A prayer of the Church, especially of the martyrs and confessors, in time of persecution and bloodshed.
PSALM lxxx. Qui regis Israel
A prayer of the Church when the light of God's presence waxes dim, when Christ's vineyard is broken into by secular oppression. The Church prays that Christ's power may again be made known (ver. 17) and that she herself may be converted.
PSALM lxxxi. Exultate Deo
The Church's joy in her past deliverances; the warning voice of Christ (ver. 6 onwards) shewing that the Church's own failures in loyalty are the cause of her oppressions. Greater faithfulness would have brought deliverance, and greater joy in Christ's sacramental gifts (ver. 17).
PSALM lxxxii. Deus stetit
John x. 34-6
The voice of Christ bearing witness to the ideal greatness of man, and to man's failure in his responsibility as God's vicegerent in the world, especially in the administration of justice. He Himself is set forth as the true and perfect Judge of the world.
PSALM lxxxiii. Deus, quis similis?
A prayer of the Church against the confederacy of her enemies. She prays that their defeat may lead to their conversion to Christ.