Course 4, Chapter 9: Christianity visible. — Office, continued

1. What are the hours which comprise the office of the day?

The hours which comprise the office of the day are prime, tierce, sext, none, vespers and complin.

2. What mysteries do we honor in the hour of prime?

In the hour of prime we honor the Saviour covered with opprobrium and carried before Pilate by the Jews. We also consecrate to God the commence ment of the day.

3. In the other hours?

At tierce we honor the Saviour condemned to death, and celebrate the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the apostles; at sext we honor our Lord fastened to the cross; at none our Lord expiring for love of us.

4. What are the vespers V

The vespers are that part of the office which wo .rec-ite in the evening, to commemorate the burial of our

352 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

Lord, and to thank him for the institution of the blessed sacrament of the altar. We recite five psalms at vespers to honor the five wounds of our Lord, and to ask pardon for the sins committed by our five senses during the day.

Q What is the sense of the psalms sung at vespers for Sunday?

A . The first psalm reminds us of the eternal birth of our Lord, his priesthood and the everlasting empire he has obtained by his sufferings; in the second we celebrate the wonders of the reign of Jesus Christ, and particularly the institution of the holy eticharist; in the third we sing the happiness of him who submits himself to the yoke of Jesus Christ, and declare the misery of the sinner who revolts against him; in the fourth we incite all men to praise the Saviour, whose reign renders us so happy; and in the fifth the church recounts to her children the particular benefits they have received from God, invites them to be grateful, and promises them eternal happiness.

5. What does the hymn for Sunday signify?

The hymn for Sunday expresses a great desire for heaven.

6. Why is the Magnificat sung?

The Magnificat is sung to express to God the fulness of our gratitude, to do which more effectually the words of our blessed Saviour are used.*