Saint John Damascene

Introit

Psalm 72:24, 1

Thou hast held me by my right hand; and by Thy will Thou hast conducted me, and with Thy glory Thou hast received me. Ps. How good is God to Israel, to them that are of a right heart. Glory be to the Father.

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, Who, for the justifying of the devotion due to holy images, didst fill blessed John with heavenly learning, and with wonderful steadfastness of heart: grant that by his intercession and example we who venerate the images of the saints, may both imitate their virtues and enjoy their protection. Through our Lord.

Epistle

Wisdom 10:10-14

The Lord conducted the just through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. In the deceit of them that overreached him, she stood by him, and made him honourable. She kept him safe from his enemies, and she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the pit. And in bands she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

Gradual

Psalm 17:33, 35

God, who hath girt me with strength; and made my way blameless. Who teacheth my hands to war: and thou hast made my arms like a brazen bow.

Tract

Psalm 17:38, 39, 50

I will pursue after mine enemies, and overtake them. I will break them, and they shall not be able to stand: they shall fall under my feet. Therefore will I give glory to thee, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing a psalm to thy name.

Gospel

Luke 6:6-11

At that time it came to pass also, on another sabbath, that Jesus entered into the synagogue and taught. And there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched if He would heal on the sabbath: that they might find an accusation against Him. But He knew their thoughts and said to the man who had the withered hand: Arise and stand forth in the midst. And rising he stood forth. Then Jesus said to them: I ask you, if it be lawful on the sabbath days to do good or to do evil? To save life or to destroy? And looking round about on them all, He said to the man: Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth. And his hand was restored. And they were filled with madness: and they talked one with another, what they might do to Jesus.

Offertory

Job 14:7

A tree hath hope: if it be cut, it growth green again, and the boughs thereof sprout.

Secret

O Lord, through the prayer of blessed John, and the pleading of Thy Saints, whose images are set before us for veneration in our churches through his zeal: grant that the gifts which we offer be accounted worthy in Thy sight. Through our Lord.

Communion

Psalm 36:17

The arms of the wicked shall be broken in pieces; but the Lord strengtheneth the just.

Postcommunion

May the gifts we have received, O Lord, be heavenly weapons in our defence: and may the patronage of blessed John, joined with that of all Thy Saints whose images, through his means, are held in honour in the churches, plead with one voice on our behalf. Through our Lord.

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