "Comfort! Give comfort to my people, says your God!" have been immortalized in the oratorio "Messiah" by G. F. Handel. The prophecy goes on to command, "In the desert, prepare the way of the Lord!" This text is quoted in the Gospel we hear today, where John the Baptist is referred to by St. Mark as "the voice of one crying in the desert, prepare the way of hte Lord, make straight his paths." John did this preparation by proclaiming the need for repentance---acknowledgment of past wrongs and the need to ask God both for forgiveness and for grace--the ability to live a new life. As he said this, John emphasized that he was preparing the way for One yet to come: "One mightier than I, coming after me."
In between the comfort of Isaiah and the challenge of John the Baptist comes the assurance of the Apostle Peter that "the Lord does not delay his promise--but is being patient with you, not wishing that any should perish." It is this incredible loving-kindness that we celebrate in Advent, leading up to the miracle of God-with-us, EMMANUEL.
Eusebius of Caesarea, preaching on todays First Reading, says:
"The profphecy meant that God was to come to a deserted place, inaccessible from the beginning. None of hte pagans had any knowledge of God, since his holy servants and the prophets were kept from approaching them. The voice commands that a way be prepared for the Word of God; the rough and trackless ground is to be made level, so that our God may find a highway when he comes. Prepare the way of the Lord---the way is the preaching of the Gospel, the new message of consolation, ready to pring all people the knowledge of God's saving power."
(Commentary on Isaiah)
There are many pieces based on today's readings. Some of them are:
"Comfort, Comfort Now My People" Music for Advent, www.litpress.org
"Take Comfort, God's People, Take Comfort" Music for Advent, www.litpress.org
"Isaiah Lesson" God Is With Us, www.jspaluch.com/wpl
"Vox Clamantis in Deserto," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
"There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org
Second Sunday of Advent, Year B: Liturgy of the Hours
Evening Prayer I
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week Two of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second comingof the Lord:
(1) New city of Zion, let your heart sing for joy;
see how humbly your King comes to save you.
(2) Have courage, all of you, lost and fearful;
take heart and say: Our God will come to save us, alleluia.
(3) The law was given to Moses,
but grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
Behold, I send my messenger before you, who will prepare your way.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory, which is used until the Saturday after Advent II, inclusive:
Come, let us worship the Lord,
the King who is to come!
The traditional Advent Morning Office Hymn is Verbum Supernum prodiens, which is recorded in English on "Music for Advent" (www.litpress.org).
The psalms are from Sunday, Week Two of the Four-Week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper and are speaking of the end of time:
(1) Zion is our mighty citadel, our saving Lord its wall and its defense;
throw open the gates, for our God is here among us, alleluia.
(2) Come to the waters, all you who thirst;
seek the Lord while he can be found, alleluia.
(3) Our God will come with great power
to enlighten the eyse of his servants, alleluia.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP until the secnd part of the season begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
John the Baptist appeared in the desert,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP II, Week Two of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second coming of the Lord:
(1) The Lord will come on the clouds of heaven
with great power and might, alleluia.
(2) The Lord will come; he is true to his word.
If he seems to delay, keep watch for him,
for he will surely come, alleluia.
(3) The Lord, our king and lawgiver,
will come to save us, alleluia.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming: "The Lord is near!"
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
John proclaimed and said: One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week Two of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second comingof the Lord:
(1) New city of Zion, let your heart sing for joy;
see how humbly your King comes to save you.
(2) Have courage, all of you, lost and fearful;
take heart and say: Our God will come to save us, alleluia.
(3) The law was given to Moses,
but grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
Behold, I send my messenger before you, who will prepare your way.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory, which is used until the Saturday after Advent II, inclusive:
Come, let us worship the Lord,
the King who is to come!
The traditional Advent Morning Office Hymn is Verbum Supernum prodiens, which is recorded in English on "Music for Advent" (www.litpress.org).
The psalms are from Sunday, Week Two of the Four-Week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper and are speaking of the end of time:
(1) Zion is our mighty citadel, our saving Lord its wall and its defense;
throw open the gates, for our God is here among us, alleluia.
(2) Come to the waters, all you who thirst;
seek the Lord while he can be found, alleluia.
(3) Our God will come with great power
to enlighten the eyse of his servants, alleluia.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP until the secnd part of the season begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
John the Baptist appeared in the desert,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP II, Week Two of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second coming of the Lord:
(1) The Lord will come on the clouds of heaven
with great power and might, alleluia.
(2) The Lord will come; he is true to his word.
If he seems to delay, keep watch for him,
for he will surely come, alleluia.
(3) The Lord, our king and lawgiver,
will come to save us, alleluia.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming: "The Lord is near!"
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
John proclaimed and said: One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
First Sunday of Advent, Year B: Commentary
Isaiah 63: 16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Psalm 80
I Corinthians 1: 3-9
Mark 13: 33-37
On the First Sunday of Advent, the Church will proclaim the plea of the prophet Isaiah, directed to the Lord: "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!"
The prophet reminds the Lord that he has done awesome deeds before, so could he please do them again for us now?!?
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples, "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come!" In these days when things are so unstable, many people are worried. In the Second Reading, Paul reminds the Corinthians that "God will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ!" And Paul reminds us why: "God," he says, "is faithful." During Advent, we re-ground ourselves in the faithfulness of God, and of the Chosen People who waited for his coming--and in our need to pray "When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory."
Preaching about Advent, St. Bernard of Clairvaux says:
"We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first, he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; in the final coming, 'all flesh will see the salvation of our God,' and 'they shall look upon him whom they have pierced.' The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it, only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In this middle coming, the Lord comes in spirit and in power. Because it lies between the other two comings, it is like a road on which we travel from the first to the second. In his first coming, he was our redemption; in his last, he will be our life; in the middle, he is our rest and our consolation."
(Sermo 5 in Adventu Domini)
Music that goes with today's readings:
"Rorate coeli," "O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide," and "Vigilate," all recorded by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on "Music for Advent," 1989, published by The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org)
Psalm 80
I Corinthians 1: 3-9
Mark 13: 33-37
On the First Sunday of Advent, the Church will proclaim the plea of the prophet Isaiah, directed to the Lord: "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!"
The prophet reminds the Lord that he has done awesome deeds before, so could he please do them again for us now?!?
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples, "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come!" In these days when things are so unstable, many people are worried. In the Second Reading, Paul reminds the Corinthians that "God will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ!" And Paul reminds us why: "God," he says, "is faithful." During Advent, we re-ground ourselves in the faithfulness of God, and of the Chosen People who waited for his coming--and in our need to pray "When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory."
Preaching about Advent, St. Bernard of Clairvaux says:
"We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first, he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; in the final coming, 'all flesh will see the salvation of our God,' and 'they shall look upon him whom they have pierced.' The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it, only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In this middle coming, the Lord comes in spirit and in power. Because it lies between the other two comings, it is like a road on which we travel from the first to the second. In his first coming, he was our redemption; in his last, he will be our life; in the middle, he is our rest and our consolation."
(Sermo 5 in Adventu Domini)
Music that goes with today's readings:
"Rorate coeli," "O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide," and "Vigilate," all recorded by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on "Music for Advent," 1989, published by The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org)
First Sunday of Advent: Liturgy of the Hours
Evening Prayer I
As is true of every Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent begins on the Saturday previous when the Church sings Evening Prayer I.
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week One of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second comingof the Lord:
(1) Proclaim the good news among the nations:
our God will come to save us.
(2) Know that the Lord is coming and with him, all his saints;
that day will dawn with a wonderful light, alleluia.
(3) The Lord will come with mighty power;
all mortal eyes shall see him.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar, and the earth is full of his glory.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory, which is used until the Saturday after Advent II, inclusive:
Come, let us worship the Lord,
the King who is to come!
The traditional Advent Morning Office Hymn is Verbum Supernum prodiens, which is recorded in English on "Music for Advent" (www.litpress.org).
The psalms are from Sunday, Week I of the Four-Week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper and are speaking of the end of time:
(1) On that day, sweet wine will flow from the mountains,
milk and honey from the hills, alleluia.
(2) The mountains and hills will sing praise to God;
all the trees of the forest will clap their hands,
for he is coming, the Lord of a kingdom that lasts forever, alleluia.
(3) A great prophet will come to Jerusalem;
of that people he will make a new creation.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP until the secnd part of the season begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
Watch, therefore! You do not know when the lordof the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The entire Office has been transcribed to the traditional Gregorian melodies, and is available in a pdf file from chantermt@yahoo.com
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP II, Week One of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second coming of the Lord:
(1) Rejoice, daughter of Zion;
shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem, alleluia.
(2) Christ our King will come to us,
the Lamb of God foretold by John.
(3) I am coming soon, says the Lord;
I will give to everyone the reward his deeds deserve, alleluia.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming: "The Lord is near!"
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God;
You will conceive and give birth to a Son, alleluia.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
As is true of every Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent begins on the Saturday previous when the Church sings Evening Prayer I.
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP I, Week One of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second comingof the Lord:
(1) Proclaim the good news among the nations:
our God will come to save us.
(2) Know that the Lord is coming and with him, all his saints;
that day will dawn with a wonderful light, alleluia.
(3) The Lord will come with mighty power;
all mortal eyes shall see him.
[N.B. All the antiphons given here and throughout the Advent season have been set to their traditional Gregorian melodies by J. Michael Thompson. You can obtain a copy (snail-mail only) from chantermt@yahoo.com]
The Reading (I Thess. 5: 19-24) is read each Saturday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung on all Saturday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar, and the earth is full of his glory.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Morning Prayer
Unless the Office of Readings has already been celebrated, Morning Prayer begins with the Invitatory, which is used until the Saturday after Advent II, inclusive:
Come, let us worship the Lord,
the King who is to come!
The traditional Advent Morning Office Hymn is Verbum Supernum prodiens, which is recorded in English on "Music for Advent" (www.litpress.org).
The psalms are from Sunday, Week I of the Four-Week Psalter.
The antiphons are proper and are speaking of the end of time:
(1) On that day, sweet wine will flow from the mountains,
milk and honey from the hills, alleluia.
(2) The mountains and hills will sing praise to God;
all the trees of the forest will clap their hands,
for he is coming, the Lord of a kingdom that lasts forever, alleluia.
(3) A great prophet will come to Jerusalem;
of that people he will make a new creation.
The Reading (Rom. 13: 11-14) is read each Advent Sunday at MP until the secnd part of the season begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming.
The Responsory is the one sung each Advent Sunday at MP.
The Benedictus antiphon (for Year B) is:
Watch, therefore! You do not know when the lordof the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
Evening Prayer II
The entire Office has been transcribed to the traditional Gregorian melodies, and is available in a pdf file from chantermt@yahoo.com
The traditional Advent Vesper Office Hymn is "Conditor alme siderum." An English version of it is recorded on track 4, "Music for Advent," Creator of the Stars of Night. (www.litpress.org)
The psalms from Sunday EP II, Week One of the Four-Week Psalter are used. The antiphons are proper to this service, and all make reference to the second coming of the Lord:
(1) Rejoice, daughter of Zion;
shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem, alleluia.
(2) Christ our King will come to us,
the Lamb of God foretold by John.
(3) I am coming soon, says the Lord;
I will give to everyone the reward his deeds deserve, alleluia.
The Reading (Phil. 4: 4-7) is read each Sunday at Evening Payer until the second part of Advent begins. Its reference, too, is to the second coming: "The Lord is near!"
The Responsory is the one sung on all Sunday evenings in this season.
The antiphons on the Magnificat and Benedictus have been changed in the "Editio Typica Altera" of the Liturgy of the Hours (published 2000). The one now assigned to Year B is:
Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God;
You will conceive and give birth to a Son, alleluia.
The Intercessions and the Prayer are both proper to the Sunday.
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