It is time to Matinsalso called Vigilcorresponds to the first sentence of the Liturgy of the hours. Previously it was used to sanctify the night, for which it was prayed in the middle of it. However, the difficulty of maintaining this schedule, for some religious and for the laity (who since the Second Vatican Council have been invited to pray the liturgy of the hours) caused this office to be replaced by the office of readings which can be done at any time of the day. Some monasteries continue to celebrate matins according to the rule of Saint Benedict.
Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) – Lauds and Vespers
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Why pray the office of readings?
“May the Word of Christ reside in you with all its richness. Instruct each other in true wisdom, correcting each other. Sing to God with gratitude and with all your heart psalms, hymns and inspired songs. Everything you can say or do, always do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father for him.” (Colossians 3, 16-17)
This time of prayer divine office It can be done alone or with others. By not being associated with a particular schedule, it is easier for each Christian to include it in his day. The readings that constitute this office are more numerous than those of the rest of the hours (Lauds, Vespers, Compline), which explains its name, its relationship with the initial hour of the vigils is maintained and, therefore, they are oriented towards waiting. of the renewal of the day. The office of readings allows extracting the Word of God from the source through psalms and the reading of the day and take advantage of meditation of a father of the Church (Saint Augustine, Saint Hilary of Poitier, Saint Pius, Saint Polycarp, Saint Bernard…)
Development of the craft of readings
Introduction
“V/ Lord, open my lips,
R/ And my mouth will proclaim your praise.”
invitation
Anthem
Psalmody
“Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, now and forever, to the ages of ages. Amen.”
Reading of the Word of God
Response
Patristics (sermon of church fathers)
Response
(Te Deum hymn for the office of Sunday readings, solemnities and feasts)
Prayer
Hymns, psalms, Bible passages and patristic readings change from day to day. Find the office readings of the day on this website.
Pray every day in with the Word of God
The Word of God nourishes the Christian who can daily find strength, consolation and elevation of the soul in the sacred texts. Choose , a prayer community that allows you to receive a text from the Bible every day and pray through it:
- Receive a daily Gospel passage complemented by a meditation taken from a spiritual leader by signing up to this community.
- With the Reflection of the Day community, you receive a text with the Word of God and your meditation every morning.