From Easter Until the Calends of November
During the period from Easter to the Calends of November, a specific observance of Psalms and lessons is prescribed.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent prayer life from Easter until the Calends of November, ensuring that the same number of Psalms are recited as prescribed. During this period, due to the shortness of the nights, lessons are omitted, and instead, one lesson from the Old Testament is recited by heart followed by a short responsory. St. Benedict stresses the significance of reciting at least twelve Psalms at the Night Office, excluding Psalms 3 and 94, to maintain spiritual discipline and devotion.
Text
From Easter until the Calends of November let the same number of Psalms be kept as prescribed above; but no lessons are to be read from the book, on account of the shortness of the nights. Instead of those three lessons let one lesson from the Old Testament be said by heart and followed by a short responsory. But all the rest should be done as has been said; that is to say that never fewer than twelve Psalms should be said at the Night Office, not counting Psalm 3 and Psalm 94.
Sermon Outline
- Observance of Psalms
- Alternative to lessons
- Rest of the Night Office
- At least twelve Psalms said
- Excluding Psalm 3 and Psalm 94
Key Quotes
“let the same number of Psalms be kept as prescribed above” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“no lessons are to be read from the book, on account of the shortness of the nights” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“that is to say that never fewer than twelve Psalms should be said at the Night Office” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to observe the prescribed number of Psalms during the Night Office.
- Be flexible with your devotional practices to accommodate the changing seasons.
- Prioritize your spiritual growth by following the established guidelines for worship.