Introit • Ps. 129, 3, 4
If thou shalt observe iniquities, O Lord, Lord, who shall endure it? For with Thee is propitiation, O God of Israel. Ps. 129, 1, 2. From the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Gory be …
Collect (Prayer)
O God, our refuge and our strength, the very author of piety, be present to the devout supplications of Thy Church, and grant that what we seek in faith we may effectively arrive at. Through our Lord.
Epistle • Philip. 1, 6-11
Lesson from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Philippians.
BRETHREN, we are confident in the Lord Jesus, that He who hath begun a good work in you, will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus. As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have you in my heart; and that in my bands, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your charity may more and more abound in knowledge, and in all understanding: That you may approve the better things, that you may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ, Filled with the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Gradual • Ps. 132, 1, 2
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron.
Lesser Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. Ps. 113, 11. They that fear the Lord, let them hope in Him: He is their helper and protector. Alleluia.
Gospel • Matt. 22, 15-21
Continuation of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew.
At that time, the Pharisees went and consulted among themselves how to ensnare Jesus in his speech. And they sent to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou dost not regard the person of men. Tell us therefore what dost thou think, is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? But Jesus knowing their wickedness, said: Why do you tempt me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the coin of the tribute. And they offered him a penny. And Jesus saith to them: Whose image and inscription is this? They say to him: Caesar’ s. Then he saith to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’ s; and to God, the things that are God’ s.
Offertory • Esther 14, 12, 13
Remember me, O Lord, Thou Who rulest above all power; and give a well-ordered speech in my mouth, that my words may be pleasing in the sight of the prince.
Secret
GRANT, O merciful God, that this saving oblation may forever rid us of our own guilt and defend us from all adversities. Through our Lord.
Communion • Matt. 24, 46, 47
I have cried, for Thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline Thy ear unto me, and hear my words.
Postcommunion
We have taken the gifts of the sacred mystery, O Lord, humbly imploring that what Thou hast bidden us do in commemoration of Thee may avail unto the help of our infirmity. Through our Lord.