Introit • 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 (P.T. Alleluia, alleluia.) Ps. 36, 1. Be not emulous of evil-doers; nor envy them that work iniquity. Gory be …
Collect (Prayer)
O God, Who, for the Christian instruction of the poor, and the strengthening of the young in the way of truth, didst raise up St. John Baptist, the confessor, and, through him, didst gather a new family within Thy Church, mercifully grant that, by his intercession and example, fervent in zeal for Thy glory and the salvation of souls, we may be enabled to become sharers of his crown in heaven. Through the same.
Epistle • Eclus. 31, 8-11
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom.
Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life. Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them: Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.
Alleluia, alleluia. James 6, 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. Alleluia. Ecclus. 45, 9. The Lord loved him, and adorned him: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Alleluia.
Gospel • Matt. 18, 1-5
Continuation of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew.
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who, thinkest Thou, is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven? and Jesus calling unto Him a little child, set him in the midst of them, and said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me.
Offertory • Ps 88, 25
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his horn be exalted. (P. T. Alleluia.)
Secret
We offer Thee, O Lord, sacrifices of praise in commemoration of Thy saints, by whom we trust to be delivered from evils both present and future. Through our Lord.
Communion • Matt. 24, 46, 47
Blessed is that servant whom, when his lord shall come, he shall find watching; Amen, I say to you, he shall set him over all his goods. (P. T. Alleluia.)
Postcommunion
We, thy suppliants, who heavenly food and drink, beseech Thee, O our God, that we may be fortified by the prayers of him in whose commemoration we have partaken of these gifts. Through our Lord.