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Day 31

A reading from the Book of Revelation.

Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, wearing fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’. (Revelation 19:11-16)

RESPONSORY

He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood,

-- and his name is called the Word of God.

On his garment and on his thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords

-- and his name is called the Word of God.

From the Circular Letters of Bl. Giovanni Merlini (+1873)

We need much spirit on account of the times so unfortunately tearful not only for ourselves in order to purge ourselves of defects and to progress on the Lord's path but also for so many souls numbed in vice who are taking great steps toward eternal ruin so that they be rescued and recalled to the bosom of grace. But whence to attain such spirit except in the unquenchable furnace of the divine Heart? It is in this mystical cellar where it communicates itself to us because there only is found that wine which is capable of infusing it. It is a medicinal wine whose unique function is to heal our spiritual diseases; it is generous wine whose unique efficacy is to strengthen the forces of our soul; it is a strong wine uniquely fit to assist in making progress in virtue; finally, it is the wine of heavenly trust uniquely effective to inspire strength in the exercise of our ministry. In this cellar with such wine the Lord will help us and strengthen us. He will help to make us perfect and he will strengthen us so that, through us, preaching may be accomplished and each one of us can say, along with the Apostle: The Lord stood with me and strengthened me that by me the preaching may be accomplished (2Tim 4:17-19).

As everyone knows, this wine is the divine Blood of the immaculate Lamb, inexhaustible treasure of every good which has its source in the divine Heart. So…let us with great enthusiasm enter into this place of rest, into this blessed cellar, into this most sacred Heart never to leave it….let us fervently and insistently pray to our most loving Jesus that he will apply to us the fruit of his divine Blood. Thus we will be made sharers of his very spirit: a spirit of perfection for us, a spirit of zeal for the honor of God, a spirit of charity for the salvation of souls, a spirit, to say it all, which renders us unassailable ministers in the sight of God…. This is how much we should try to gather from the precious Blood of the adorable Heart of the Redeemer. May Jesus help us, may Jesus guide us and may Jesus lead us to acquire his Holy Spirit and may he enable us to persevere in it. Amen.

Musical Selection

Verbum Patris aetérni, vera salus et única spes mundi. *Tuo redémptos sánguine, aeternálibus, Dómine Jesu Christe, non exclúdas a núptiis. V. Assisténtes ergo tuae laudi sérvulos salva et quos redemísti. *Tuo redémptos sánguine.

Word of the eternal Father, true salvation and only hope of the world. *Lord Jesus Christ, do not exclude those redeemed by your blood from the eternal wedding feast. V. Therefore preserve your humble servants, who minister to your praise and whom you have redeemed. *Lord Jesus Christ.

Concluding Musical Selection (Michael Card)

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Salvation and honor and glory belong to our God. Amen!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
See now the one who corrupted the earth is condemned

Death for the dark adulteress
Destroyed at last forever
By His judgments, just and true
He has avenged the blood of His saints

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The Lord God Almighty has come now forever to reign. Amen!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Let all those who love Him give glory, rejoice, and be glad.

The wedding of the Lamb has come
The bride has made herself ready
And she shall wear linen bright and clean
Woven of the faithful acts of His saints

King of kings, and Lord of Lords
He is the King of kings, and Lord of Lords

King of kings, and Lord of Lords
King of kings, and Lord of Lords

Hallelujah!

Collect

Risen Christ,

may we who in baptism die to sin,

rise again to new life

and find our place in your living body.

May the new covenant sealed in your blood

bring healing and reconciliation to this wounded world.

Alleluia. You are risen.

We are risen with you.

Praise and glory to the living God. Amen. (Book of Common Worship)

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