Veni, Domine: Recent Episodes
Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Fr. Williams is a priest of the Diocese of Jackson, MS. He holds a Masters in Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary and a Masters in Liturgical Studies from the Liturgical Institute.
Lecture given to the OCIA Class at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in McComb, MS.One correction: the First Vatican Council ended early due to the Franco-Prussian War, not because of World War I.
Lk 2:1-14
I am heavily indebted to Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., to whom I give full credit for much of this sermon. In preparing for Christmas, I continually returned to his text and found it very difficult to force myself to change it.
Gifts sufficient for salvation: Twenty-Fifth Sunday of the Year (A) by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Music included in this recording: "Inclina Domine" (Mode 1) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Twenty-First Sunday Lyrics: Incline, O Lord, your ear, and answer me: save your servant who trusts you, my God. Have mercy on me, O Lord, because to you I cry all the day long.
"Tu es Petrus" - Palestrina Lyrics: Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the doors of Hell shall not prevail against it: and to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
Music included in this recording: "Protector noster" (Mode 4) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Twentieth Sunday Lyrics: Behold, O God, our protector, and look on the face of Thy Christ; for better is one day in Thy courts above thousands.
"Ave Generosa" - Hildegard von Bingen (Music: Ola Gjeilo) Lyrics: I behold you, noble, glorious and whole woman, the pupil of purity. You are the sacred matrix in which God takes great pleasure.
Music included in this recording: "Respice, Domine" (Mode 7) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Nineteenth Sunday Lyrics: Have regard, O Lord, to thy covenant, and forsake not to the end the souls of Thy poor: arise, O Lord, and judge Thy cause, and forget not the voices of them that seek Thee.
"All my hope on God is founded" - Joachim Neander (Tune: Herbert Howells) Lyrics: All my hope on God is founded; he doth still my trust renew. Me through change and chance he guideth, only good and only true. God unknown, he alone calls my heart to be his own.
Human pride and earthly glory, sword and crown betray his trust; what with care and toil he buildeth, tower and temple, fall to dust. But God's power, hour by hour, is my temple and my tower.
God's great goodness aye endureth, deep his wisdom, passing thought: splendour, light, and life attend him, beauty springeth out of naught. Evermore from his store new-born worlds rise and adore.
Daily doth th' Almighty giver bounteous gifts on us bestow; his desire our soul delighteth, pleasure leads us where we go. Love doth stand at his hand; joy doth wait on his command.
Still from earth to God eternal sacrifice of praise be done, high above all praises praising for the gift of Christ his Son. Christ doth call one and all: ye who follow shall not fall.
Music included in this recording: "Sitientes venite ad aquas" (Mode 2) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Seventeenth Sunday Lyrics: Come to the waters, all you who are thirsty, says the Lord; you who have no money, come and drink joyfully.
"Abide with me" - Henry Francis Lyte (Tune: William Henry Monk; Descant: Gerre Hancock) Lyrics: Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like thyself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless, ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes. Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Music included in this recording: "Deus in loco sancta suo" (Mode 5) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Seventeenth Sunday Lyrics: God in His holy place: God who maketh men of one mind to dwell in a house: He shall give power and strength to His people.
"O Sacrum Convivium" - Tomás Luis de Victoria Lyrics: O sacred banquet, wherein Christ is received; the memorial of his passion is renewed; the soul is filled with grace; and a pledge of future glory is given to us, alleluia.
Music included in this recording: "Ecce Deus" (Mode 5) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Sixteenth Sunday Lyrics: Behold, God is my helper, nd the Lord is the protector of my soul: turn back the evils upon mine enemies, and cut them off in Thy truth, O Lord my protector.
"God be in my head" - John Rutter Lyrics: God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in mine eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in mine heart, and in my thinking; God be at my end, and in my departing.
Music included in this recording: "Passer invenit" (Mode 1) - Gregorian Chant Communion Antiphon of the Fifteenth Sunday Lyrics: The sparrow has found herself a home, and the turtle dove a nest where she may keep her young: at thine altars, Lord of hosts, my King and my God; blessed are they that dwell in thy house, they shall praise thee for ever and ever.
"O Salutaris Hostia" - Saint Thomas Aquinas (Music: Marcél Dupre) Lyrics: O saving Victim, opening wide The gate of Heaven to man below; Our foes press hard on every side; Thine aid supply; thy strength bestow. To thy great name be endless praise, Immortal Godhead, One in Three. Oh, grant us endless length of days, In our true native land with thee. Amen.
Music included in this recording: "Suscepimus Deus" (Mode 1) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Fourteenth Sunday Lyrics: We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple, according to Thy Name, O God, so also is Thy praise unto the ends of the earth; Thy right hand is full of justice.
"America the Beautiful" - Katherine Lee Bates Lyrics: O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
Music included in this recording: "Omnes gentes" (Mode 6) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the Thirteenth Sunday Lyrics: Clap you hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of joy. For the Lord is most high, He is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth
"Abide with me" - Henry Francis Lyte Lyrics: Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like thyself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless, ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes. Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Music included in this recording: "Choral varié on Veni Creátor Spíritus" - Maurice Durufle
"Spiritus Domini" (Mode 8) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of Pentecost Lyrics: The Spirit of the Lord hath filled the whole world, alleluia; and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Let God Arise, and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.
"Come Down, O Love Divine" - Bianco da Siena (tr. Richard Frederick Littledale) Lyrics: Come down, O Love divine! seek out this soul of mine and visit it with your own ardour glowing; O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear, and kindle it, your holy flame bestowing.
There let it freely burn till earthly passions turn to dust and ashes in its heat consuming; and let your glorious light shine ever on my sight, and make my pathway clear, by your illuming.
Let holy charity my outward vesture be, and lowliness become my inner clothing; true lowliness of heart which takes the humbler part, and for its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.
And so the yearning strong with which the soul will long shall far surpass the power of human telling; for none can guess its grace till we become the place in which the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.
Music included in this recording: "First Symphony Final Moment No. 1" - Louis Vierne
"Viri Galilæi" (Mode 7) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of Ascension Day Lyrics: Men of Galilee, why look ye up to heaven in astonishment? Alleluia. In like manner as ye have seen him ascending into heaven, so shall he come again. Alleluia.
"God is gone up" - Gerald Finzi Lyrics: God is gone up with a triumphant shout: The Lord with sounding Trumpets' melodies: Sing Praise, sing Praise, sing Praise, sing Praises out, Unto our King sing praise seraphicwise! Lift up your Heads, ye lasting Doors, they sing, And let the King of Glory enter in.
Methinks I see Heaven's sparkling courtiers fly, In flakes of Glory down him to attend, And hear Heart-cramping notes of Melody Surround his Chariot as it did ascend; Mixing their Music, making ev'ry string More to enravish as they this tune sing.
"Vocem iucunditatis" (Mode 3) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the 6th Sunday of Easter Lyrics: Speak out with a voice of joy; let it be heard, alleluia, to the ends of the earth: The Lord has set his people free, alleluia, alleluia.
"If ye love me" - Thomas Tallis Lyrics: If ye love me keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, And he shall give you another Comforter, That he may bide with you forever: E'en the spirit of truth
"Misericordia Domini" (Mode 4) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of the 4th Sunday of Easter Lyrics: The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord, alleluia; by the word of the Lord, the heavens were established, alleluia, alleluia.
"Tu es Petrus" - Palestrina Lyrics: You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, And the gates of hell will not prevail against it: And I will give you the keys To the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth Will be bound also in heaven; And whatever you release on earth Will be released also in heaven.
"Quasi modo genti infantes" (Mode 6) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of Low Sunday Lyrics: Like newborn infants, alleluia, desire the pure spiritual milk without guile, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
"Sicut cervus" - Palestrina Lyrics: As a deer longs for the flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God.
Music included in this recording: "Präludium, BWV 625 Christ lag in Todesbanden" - J. S. Bach
"Resurrexi" (Mode 4) - Gregorian Chant Entrance Antiphon of Easter Day Lyrics: I am risen, and I am always with you, alleluia; you have placed your hand upon me, alleluia; your wisdom has been shown to be most wonderful, alleluia, alleluia.
"Ye choirs of New Jerusalem" - Charles V. Stanford Lyrics: Ye choirs of new Jerusalem, Your sweetest notes employ, The Paschal victory to hymn In strains of holy joy.
For Judah’s Lion bursts His chains, Crushing the serpent’s head; And cries aloud through death’s domains To wake the imprisoned dead.
From hell’s devouring jaws the prey Alone our Leader bore; His ransomed hosts pursue their way Where Jesus goes before.
Triumphant in His glory now To Him all power is given; To Him in one communion bow All saints in earth and heaven.
While we, His soldiers, praise our king, His mercy we implore, Within His palace bright to bring And keep us evermore.
All glory to the Father be, All glory to the Son, All glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee, While endless ages run. Alleluia. Amen.
Music included in this recording: "Hosanna Filio David" (Mode 7); "Pueri hebræorum" - Palestrina Antiphons at the Palm Sunday Procession Lyrics: Hosanna, to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest.
The Hebrew children bearing olive branches, went forth to meet the Lord, crying out, and saying, Hosanna in the highest.
"Ride on, Ride On" - John Stainer Lyrics: 1 Ride on, ride on in majesty! Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry; O Savior meek, pursue your road with palms and scattered garments strowed.
2 Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die: O Christ, your triumphs now begin o'er captive death and conquered sin.
3 Ride on, ride on in majesty! The winged squadrons of the sky look down with sad and wond'ring eyes to see th'approaching sacrifice.
4 Ride on, ride on in majesty! Your last and fiercest strife is nigh; the Father on his sapphire throne expects his own anointed Son.
5 Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; bow your meek head to mortal pain, then take, O God, your pow'r and reign.
The Mass in Slow Motion: XIII Pater Noster to the Ite Missa Est by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Music included in this recording: "Oculi mei" - (Mode 7) Entrance Antiphon for the Third Sunday of Lent Lyrics: My eyes are ever turned towards the Lord: for He shall pluck my feet out of the snare: look Thou upon me, and have mercy on me for I am alone and poor.
"God so Loved the World" - John Stainer Lyrics: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Music included in this recording: "Domine in tua" - (Mode 5) Entrance Antiphon for the Seventh Sunday Lyrics: O Lord I have hoped in Thy mercy. My heart has leapt for joy at Thy salvation; I will sing to the Lord who has granted me good things.
"Holy is the True Light" - William Harris Lyrics: Holy is the True Light, and passing wonderful, lending radiance to them that endured in the heat of the conflict. From Christ they inherit a home of unfading splendour, wherein they rejoice with gladness evermore. Alleluia!
Music included in this recording: "Esto mihi" - (Mode 6) Offertory Antiphon for the Sixth Sunday Lyrics: Be Thou unto me a God, a Protector, and a place of refuge, to save me: for Thou are my strength and my refuge: and for Thy Name's sake Thou wilt lead me, and nourish me.
"If Ye Love Me" - Tomas Tallis Lyrics: If ye love me, keep my commandments, and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may 'bide with you forever, e'en the spirit of truth.
Music included in this recording: "Perfice gressus meos" - (Mode 4) Offertory Antiphon for the Fifth Sunday Lyrics: O hold thou up my goings in thy paths: that my footsteps slip not. Incline thine ear to me, and hearken unto my words. Shew thy marvellous loving-kindness, thou that art the Saviour of them which put their trust in thee:
"Christ Triumphant, Ever Reigning" - Michael Saward Lyrics: Christ triumphant, ever reigning, Saviour, Master, King! Lord of heaven, our lives sustaining, hear us as we sing: Yours the glory and the crown, the high renown, the eternal name.
Word incarnate, truth revealing, Son of Man on earth! power and majesty concealing by your humble birth: Yours the glory and the crown, the high renown, the eternal name.
Suffering servant, scorned, ill - treated, victim crucified! death is through the cross defeated, sinners justified: Yours the glory and the crown, the high renown, the eternal name.
Priestly king, enthroned for ever high in heaven above! sin and death and hell shall never stifle hymns of love: Yours the glory and the crown, the high renown, the eternal name.
So, our hearts and voices raising through the ages long, ceaselessly upon you gazing, this shall be our song: Yours the glory and the crown, the high renown, the eternal name.
Music included in this recording: "Dominus secus mare" - (Mode 1) Entrance Antiphon for the Third Sunday Lyrics: The Lord saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew, by the seaside of Galilee, and He called them; Come ye after Me, I will make you to be fishers of men. The Heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the works of His hands
"Hear by Words, Ye People" [Excerpt] - C. H. Parry Lyrics: Hear my words, ye people give ear unto me all ye that have knowledge.
O praise ye the Lord Praise Him in the height Rejoice in His word ye angels of light Ye heavens adore him by whom you were made And worship before Him In brightness arrayed.
O praise ye the Lord, praise Him upon earth in tuneful accord ye sons of new birth. Praise Him who hath brought you His grace from above, praise Him who hath taught you to sing of his Love.
O praise ye the Lord! Thanksgiving and song to Him be outpoured all ages along; For love is creation from heaven restored; For grace of salvation, O praise ye the Lord! Amen
Music included in this recording: "Alleluia, Vidimus stellam" - (Mode 2) Alleluia for the Epiphany Lyrics: Alleluia. We have seen his star in the East, and have come with gifts to adore the Lord. Alleluia.
"The Three Kings" - Peter Cornelius (arr. Sir Ivor Atkins) Lyrics: Three Kings from Persian lands afar To Jordan follow the pointing star: And this the quest of the travellers three, Where the new-born King of the Jews may be. Full royal gifts they bear for the King; Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.
The star shines out with a steadfast ray; The kings to Bethlehem make their way, And there in worship they bend the knee, As Mary’s child in her lap they see; Their royal gifts they show to the King; Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.
Thou child of man, lo, to Bethlehem The Kings are travelling, travel with them! The star of mercy, the star of grace, Shall lead thy heart to its resting place. Gold, incense, myrrh thou canst not bring; Offer thy heart to the infant King.
Music included in this recording: "Dominus dixit ad me" - (Mode 2) Entrance antiphon for Christmas Mass at Night Lyrics: The Lord said to me: You are my Son, it is I who have begotten you this day. Why have the nations raged? And, the people plotted with murmuring? 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.
"Tomorrow shall be my dancing day" - John Gardner Lyrics: Tomorrow shall be my dancing day; I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play, To call my true love to my dance; Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love, This have I done for my true love.
Then was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fleshly substance Thus was I knit to man's nature To call my true love to my dance. Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love, This have I done for my true love.
In a manger laid, and wrapped I was So very poor, this was my chance Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass To call my true love to my dance. Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love, This have I done for my true love.
Then afterwards baptized I was; The Holy Ghost on me did glance, My Father’s voice heard I from above, To call my true love to my dance. Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love, This have I done for my true love.
Music included in this recording: "Rejoice in the Lord alway" - Layton James Lyrics: Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be made known unto men, The Lord is at hand! Be careful for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
"Lo, He comes with clouds descending" - Charles Wesley Lyrics: Lo, he comes with clouds descending, once for favoured sinners slain; thousand thousand saints attending swell the triumph of his train: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! God appears on earth to reign.
Every eye shall now behold him robed in dreadful majesty; those who set at naught and sold him, pierced and nailed him to the tree, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, shall the true Messiah see.
Those dear tokens of his passion still his dazzling body bears, cause of endless exultation to his ransomed worshippers: with what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture, gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea, Amen, let all adore thee, high on thine eternal throne; Saviour, take the power and glory, claim the kingdom for thine own: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Thou shalt reign and thou alone.
Music included in this recording: "Ad te levavi" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 8) Entrance antiphon for the 1st Sunday of Advent Lyrics: Unto thee, O Lord, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in thee: O let me not be confounded, neither let mine enemies triumph over me. For all they that hope in thee shall not be ashamed.
The Lord will surely come - Gerre Hancock Lyrics: Kyrie eleison. The Lord will surely come and not delay, and He will bring to light the things hidden in darkness. The Lord will surely come, and will manifest Himself to all nations. Therefore work out your own salvation with fear and trembling that you may be blameless and innocent, Children of God without blemish. The Lord will surely come. Kyrie eleison.
Music included in this recording: "Dicit Dominus" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 6) Entrance antiphon for the 33rd Sunday Lyrics: The Lord says: "I am pondering thoughts of peace and not of affliction; you shall call upon me, and I will hear you; and I will bring you back from all the lands where you are held captive.
“This is the Day (Psalm 117)" - John Rutter Lyrics: This is the day which the Lord hath made We will rejoice and be glad in it. O praise the Lord of heav'n: praise him in the height. Praise him, all ye angels of his: praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars and light. Let them praise the Name of the Lord. For he shall give his angels charge over thee: to keep thee in all thy ways. The Lord himself is thy keeper The Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand; So that the sun shall not burn thee by day neither the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in: From this time forth and for evermore. He shall defend thee under his wings. Be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart, and put thou thy trust in the Lord.
Music included in this recording: "Intret oratio mea" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 3) Entrance antiphon for the 32nd Sunday Lyrics: Let my prayer enter into your presence; incline your ear to my supplication, O Lord. O Lord, God of my salvation, day and night have I cried before you.
“For the Fallen" - Douglas Guest Lyrics: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Music included in this recording: "Dies Iræ" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 1) Sequence for the Mass of the Dead Lyrics: Day of wrath and doom impending. David's word with Sibyl's blending, Heaven and earth in ashes ending.
Oh, what fear man's bosom rendeth, When from heaven the Judge descendeth, On whose sentence all dependeth.
Wondrous sound the trumpet flingeth; Through earth's sepulchres it ringeth; All before the throne it bringeth.
Death is struck, and nature quaking, All creation is awaking, To its Judge an answer making.
“Introit: Requiem” and "Kyrie" - Maurice Duruflé (Taken from the Mass of the Dead) Lyrics: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. A hymn becomes you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall a vow be repaid in Jerusalem. Hear my prayer; to you shall all flesh come. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Music included in this recording: "Christe, Redemptor Omnium" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 8) Hymn for Vespers of All Saints Lyrics: To Thy poor servants reconciled show mercy, Christ, for whom the mild and Virgin Patroness this grace implore before Thy Father's face.
Ye glorious hosts, whose circle nine before God's throne refulgent shine, shield us with your celestial arms from past, present, and future harms.
“Who are these like stars appearing” - Heinrich Theobald Schenk (tr. Frances Elizabeth Cox) Lyrics: Who are these like stars appearing, these before God's throne who stand? Each a golden crown is wearing; who are all this glorious band? Alleluia! Hark, they sing, praising loud their heav'nly King.
Who are these of dazzling brightness, these in God's own truth arrayed, clad in robes of purest whiteness, robes whose lustre ne'er shall fade, ne'er be touched by time's rude hand? Whence come all this glorious band?
These are they who have contended for their Savior's honor long, wrestling on 'til life was ended, foll'wing not the sinful throng; these, who well the fight sustained, triumph thro' the Lamb have gained.
These are they whose hearts were riven, sore with woe and anguish tried, who in pray'r full oft have striven with the God they glorified; now, their painful conflict o'er, God has bid them weep no more.
These, like priests, have watched and waited, off'ring up to Christ their will; soul and body consecrated, day and night to serve him still: now in God's most holy place blest they stand before his face.
Music included in this recording: "Lætetur Cor" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 2) Entrance Antiphon for the 30th Sunday Lyrics: Let the heart that seeks the Lord rejoice, turn to the Lord and his strength, constantly seek his face.
“Come Down, O Love Divine” - Bianco da Siena (tr. Richard Frederick Littledale; tune: Ralph Vaughan Williams) Lyrics: Come down, O Love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine, and visit it with Thine own ardor glowing; O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear, and kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn to dust and ashes in its heat consuming; and let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight, and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
Let holy charity mine outward vesture be, and lowliness become mine inner clothing: true lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part, and o'er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.
And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long, shall far outpass the pow'r of human telling; no soul can guess its grace, till he become the place wherein the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling.
Music included in this recording: "Psalm 8" - Gerre Hancock
“Adore te Devote” - Stephen Caracciolo Lyrics: Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore, Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more, See, Lord, at Thy service low lies here a heart Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.
Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived: How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed; What God's Son has told me, take for truth I do; Truth Himself speaks truly or there's nothing true.
On the cross Thy godhead made no sign to men, Here Thy very manhood steals from human ken: Both are my confession, both are my belief, And I pray the prayer of the dying thief.
I am not like Thomas, wounds I cannot see, But can plainly call thee Lord and God as he; Let me to a deeper faith daily nearer move, Daily make me harder hope and dearer love.
O thou our reminder of Christ crucified, Living Bread, the life of us for whom he died, Lend this life to me then: feed and feast my mind, There be thou the sweetness man was meant to find.
Bring the tender tale true of the Pelican; Bathe me, Jesu Lord, in what Thy bosom ran Blood whereof a single drop has power to win All the world forgiveness of its world of sin.
Jesu, whom I look at shrouded here below, I beseech thee send me what I thirst for so, Some day to gaze on thee face to face in light And be blest for ever with Thy glory's sight. Amen.
Music included in this recording: "Si iniquitates" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 3) Entrance Antiphon for the 28th Sunday Lyrics: If Thou shalt observe iniquities, O Lord, Lord, who shall endure it? For with Thee is propitiation, O God of Israel, From the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice
“Praise to the Holiest in the Height” - St. John Henry Newman (In honor of his canonization today) Lyrics: Praise to the Holiest in the height, and in the depth be praise: in all his words most wonderful, most sure in all his ways.
O loving wisdom of our God! When all was sin and shame, a second Adam to the fight and to the rescue came.
O wisest love! that flesh and blood, which did in Adam fail, should strive afresh against the foe, should strive and should prevail;
And that a higher gift than grace should flesh and blood refine, God's presence and his very self, and essence all-divine.
O generous love! that he, who smote in Man for man the foe, the double agony in Man for man should undergo;
And in the garden secretly, and on the cross on high, should teach his brethren, and inspire to suffer and to die.
Praise to the Holiest in the height, and in the depth be praise: in all his words most wonderful, most sure in all his ways.
Music included in this recording: "Benedicite Dominum" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 3) Entrance Antiphon for the Feast of St. Michael Lyrics: Bless the Lord, all ye his angels: you that are mighty in strength, and execute his word, hearkening to the voice of his orders.
“Christ, the Fair Glory of the Holy Angels” -Rabanus Maurus Lyrics: Christ, the fair glory of the holy angels, Thou who hast made us, Thou who o’er us rulest, Grant of Thy mercy unto us Thy servants Steps up to Heaven.
Send Thy archangel, Michael, to our succor; Peacemaker blessèd, may he banish from us Striving and hatred, so that for the peaceful All things may prosper.
Send Thy archangel, Gabriel, the mighty; Herald of Heaven, may he from us mortals Spurn the old serpent, watching o’er the temples Where Thou art worshipped.
Send thy archangel, Raphael, the restorer Of the misguided ways of men who wander, Who at Thy bidding strengthens soul and body With Thine anointing.
Father almighty, Son and Holy Spirit, God ever blessèd, be Thou our Preserver; Thine is the glory which the angels worship, Veiling their faces.
Music included in this recording: "Omnia quæ fecisti" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 3) Entrance Antiphon for the 25th Sunday Lyrics: All that you have done for us, Lord, you have done in good judgement, because we have sinned against you and we have not obeyed your commands. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the multitude of your mercies.
“Ubi Caritas” - Philip Stopford Lyrics: 'Where charity and love are found God is there.' By the love of Christ we have been brought together, Let us find in Him our gladness and our pleasure; May we love Him and revere Him, God the living, and in love, respect each other with sincere hearts. 'Where charity and love are found God is there.' So when we as one are gathered all together, let us strive to keep our minds without division; May there be an end to malice, strife and quarrels, and let Christ our God be dwelling here among us. 'Where charity and love are found God is there.'
Music included in this recording: "Salus populi" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 4) Entrance Antiphon for the 25th Sunday Lyrics: I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. From whatever pain they cry unto me, I will hear them. And I will be their Lord forever.
“Beati quorum via” - Charles Villiers Stanford Lyrics: Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
The Mass in Slow Motion: XII Prayers of Offering, Commemoration of the Dead by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
The Mass in Slow Motion: X Sanctus, Te Igitur, Commemoration of the Living by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Music included in this recording: "The Royal Banners Forward Go" - Venantius Fortunatus (Percy C. Buck) Hymn for the Feast of the Holy Cross Lyrics: The royal banners forward go; The cross shows forth in mystic glow, Where He, by whom our flesh was made, Our ransom in His flesh has paid:
Where deep for us the spear was dyed, Life's torrent rushing from His side, To wash us in the precious flood Where flowed the water and the blood.
To Thee, eternal Three in One, Let homage be by all be done; Whom by the cross Thou dost restore, So guide and keep us evermore.
“Ubi Caritas” - Maurice Duruflé Lyrics: Where charity and love are, God is there. Christ's love has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And may we love each other with a sincere heart. Amen.
Music included in this recording: "Justus es Domine" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 1) Entrance Antiphon for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Lyrics: You are righteous, O Lord, and right is your judgement; deal with this servant of yours according to your mercy. Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.
“Abide with Me” - Henry Francis Lyte (William H. Monk) Lyrics: Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like thyself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless, ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes. Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Music included in this recording: "De fructu óperum" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 6) Communion antiphon of the 12th Sunday after Pentecost Lyrics: The earth shall be filled with the fruit of Thy works, O Lord, that Thou may bring bread out of the earth, and that wine may cheer the heart of man; that he may make the face cheerful with oil; and that bread may strengthen man's heart.
“My Song is Love Unknown” - John Ireland Lyrics: My song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me, love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be. O who am I, that for my sake my Lord should take frail flesh and die?
He came from his blest throne, salvation to bestow; but men cared not, and none the longed-for Christ would know. But oh, my Friend, my Friend indeed, who at my need his life did spend!
Sometimes they strew his way, and his sweet praises sing; resounding all the day hosannas to their King. Then “Crucify!” is all their breath, and for his death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done? What makes this rage and spite? He made the lame to run, he gave the blind their sight. Sweet injuries! Yet all his deeds their hatred feeds; they 'gainst him rise.
They rise, and needs will have my dear Lord sent away; a murderer they save, the Prince of Life they slay. Yet willing he to suff'ring goes, that he his foes from thence might free.
In life, no house, no home my Lord on earth might have; in death, no friendly tomb but what a stranger gave. What may I say? Heav'n was his home, but mine the tomb wherein he lay.
Here might I stay and sing, no story so divine; never was love, dear King, never was grief like thine. This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend.
Music included in this recording: "Pange Lingua" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 1) by St. Thomas Aquinas Lyrics: Sing, my tongue, the Saviour's glory, Of His Flesh, the mystery sing; Of the Blood, all price exceeding, Shed by our Immortal King, Destined, for the world's redemption, From a noble Womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless Virgin Born for us on earth below, He, as Man, with man conversing, Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow; Then He closed in solemn order Wondrously His Life of woe
“Ave Verum Corpus” - William Byrd Lyrics: Hail, true body, Born of the virgin Mary; Who has truly suffered, slaughtered On the Cross for humanity. Whose side was pierced, Pouring out water and blood. Be a foretaste for us During our ordeal of death. O sweet, o holy, O Jesus Son of Mary, Have mercy on me. Amen.
Music included in this recording: "Asperges me" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 7) Chant at the Sprinkling of Holy Water Lyrics: You will sprinkle me with Hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed; you shall wash me, and I will be made whiter then snow. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy.
“All My Hope on God is Founded” - Joachim Neander (Herbert Howells) Lyrics: All my hope on God is founded; he doth still my trust renew. Me through change and chance he guideth, only good and only true. God unknown, he alone calls my heart to be his own.
Human pride and earthly glory, sword and crown betray his trust; what with care and toil he buildeth, tower and temple, fall to dust. But God's power, hour by hour, is my temple and my tower.
God's great goodness aye endureth, deep his wisdom, passing thought: splendour, light, and life attend him, beauty springeth out of naught. Evermore from his store new-born worlds rise and adore.
Daily doth th' Almighty giver bounteous gifts on us bestow; his desire our soul delighteth, pleasure leads us where we go. Love doth stand at his hand; joy doth wait on his command.
Still from earth to God eternal sacrifice of praise be done, high above all praises praising for the gift of Christ his Son. Christ doth call one and all: ye who follow shall not fall.
Music included in this recording: "Gloria: Orbis Factor" - Gerald Near
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” - John Greenleaf Whittier (Hubert Parry) Lyrics: Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways; reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise.
In simple trust like theirs who heard beside the Syrian sea the gracious calling of the Lord, let us, like them, without a word rise up and follow thee.
O Sabbath rest by Galilee, O calm of hills above, where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity, interpreted by love!
Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease; take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace.
Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm; let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still, small voice of calm!
Music included in this recording: "Asperges me" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 7) Chant at the Sprinkling of Holy Water Lyrics: You will sprinkle me with Hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed; you shall wash me, and I will be made whiter then snow. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy.
“Do not be afraid” - Philip Stopford Commissioned for the Baptism of the Daughter of Andrew and Kathryn Radley (2010) Lyrics: Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you walk through the waters, I'll be with you; you will never sink beneath the waves. When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side. When you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. You are mine, O my child, I am your Father, and I love you with a perfect love.
"Omnes gentes plaudite manibus" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 6) The Entrance Antiphon of the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time Lyrics: All you nations clap your hands, cry to God with shouts of joy.
“Come, labour on” - T. Tertius Noble Lyrics: Come, labour on. Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain while all around us waves the golden grain? And to each servant does the Master say, "Go work today."
Come, labour on. Claim the high calling angels cannot share; to young and old the gospel gladness bear. Redeem the time; its hours too swiftly fly. The night draws nigh.
Come, labour on. Cast off all gloomy doubt and faithless fear! No arm so weak but may do service here. Though feeble agents, may we all fulfill God's righteous will.
Come, labour on. No time for rest, till glows the western sky, till the long shadows o'er our pathway lie, and a glad sound comes with the setting sun, "Well done, well done!"
Music included in this podcast:
"Cibavit eos" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 2) The Entrance Antiphon of Corpus Christi Lyrics: He fed them from the finest of wheat, alleluia. And satisfied them with honey from the rock, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
“Behold, O God our defender” - Herbert Howells Commissioned for the Coronation of H.R.M. Queen Elizabeth II Lyrics: Behold, O God our defender, and look upon the face of Thine anointed. For one day in Thy courts is better than a thousand.
Music included in this podcast:
"Spiritus Domini" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 8) The Entrance Antiphon of Pentecost Lyrics: The Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world, alleluia. And that which contains all things has knowledge of the voice, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Music included in this podcast:
"Dum sanctificatus" - Gregorian Chant (Mode 3) The Entrance Antiphon of the Vigil of Pentecost Lyrics: I will show the holiness of My great Name, I will gather you from all the countries, I will sprinkle clear water on you, and you will be clean, and I will put a new spirit in you, alleluia, alleluia.
Fr. Williams is away from the parish this weekend to be present for the First Holy Communion of his niece. Here is a sermon on this Sunday's Gospel from Fr. Ronald Knox.
What is your price?: Spy Wednesday at St. Joseph High School in Madison by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Caught in the Snare of Sin (Third Sunday of Lent - Extraordinary Form) by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Christian Fatherhood: The Solemnity of St. Joseph (School Mass) by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Today's homily raises the question of the true Church founded by Jesus Christ. Is there such a church? How can we know?
The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) Sirach 27:4-71 Psalm 92 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 Luke 6:39-45
The Seed is the Word of God (Sexagesima Sunday: Extraordinary Form) by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
School Mass: Jesus, Tyler Perry, and the best way to experience heaven by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
10-12th Grade School Mass: The Crusade for Authentic Masculinity by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Not the best quality recording. I failed to turn my recorder on, so I ripped this from the video. Sorry!!
Omit nothing of the Truth: Evangelization of today's Young People by Fr. Aaron M. Williams
Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) given at the Liturgical Institute in Mundelein, IL.