Readings
for the Feast of
SAINT WENCESLAUS
Martyr
September 28
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Matthew 7:25
This holy man fought to the death for the law of his God, never cowed by the threats of the wicked; his house was built on solid rock.
OPENING PRAYER
O God, who taught the Martyr Saint Wenceslaus
to place the heavenly Kingdom before an earthly one,
grant through his prayers that, denying ourselves,
we may hold fast to you with all our heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
A reading from the first letter of Peter 3:14-17
But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3,4-5,6
R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
ALLELUIA Matthew 5:10
Blessed are they who are persecued for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 10:34-39
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Lord,
as we celebrate the feast of Saint Wenceslaus
may this Eucharist bring you glory,
increase our love of truth,
and help your Church to remain firm in faith and unity.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt. 16:14
If anyone wishes to come after me, he must renounce himself, take up his cross, and follow me, says the Lord.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord,
by these holy mysteries increase our faith.
As the holy bishop Wenceslaus reached eternal glory
by being faithful until death,
so may we be saved by living our faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Liturgy of the Hours
From the Common of One Martyr, except for the following:
Office of Readings
SECOND READING
From the first old Slavic legend
(Edit. M. Weingart, Prague 1934, 974-983)
The throne of the king who judges the poor in honesty shall be strengthened for ever
At the death of Vratislaus the people of Bohemia made his son Wenceslaus their king. He was by God’s grace a man of utmost faith. He was charitable to the poor, and he would clothe the naked, feed the hungry and offer hospitality to travelers according the summons of the Gospel. He would not allow widows to be treated unjustly; he loved all his people, both rich and poor; he also provided for the servants of God, and he adorned many churches.
The men of Bohemia, however, became arrogant and prevailed upon Boleslaus, his younger brother. They told him, “Your brother Wenceslaus is conspiring with his mother and his men to kill you.”
On the feasts of the dedication of the churches in various cities, Wenceslaus was in the habit of paying them a visit. One Sunday he entered the city of Boleslaus on the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian, and after hearing Mass, he planned to return to Prague. But Boleslaus, with his wicked plan in mind, detained him with the words: “Why are you leaving, brother?” The next morning when they rang the bell for matins, Wenceslaus, on hearing the sound, said: “Praise to you, Lord; you have allowed me to live to this morning.” And so he rose and went to matins.’
Immediately Boleslaus followed him to the church door. Wenceslaus looked back at him and said: “Brother, you were a good subject to me yesterday.” But the devil had already blocked the ears of Boleslaus and perverted his heart. Drawing his sword Boleslaus replied: “And now I intend to be a better one!” With these words he struck his brother’s head with his sword. But Wenceslaus turned and said: “Brother, what are you trying to do?” And with that he seized Boleslaus and threw him to the ground. But one of Boleslaus’ counselors ran up and stabbed Wenceslaus in the hand. With his hand wounded, he let go of his brother and took refuge in the church. But two evil men struck him down at the church door; and then another rushed up and ran him through with a sword. Thereupon Wenceslaus died with the words: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit!”
RESPONSORY See Hosea 14:6; Psalm 92:13-14
The just man shall blossom like the lily;
- he shall flourish for ever in the presence of the Lord.
He shall be planted in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.
- He shall flourish for ever in the presence of the Lord.
PRAYER
O God, who taught the Martyr Saint Wenceslaus
to place the heavenly Kingdom before an earthly one,
grant through his prayers that, denying ourselves,
we may hold fast to you with all our heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.