Royal Chapel Savoy

FIRST READING  Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

PSALM 118: 14-24

14 The Lord is my strength, and my song : and is become my salvation.

15 The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous : the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.

16 The right hand of the Lord hath pre-eminence : the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.

17 I shall not die, but live : and declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord hath chastened and corrected me : but he hath not given me over unto death.

19 Open me the gates of righteousness : that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.

20  This is the gate of the Lord : the righteous shall enter it.

21  I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me : and art become my salvation.

22  The same stone which the builders refused : is become the head-stone in corner.

23  This is the Lord’s doing : and it is marvellous in our eyes.

24  This is the day which the Lord hath made : we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING     Mark 16: 1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

FIRST READING   Philippians 2: 5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

PSALM 31: 9-16

9  Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy : but hast set my feet in a large room.

10  Have mercy upon me, O Lord , for I am in trouble : and mine eye is consumed for very heaviness; yea, my soul and my body.

11  For my life is waxen old with eaviness : and my years with mourning.

12  My strength faileth me, because of mine iniquity : and my bones are consumed.

13  I became a reproof among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours : and they of mine acquaintance were afraid of me; and they that did see me without conveyed themselves from me.

14  I am clean forgotten, as a dead man out of mind : I am become like a broken vessel.

15  For I have heard the blasphemy of the multitude : and fear is on every side, while they conspire together against me, and take their counsel to take away my life.

16  But my hope hath been in thee, O Lord : I have said, Thou art my God.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING    Mark 11.1–11

When Jesus and his disciples were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.”’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

FIRST READING   HEBREWS 5: 5-10

Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’; as he says also in another place, ‘You are a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

PSALM 119: 9-16

9.  Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way : even by ruling himself after thy word.

10.  With my whole heart have I sought thee : O let me not go wrong out of thy commandments.

11.  Thy words have I hid within my heart : that I should not sin against thee.

12.  Blessed art thou, O Lord : O teach me thy statutes.

13.  With my lips have I been telling : of all the judgements of thy mouth.

14.  I have had as great delight in the way of thy testimonies : as in all manner of riches.

15.  I will talk of thy commandments : and have respect unto thy ways.

16.  My delight shall be in thy statutes : and I will not forget thy word.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING    JOHN 12: 20-33

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say – “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

FIRST READING  Exodus 2: 1-10

A man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him, ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’

PSALM 127: 1-4

1. Except the Lord build the house : their labour is but lost that build it.

2. Except the Lord keep the city : the watchman waketh but in vain.

3. It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness : for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

4. Lo, children and the fruit of the womb : are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

SECOND READING    John 19: 25b-27

Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

FIRST READING  Genesis 17: 1-7 & 15-16

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.’ Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.’ God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.’

PSALM 22: 23-end

23. O praise the Lord, ye that fear him : magnify him, all ye of the seed of Jacob, and fear him, all ye seed of Israel.

24. For he hath not despised, nor abhorred, the low estate of the poor : he hath not hid his face from him, but when he called unto him he heard him.

25. My praise is of thee in the great congregation : my vows will I perform in the sight of them that fear him.

26. The poor shall eat and be satisfied : they that seek after the Lord shall praise him; your heart shall live for ever.

27. All the ends of the world shall remember themselves, and be turned unto the Lord : and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him.

28. For the kingdom is the Lord's : and he is the Governor among the people.

29. All such as be fat upon earth : have eaten and worshipped.

30. All they that go down into the dust shall kneel before him : and no man hath quickened his own soul.

31. My seed shall serve him : they shall be counted unto the Lord for a generation.

32. They shall come, and the heavens shall declare his righteousness : unto a people that shall be born, whom the Lord hath made.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

SECOND READING     Mark 8: 31-end

Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’

FIRST READING   1 Peter 3: 18-22

Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you – not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

PSALM 25: 1-9

1.  Unto thee, O Lord, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in thee : O let me not be confounded, neither let mine enemies triumph over me.

2. For all they that hope in thee shall not be ashamed : but such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion.

3. Shew me thy ways, O Lord : and teach me thy paths.

4. Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn me : for thou art the God of my salvation; in thee hath been my hope all the day long.

5. Call to remembrance, O Lord, thy tender mercies : and thy loving-kindnesses, which have been ever of old.

6. O remember not the sins and offences of my youth : but according to thy mercy think thou upon me, O Lord, for thy goodness.

7. Gracious and righteous is the Lord : therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

8. Them that are meek shall he guide in judgement : and such as are gentle, them shall he learn his way.

9. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth : unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

SECOND READING     Mark 1: 9-15

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

FIRST READING   2 Kings 2.1–12

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I know; keep silent.’ Elijah said to him, ‘Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be silent.’ Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’ He responded, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, ‘Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

PSALM 50: 1-6

1. The Lord, even the most mighty God, hath spoken : and called the world, from the rising up of the sun unto the going down thereof.

2. Out of Sion hath God appeared : in perfect beauty.

3. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence : there shall go before him a consuming fire, and a mighty tempest shall be stirred up round about him.

4. He shall call the heaven from above : and the earth, that he may judge his people.

5. Gather my saints together unto me : those that have made a covenant with me with sacrifice.

6. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness : for God is Judge himself.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING     Mark 9.2–9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

FIRST READING  Colossians 1: 15-20

Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers - all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

PSALM 104: 26-end

26.  There go the ships, and there is that Leviathan : whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein.

27.  These wait all upon thee : that thou mayest give them meat in due season.

28.  When thou givest it them they gather it : and when thou openest thy hand they are filled with good.

29.  When thou hidest thy face they are troubled : when thou takest away their breath they die, and are turned again to their dust.

30.  When thou lettest thy breath go forth they shall be made : and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

31.  The glorious majesty of the Lord shall endure for ever : the Lord shall rejoice in his works.

32.  The earth shall tremble at the look of him : if he do but touch the hills, they shall smoke.

33.  I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live : I will praise my God while I have my being.

34.  And so shall my words please him : my joy shall be in the Lord.

35.  As for sinners, they shall be consumed out of the earth, and the ungodly shall come to an end : praise thou the Lord, O my soul, praise the Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING    John 1: 1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

FIRST READING  Hebrews 2: 14-end

Since the children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

SECOND READING    Luke 2: 22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed - and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

FIRST READING  Genesis 14.17–20

After Abram’s return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything.

PSALM 128

1.  Blessed  are all they that fear the Lord : and walk in his ways.

2.  For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands : O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.

3.  Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine : upon the walls of thine house.

4.  Thy children like the olive-branches : round about thy table.

5.  Lo, thus shall the man be blessed : that feareth the Lord.

6.  The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee : that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.

7.  Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children : and peace upon Israel.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   John 2: 1-11

There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’

Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it.

When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from

(though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

FIRST READING    Revelation 5: 1-10

Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God    saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.’

PSALM 139: 1-5

1.  O Lord thou hast searched me out and known me : thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising, thou understandest my thoughts long before.

2.  Thou art about my path, and about my bed : and spiest out all my ways.

3.  For lo, there is not a word in my tongue : but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.

4.  Thou hast fashioned me behind and before : and laid thine hand upon me.

5.  Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me : I cannot attain unto it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   John 1: 43-end

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’

FIRST READING  Titus 3.4–7

When the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

SECOND READING    LUKE 2: 8-20

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

THE COLLECT FOR THE DAY

Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Tom Sears one of the Chapel’s choristers)

Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander (1818-1895)

Tune: ‘Irby’, H. J Gauntlett (1808-1876), rev. A. H. Mann (1850-1929)

Descant: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

CAROL

Adam lay ybounden,

Words: Traditional English, 15th Century

Music: Peter Warlock (1894–1930)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Jonathan Ford, Secretary of the Athenaeum

CAROL

O little town of Bethlehem,

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–93)

Music: Traditional English

Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), adapted: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

Second Lesson Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by Jane Barker CBE, chairman of the General Committee

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

Third Lesson John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Alan Titchmarsh MBE, chairman of the Works of Art Committee

CAROL

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

The Chaplain

Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BLESSING

CAROL

Hark! the herald-angels sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Raphael Loges, a chorister of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy)

Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander (1818-1895)

Tune: ‘Irby’, H. J Gauntlett (1808-1876), rev. A. H. Mann (1850-1929)

Descant: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

CAROL

Adam lay ybounden,

Words: Traditional English, 15th Century

Music: Peter Warlock (1894–1930)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Squadron Leader Thomas Leyland RAF rtd

CAROL

O little town of Bethlehem,

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–93)

Music: Traditional English

Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), adapted: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

Second Lesson  Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by Pamela Leyland

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

Third Lesson  John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Philip Berg MVO

CAROL

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

The Chaplain

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BLESSING

CAROL

Hark! the herald-angels sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by David Wade a chorister of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy)

Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander (1818-1895)

Tune: ‘Irby’, H. J Gauntlett (1808-1876), rev. A. H. Mann (1850-1929)

Descant: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

ANTHEM

Zion hört die Wächter singen

Words: P. Nicolai (1556 – 1608)

Music: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Professor Danielle A George

CAROL

It came upon the midnight clear,

Words: Edmund Sears (1810 – 76)

Music: Traditional English, adapted by Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842 –1900)

Second Lesson  Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by Air Marshal Sir Julian Young

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

Third Lesson  John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Mrs Toni Allen

CAROL

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

The Chaplain

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BLESSING

CAROL

Hark! the herald-angels sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Darragh Keane a chorister of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy)

Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander (1818-1895)

Tune: ‘Irby’, H. J Gauntlett (1808-1876), rev. A. H. Mann (1850-1929)

Descant: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

ANTHEM

Zion hört die Wächter singen

Words: P. Nicolai (1556 – 1608)

Music: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Sir Michael Hirst

CAROL

It came upon the midnight clear,

Words: Edmund Sears (1810 – 76)

Music: Traditional English, adapted by Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842 –1900)

Second Lesson  Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

Third Lesson  John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Professor Sir Colin Berry

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

The Chaplain

THE COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

THE SOCIETY’S COLLECT

Almighty and eternal God, we thank thee on this day for our forebears who by their vision
gathered in the spirit of faith and service to form the unity of the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor. Grant to us the same vision and the strength of heart and mind to uphold their purpose, united in fellowship to honour and serve our Sovereign Lady The Queen, her Crown and her dignity; this we pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE BLESSING

CAROL

Hark! the herald-angels sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).

FIRST READING   1 THESSALONIANS 5.16–24

My brothers and sisters, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

PSALM 126

1.  When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion : then were we like unto them

that dream.
2.  Then was our mouth filled with laughter : and our tongue with joy.
3.  Then said they among the heathen : The Lord hath done great things for them.
4.  Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already : whereof we rejoice.
5.  Turn our captivity, O Lord : as the rivers in the south.
6.  They that sow in tears : shall reap in joy.
7.  He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed : shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without

end. Amen.

SECOND READING    JOHN 1.6–8, 19–28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

An Anthem

Adam lay ybounden,

Words: Traditional English, 15th Century

Music: Peter Warlock (1894–1930)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Marcus Rose, Member of the Duchy of Lancaster Council

A Carol

O little town of Bethlehem,

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–93)

Music: Traditional English

Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), adapted: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

Second Lesson  Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by Lara Thompson,

An anthem

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

Third Lesson  John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Hugh Bruce-Watt, Solicitor for the Affairs of the Duchy of Lancaster

An anthem

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

THE BLESSING

A Carol

Hark! the herald-angels sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847

Closing Voluntary

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).

Once in royal David’s city (Solo first verse sung by Liam Butterworth, a chorister of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy)

Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander (1818-1895)

Tune: ‘Irby’, H. J Gauntlett (1808-1876), rev. A. H. Mann (1850-1929)

Descant: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

My sisters and brothers in the name of Christ welcome to this Carol Service. Christmas draws near and we prepare for our celebration of the birth of God’s beloved Son. Through the days of Advent we follow the light of Christ, and we travel in spirit with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to acclaim with the multitude of the heavenly host the coming of the Prince of Peace. Through Scripture and silence, prayer and song, let us hear again the wonderful story of our redemption, and, hearing, let us rejoice and respond with lively faith. Amen.

Choir Anthem

Zion hört die Wächter singen

Words: P. Nicolai (1556 – 1608)

Music: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Peter Charlton

Carol

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Words: Edmund Sears (1810 – 76)

Music: Traditional English, adapted by Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842 –1900)

Second Lesson  Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by Elizabeth Stanton Jones

Choir Anthem

I saw a fair mayden sytten and sing.

Words: 15th Century

Music: R. R. Terry (1865-1938)

Third Lesson  John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Sir Andrew Parmley

Carol

The Three Kings

Words and music: Peter Cornelius (1824-94), arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

The Chaplain

Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BLESSING

Carol

Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).

FIRST READING    2 Peter 3.8–15a

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

PSALM 85: 8-13

8. I will hearken what the Lord God will say concerning me : for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.

9. For his salvation is nigh them that fear him : that glory may dwell in our land.

10. Mercy and truth are met together : righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11. Truth shall flourish out of the earth : and righteousness hath looked down from heaven.

12. Yea, the Lord shall shew loving-kindness : and our land shall give her increase.

13. Righteousness shall go before him : and he shall direct his going in the way.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without

end. Amen.

SECOND READING     Mark 1.1–8

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,”’ John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

FIRST READING    Isaiah 64.1–9

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence – as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil – to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever. Now consider, we are all your people.

PSALM 80 1-7, 17-19

1. Hear O thou Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep : shew thyself also, thou that sittest upon the cherubims.

2. Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses : stir up thy strength, and come, and help us.

3. Turn us again, O God : shew the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.

4. O Lord God of hosts : how long wilt thou be angry with thy people that prayeth?

5. Thou feedest them with the bread of tears : and givest them plenteousness of tears to drink.

6. Thou hast made us a very strife unto our neighbours : and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

7. Turn us again, thou God of hosts : shew the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.

17.  Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand : and upon the son of man, whom thou madest so strong for thine own self.

18.  And so will not we go back from thee : O let us live, and we shall call upon thy Name.

19.  Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts : shew the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   Mark 13.24–37

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’

FIRST READING   Ephesians 1: 15-end

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

PSALM 95 1-7

1. O Come let us sing unto the Lord : let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.

2. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving : and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

3. For the Lord is a great God : and a great King above all gods.

4. In his hand are all the corners of the earth : and the strength of the hills is his also.

5. The sea is his, and he made it : and his hands prepared the dry land.

6. O come, let us worship and fall down : and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

7. For he is the Lord our God : and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   Matthew 25: 31- end.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

FIRST READING   1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11

Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

SECOND READING   Matthew 25: 14-30

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The kingdom of heaven is as if a man, going on a journey,  summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”’

WELCOME

THE ACT OF HOMAGE

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn;

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

we will remember them.

We will remember them.

HYMN

I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,

Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love:

The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,

That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;

The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,

The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago,

Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;

We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;

Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;

And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,

And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.

Words: Sir Cecil Arthur Spring-Rice, GCMG, GCVO (1859-1918) Tune: ‘Thaxted’ Gustav Theodore Holst (1874-1934)

FIRST READING  Amos 5: 18-24

Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

PSALM 70

1.  Haste thee, O God, to deliver me : make haste to help me, O Lord.

2.  Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul : let them be turned backward

and put to confusion that wish me evil.

3.  Let them for their reward be soon brought to shame : that cry over me, There, there.

4.  But let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee : and let all such as delight in thy

salvation say alway, The Lord be praised.

5.  As for me, I am poor and in misery : haste thee unto me, O God.

6.  Thou art my helper and my redeemer : O Lord, make no long tarrying.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING  Matthew 25.1–13

Jesus spoke this parable to the disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.’

PSALM 118 19-24

19.  Open me the gates of righteousness : that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.

20.  This is the gate of the Lord : the righteous shall enter into it.

21. I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me : and art become my salvation.

22.  The same stone which the builders refused : is become the head-stone in the corner.

23. This is the Lord's doing : and it is marvellous in our eyes.

24.  This is the day which the Lord hath made : we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

READING  Matthew 21.1–11

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

PSALM 22: 1-11

1.  My God, my God, look upon me; why hast thou forsaken me : and art so far from my health, and from the words of my complaint?

2.  O my God, I cry in the day-time, but thou hearest not : and in the night-season also I take no rest.

3.  And thou continuest holy : O thou worship of Israel.

4.  Our fathers hoped in thee : they trusted in thee, and thou didst deliver them.

5.  They called upon thee, and were holpen : they put their trust in thee, and were not confounded.

6.  But as for me, I am a worm, and no man : a very scorn of men, and the outcast of the people.

7.  All they that see me laugh me to scorn : they shoot our their lips, and shake their heads, saying,

8.  He trusted in God, that he would deliver him : let him deliver him, if he will have him.

9.  But thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb : thou wast my hope, when I hanged yet upon my mother's breasts.

10.  I have been left unto thee ever since I was born : thou art my God, even from my mother's womb.

11.  O go not from me, for trouble is hard at hand : and there is none to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PSALM 118: 14-24

14.  The Lord is my strength, and my song : and is become my salvation.

15.  The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous : the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.

16.  The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence : the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.

17.  I shall not die, but live : and declare the works of the Lord.

18.  The Lord hath chastened and corrected me : but he hath not given me over unto death.

19.  Open me the gates of righteousness : that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.

20.  This is the gate of the Lord : the righteous shall enter into it.

21.  I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me : and art become my salvation.

22.  The same stone which the builders refused : is become the head-stone in the corner.

23.  This is the Lord's doing : and it is marvellous in our eyes.

24.  This is the day which the Lord hath made : we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

FIRST READING Acts 10.34–43

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Peter began to speak to those assembled in the house of Cornelius. ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ – he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

Here ends the first reading.

SECOND READING  Matthew 28:1–10

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING  Acts 2: 14a, 22 -32

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, ‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know – this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.” Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, “He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.” This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.’

Here ends the first reading.

SECOND READING   John 20: 19-end

A reading from the gospel according to John.

When it was evening on the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING   Acts 2: 42-end

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 23

1. Lord is my shepherd : therefore can I lack nothing.

2.  He shall feed me in a green pasture : and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.

3.  He shall convert my soul : and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name's sake.

4.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.

5.  Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me : thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.

6.  But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   John 10: 1-10

A reading from the gospel according to John.

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING   Acts 2: 42-end

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 23

1. Lord is my shepherd : therefore can I lack nothing.

2.  He shall feed me in a green pasture : and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.

3.  He shall convert my soul : and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name's sake.

4.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.

5.  Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me : thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.

6.  But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   John 10: 1-10

A reading from the gospel according to John.

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING Acts 17: 22-31

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, ‘Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.”

What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him – though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said,

“For we too are his offspring.” Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that

the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 66: 7-end

7.  O praise our God, ye people : and make the voice of his praise to be heard;

8.  Who holdeth our soul in life : and suffereth not our feet to slip.

9.  For thou, O God, hast proved us : thou also hast tried us, like as silver is tried.

10.  Thou broughtest us into the snare : and laidest trouble upon our loins.

11.  Thou sufferedst men to ride over our heads : we went through fire and water, and thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

12.  I will go into thine house with burnt-offerings : and will pay thee my vows, which I promised with my lips, and spake with my mouth, when I was in trouble.

13.  I will offer unto thee fat burnt-sacrifices, with the incense of rams : I will offer bullocks and goats.

14.  O come hither, and hearken, all ye that fear God : and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul.

15.  I called unto him with my mouth : and gave him praises with my tongue.

16.  If I incline unto wickedness with mine heart : the Lord will not hear me.

17.  But God hath heard me : and considered the voice of my prayer.

18.  Praised be God, who hath not cast out my prayer : nor turned his mercy from me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING  John 14: 15-21

A reading from the gospel according to John.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me;

because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me;

and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING Acts 17: 22-31

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, ‘Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him – though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.” Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 66: 7-end

7.  O praise our God, ye people : and make the voice of his praise to be heard;

8.  Who holdeth our soul in life : and suffereth not our feet to slip.

9.  For thou, O God, hast proved us : thou also hast tried us, like as silver is tried.

10.  Thou broughtest us into the snare : and laidest trouble upon our loins.

11.  Thou sufferedst men to ride over our heads : we went through fire and water, and thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

12.  I will go into thine house with burnt-offerings : and will pay thee my vows, which I promised with my lips, and spake with my mouth, when I was in trouble.

13.  I will offer unto thee fat burnt-sacrifices, with the incense of rams : I will offer bullocks and goats.

14.  O come hither, and hearken, all ye that fear God : and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul.

15.  I called unto him with my mouth : and gave him praises with my tongue.

16.  If I incline unto wickedness with mine heart : the Lord will not hear me.

17.  But God hath heard me : and considered the voice of my prayer.

18.  Praised be God, who hath not cast out my prayer : nor turned his mercy from me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING  John 14: 15-21

A reading from the gospel according to John.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING  Acts 1.1–11

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This,’ he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 47

1.  O clap your hands together, all ye people : O sing unto God with the voice of melody.

2. For the Lord is high, and to be feared : he is the great King upon all the earth.

3. He shall subdue the people under us : and the nations under our feet.

4. He shall choose out an heritage for us : even the worship of Jacob, whom he loved.

5. God is gone up with a merry noise : and the Lord with the sound of the trump.

6. O sing praises, sing praises unto our God : O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.

7. For God is the King of all the earth : sing ye praises with understanding.

8. God reigneth over the heathen : God sitteth upon his holy seat.

9. The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham: for God, which is very high exalted, doth defend the earth, as it were with a shield.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING  Luke 24: 44-53

Hear the gospel according to Luke.

Jesus said to the disciples, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you – that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING Acts 1: 6-14

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

When the apostles had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Here ends the first reading.

SECOND READING  John 17: 1-11

A reading from the gospel according to John.

Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.’

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING Acts 2: 1-21

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’ But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: “In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”’

SECOND READING  John 7: 37-39

A reading from the gospel according to John.

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing in the temple, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

FIRST READING 2 Corinthians 13: 11-end

A reading from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters, put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 8

1.  O Lord our Governor, how excellent is thy Name in all the world : thou that hast set thy glory above the heavens!

2.  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies : that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

3.  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers : the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained.

4.  What is man, that thou art mindful of him : and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5.  Thou madest him lower than the angels : to crown him with glory and worship.

6.  Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands : and thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet;

7.  All sheep and oxen : yea, and the beasts of the field;

8.  The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea : and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.

9.  O Lord our Governor : how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING  Matthew 28: 16-20

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

FIRST READING   Exodus 19: 1-8a

A reading from the book of Exodus.

The Israelites had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.’ So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.’

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 116: 1, 10-16

1. I am well pleased : that the Lord hath heard the voice of my prayer;

10.  I believed, and therefore will I speak; but I was sore troubled : I said in my haste, All men are liars.

11.  What reward shall I give unto the Lord : for all the benefits that he hath done unto me?

12.  I will receive the cup of salvation : and call upon the Name of the Lord.

13.  I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people : right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

14.  Behold, O Lord, how that I am thy servant : I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid; thou hast broken my bonds in sunder.

15.  I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving : and will call upon the Name of the Lord.

16.  I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people : in the courts of the Lord's house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   Matthew 9: 35-10.8

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING  Romans 6: 1b-11

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans.

Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 69: 8-11, 18-20

8.  I am become a stranger unto my brethren : even an alien unto my mother's children.

9.  For the zeal of thine house hath even eaten me : and the rebukes of them that rebuked.

thee are fallen upon me.

10.  I wept, and chastened myself with fasting : and that was turned to my reproof.

11.  I put on sackcloth also : and they jested upon me.

18.  And hide not thy face from thy servant, for I am in trouble : O haste thee, and hear me.

19.  Draw nigh unto my soul, and save it : O deliver me, because of mine enemies.

20.  Thou hast known my reproof, my shame, and my dishonour : mine adversaries are all in thy sight.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING  Matthew 10.24–39

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus summoned the twelve and sent them out with the following instruction: ‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’

Here ends the second reading.

FIRST READING Jeremiah 28: 5-9

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

The prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord; and the prophet Jeremiah said, ‘Amen!  May the Lord do so; may the Lord fulfil the words that you have prophesied, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. But listen now to this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.’

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 89: 1-4, 15-18

1.  My song shall be alway of the loving-kindness of the Lord : with my mouth will I ever be shewing thy truth from one generation to another.

2.  For I have said, Mercy shall be set up for ever : thy truth shalt thou stablish in the heavens.

3.  I have made a covenant with my chosen : I have sworn unto David my servant;

4.  Thy seed will I stablish for ever : and set up thy throne from one generation to another.

15.  Righteousness and equity are the habitation of thy seat : mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

16.  Blessed is the people, O Lord, that can rejoice in thee : they shall walk in the light of thy countenance.

17.  Their delight shall be daily in thy Name : and in thy righteousness shall they make their boast.

18.  For thou art the glory of their strength : and in thy loving-kindness thou shalt lift up our horns.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING  Matthew 10.40–end

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to the twelve: ‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me

welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet

will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

FIRST READING Romans 7: 15-25a

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin.

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 145: 8-15

8.  The Lord is gracious and merciful : long-suffering and of great goodness.

9.  The Lord is loving unto every man : and his mercy is over all his works.

10.  All thy works praise thee, O Lord : and thy saints give thanks unto thee.

11.  They shew the glory of thy kingdom : and talk of thy power;

12.  That thy power, thy glory, and mightiness of thy kingdom : might be known unto men.

13.  Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom : and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.

14.  The Lord upholdeth all such as fall : and lifteth up all those that are down.

15.  The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord : and thou givest them their meat in due season.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-end

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

FIRST READING  Isaiah 55: 10-13

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

PSALM 65: 8-end

8.  They also that dwell in the uttermost parts of the earth shall be afraid at thy tokens : thou that makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to praise thee.

9.  Thou visitest the earth, and blessest it : thou makest it very plenteous.

10.  The river of God is full of water : thou preparest their corn, for so thou providest for the earth.

11.  Thou waterest her furrows, thou sendest rain into the little valleys thereof : thou makest it soft with the drops of rain, and blessest the increase of it.

12.  Thou crownest the year with thy goodness : and thy clouds drop fatness.

13.  They shall drop upon the dwellings of the wilderness : and the little hills shall rejoice on every side.

14.  The folds shall be full of sheep : the valleys also shall stand so thick with corn, that they shall laugh and sing.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’ ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh – for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,

you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ – if, in fact, we suffer with him

so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time

are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility,

not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself

will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus put before the crowd another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared

to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him,

“Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?”

He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’ Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil;

the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels,

and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!’

A reading from the first book of Kings.

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies,

but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.’

Here ends the first reading.

PSALM 119: 129-136

129.  Thy testimonies are wonderful : therefore doth my soul keep them.

130.  When thy word goeth forth : it giveth light and understanding unto the simple.

131.  I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath : for my delight was in thy commandments.

132.  O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me : as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.

133.  Order my steps in thy word : and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.

134.  O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men : and so shall I keep thy commandments.

135.  Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servant : and teach me thy statutes.

136.  Mine eyes gush out with water : because men keep not thy law.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

A reading from the gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus put before the crowd another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed

that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown

it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

Here ends the second reading.