16 September 2018, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Introit: Da pacem
Offertory: O Jesus we adore thee, p. 305
(Year B) Communion: Qui vult venire
Recessional: Lift high the cross, p. 244
Mass XI, PBC p. 58. Credo III, PBC p. 77
This Introit is also the Introit of the Votive Mass for Peace, which is traditionally sung on the second day of the Forty Hours Devotion (the US adaption of the popular Quarant' Ore). From this usage, it became one of the more widely known antiphons of the Gregorian repertoire. It has three phrases; in the third phrase the melody conveniently allows for a quick break after servi tui.
(b) et plebis tuae Israel
The first phrase is reminiscent of the Introit Rorate caeli, and the two are closely allied in spirit. Identical with it is the first phrase of the well-known Introit Statuit. The continual use of b♭ in the first and second phrases tends to make the melody tender and devout, while the frequent repetition of the same motif or of a similar one makes it impressive. This motif is composed of the notes ab♭gag over (Do)-mine, which remains the same in its first part, but changes slightly in its second over susti-(nentibus), tui, preces, tuae. It produces its greatest effect over tuae, because it sets in here with a major third, while in the other cases only a whole step precedes.
(Year B) The Communion antiphon has two phrases:
The text is chosen to reflect the Gospel reading. The simple Mode 1 melody is surprisingly emotive as it rises and falls, much like the disciple who carries the cross to follow the Master. At first there is strength, almost enthusiasm; and then comes the stumbling and falling under its weight, until the descent of an octave denotes the acceptance that brings peace.