Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
Introit
Ecclesiasticus 15:5
In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Ps. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy Name, O Most High. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, Who didst confer upon Thy Confessor and Doctor, blessed Lawrence, a spirit of wisdom and fortitude in hard labours for the glory of Thy name and for the salvation of souls: grant us in the same spirit both to perceive where our duty lies, and to accomplish it through his intercession. Through our Lord.
Epistle
2 Timothy 4:1-8
Dearly beloved, I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the liv- ing and the dead, by His coming and His kingdom: preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires they will heap to them- selves teachers, having itching ears, and will indeed turn away from the truth, but will be turned into fables. But be thou vigi- lant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just Judge, will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love His coming.
Gradual
Psalm 36:30-31
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of His God is in his heart: and his steps shall not be supplanted.
Alleluia
Ecclesiasticus 45:1, 9
Alleluia, alleluia. The Lord loved him and adorned him: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 5:13-19
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, Who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and so shall teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Offertory
Psalm 91:13
The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus.
Secret
May the holy prayer of Lawrence, Thy Confessor and Doctor, fail us not, O Lord: may it render our offerings acceptable, and ever obtain for us Thy pardon. Through our Lord.
Communion
Luke 12:42
The faithful and wise servant, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due season.
Postcommunion
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that blessed Lawrence, Thy Confessor and illustrious Doctor may join his prayers to ours that this sacrifice may bring us salvation. Through our Lord.