Vestments: Green
INTROIT
Psalms 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). From the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. V.: Glory to the Father . . . If Thou shalt observe iniquities, O Lord . . .
COLLECT - O God, our refuge and our strength, who art the Author of all godliness, be ready to hear the devout prayers of the Church, and grant that what we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually. Thorugh our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .
EPISTLE
Philippians 1: 6 - 11
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 defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you are all 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 offense unto the day of Christ: filled with the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.
GRADUAL
Psalms 132: 1, 2
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. V.: It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron.
Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Ps. 113. 11). They that fear the Lord, let them hope in Him; He is their helper and protector. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 22: 15 - 21
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? Show me the coin of the tribute. And they offered Him a penny. And Jesus saith to them: Whose image and superscription is this? They say to Him: Caesar's. The 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 unto us, O merciful God, that this saving oblation may unceasingly free us from our own guilty deeds, and keep us from all things that may hurt us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .
PREFACE (Preface of the Most Holy Trinity) - It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying:
COMMUNION
Psalm 16: 16, 6
I have cried, for Thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my words.
POST COMMUNION - We have received, O Lord, the gifts of this sacred Mystery, and humbly beseech Thee: that what Thou hast bidden us to do in memory of Thee, may avail us as a help in our weakness. Who livesth and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost.