Divine Office of the Holy Name of Jesus

1st Vespers—Evening Prayer 1

Prayed when the Feast occurs on Sunday or is celebrated with the rank of 1st class.

V./ God, come to my assistance.

R./ Lord make haste to help me.

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen, Alleluia

Hymn

Sweet is the remembrance of Jesus, bringing man his heart's true joy; but sweet beyond honey and all created bliss is His presence. No theme is more agreeable in the singing, none more welcome in the hearing, none more com­forting in thought than Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus, hope of penitent souls, how gracious You are to those that ask, how good to those that seek; but who shall say what You are to those that find? No tongue can tell this, nor pen express it; but the one who has experience of it can know in his heart what it means to love Jesus. Jesus, one day to be our reward, be our joy in this life. May our glory be in You through all eternity. Amen.

V./ Blessed be the name of the Lord, alleluia.

R./ Both now and forever, alleluia.

Antiphon 1: Every one who will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Psalm 110

The LORD says to you, my lord: "Take your throne at my right hand, while I make your enemies your footstool." The scepter of your sovereign might the LORD will extend from Zion. The LORD says: "Rule over your enemies! Yours is princely power from the day of your birth. In holy splendor before the daystar, like the dew I begot you." The LORD has sworn and will not waver: "Like Melchizedek you are a priest forever." At your right hand is the Lord, who crushes kings on the day of wrath, Who, robed in splendor, judges nations, crushes heads across the wide earth, Who drinks from the brook by the wayside and thus holds high the head.

V.\ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R.\ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 1: Every one who will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Antiphon 2: Holy and awesome is the name of the Lord; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Psalm 111

Hallelujah. I will praise the LORD with all my heart in the assembled congregation of the upright. Great are the works of the LORD, to be treasured for all their delights. Majestic and glorious is your work, your wise design endures forever. You won renown for your wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD. You gave food to those who fear you, mindful of your covenant forever. You showed powerful deeds to your people, giving them the lands of the nations. The works of your hands are right and true, reliable all your decrees, Established forever and ever, to be observed with loyalty and care. You sent deliverance to your people, ratified your covenant forever; holy and awesome is your name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it. Your praise endures forever.

V.\ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R.\ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 2: Holy and awesome is the name of the Lord; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Antiphon 3: I will rejoice in the Lord, and I will delight in God my Jesus.

Psalm 112

Hallelujah! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in God's commands. Their descendants shall be mighty in the land, generation upright and blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in their homes; their prosperity shall endure forever. They shine through the darkness, a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and just. All goes well for those gracious in lending, who conduct their affairs with justice. They shall never be shaken; the just shall be remembered forever. They shall not fear an ill report; their hearts are steadfast, trusting the LORD. Their hearts are tranquil, without fear, till at last they look down on their foes. Lavishly they give to the poor; their prosperity shall endure forever; their horn shall be exalted in honor. The wicked shall be angry to see this; they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked come to nothing.

V.\ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R.\ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 3: I will rejoice in the Lord, and I will delight in God my Jesus.

Antiphon 4: From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised.

Psalm 113

Hallelujah! Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting let the name of the LORD be praised. High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens God's glory. Who is like the LORD, our God enthroned on high, looking down on heaven and earth? The LORD raises the needy from the dust, lifts the poor from the ash heap, Seats them with princes, the princes of the people, Gives the childless wife a home, the joyful mother of children. Hallelujah!

V.\ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R.\ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 4: From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised.

Antiphon 5: I will offer You a sacrifice of praise and call upon the name of the Lord.

Psalm 116 (Any one of the following Psalms may be used: Psalm 116, 117, 132, 138, 148)

I love the LORD, who listened to my voice in supplication, Who turned an ear to me on the day I called. I was caught by the cords of death; the snares of Sheol had seized me; I felt agony and dread. Then I called on the name of the LORD, "O LORD, save my life!" Gracious is the LORD and just; yes, our God is merciful. The LORD protects the simple; I was helpless, but God saved me. Return, my soul, to your rest; the LORD has been good to you. For my soul has been freed from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I kept faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted!" I said in my alarm, "No one can be trusted!" How can I repay the LORD for all the good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. Too costly in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his faithful. LORD, I am your servant, your servant, the child of your maidservant; you have loosed my bonds. I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

V.\ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R.\ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 5: I will offer You a sacrifice of praise and call upon the name of the Lord.

Reading: From the Acts of the Apostles Ch. 3:1-8

Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer. And a certain man who had been lame from his mother's womb, was being car­ried by, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful, that he might ask alms of those going into the temple. And he, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for an alms. But Peter, gazing upon him with John, said, "Look at us." And he looked at them earnestly, hoping to receive something from them. But Peter said, "Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk." And taking him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles became strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

Responsory:

From the rising of the sun to its setting, may the name of the Lord be praised. - from the rising of the sun to its setting, May the name of the Lord be praised. His splendor reaches far beyond the heavens; - may the name of the Lord be praised. Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: - may the name of the Lord be praised.

Antiphon: He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name, alleluia.

Canticle of Mary - Magnificat (Luke 1 46:55)

My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden, For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm: He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree. He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon: He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name, alleluia.

Intercessory Prayers:

Let us joyfully invoke the Son of God, our Redeemer, who became man in order to restore man: Be with us, Emmanuel Jesus, Son of the living God, King of glory, and Son of the Virgin Mary, Brighten this day with the glory of your incarnation. Jesus, Wonder-Counselor, Mighty God, Father of the future, Prince of peace, Direct our lives according to the holiness of your human nature. Jesus, all-powerful, patient, obedient, meek and humble of heart, Show the power of your gentleness to all. Jesus, Father of the poor, immeasurable goodness, our way and our life, Grant your Church the spirit of poverty.

V.\ Let us Pray as Christ the Lord has taught us.

All: Our Father, who art in heaven…..

Collect

O God, You made Your only begotten Son the Savior of the human race and decreed for Him the name of Jesus. Grant us the grace of seeing in the happiness of heaven the One whose holy name we venerate on earth. This we ask of You through the same Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Night Prayer After Evening Prayer 1 On Sundays or Solemnities

V./ God, come to my assistance.

R./ Lord make haste to help me.

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen, Alleluia

A brief examination of conscience may be made. In the communal celebration of the office, a penitential rite using the formulas of the Mass may be inserted here.

All: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

V./ May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All: Amen.

Hymn

Holy God, we praise Thy Name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee! All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in Heaven above adore Thee; Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! the loud celestial hymn Angel choirs above are raising, Cherubim and seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising; Fill the heavens with sweet accord: Holy, holy, holy, Lord.

Lo! the apostolic train Join the sacred Name to hallow; Prophets swell the loud refrain, And the white robed martyrs follow; And from morn to set of sun, Through the Church the song goes on.

Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee; While in essence only One, Undivided God we claim Thee; And adoring bend the knee, While we own the mystery.

Thou art King of glory, Christ: Son of God, yet born of Mary; For us sinners sacrificed, And to death a tributary: First to break the bars of death, Thou has opened Heaven to faith.

From Thy high celestial home, Judge of all, again returning, We believe that Thou shalt come In the dreaded doomsday morning; When Thy voice shall shake the earth, And the startled dead come forth.

Therefore do we pray Thee, Lord: Help Thy servants whom, redeeming By Thy precious blood out-poured, Thou hast saved from Satan’s scheming. Give to them eternal rest In the glory of the blest.

Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray, By a thousand snares surrounded: Keep us without sin today, Never let us be confounded. Lo, I put my trust in Thee; Never, Lord, abandon me.

Words: Attributed to Ignaz Franz, in Maria Theresa’s Katholisches Gesangbuch (Vienna: circa 1774) (Grosser Gott, wir loben Dich). Translated from German to English by Clarence A. Walworth, 1858, except verse 7, which is by Hugh T. Henry (1862-1946). Music: Te Deum, Katholisches Gesangbuch (Vienna: circa 1774) Psalmody

Antiphon 1: Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4

Answer when I call, my saving God. In my troubles, you cleared a way; show me favor; hear my prayer. How long will you people mock my honor, love what is worthless, chase after lies? Selah Know that the LORD works wonders for the faithful; the LORD hears when I call out. Tremble and do not sin; upon your beds ponder in silence. Offer fitting sacrifice and trust in the LORD. Many say, "May we see better times! LORD, show us the light of your face!" Selah But you have given my heart more joy than they have , when grain and wine abound. In peace I shall both lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me secure.

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 1: Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.

Antiphon 2: In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.

Psalm 134

Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD Who stand in the house of the LORD through the long hours of night. Lift up your hands toward the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. May the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion.

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 2: In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.

Reading: Dt 6: 4-7

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.

Responsory

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth. I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Antiphon 1: Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Gospel Canticle

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; Your word has been fulfilled: My own eyes have seen the salvation Which you have prepared in the sight of every people: A light to reveal you to the nations And the glory of your people Israel.

V ./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 1: Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Prayer

Lord, be with us throughout this night. When day comes may we rise from sleep To rejoice in the resurrection of your Christ, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Or, on solemnities that do not occur on Sunday.

Lord, we beg you to visit this house and banish from it all the deadly power of the enemy. may your holy angels dwell here To keep us in peace, And may your blessing be upon us always. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Conclusion

V./ May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death.

R./ Amen

Antiphons in honor of the Blessed Virgin

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our Hope. To Thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, Thine Eyes of Mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the Blessed Fruit of thy Womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Or

Loving mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, Yet remained a virgin after as before. You who received Gabriel's joyful greeting, have pity on us poor sinners. Or

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Morning Prayer

R.\ Lord, open my lips.

V.\ My mouth will proclaim your praise.

Invitatory Antiphon: The admirable name of Jesus, which is above all other names, Come, let us adore.

Psalm 95

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; cry out to the rock of our salvation. Let us greet him with a song of praise, joyfully sing out our psalms.

Antiphon: The admirable name of Jesus, which is above all other names, Come, let us adore.

For the LORD is the great God, the great king over all gods, Whose hand holds the depths of the earth; who owns the tops of the mountains. The sea and dry land belong to God, who made them, formed them by hand.

Antiphon: The admirable name of Jesus, which is above all other names, Come, let us adore.

Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us. For this is our God, whose people we are, God's well-tended flock.

Antiphon: The admirable name of Jesus, which is above all other names, Come, let us adore.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day of Massah in the desert. There your ancestors tested me; they tried me though they had seen my works.

Antiphon: The admirable name of Jesus, which is above all other names, Come, let us adore.

Forty years I loathed that generation; I said: "This people's heart goes astray; they do not know my ways." Therefore I swore in my anger: "They shall never enter my rest."

Antiphon: The admirable name of Jesus, which is above all other names, Come, let us adore.

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon: The admirable name of Jesus, which is above all other names, Come, let us adore.

Hymn

Jesus, King most wonderful and conqueror most glorious, our consolation beyond all telling, "nothing in You but awakes desire." When You visit our heart, the light of truth shines there; then the world is seen to be foolish and worthless, and love of You burns strong within us. Jesus, consolation of all hearts, source of life and light of our souls, You surpass completely all the joys that man knows or desires. Let all men recognize Jesus and ask earnestly for His love; let them seek Him, their souls aflame with love, and become yet more on fire with love in their search for Him. May our voice, Jesus, sing Your praise, our way of life tell of You, and our hearts love You now and forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1: My soul thirsts for Your holy name, O Lord.

Psalm 63

O God, you are my God for you I long! For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, Like a land parched, lifeless, and without water. So I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory. For your love is better than life; my lips offer you worship! I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name. My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you! When I think of you upon my bed, through the night watches I will recall That you indeed are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 1: My soul thirsts for Your holy name, O Lord.

Antiphon 2: Blessed, is Your holy and glorious Name! It deserves to be praised and exalted forever.

Daniel 3: 57-88, 56

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Frost and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Nights and days, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Let the earth bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. For he has delivered us from the nether world, and saved us from the power of death; He has freed us from the raging flame and delivered us from the fire. Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.

Antiphon 2: Blessed, is Your holy and glorious Name! It deserves to be praised and exalted forever.

Antiphon 3: Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted.

Psalm 149

Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel be glad in their maker, the people of Zion rejoice in their king. Let them praise his name in festive dance, make music with tambourine and lyre. For the LORD takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory. Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, cry out for joy at their banquet, With the praise of God in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands, To bring retribution on the nations, punishment on the peoples, To bind their kings with chains, shackle their nobles with irons, To execute the judgments decreed for them such is the glory of all God's faithful. Hallelujah!

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 3: Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted.

Reading: Philipp. 2:8-10

Brethren: Christ humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even to death on a cross. Therefore God also has exalted him and has bestowed upon him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend.

Responsory: Blessed be His glorious name for ever; May his glory fill the whole earth.

Antiphon 4: He gave Himself to deliver his people and to obtain an everlasting name, alleluia. Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

V./ Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

R./ as it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen

Antiphon 4: He gave Himself to deliver his people and to obtain an everlasting name, alleluia.

Intercessory Prayer:

Let us direct our prayers to Christ, the heavenly man and the new Adam, who became a life-giving spirit: Lord have Mercy. Christ, Sun of Justice, you revealed your glory in our human nature in order to bring to perfection the old covenant, We ask you to pour out your light upon us. Christ, you were glorified by the angels, announced by the shepherd, confessed and proclaimed by Simeon and Anna, Let your Gospel be accepted by the people of the promise, Christ when you were born, angles sang glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, We ask you to spread your peace throughout the world. Christ, as the new Adam, you gave new life to the old man, and prepared for us a dwelling place in your kingdom, May those overwhelmed by evil be encouraged by hope in you.

V.\ Let us Pray as Christ the Lord has taught us.

All: Our Father, who art in heaven…..

Collect

O God, You made Your only begotten Son the Savior of the human race and decreed for Him the name of Jesus. Grant us the grace of seeing in the happiness of heaven the One whose holy name we venerate on earth. This we ask of You through the same Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Readings of the Office of the most Holy Name

From the Acts of the Apostles Ch. 3:1-8

Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer. And a certain man who had been lame from his mother's womb, was being car­ried by, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful, that he might ask alms of those going into the temple. And he, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for an alms. But Peter, gazing upon him with John, said, "Look at us." And he looked at them earnestly, hoping to receive something from them. But Peter said, "Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk." And taking him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles became strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

R.\ Behold, you will conceive and will bring forth a Son; and you will call His name Jesus. For He will save His people from their sins.

V. \ His name was called Jesus, the name given Him by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb. For He will save His people from their sins.

From the Acts of the Apostles Ch. 3:9-16

And all the people saw him walking and praising God. And they recognized him as the man who used to sit for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Now as he clung to Peter and John, all the people ran to them in the portico called Solo­mon's, greatly wondering. But when Peter saw it, he said to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by any power or holiness of our own we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus, whom you indeed delivered up and disowned before the face of Pilate, when he had decided that he should be released. But you disowned the Holy and Just One, and asked that a murderer should be granted to you; but the author of life you killed, whom God has raised up from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And it is his name, by means of faith in his name, that has made strong this man whom you behold and recognize; moreover it is the faith that comes through Jesus that has given him the perfect health you all see."

R.\ Blessed is Your name, God of our fathers; for in Your wrath You will remember compassion, And in the time of tribulation You forgive sins.

V.\ And blessed forever be the name of Your majesty, for You alone do wondrous deeds. And in the time of tribulation You forgive sins.

From the Acts of the Apostles Ch. 4:5-12

Now it came to pass on the morrow that their rulers and elders and Scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem with Annas, the high priest, and Caiphas and John and Alexander and as many as belonged to the high-priestly family. And setting them in the midst, they began to inquire, "By what authority or in what name have you done this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are on trial today about a good work done to a cripple, as to how this man has been cured, be it known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God has raised from the dead, even in this name does he stand here before you, sound. This is 'The Stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has be­come the corner stone.' Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

R.\ I will ever praise Your name, And will praise it with thanksgiving.

V.\ I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High. And will praise it with thanksgiving.

R.\ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

V.\ I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High. And will praise it with thanksgiving.

A Sermon of St. Bernard, Abbot Sermon 15 on the Canticle of Canticles, about halfway through

Lesson iv

Not in vain does the Holy Spirit compare the name of the Bride­groom with oil when He makes the bride say to the Bridegroom, "Your name is as oil poured out." For oil gives light, nourishment, and ointment. It feeds the flame, nourishes the flesh, eases pain; it is light and food and medicine. See, all this applies to the Bride­groom's name: when preached on, it enlightens; when thought on, it enlivens; when called on, it smoothes and soothes. Let us follow through each point. What do you think caused such a sud­den shining of faith's light throughout the world, if not the preaching of the name of Jesus? Has not God called us into His own wonderful light by the radi­ance of this name? Thus are we illumined, and in this light we see light, so that St. Paul says to us with good reason, "You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord."

R.\ May they trust in You who cherish Your name, For You forsake not those who seek You, O Lord.

V.\ Arise, O Lord, help us, and deliver us for Your name's sake. For You forsake not those who seek You, O Lord.

Lesson v

The same Apostle Paul was charged to carry this name among kings and nations and the children of Israel. And he did carry this name, carried it like a torch, and enlightened his homeland. Everywhere he proclaimed, "The night is far advanced; the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly as in the day." Paul set this lamp upon its stand for all to see, preaching everywhere Jesus, and Him crucified. How this light sparkled and drew the gaze of all beholding it when it came forth from St. Peter's mouth like lightning! It set a lame man soundly on his feet, and gave sight to many who were spiritually blind. For certainly Peter struck sparks when he declared, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk!"

R.\ Let us give thanks to Your mighty name, For it is awesome and holy.

V.\ Some rely on chariots, some on horses, but we shall call upon the name of the Lord our God. For it is awesome and holy.

Lesson vi

The name of Jesus is not only light, it is also food. Are you not strengthened whenever you meditate on it? What is its equal for enriching the mind that thinks about it? What else can so renew your fatigued spiritual powers, bolster virtue, make good and upright habits grow, foster pure affections? All spiritual food is dry if this oil is not mixed in with it, tasteless if it is not seasoned with this salt. Anything you write is without savor for me unless I read the name of Jesus in it. Your disputations and your conferences remain flat to me unless they ring with the name of Jesus. "Jesus" is honey to the mouth, sweet song to the ear, joyful delight to the heart. But it is also a medicine. Is someone sad among us? Let "Jesus" come into his heart and from there leap to his lips. And behold, as the light of His name arises, all clouds pass, and cheerfulness returns. Has someone lapsed into sin? Worse, is despair pushing him headlong into a trap where death awaits his soul? Surely, if he invokes the name of Life, he will be revitalized at once.

R.\ Let all who put their hope in You, O Lord, be glad and exult forever. You shall dwell in them, and all shall glory in You Who love Your name.

V.\ In the light of Your countenance, O Lord, they shall walk, and at Your name they shall rejoice all the day Who love Your name.

R.\ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

V.\ In the light of Your countenance, O Lord, they shall walk, and at Your name they shall rejoice all the day Who love Your name.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Ch. 2:21

At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the Child's circumcision, his name was called Jesus.

A Homily of St. Bernard, Abbot Sermon 1 on the Circumcision

A great and awesome mystery! The Child is circumcised, and is called Jesus. Why are these two events connected? "Jesus" means "Savior," and circumcision seems to pertain more to one who needs to be saved than to the Savior, so that we should expect the Savior to do the circumcising rather than to be circumcised Himself. But the connection is seen if we recognize Jesus not only as Savior but also as Mediator between God and men. From the very beginning, from His birth, He allies the human with the divine, the lowest with the most sublime. He is born of a woman, but one whose fruitfulness came about in such a way that the flower of virginity remained. He is wrapped in swaddling bands, yet these very cloths share in the honor of angelic praises. He is ensconced in a crib, but is made known by a star shining from heaven. So indeed the circumcision shows the reality of the human nature He has taken up; while the name which is above every name reveals His glorious majesty. Being a true son of Abraham, He is circumcised; being the true Son of God, He is called Jesus.

R.\ I fell into distress and sorrow, And I called upon the name of the Lord.

V. \ The name of the Lord is a strong tower; in Him I trusted, and I found help. And I called upon the name of the Lord.

Lesson viii

For my Jesus does not bear this name, like some before Him, as an empty title. With Him there is no foreshadowing of a great name, but rather the reality itself. Indeed, the Evangelist bears wit­ness that the name is of heavenly origin: "the name given Him by the Angel before He was con­ceived in the womb." And note the depth of meaning in the word: after His birth He is called "Jesus" by men; even before His conception He had been called "Jesus" by an Angel. This means that He is Savior of both Angels and men: of Angels from the be­ginning of creation, of men from the time of His incarnation. "His name was called Jesus," says the Gospel, "the name given Him by the Angel." Thus "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every Word is established." And that Word which is found in the Prophet's book as "cut short" is manifested in the Gospel as the Word made flesh.

R.\ I will put my trust in Your name, O Lord, For it is good in the sight of Your saints.

V.\ That we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising You. For it is good in the sight of Your saints.

R.\ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

V.\ That we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising You. For it is good in the sight of Your saints.

A Homily of St. Bernard, Abbot Sermon 2 on the Circumcision

The circumcision of the Child who "is born to us" is obviously an appropriate time for calling Him "Savior," since it is now that He begins to actualize our salvation, shedding His immaculate blood for us. There is no need, then, for Christians to go search­ing for the reason why the Lord Christ wished to be circumcised. He was circumcised for the same reason that He was born and suf­fered. He did all these things not for Himself, but for His chosen ones. He was neither conceived in sin, nor circumcised because of sin, nor put to death for sin of His own. Rather, He died for our sins. "The name," says the Gospel, "given Him by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb." More precisely, the name by which the Angel called Him, not a name which the Angel gave Him. For this name is His from all eternity. He is Savior by His own proper nature. This name is innately His, not given Him by any human or angelic creature.

V.\ Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R.\ Who made heaven and earth.

Antiphon: He gave Himself to deliver His people, and to obtain an everlasting name, alleluia.