August 15, 2003,

solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Vigil.

A reading from the first book of Chronicles.

David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem

to bring the ark of the Lord to the place which he had prepared for it.

David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites.

The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles,

as Moses had ordained according to the word of the Lord.

David commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their kinsmen as chanters,

to play on musical instruments, harps, liars, and symbols,

to make a loud sound of rejoicing.

They brought in the Ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it.

Then they offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings to God.

When David had finished offering up the burnt offerings and peace offerings,

he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.

The Word of the Lord.

Lord go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness. Lord go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.

Behold, we heard of it in Ephrothal, we found it in the fields of y'er. Let us enter into his dwelling. Let us worship at his footstool. Lord, go up to the place of your rest,

You and the ark of your holiness.

May your priest be clothed with justice,

Let your faithful one shout merrily for joy.

For the sake of David, your servant, reject not the plea of your anointed.

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