Second Sunday after Easter
The Church continues to praise God for the resurrection of Jesus, and the graces thereby procured for us, and sings accordingly, at the Introit of the Mass: The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord, alleluia. By the word of the Lord the heavens were established, alleluia, alleluia. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just; praise becometh the upright." Glory be to the Father, etc.
Prayer.
O God, Who by the humility of Thy Son hast raised up a fallen world, grant to Thy faithful everlasting joy, that those whom Thou hast delivered from the evils of eternal death Thou mayest make to enjoy everlasting happiness. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, etc.
EPISTLE, i. Peter ii. 21-25.
Dearly Beloved: Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps; Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. Who, when He was reviled, did not revile: when He suffered He threatened not: but delivered Himself to him that judged Him unjustly: who His own self bore our sins in His body upon the tree: that we being dead to sins, should live to justice: by Whose stripes you were healed. For you were as sheep going astray, but you are now converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.
Practice.
From the example of Christ we should learn to bear in patience crosses, adversities, and even unjust persecutions. How otherwise could we be true sheep of this Good Shepherd, if at the least suffering, at the scoffs and mockeries which men cast at us, we should become angry and revengeful, and seek to retaliate with the like?
Aspiration.
O Lord, grant me grace to follow Thee, my shepherd, not to revile and threaten when I am reviled, calumniated, or persecuted for justice sake, but for love of Thee to suffer all with patience.
