講道與書信 第 188 章 第 7/15 段

Recalling the birthday-feast of blessed Stephen, deacon and martyr alike, who set before us venerable examples of faith, of holy warfare, of stewardship and outstanding chastity, of wondrous preaching, of constancy, of confession and of patience; and therefore he deservedly follows before all others the nativity of thy Son by the festival of his own passion, since as the first martyr he goes to meet its eternal glory. Through, etc. VIII. Likewise another. — We suppliantly offer victims, O Lord, proclaiming the helps of thy salvation bestowed upon us in the holy martyrs. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For thou art indeed wonderful in thy saints; and therefore, although in each of the things that pertain to the worship of the Godhead we ought to render fitting service, yet in all things we without doubt proclaim thee, whom all wondrous deeds declare in the triumphs of the blessed martyrs. Through, etc. We give thanks, O Lord, for thy mercies multiplied about us, who both savest us by the nativity of thy Son and sustainest us by the intercession of the blessed martyrs. Through, etc. O God, founder and restorer of the human race, grant, we beseech, that thy people, both instructed in the saving sacraments and supported by these safeguards, may so receive the present gifts as to merit to lay hold of the eternal. Through, etc. IX. Likewise another.

Grant, we beseech, almighty God, that as throughout all the spaces of the world thou causest the victories of thy martyrs to be spread abroad, so, by thine aid to us, we may everywhere perceive their presence. Through, etc. May the gifts of today's devotion be pleasing to thee, O Lord, which the glorious commemoration of blessed Stephen thy martyr brings forth. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Rejoicing in this festival, on which blessed Stephen the martyr marked with his own honour the basilica dedicated to thy name — the venerable deacon, an example of chastity, faithful dispenser of the apostolic sustenance, ready defender of the New Testament amid gainsayers, first consecrator of the heavenly martyrdom. Through, etc.

Being fulfilled both with thy sacraments, O Lord, and with the joys of the longed-for solemnity, we beseech that by the prayers of those they may give us healing, by whose remembrance they are shown forth. Through, etc. May thy people, O Lord, we beseech, be protected both by the partaking granted of the heavenly banquet and by the intercession bestowed of the just. Through, etc. O God, the strength of all saints, who didst confer upon them the abundant gift of grace to come to this glory, grant, we beseech, pardon to our sins, that we may worthily celebrate their solemnities. Through, etc. O author and giver of the gifts to be offered to thee, grant that this singular sacrifice, which conferred glory on thy saints in their passion, may bestow upon us protection in devotion. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For among the innumerable palms of the martyrs throughout the whole world, wherewith chiefly the circuit of this city is crowned, thou hast also consecrated this venerable day for us by the blood of blessed Xystus, thy priest and martyr. Through, etc. II. Likewise another. — Almighty everlasting God, who hast granted to thy saints not only to believe in thy Son, but also to be able to suffer for the same, extend also to our frailty thy divine aid, that at least by sincere confession we may merit the everlasting mercy, for which they breathed forth their happy souls. Through, etc. Thou hast magnified, O Lord, thy saints by the passion undertaken for Christ. Grant, we beseech, that, suppliantly celebrated, it may also purify us. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Recalling with due festivity the birthday of thy holy martyr and priest Xystus, who, a worthy successor of the apostolic pontificate in his age, and a most valiant imitator in his passion, received the persecutor's sword with fearless neck, rejoicing to be beheaded for him from whom he could not be severed. Through, etc. III. Likewise another. — Grant, we beseech, O Lord, that thy saints may both continually pray for us, and always be mercifully heard. Through, etc. May thy holy things, O Lord, we beseech, by the intervention of those who have pleased thee, profit us unto salvation; nor let the guilt of mortality render unworthy those whom thy redemption renders harmless. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

On this day's festival, whereon blessed Xystus, priest and martyr alike, exultantly poured out his devout blood for thee — who incited the sons of his teaching to merit the same glory, and forestalled by his example those whom he was instructing by exhortation. Through, etc. Grant us, O Lord, in thy mercy, an increase of thy faith, that what glorifies thy holy martyrs, held fast even unto blood, may also justify us who truly follow it. Through, etc. May the patronages of the saints, pleasing to thee, be present with us, O Lord, and may their prayer commend what we offer for their solemnity. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Who didst confer upon thy holy martyr Xystus, and chief priest, not only the triumph of his own passion, but that he might also profit the ministers of the Church subject to him. Upon that glorious man, in fine, neither followed an inferior blessedness of the disciple, nor a slower victory. Through, etc. IV. Likewise another. — Be present, O Lord, to our supplications, and, thy saints interceding, defend us, being appeased, from the assault of enemies. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, the gifts dedicated to the passions of thy saints, and may the things which ministered fortitude to them amid persecutions afford us constancy amid adversities. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who didst crown holy Xystus, priest of the apostolic see, on this day with a happy martyrdom.

For these thy works and gifts, rejoicing with manifold thanksgiving, we offer to thee victims of praise. Through, etc. Continued chastisement indeed profits sinners, O Lord. But let it be tempered, we beseech, by the intercession of thy saints; that we may not fail, being weak, but through thy grace, being corrected, may be able to amend ourselves. Through, etc. Defend, we beseech, O Lord, thy people, trusting in the pardon of thy mercy alone, and, thy saints interceding, let whatever is owed by the same for the chastisement of sin pass over into the effect of consolation. Through, etc. V. Likewise another. — Be present, O Lord, by the prayer of thy holy martyrs, and cause those whom thou hast granted to suffer for thy name to intercede for thy faithful. Through, etc.

O Lord our God, purify us with these thy sacraments, and grant that we, whom thou dost allow to take part in these mysteries, may rejoice in perpetual remedies. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For to thee the festive solemnity is celebrated, to thee the sacred day is kept, whereon, offering the first-fruits of the birthday of holy Xystus the apostolic bishop, whose venerable blood was shed in the confession of thy name, we pay our yearly vows to thy majesty. Through, etc. Refreshed with heavenly food and drink, O our God, we suppliantly entreat thee, that we may be fortified also by the prayers of those in whose commemoration we have received these things. Through, etc.

Extend, O Lord, we beseech, thy mercy, and be the defender and guardian of thy people, that it may be able to frequent the venerable solemnities of thy saints in secure assembly. Through, etc. VI. Likewise another. — Make us, we beseech, O Lord, ever to follow the feasts of thy saints, by whose suffrages we may feel the gifts of thy protection. Through, etc. Grant, we beseech, O Lord our God, that we may ever live by thy sacraments, since thou ceasest not to protect those whom thou hast always granted to cleave to thy mysteries. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For the longed-for festival of thy holy priest and martyr Xystus is at hand for us; venerating which in its yearly return, we offer to thee victims of praise with the angels, etc.

We are filled, O Lord, with thy mercy, and with the blessing of the saints, and relieved by the gift of security. Through, etc. VII. Likewise another. — O God, who hast granted us to arrive rejoicing at the birthday of thy holy pontiff and martyr Xystus, grant, we beseech, that as it is secure to those same minds, so we may celebrate it with worthy offices. Through, etc. Accept the gifts, O Lord, which we offer on their solemnity, by whose patronages we know that we are delivered. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For we recognize, O Lord, the effects of thy mercy, whereby thou wouldst not have us omit the ever-honourable solemnities of thy so glorious priest and martyr Xystus, even amid the past tribulations of the world, and now, liberty being restored, thou grantest us to venerate them. Through, etc.

Magnifying, O Lord, thy clemency, we suppliantly entreat that thou, who makest us to take part in the frequent birthdays of thy saints, mayest grant us to rejoice in perpetual fellowships. Through, etc. Grant us, almighty God, ever to praise thee in the commemoration of thy saints, since thou wilt take care to cherish those whom thou hast granted to persevere in thy honour. Through, etc. May the consecrated oblation of thy people be acceptable to thee, O Lord, for the honour of thy saints, by whose merits it knows it has received help out of tribulation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who hast made us, rejoicing, ever to celebrate the ever-desirable feasts of thy saints Felicissimus and Agapitus, and who hast given faith constant amid adversities, thou wilt restore the benefits (var. gifts) of liberty. Through, etc.

Grant, O Lord, we beseech, that we may also follow, by progressing in faith, those whose memory we recall by the partaking of the sacrament. Through, etc. Look upon thy family subject to thee, O Lord, and whose prayers thou hast deigned to hear in mourning, regard the more favourably their thanksgiving. Through, etc. O God, who by the protection of thy holy martyrs dost preserve us, grant thy Church worthily to celebrate the solemnities of such saints, and grant that they may continually supplicate thee for us. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Anticipating the birthday of blessed Lawrence, who, venerable as deacon and martyr alike, both shone glorious in his own office and, sublime, was resplendent in his memorable passion. Through, etc. We have received, O Lord, the pledge of eternal redemption.

May it be to us, we beseech, thy saints interceding, a help of the present life, and likewise of the future. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, to thy people, and make secure by perpetual protection him whom thou grantest to take part in the frequentations of thy saints. Through, etc. Likewise another. — Grant us, O Lord, thy manifold grace in the celebration of blessed Lawrence the martyr, that from the contest of so great a struggle the Christian people may learn both to be strengthened by firm patience, and to exult in holy victory. Through, etc. For the venerable passion of blessed Lawrence the martyr, we suppliantly offer to thee victims, O Lord, to be made pleasing by his prayer, for whose merits they are offered. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

And the more earnestly to entreat thy magnificence, who hast granted us this day to be venerated by the martyrdom of holy Lawrence, whom thou hadst so imbued with every kind of piety that he was to thee at once altar and sacrifice, at once priest and temple. Through, etc. Thou hast satisfied, O Lord, thy family with sacred gifts. By his intervention, we beseech, ever cherish us, whose solemnities we celebrate. Through, etc. Almighty everlasting God, be graciously favourable to the prayers of thy Church, that she may be aided by the merits of blessed Lawrence the martyr, in whose passion she rejoices. Through, etc. III. Likewise another. — Thou hast magnified, O Lord, thy saints by the passion undertaken for Christ. Grant, we beseech, etc. It is truly meet.

For thou art the insuperable strength of all saints, who amid the adversities of worldly life dost console us by the special glorification of the blessed martyrs, and dost kindle us to the sublime examples of patience by the triumph of holy Lawrence, whom we celebrate today. Through, etc. Filled, O Lord, with thy gifts in the festival of thy saints, grant that these holy mysteries, which we celebrate with vows, we may experience with helps. Through, etc. IV. Likewise another. — Receive, we beseech, O Lord, the gifts exultantly offered for the commemoration of thy saints, and may that which made them glorious in passion render us harmless in devotion. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For by thy gifts and bounties we venerate on this day's solemnity the passion of blessed Lawrence the martyr, who, undertaking with fervent spirit the diverse punishments for the confession of Jesus Christ thy Son, overcame with unchangeable virtue the fires set beneath him and the torments changed by the cruel ingenuity of his persecutors, and, his members flowing away, remained a victor, sound in mind. Through, etc. Stir up, O Lord, in thy Church the Spirit whom holy Lawrence the deacon served, that, filled with the same Spirit, we may strive to love what he loved, and to carry out in deed what he taught. Through, etc. V. Likewise another. — May the oblation of our servitude be acceptable to thee, O Lord, and, by the prayers of blessed Lawrence for whose commemoration it is offered, prove salutary to us.

Through, etc. It is truly meet. With what office of piety, for the solemnity of holy Lawrence the martyr, we offer to thee the sacrifice of praise, since it was wrought by thy working power that by no calumnies of the impious, by no savagery of the persecutors, by no atrocity of the dire punishments, should the man kindled by thy Spirit be overcome. Through, etc. VI. Likewise another. — Graciously receive, we beseech, O Lord, the gifts of thy people offered for the honour of thy saints, and sanctify us by their intercession. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Repeating the yearly vows of blessed Lawrence.

Who, an excellent steward, and even unto blood a distinguished confessor of thy name, at once in feeding the poor and in the witness of ecclesiastical piety and of the testimony of thy Son our Lord, as a blessed martyr afforded an example. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, to our supplications, and by the intercession of holy Lawrence thy martyr benignly bestow upon us perpetual mercy. Through, etc. VII. Likewise another. — Accept, we beseech, O Lord, the gifts worthily offered, and by the suffraging merits of blessed Lawrence grant that they come to the help of our salvation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. And for the honour of blessed Lawrence thy martyr we offer to thee victims of praise. Through, etc.

Filled with the taste of thy grace, and quickened by the sweetness of the heavenly table, we render thanks to thee. Through, etc. Grant, we beseech, O Lord, the prayers of thy family, and what we do not merit by our deeds, grant to us by the suffrages of thy saints. Through, etc. VIII. Likewise another. — When we implore thee, O Lord, with the supplications of thy saints, [grant] that thou wouldst make the servitude of our ministry pleasing to thee by the sacred gifts to be offered. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For whatever we apply by the merits of thy saints returns to thy praise and glory, who art ever wonderful in their virtue. Through, etc.

May the just prayer of holy Lawrence protect us, O Lord, and what our conscience does not presume, may it be granted to us by the prayer of him who has pleased thee. Through, etc. IX. Likewise another. — Suppliantly we beseech thee, O God, that by the intervention of blessed Lawrence the martyr thou wouldst both multiply thy gifts in us and dispose our times. Through, etc. We render the debt of our servitude, suppliantly entreating that by his suffrages thou wouldst guard thy gifts in us, for whose honourable confession we offer to thee a victim of praise. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Asking of thy mercy that we may strive also to imitate the pious works of those whose merits we celebrate to the honour of thy name. Through, etc.

Protect us, O Lord, by the prayers of holy Lawrence thy martyr, that we may ever merit to be increased in that grace, in whose safeguards we trust by so great patrons. Through, etc. X. Likewise another. — May the festival of holy Lawrence thy martyr ever gladly receive us, we beseech, O Lord, which may both pour into us the joyousness of his glorification, and render us acceptable to thee. Through, etc. Perfect for us, O Lord, the fruit of today's rejoicing, that by the prayers of blessed Lawrence thy martyr, the votive oblation forerunning his birthday may be fulfilled with perfect joys. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Entreating thy mercy that thou wouldst continually grant to our minds the sweetness of blessed Lawrence thy martyr, whereby we may both love the merit of his passion, and that faithful patron may ever obtain for us indulgence. Through, etc. Thanks to thee, O Lord, since by thy inspiration we love thy holy martyr Lawrence, that, forerunning his birthday, we may ever be cherished by his pious intercessions and merits. Through, etc. XI. Likewise another. — Increase, we beseech, O Lord, the faith of thy people, conceived from the festival of holy Lawrence the martyr, that we may not be terrified to hasten to the confession of thy name by any adversities, but rather be incited by the sight of so great virtue. Through, etc.

May the patronages of the saints, pleasing to thee, be present with us, O Lord, that what we offer for their solemnity, their prayer may commend. Through, etc. It is truly meet. On this day's solemnity, whereon thou hast received the offering of blessed Lawrence, pleasing to thee by the glorious contest of his chaste body. For, laid upon the coals, his living members hissed, and yet there was no punishment of the sufferer, but the incense of pious confession. Nor did the martyr desire to be freed from the earthly torment, but prayed to be crowned in heaven. Through, etc. III. Likewise another. — Grant, we beseech, O Lord, to our prayers, that the solemnities of holy Lawrence thy martyr, which we forerun with the worship due to thee, we may receive with prosperous effect. Through, etc.

With our gifts, O Lord, we precede the feast of holy Lawrence thy martyr, that what things are hindered by the obstacle of our conscience may be rendered pleasing by his merits. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For although the glory of thy saints, thou propagating it, O Lord, is illustrious throughout the whole world, yet in the solemnity of blessed Lawrence Rome rejoices in a special manner above the rest; whose citizen by birth, sacred minister, and gift dedicated to thy name he is, her own. Who, by thy grace an excellent executor of the stewardship committed to him, that he might attain to martyrdom, merited it for his reward, and, that he might become heavenly, obtained his passion. Through, etc.

May the intercession of blessed Lawrence thy martyr, O Lord, merit for us from his confession the fullness of the joys being born of it. Through, etc. Let thy people exult, O Lord, we beseech, in the commemoration of holy Lawrence; and that which rejoices in his votive office, let it be relieved by the longed-for suffrage. Through, etc. XIII. Likewise another. — May the blessing of holy Lawrence the martyr be present with us, O Lord, in thy glorification, whose confession in thy virtue is made a suffrage for us today. Through, etc. We offer victims, O Lord, rejoicing on this day's festival (var. confession) of holy Lawrence thy martyr, which, thou working, O Lord, has conferred upon us both help and advancement. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Celebrating with exulting minds the precious death of holy Lawrence thy martyr, which, thou conquering, we perceive to be victorious over the devil. Through, etc. Grant us, almighty God, that the venerable solemnity of blessed Lawrence thy martyr may increase for us both devotion and salvation. Through, etc. XIV. Likewise another. — Accompany us, O Lord, with the continual solemnity of thy saints, that we who are hindered by our own merits may be aided by the prayers of those who have pleased thee. Through, etc. That thou mayest graciously regard our sacrifices, O Lord, may the prayer of holy Lawrence thy martyr commend us. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For thou art ever glorious in the virtue of thy saints. And as often as we recall their feasts, we confess thee wonderful. Through, etc.

May the recurring solemnity of holy Lawrence protect us, O Lord, and may the blessed intercession of thy mercy reconcile us. Through, etc. I. — O God, who dost guard us in the multiplication of the holy martyrs, grant that we may be helped by the unceasing aid of those whose solemnities we frequent. Through, etc. Regard, O Lord, the gifts of thy people on the votive festival of the saints, and may the testimony of thy truth profit us unto salvation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For to thee, O Lord, the festive solemnity is celebrated, to thee the sacred day is kept, which the blood of holy Hippolytus thy martyr, poured out in the testimony of thy truth, has marked with the magnificent honour of thy name.

Through, etc. Satisfied with the sacred gift, we suppliantly beseech, O Lord, that what we celebrate by the office of due servitude, we may feel to be the increase of thy salvation. Through, etc. O God, who dost both glorify and protect thy Church by the innumerable patronages of the saints, grant that she who celebrates their assembly may experience their devout suffrage. Through, etc. II. Likewise another. — Guard us, O Lord, with the perpetual protections of the saints, and the more frail we are, the more lift us up with the suffrages we need. Through, etc. We beseech, almighty God, that the solemnity of thy saints, celebrated with the heavenly mysteries, may obtain for us the indulgence of thy propitiation. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Who not only requitest good for our evils, but, that thou mightest grant more abundant gifts to the wretched, hast conferred upon us those who can worthily intercede for us; and what our conscience did not possess, the intercession of the just, pleasing to thee, supplies. Through, etc. May the venerable festival of the holy martyr Agapitus, O Lord, we beseech, afford us the increase of saving help. Through, etc. May thy people, O Lord, ever rejoice in the honour of thy saints, and receive by their intercession the votive helps, in whose patronages it rejoices. Through, etc. I. — Grant us, almighty God, that we may ever follow the feasts of those in whose worthy intervention for us we trust. Through, etc.

Recounting the birthdays of Saints Felix and Adauctus, we offer a gift, which by their intercession, O Lord, we beseech, may be pleasing to thee. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Recalling with exultation the glory of the holy martyrs, in whom we recognize the wondrous effects of thy majesty and the patronages provided for us. Through, etc. We render thanks to thee, O Lord, who refreshest us both by the partaking of the heavenly sacrament and by the festivity of thy just ones. Through, etc. II. Likewise another. — We suppliantly entreat thy majesty, O Lord, that as thou continually gladdenest us by the commemoration of thy saints, so thou mayest ever defend us by their supplication. Through, etc.

May our victims be, we beseech, O Lord, the more appeasing, the more the merits of thy holy martyrs, for whose solemnities they are exhibited, are pleasing to thee. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For although we ever rejoice in the celebration of thy mystery, yet we rejoice the more abundantly in its gift, when it is offered for the solemnity of the holy martyrs, through whom we are commended to thee. Through, etc. Satisfied with the heavenly gifts, with the remembrance of thy saints, we render thanks to thee. Through, etc. For thy family, O Lord, we beseech, may the venerable prayer of the holy martyrs intercede, that she who does not desert their solemnities with devout mind, being aided by their pious protections, may bring back both consolation and salvation. Through, etc. III.

Likewise another. — We beseech, O Lord our God, that thy saints may not cease to pray for our sins, they by whom thou hast willed to be entreated for sinners. Through, etc. Grant us, we beseech, almighty God, that the oblation of our humility may be both pleasing for the honour of thy saints, and may purify us in body and mind alike. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Entreating thy power, lest the nations say, 'Where is their God?'; but that thou wouldst worthily show that our sins avail no more to destroy us than either the abundant patronages of the just or the unconquered clemency of thy majesty avail to save. Through, etc.

Suppliantly we beseech thee, O God, that we may neither be burdened by our own evils nor infested by enemies, we who are admonished by so great merits of thy saints. Through, etc. IV. Likewise another. — Defend us, we beseech, O Lord, by the protections of thy saints, by whose assiduous festivities thou dost console us. Through, etc. May thy people ever exult, O Lord, in the salutary sacrifice, whereby both due honour is exhibited to the holy martyrs, and the gift of thy sanctification is acquired. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Glorifying thee in the honour of thy saints, who hast both bestowed upon them everlasting beatitude, and prepared for our weakness such suffrages as thou mayest hear on our behalf. Through, etc.

Hear, O Lord, we beseech, our prayers, that thy people, established under so great patronages, may both be freed from its offences, and be protected from all adversities. Through, etc. V. Likewise another. — May our devotion be accepted in thy sight, O Lord, that it may become salutary to us by the supplication of those for whose solemnity it is offered. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For the Church today frequents her sacrifice, and celebrates with a yearly festival the festival of the offering long ago immolated, wherein, for the confession or the name of him who redeemed her with his blood, it being paid, she rendered the homage of her own blood. Through, etc. VI. Likewise another.

May the pious prayer of thy saints, O Lord, not fail us, which may both reconcile our gifts and ever obtain for us thy indulgence. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who to thy Church, to be propagated throughout the whole world, hast not only by eternal providence conferred the passion of thine Only-begotten, but, for the conferring of greater glory, hast granted them to spend mutual deaths for thee with precious devotion. Through, etc. We have received, O Lord, the votive gifts, which we beseech thou wouldst grant to confer the protection both of the present life and equally of the eternal, by the prayers of thy saints made present. Through, etc. VII. Likewise another.

Be present, O Lord, to thy people, and grant thy mercy to it as it supplicates with the patronages of thy saints, that, because it trusts in thy governance, it may be oppressed by no adversities. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For behold, as the sacred word proclaims, precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Nor can it in any way be explained by what modes this glorious slaying is weighed. They die, cast down, and lay hold of the principate of the world. They die, ignorant of worldly learning, and go forth authors of heavenly doctrine. They die, catchers of fish, and are made fishers of men. They die, wont to search the seas by the office of a mean craft, and are rendered examiners and judges of the age.