INTROIT
Upon a high throne I saw a man sitting, Whom a multitude of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold Him, the name of Whose empire is forever.
Ps 99:1
Sing joyfully to God, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness.
Glory Be to the Father…
Upon a high throne I saw a man sitting, Whom a multitude of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold Him, the name of Whose empire is forever.
COLLECT
O Lord, we beseech You, in Your heavenly goodness, hear Your people who pray to You; that they may perceive what they ought to do, and have the strength to fulfill what they have seen.
Through our Lord…
EPISTLE
From the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans
Rom 12:1-5
Brethren: I exhort you, by the mercy of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice, living, holy, pleasing to God – your spiritual service. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed in the newness of your mind, that you may discern what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. By the grace that has been given to me, I say to each one among you: let no one rate himself more than he ought, but let him rate himself according to moderation, and according as God has apportioned to each one the measure of faith. For just as in one body we have many members, yet all the members have not the same function, so we, the many, are one body in Christ, but severally members, one of another, in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
GRADUAL
Ps 71:18, 3
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, Who alone does wondrous deeds.
℣. The mountains shall yield peace for the people, and the hills justice.
Ps 99:1
Sing joyfully to God, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness.
GOSPEL
Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 2:42-52
When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. And after they had fulfilled the days, when there were returning, the Boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and His parents did not know it. But thinking that He was in the caravan, they had come a day’s journey before it occurred to them to look for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. And not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of Him. And it came to pass after three days, that they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who were listening to Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. And when they saw Him, they were astonished. And His Mother said to Him, Son, why have You done so to us? Behold, in sorrow Your father and I have been seeking You. And He said to them, How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? And they did not understand the word that He spoke to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them; and His Mother kept all these things carefully in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.
OFFERTORY
Ps 99:1-2
Sing joyfully to God, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful song. Know that the Lord is God.
SECRET
May this sacrifice that we offer You, O Lord, ever give us new life and protection.
Through our Lord…
PREFACE
Common
It is truly meet and just, and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, through Christ, our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominions adore it, the Powers are in awe. Which the heavens and the hosts of heaven together with the blessed Seraphim joyfully do magnify. And do Thou command that it be permitted us to join with them in confessing Thee, while we say with lowly praise:
COMMUNION
Luke 2:48-49
Son, why have You done so to us? In sorrow Your father and I have been seeking You. How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?
POSTCOMMUNION
O Almighty God, grant, we humbly beseech You, that those whom You refresh with Your sacrament may also worthily serve You in a way that is well pleasing to You.
Through our Lord…