Introit • Ecclus. 15, 5
In the midst of the church the Lord opened his mouth: and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. (P.T. Alleluia, alleluia.)
Ps. 91, 2. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy name, O Most High. Glory be …
Collect (Prayer)
O eternal Shepherd, do Thou look favorably upon They flock, which we beseech Thee to guard and keep for evermore through the blessed Soter and Caius Thy Martyrs and Supreme Pontiffs, whom Thou didst choose to be the chief shepherds of the whole Church. Through our Lord.
Epistle • 2 Tim. 4, 1-8
Lesson from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to Timothy.
Dearly beloved, I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming, and his kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing
from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. Be sober. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me,
but to them also that love his coming.
Gradual • Ps. 36, 30, 31
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart; and his steps shall not be supplanted.
Greater Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. Ecclus. 45, 9. The Lord loved him, and adorned him: he clothed him with a robe of glory. Alleluia. Osee 14, 6. The just shall spring as the lily; and shall flourish forever before the Lord. Alleluia.
Gospel • Matt. 5, 13-19
Continuation of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew.
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 any more 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 • Ps. 91, 13
The just shall flourish like the palm-tree; he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus. (P.T. Alleluia.)
Secret
In thy loving kindness, we moved by the offering of our gifts and enlighten Thy church:
That They flock may prosper everywhere and the shepherds, under Thy guidance, may be
rendered acceptable to Thee. Through our Lord.
Communion • John 12, 42
A faithful and wise servant, whom the Lord hath set over His family, to give them their
measure of wheat in due season.
Postcommunion
A faithful and wise steward, whom the Lord set over His family; to give them their
measure of wheat in due season. (P.T. Alleluia). Through our Lord.