“As David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, he wept without ceasing. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. All those who were with him also had their heads covered and were weeping as they went.” (2 Samuel 15:30.)
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem comments on this verse from the First Reading proclaimed at Mass today:
“Again, after Absalom’s rebellion, when David was in flight, with many possible routes before him, he chose to make his escape by the Mount of Olives, as good as invoking in his own mind the Deliverer who should from there ascend into the heavens. And when Shimei cursed him bitterly he said, “Let him be.” For he knew that forgiveness is for those who forgive. As, then, brothers, you have many examples of people who have sinned and then repented and been saved, do you also make confession to the Lord with all your heart, so as to receive pardon of all your sins of the time past and be accounted worthy of the heavenly gift and inherit the heavenly kingdom with all the saints in Christ Jesus, to whom be glory, world without end. Amen.” (Catechetical Lectures, 2.)
Collect
Grant us, Lord our God,
that we may honor you with all our mind,
and love everyone in truth of heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
that we may honor you with all our mind,
and love everyone in truth of heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Alternate Collect for today from:
Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions,
29. For the Progress of Peoples
29. For the Progress of Peoples
O God,
Who gave one origin to all peoples and
willed to gather from them one family
for Yourself, fill all hearts, we pray,
with the fire of Your love and
kindle in them a desire for
the just advancement of their neighbor,
that, through the good things
which You richly bestow upon all,
each human person may be brought to perfection,
every division may be removed, and
equity and justice may be established
in human society.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Who gave one origin to all peoples and
willed to gather from them one family
for Yourself, fill all hearts, we pray,
with the fire of Your love and
kindle in them a desire for
the just advancement of their neighbor,
that, through the good things
which You richly bestow upon all,
each human person may be brought to perfection,
every division may be removed, and
equity and justice may be established
in human society.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
