Publisher's Synopsis
This is a companion to an earlier work Lives of the Saints From the Roman Breviary and part of a larger project to bring the wealth of the liturgy found in the Breviary to all Christians. It is hoped that this work will help us deepen our spiritual lives. It is also offered to help people keep the Sabbath holy, especially those who are unable to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. And finally, it is offered to priests to aid them in their own spiritual life and in the preparation of sermons. Often the obligation of reciting the Divine Office is taken on coldly, when there are many treasures the Holy Ghost has inspired the Church to place in the Divine Office for our edification and instruction. May all who prayerfully read and study these pages be blessed. Matins This and its companion book are taken from the Office of Matins, which consists in nine psalms and either one or three nocturns of three lessons. In an office of three lessons, the first two are taken from the Scripture for that season of the year, and the third from a feast, if any or from Scripture. In an office of nine lessons as are most Lord's Days (Sundays) and many feasts, the first nocturn is from Sacred Scripture, the second is either historical on feasts of the saints or from one of the Fathers of the Church. The third is an explanation of the day's Gospel. First a line from the Gospel is read, then commences the instruction, usually from one of the Father's of the Church. Since the whole Gospel is read later on at Mass, the Church only gives an introduction here. None of the Scripture lessons are included here, since Scripture is readily available. Only the lessons from the second and third nocturns are contained here, as found in the Breviary prior to the calendar revision of Pope Pius XII. This is an ongoing project, which hopefully make the whole Breviary available in English to the world.
