Saint Justin Martyr

Introit

Psalm 118:85, 46, 1

The wicked have told me fables, but not as Thy law; but I spoke of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed. [P.T. Alleluia, alleluia.] Ps. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Glory be to the Father.

Collect

O God, Who, through the foolishness of the cross, didst wondrously teach blessed Martyr, Justin, the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ: grant us, by his intercession, that we may avoid the wiles of error and attain to firmness of faith. Through our Lord.

Epistle

1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 30

Brethren, the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness; but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; and the prudence of the prudent I will reject. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God; it pleased God by the foolishness of our preaching to save them that believe. For both the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews indeed a stumbling block, and unto the Gentiles foolishness; but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom and justice, and sanctification, and redemption.

Alleluia

1 Corinthians 3:19-20; Philippians 3:8

Alleluia, alleluia. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it is written: The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Alleluia. Furthermore I count all things to be but loss, for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord. Alleluia.

Tract

Gospel

Luke 12:2-8

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed: nor hidden, that shall not be known. For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness, shall be published in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in chambers shall be preached on the house-tops. And I say to you, My friends, be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you Whom you shall fear: fear ye Him Who, after He hath killed, hath power to cast into Hell. Yea, I say to you, fear Him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God? Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows. And I say to you, whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.

Offertory

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I judged not myself to know any thing among you, but Jesus Christ; and Him crucified. Alleluia.

Secret

Graciously accept our gifts, O Lord, the wondrous mystery of which Thy holy Martyr Justin, strenuously defended against the calumnies of the impious. Through our Lord.

Communion

2 Timothy 4:8

There is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day. Alleluia.

Postcommunion

Refreshed with heavenly food, we humbly pray Thee, O Lord, that, following the admonitions of Thy blessed Martyr, Justin, we may give thanks incessantly for the gifts we have received. Through our Lord.

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