Almighty God, who into the place of the traitor Judas didst choose
thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve
Apostles: Grant that thy Church, being alway preserved from false
Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful and true pastors;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
FOR THE EPISTLE. Acts i. 15.
In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and
said, (the number of the names together were about an hundred
and twenty,) Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have
been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake
before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus:
for he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this
ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of
iniquity; and falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst,
and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the
dwellers at Jerusalem, insomuch as that field is called in their
proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For
it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be
desolate, and let no man dwell therein; and, His bishopric let
another take. Wherefore, of these men which have companied with
us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he
was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with
us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called
Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed,
and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew
whether of these two thou hast chosen; that he may take part of
this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression
fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their
lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with
the eleven Apostles.
THE GOSPEL. St Matth. xi. 25.
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things
are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son,
but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son,
and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all
ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly
in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is
easy, and my burden is light.
THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY _March_ 25.