Introit of Monday of the First Week of Lent
The text of the Introit
As the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, so are our eyes on the Lord, our God, till He have mercy on us. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. Ps. To Thee I lift up mine eyes, Who art enthroned in heaven. Glory be to the Father.
Haydock
Verse 2. Masters. Expecting liberty, or rather food; though it may also imply that they are ready to run at the first sign, which they observe with attention. Thus Menelaus had his eyes on Agamemnon. Homer. C. — As servants, and particularly handmaids, are very attentive, and hope to receive sustenance, so we ought to pray with all earnestness to God for what is necessary. W. — All must come from Him. — Until. Or “waiting for his having mercy on us.” We shall not cease to look up to Him afterwards. Bert. — “Take care not to turn thine eyes away from mine.” Terent. Adelph. ii. 1.
Verse 1. Canticle. Heb. adds, “of David.” H. — Syriac also attributes to him, though Zorobabel, &c. might recite it at their return. It may also refer to the captives groaning under oppression, (C.) and to every Christian, who must live in expectation of a better country. S. Aug. Berthier. T. viii.