22 December 2014 - Saint Thomas the Apostle (transferred) (Feria II after Advent IV)

Double of the Second Class – Red

Saint Thomas was one of the original 12 chosen by Christ. According to tradition, Thomas was the only Apostle to witness the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. As she was assumed, she dropped her girdle, which was taken up by Thomas and has long been a symbol of the Assumption. Thomas is perhaps best known for his mission into India. 

INTROIT Ps. 138. 17

Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable; their power is  become very great. Ps. 138.1,2. Lord, thou hast proved me and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

Grant unto us, we beseech thee, O Lord, to glory in the solemn feast of thy blessed Apostle Thomas: that we may ever both be helped by his patronage, and with due devotion follow his faith. Through.

Commemoration: Of the Advent Feria.

EPISTLE Eph. 2. 19-22

Brethren: Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow-citizens with the Saints, and domestics of God: built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. In whom all the building being framed together, groweth up into a holy temple in the Lord. In whom you also are built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit.

GRADUAL Ps. 138. 17, 18.

Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened. V.: I will number them, and they shall be multiplied over the sand.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Ps. 32.1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John (20. 24-29)

At that time: Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed.

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 18. 5

Their sound went forth into all the earth; and their words to the ends of the world.

SECRET

We render unto thee, O Lord, the bounden duty of our service, humbly entreating thee: to guard thy gifts within us, by the prayers of the blessed Apostle Thomas, on the feast of whose blessed martyrdom we offer thee the sacrifice of praise. Through.

Commemoration: Of the Advent Feria.

Preface: Of the Apostles.

COMMUNION John 20. 27.

Put thy hand and know the place of the nails, and be not incredulous, but believing.

POSTCOMMUNION

Be present with us, O merciful God, and through the intercession of the blessed Apostle Thomas, on our behalf, mercifully guard thy Gifts bestowed upon us. Through.

Commemoration:
Of the Advent Feria.