Psalmody
Psalm 77
Ant. Let us not push too hard, let us wait on Providence. (1833 letter to Fr. Tempier)
I cry aloud to God,
cry aloud to God that I be heard.
In the day of my distress I seek the Lord.
In the night my hands are raised unwearied;
my soul refuses comfort.
As I remember my God, I groan.
I ponder, and my spirit faints.
You keep my eyes from closing.
I am troubled, unable to speak.
I think of the days of long ago,
and remember the years long past.
At night I muse within my heart.
I ponder, and my spirit questions.
“Will the Lord reject us forever,
and show divine favour no more?
Has God’s faithful kindness vanished forever?
Has the promise come to an end,
or God’s mercy been forgotten,
or compassion withdrawn in anger?”
I said, “This is what causes my grief:
that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”
I remember the deeds of the LORD,
I remember your wonders of old;
I muse on all your works,
and ponder your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders.
Among the peoples you showed your power.
Your strong arm redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
The waters saw you, O God;
the waters saw you and anguished.
Yes, the depths were moved to tremble.
The clouds poured down with rain.
The skies sent forth their voice;
your arrows flashed to and fro.
Your thunderous voice was in the whirlwind;
your flashes lighted up the world.
The earth was moved and trembled.
Your way was through the sea,
your path through the mighty waters,
but the trace of your steps was not seen.
You guided your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. Let us not push too hard, let us wait on Providence.
Canticle (1 Sam 2:1-10)
Ant. As soon as I am awoken, I will make the sign of the cross as I give my heart to God. (1812 Rule of life)
My heart exults in the Most High,
My strength is exalted in my God,
My lips renounce all that is evil,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
There is no holy one like you,
there is no rock like our God.
Speak no longer so boastfully,
nor let arrogance come from your mouth.
For God is a God of knowledge, a God who weighs our deeds.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble are circled with strength.
The full hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry cease to hunger.
The barren have borne seven children,
but those who have many are forlorn.
O God you put to death and give life,
you cast down to the grave and raise up.
You make poor and make rich, you bring low, you also exalt.
You raise up the poor from the dust,
you lift the needy from the ash heap,
to seat them with those of renown and inherit a seat of honour.
For the pillars of the earth are yours,
on them you set the world.
You will guard the steps of your faithful ones,
but wickedness shall perish in darkness.
For not by strength shall we prevail.
Against evil you will thunder on high.
You will judge the ends of the earth,
you will give strength to just leaders
and exalt the power of your anointed ones.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. As soon as I am awoken, I will make the sign of the cross as I give my heart to God.
Psalm 97
Ant. How can we not be overwhelmed with gratitude towards God? (1826 letter Fr. Tempier)
The LORD reigns, let earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround the Lord,
whose throne is founded on justice and right.
A fire prepares the pathway of God;
it burns up the Lord’s foes on every side.
God’s lightnings light up the world;
while the earth looks on and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax
before the face of the LORD,
before the face of the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim divine righteousness;
all peoples see the glory of God.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you angels, worship the Lord.
Zion hears and is glad;
the cities of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O LORD.
For you indeed are the LORD
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
The LORD loves those who hate evil,
guards the souls of the faithful,
and sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the righteous,
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous;
in memory of God’s holiness give thanks.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. How can we not be overwhelmed with gratitude towards God?
Reading
I must admit that never in my life have I understood as well as now the value of self-surrender to God, never have I felt more disposed to put virtue – for such it is – into practice as in the present circumstances.
(Oblate Writings VII, p. 15, n. 219)
Responsory
The crucifix will serve as the credentials of their embassy
-The crucifix will serve as the credentials of their embassy
to the different peoples to whom they are sent
-the credentials of their embassy
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
-The crucifix will serve as the credentials of their embassy
Canticle of Zachariah
Ant. Growing in faith, hope and love, we commit ourselves to be a leaven of the Beatitudes at the heart of the world. (Constitution 11)
O God, you have come and freed your people;
from David’s house you have sent a Saviour.
Through ages the prophets have told us
that we would be saved from hatred.
You have shown to us your great mercy
by the promise to Sarah and Abraham
that we should be freed from all fear
to serve you in justice and holiness.
And you, John, are called prophet of God,
for you will prepare the way
to lead people to salvation
through the awareness and knowledge of God.
Praise to you, God of Israel.
The bright dawn will break upon us.
You give light to those in darkness.
You guide us to ways of peace.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. Growing in faith, hope and love, we commit ourselves to be a leaven of the Beatitudes at the heart of the world. (Constitution 11)
Intercessions
Jesus, you responded to women with affirmation and love; show us how to encourage and support women when others would prevent them from serving you.
O God, you have made a covenant of love with us; dispel from our minds and hearts any kind of fear.
Spirit of God, you are the very life of the Church; invade all with the wisdom, fortitude, and generosity to be the people of God in deed and truth.
Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayer
O God, whose Word is not just a one-way conversation, talk with us today and hear us as we pray. Free us, that we might listen for your voice, and empower us to speak to you. For in Christ Jesus, you have called us into a friendship which influences all other relationships. Help us to see beauty where we might be tempted to see ugliness — in ourselves as well as in others. May your “joy” be found there as well. As you have washed our feet in Christ, kneel us to washing your feet in others. As you have lifted us off our knees, help us to lift others up. For we all were created in your image. Re-create in us, just now, a new heart, O God, one that beats in tune with your own. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Novitiate Liturgy of the Hours 