O GOD, who didst send forth blessed Patrick, thy Confessor and
Bishop, to preach unto the Gentiles the glory of thy Name: grant
that by his merits and intercession; we may of thy mercy be enabled
to fulfil all such things as thou commandest. Through.
For the Epistle. Ecclesiasticus 44:16 [Mass 11, Statuit
ei]
Behold a great priest who in his days pleased the Lord and was
found righteous: and in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange
for the world. There was none like unto him to keep the law of
the Most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord assured him that
he would increase him among his people. He established with him
the blessing of all men and the covenant, and made it rest upon
his head. He acknowledged him in his blessing: and preserved
for him his mercy: so that he found favour in the sight of the
Lord. He magnified him in the sight of kings: and gave unto him
a crown of glory. An everlasting covenant he made with him and
gave him a great priesthood and blessed him with glory, that
he should execute the office of the priesthood and have honour
in his name and offer unto him incense and a sweet savour.
The Gospel. St Matthew 25:14 [Mass 11, Statuit ei]
14 AT that time: Jesus spake this
parable unto his disciples: the kingdom of heaven is as a man
travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and
delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to
another one; to every man according to his several ability; and
straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded
with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other
two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth,
and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth
with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought
other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five
talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful
servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make
thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord,
thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two
other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant;
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler
over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.