Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 247
The entire second phrase et eruat is the same as the third phrase of
the Introit Laetdre. In the original melody, exsultetis depicts a feeling of
jubilation, the accented syllable of satiemini is effectively emphasized,
while the wide intervals of a fourth and fifth, together with the agreeable
melody which stresses the word accent of consolationis, give us a
premonition and experience of the fullness of divine consolation. On account
of its abbreviated text, today's new Introit had also to contract
the original melody.
GRADUAL (Ps. 24: 8, 9)
1. Dulcis et rectus Dominus, 2. 1. The Lord is sweet and righteous:
propter hoc legem dabit delinquen- 2. therefore he will give a law to
tibus in via. jl. I. Diriget mansuetos sinners in the way. $*. 1. He will
injudicio, 2. docebit mites vias suas. guide the mild in judgment: 2. he
will teach the meek his ways.
The Epistle depicts St. Paul on bended knee praying for us to the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that our inner man might be strengthened
and that Christ might dwell in our heart, and that, rooted and
founded in His love, we should comprehend the glory of our vocation
and the charity of Christ which surpasses all understanding. This divine
charity forms the theme of the present Gradual, the words of which
afford us great comfort. God is good to His creatures and faithful: He
is all-high, all-powerful, all-sublime, and awe-inspiring (Wolter, Psallite
sapienter, I, 330). The psalm excerpt which forms today's Gradual continues
with the words: "All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth."
Indeed, the Lord is merciful and faithful even to those who err in the
way—or as others would translate: who fail against the law. And without
doubt, to this class we must also ascribe ourselves, the more so if we
carefully and truthfully scrutinize the actions of our own life. Notwithstanding
the complaint of our Saviour in the Reproaches of Good Friday:
"Thou art become to Me exceeding bitter," He remains dulcis,
sweet and gracious. Notwithstanding His complaint: "All have turned
from righteous ways," He remains faithful, and wills not the death of
the sinner. Out of the fullness of His love He gives us the Law, imparts
to us enlightenment and grace, affords us the means whereby we can be
absolved from the guilt of sin that we might again realize peace in our
souls, and gives us the strength to order our life in accord with His divine
will. If we but allow Him to lead and guide us, then surely will
His charity also permeate our being. His words will teach us how to become
meek and humble, and will instill into us a desire to share with
others His peace and contentment. On our part, let us promise this good