the sepulchre to be guarded until the third day: lest perhaps His disciples come and steal Him away, and say to the people: He is risen from the dead: and the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said to them: You have a guard: go guard it as you know. And they departing, made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting guards.
Holy Week.
Why is this week called holy week?
Because during this week we celebrate the most important mysteries of our religion with touching and holy ceremonies.
How should we spend this week?
According to the intention of the Church, by meditating on the sufferings and death of Our Saviour, by fasting more strictly, by praying often and devoutly, and leading a holy life.
Aspiration.
O Jesus, I thank Thee for all Thou hast done and suffered for me. Oh, by Thy blood, give me grace to conquer my passions, and never to betray Thee by any sin. Amen.
Monday in Holy Week.
Prayer.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who fail through our infirmity, in so many adversities may be relieved by the passion of Thy Son, making intercession for us, Who lives and reigns, etc.
EPISTLE. Isaias 1. 5-10.
In those days Isaias said: The Lord God hath opened my ear, and I do not resist: I have not gone back. I have given my body to the strikers, and my cheeks to them that plucked them: I have not turned away my face from them that rebuked me, and spit upon me. The Lord God is my helper, therefore am I not confounded: therefore have I set my face as a most hard rock, and I know that I shall not be confounded. He is near that justifieth me, who will contend with me? let us stand together, who is my adversary? let him come near to me.
