Welcome to the ULC Minister's Network

Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

Liturgy of the Hours


  • Thursday 23 December 2021

    23 December


    Afternoon Prayer (None)


    Introduction (without Invitatory)

    If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.


    O God, come to our aid.
    O Lord, make haste to help us.
    Glory be to the Father and to the Son
    and to the Holy Spirit,
    as it was in the beginning,
    is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.
    Amen. Alleluia.


    ________

    Hymn

    Eternal Father, loving God,
    Who made us from the dust of earth,
    Transform us by the Spirit’s grace,
    Give value to our little worth.

    Prepare us for that day of days
    When Christ from heaven will come with might
    To call us out of dust again,
    Our bodies glorified in light.

    O Godhead, here untouched, unseen,
    All things created bear your trace;
    The seed of glory sown in man
    Will flower when we see your face.

    Stanbrook Abbey Hymnal

    ________


    PSALMS OF THE DAY

    ________

    Psalm 118(119): 153-160
    Meditating the word of the Lord in the Law


    “You have the message of eternal life” (John 6:69)

    Mary was greatly troubled at this greeting and wondered what it might mean. She said, ‘I am to give birth to a King without ceasing to be a virgin.’

    See my affliction and save me
    for I remember your law.
    Uphold my cause and defend me;
    by your promise, give me life.

    Salvation is far from the wicked
    who are heedless of your commands.
    Numberless, Lord, are your mercies;
    with your decrees give me life.

    Though my foes and oppressors are countless
    I have not swerved from your will.
    I look at the faithless with disgust;
    they ignore your promise.

    See how I love your precepts;
    in your mercy give me life.
    Your word is founded on truth,
    your decrees are eternal.

    Glory be to the Father and to the Son
    and to the Holy Spirit,
    as it was in the beginning,
    is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.
    Amen.


    ________

    Psalm 127 (128)
    Peaceful life in the Lord


    “’May the Lord bless you from Sion’, that is, from his Church” (Arnobius).

    O blessed are those who fear the Lord
    and walk in his ways!

    By the labour of your hands you shall eat.
    You will be happy and prosper;
    your wife like a fruitful vine
    in the heart of your house;
    your children like shoots of the olive,
    around your table.

    Indeed thus shall be blessed
    the man who fears the Lord.
    May the Lord bless you from Sion
    all the days of your life!
    May you see your children’s children
    in a happy Jerusalem!

    On Israel, peace!

    Glory be to the Father and to the Son
    and to the Holy Spirit,
    as it was in the beginning,
    is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.
    Amen.


    ________

    Psalm 128 (129)
    The renewed faith of an afflicted people


    “The Church tells of the sufferings it endures” (St Augustine).

    ‘They have pressed me hard from my youth,’
    this is Israel’s song.
    ‘They have pressed me hard from my youth
    but could never destroy me.

    They ploughed my back like ploughmen,
    drawing long furrows.
    But the Lord who is just, has destroyed
    the yoke of the wicked.’

    Let them be shamed and routed,
    those who hate Sion!
    Let them be like grass on the roof
    that withers before it flowers.

    With that no reaper fills his arms,
    no binder makes his sheaves
    and those passing by will not say:
    ‘On you the Lord’s blessing!
    We bless you in the name of the Lord.’

    Glory be to the Father and to the Son
    and to the Holy Spirit,
    as it was in the beginning,
    is now, and ever shall be,
    world without end.
    Amen.

    Mary was greatly troubled at this greeting and wondered what it might mean. She said, ‘I am to give birth to a King without ceasing to be a virgin.’


    Psalm-prayer

    Lord Jesus, living in glory as the Son of Man, remember that when our sins had ploughed long furrows on your back, your death broke the bonds of sin and Satan for ever. Bless your Church, wounded in her members, and strengthen her by your invincible power and grace.


    ________

    Short Reading
    Baruch 3:5-6

    Do not call to mind the misdeeds of our ancestors, but remember instead your power and your name, for you are indeed the Lord our God.


    ________

    ℣. Come, Lord, and make no delay.
    ℟. Release your people from their sin.


    ________

    Let us pray.

    Almighty God,
    now that the birthday of your Son as man is drawing near,
    we pray that your eternal Word,
    who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary and came to dwell among men,
    will show your unworthy people the greatness of his love and mercy.
    Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
    Amen.


    ________

    Let us praise the Lord.
    – Thanks be to God.


    Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com. Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc, and used by permission of the publishers. Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). Used with permission of A.P. Watt Ltd. All rights reserved.