Vespers (Evening Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
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.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 26 (27)
Keeping faith in time of peril
The Lord is my light and my help: whom should I fear? The Lord protects my life: what could terrify me? When they come to do me harm, to consume my flesh, my enemies and my persecutors, it is they who stumble and fall. If their armies encamp against me, my heart will not fear; if battle flares up against me, even then will I hope. One thing I beg of the Lord, one thing will I ask: that I may live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, so that I may behold the joys of the Lord and always see his temple. For he will shelter me in his tent in the time of evils. He will hide me in the hidden parts of the tabernacle; then raise me up on a rock, lift me high up above the enemies who surround me. In his tabernacle I will offer him a sacrifice of shouts, of songs, of psalms to 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.

Psalm 26 (27)

Keeping faith in time of peril

The Lord is my light and my help: whom should I fear?
The Lord protects my life: what could terrify me?
When they come to do me harm, to consume my flesh,
my enemies and my persecutors, it is they who stumble and fall.

If their armies encamp against me, my heart will not fear;
if battle flares up against me, even then will I hope.

One thing I beg of the Lord, one thing will I ask: that I may live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
so that I may behold the joys of the Lord and always see his temple.

For he will shelter me in his tent in the time of evils.
He will hide me in the hidden parts of the tabernacle; then raise me up on a rock,
lift me high up above the enemies who surround me.

In his tabernacle I will offer him a sacrifice of shouts, of songs, of psalms to 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.

Psalm 26 (27)
Listen, Lord, to my voice as I cry: have mercy and listen to me. “Seek his face”, my heart has said, and so I will seek your face, O Lord. Do not turn your face away from me, do not turn from your servant in anger. You are my helper, do not reject me; do not abandon me, God, my help. For when my father and mother have abandoned me, the Lord will take me up. Show me your ways, Lord, and guide me along the right path, out of the reach of my enemies. Do not hand me over to the whim of those who would persecute me, when lying witnesses have risen up against me, with those who plan to do me violence. I trust I shall see the joys of the Lord in the land of the living. Hope in the Lord, be brave, let your heart take comfort and trust in 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.

Psalm 26 (27)

Listen, Lord, to my voice as I cry: have mercy and listen to me.
“Seek his face”, my heart has said, and so I will seek your face, O Lord.

Do not turn your face away from me, do not turn from your servant in anger.
You are my helper, do not reject me; do not abandon me, God, my help.
For when my father and mother have abandoned me, the Lord will take me up.

Show me your ways, Lord, and guide me along the right path, out of the reach of my enemies.

Do not hand me over to the whim of those who would persecute me, when lying witnesses have risen up against me, with those who plan to do me violence.

I trust I shall see the joys of the Lord in the land of the living.
Hope in the Lord, be brave, let your heart take comfort and trust in 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.

Canticle	(Colossians 1)
Christ, firstborn of all creatures and firstborn from the dead
Let us give thanks to God the Father, who has made us worthy to share in the light that is the saints’ inheritance. He has rescued us from the power of the shadows and brought us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, thrones and dominations, principalities and powers. All things were created through him and for him: he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the Church. He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, and so he is pre-eminent above all. For it was the Father’s will that the fullness of God should dwell in him, and that through him all things should be reconciled to himself. Through the blood of the Cross he brought peace to all things, both on Earth and in the heavens. 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.

Canticle

(Colossians 1)

Christ, firstborn of all creatures and firstborn from the dead

Let us give thanks to God the Father, who has made us worthy to share in the light that is the saints’ inheritance.
He has rescued us from the power of the shadows and brought us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation,
for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
thrones and dominations, principalities and powers.

All things were created through him and for him: he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the Church. He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, and so he is pre-eminent above all.
For it was the Father’s will that the fullness of God should dwell in him, and that through him all things should be reconciled to himself.
Through the blood of the Cross he brought peace to all things, both on Earth and in the heavens.

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.

Short reading	Acts 13:23 - 25 ©
To keep his promise, God has raised up for Israel one of David’s descendants, Jesus, as Saviour, whose coming was heralded by John when he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the whole people of Israel. Before John ended his career he said, ‘I am not the one you imagine me to be; that one is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal.’

Canticle	Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favour – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me. His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. 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.

Canticle

Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.
For he has shown me such favour –
me, his lowly handmaiden.
Now all generations will call me blessed,
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
His name is holy,
his mercy lasts for generation after generation
for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:
he has scattered the proud and conceited,
torn princes from their thrones;
but lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

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.

Prayers and Intercessions

?

We rejoice as we pray to God, for he chose John the Baptist to announce the coming of Christ’s kingdom: - Lord, guide our steps onto the path of peace.
You called John when he was still in his mother’s womb, to prepare the way for your Son:: call us to follow the Lord in the same way that John preceded him.
You granted the Baptist knowledge of the Lamb of God: may your Church show the Lamb to all,: so that all men of this present time may acknowledge him.
You decreed that your prophet should wane as Christ grew:: make us humble ourselves before others, so that all may perceive your presence.
You willed that righteousness should be victorious through John’s martyrdom:: may we never weary of bearing witness to your truth.
Remember all who have left this life: and set them firm in a place of light and peace.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

O God, it was your will that John the Baptist should be your Son’s forerunner in both birth and death.
Just as he fell a martyr, witness to truth and righteousness,
so may we fight fiercely to proclaim your teaching.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

The Word Among Us

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Meditation
Mark 6:17-29

The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

What do I pass on to my children, my friends, and those I lead and influence? Today’s readings present a stark choice.

Herodias certainly knew how to influence her husband Herod. All she had to do was play on his weaknesses. Divorced from Herod’s brother and remarried to Herod, she was angry at John the Baptist’s forthright denunciation of their adultery. Although John fascinated Herod, his wife prevailed upon him to arrest John and throw him in prison, but this wasn’t enough for her—she wanted to get rid of him!

Not content to nurse her own grudge in secret, Herodias passed it on to her daughter Salome, and even used her as the bait to snare John. No doubt Salome absorbed both her mother’s hatred for John and her lascivious tendencies, as we can see from her willingness to dance for Herod, and from the fact that she had no second thoughts about demanding the prisoner’s head on a platter!

The contrast couldn’t be greater. On the one hand, we have Herodias: conniving, manipulative, and malicious. On the other hand, we have John the Baptist: honest and forthright, never stooping to deception in order to achieve his goals. Herodias was concerned only about silencing the voice of conscience so that she could continue living as she wanted. John was committed to proclaiming a repentance that could both cleanse the conscience and place people on the path toward godliness. Herodias was concerned only for herself. John was concerned for the people of Israel and the glory of the God he worshipped. Herodias was hell-bent on getting her way. John was heaven-bent on getting God’s way.

So what do others absorb from me? Do I exude pettiness and bitterness? Do I have a critical spirit that tends to shift the blame onto others? Or do those who hang around me pick up nobility, gratitude, faith, generosity, and love? Whether we know it or not, our families, friends, and neighbors are learning from us every day. If we choose, we can pass on to them the character of Christ!

“Father, I want to share your love with others. Cleanse me from selfishness so that I can pass on the rich heritage of faith you have given to me!”

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139:7-12

One Bread, One Body

<< Wednesday, August 29, 2007 >>

Martyrdom of St. John the Baptizer

Jeremiah 1:17-19

Psalm 71

Mark 6:17-29

View Readings

JOHN LIVES

"Herod feared John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man." —Mark 6:20

The Spirit has led the Church to celebrate the birthdays of only three people — Jesus, Mary, and St. John the Baptizer. The Church gives St. John such special attention in recognition of his special and present part in God's plan of salvation.

John the Baptizer continues to powerfully confront the Herods and Herodiases of today, those trapped in sin, especially sexual sin (Mk 6:18). John's prophetic ministry continues as he challenges our society to be baptized in repentance (Mk 1:4).

John still prepares the way of the Lord (Mk 1:3). Because John is alive and being used by the Lord, we are excited about this feast day. This day is not just a memorial but an opportunity to experience the reality of repentance and conversion through the ministry of John.

Ask John to pray for you and minister to you. You will see that the Lord is still working through John. St. John the Baptizer, pray for us.

Prayer: Father, send a "John the Baptizer" into my life to change my heart.

Promise: "Stand up and tell them all that I command you." —Jer 1:17

Praise: St. John the Baptizer unceasingly worked for purity in marriages and in government until it cost him his life.

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
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.

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 30 (31)
Trustful prayer in time of adversity
O God, protect me; be my refuge.
In you, Lord, I put my trust: may I never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, Turn your ear to me, make haste to rescue me. Be my rampart, my fortification; keep me safe. For you are my strength and my refuge: you will lead me out to the pastures, for your own name’s sake. You will lead me out of the trap that they laid for me – for you are my strength. Into your hands I commend my spirit: you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth. 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.
O God, protect me; be my refuge.

Psalm 129 (130)
Out of the depths
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord.
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears listen out for the voice of my pleading. If you took notice of our transgressions, Lord – Lord, who would be left? But with you is forgiveness, and for this we revere you. I rely on you, Lord, my spirit relies on your promise; my soul hopes in the Lord, more than the watchman for daybreak. More than the watchman for daybreak, let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is kindness and abundant redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all its transgressions. 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.
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord.

Reading	Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry if you must, but do not sin: do not let your anger outlast the sunset: do not give the Devil his chance.

Short Responsory	?
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people Israel. 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.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Prayer
Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, you lay a gentle yoke upon those who follow you. Meek and humble, you give them a light burden to carry. Receive the work and the prayers we have offered to you today; and give us rest, to make us more eager to serve you, who live and reign for ever and ever, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

A M E N

An antiphon to Our Lady should be recited here.