Saint Januarius
Introit
Psalm 36:39
The salvation of the just is from the Lord: and He is their protector in the time of trouble. Ps. Be not emulous of evil-doers: nor envy them that work iniquity. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, Who dost gladden us by the annual feast of Thy holy Martyrs Januarius and his companions: mercifully grant that we who rejoice in their merits may be inspired by their example. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Hebrews 10:32-38
Brethren, call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions. And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations were made a gazing-stock; and on the other, become companions of them that were used in such sort. For you both had compassion on them that were in bands, and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and lasting substance. Do not therefore lose your confidence, which hath a great reward. For patience is necessary for you: that doing the will of God you may receive the promise. For yet a little and a very little while, and He that is to come, will come and will not delay. But my just man liveth by faith.
Gradual
Psalm 33:18-19
The just cried, and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart; and He will save the humble of spirit.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. The white-robed army of martyrs praiseth Thee, O Lord. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 24:3-13
At that time, as Jesus was sitting on Mount Olivet, the disciples came to Him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the consummation of the world? And Jesus answering, said to them: Take heed that no man seduce you. For many will come in My name, saying: I am Christ: and they will seduce many. For you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be pestilences, and famines, and earthquakes in places. Now all these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then shall many be scandalised, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.
Offertory
Wisdom 3:1-3
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of malice shall not touch them: in the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, but they are in peace, alleluia.
Secret
Be appeased, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by the gifts now offered, and by the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Januarius and his companions, defend us from all dangers. Through our Lord.
Communion
Matthew 10:27
That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light; and that which you hear in the ear preach ye upon the housetops.
Postcommunion
May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt; and through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Januarius and his companions, make us share in the heavenly healing. Through our Lord.