I continue to be skeptical of both Belief and Unbelief. Perhaps the Anglican Agnostics have it right. They adhere to a form of Roman Catholicism -- after giving it the Reformation-Treatment -- yet they continue to question everything -- while continuing to attend church on a regular basis. How do we achieve a Common-Denominator of Unity -- While Preserving Responsible-Freedom and Respectful-Inquiry??? So, what do you think about a focus on the 'Federalist Papers' and the '1928 Book of Common Prayer' -- which pulls everything into this particular orbit -- employing what I refer to as 'Comprehensive Concentration'??? You know -- Devotionally Studying the 'Federalist Papers' and the '1928 Book of Common Prayer' while Studying Life, the Universe, and Everything in a Scholarly Manner -- Preferably While Listening to Sacred Classical Music. Just a Thought. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enWiFcsBqIE
The First Sunday after Christmas Day.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten
Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time
to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate,
and made thy children by adoption and grace, may
daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our
Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle. Galatians iv. 1.
NOW I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth
nothing from a servant, though he be lord of
all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed
of the father. Even so we, when we were children,
were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when
the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son,
made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them
that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption
of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth
the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son,
then an heir of God through Christ.
The Gospel. St. Matthew i. 18.
THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as
his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they
came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing
to make her a publick example, was minded to put her
away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee
Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt
call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from
their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold,
a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a
son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being
interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from
sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took
unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought
forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The Circumcision of Christ.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be
circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant
us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and
all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal
lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through
the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Philippians ii. 9.
GOD also hath highly exalted him, and given him a
name which is above every name: that at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and
things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always
obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you
both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
The Gospel. St. Luke ii. 15.
AND it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from
them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,
Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing
which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known
unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and
Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they
had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was
told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it
wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered
them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying
and praising God for all the things that they had heard and
seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were
accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name
was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before
he was conceived in the womb.
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new
light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same
light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Epistle . Isaiah lxi. 1.
THE Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the
LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto
the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable
year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to
comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn
in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy
for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness, the
plant-ing of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
The Gospel. St. Matthew ii. 19.
WHEN Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord
appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into
the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young
child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and
his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he
heard that Archelaus did reign in Judæa in the room of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding,
being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the
parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called
Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
EPIPHANY SEASON.
The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of
Christ to the Gentiles.
The Collect.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy
only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant
that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life
have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the
same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave
The Epistle. Ephesians iii. 1.
FOR this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for
you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation
of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward: how
that by revela-tion he made known unto me the mystery;
(as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye
may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of
men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs,
and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ
by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to
the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual
working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least
of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among
the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make
all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which
from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now
unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might
be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according
to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with
confidence by the faith of him.
The Gospel. St. Matthew ii. 1.
WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa, in the
days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise
men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is
born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east,
and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had
heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with
him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and
scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where
Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem
of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And
thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among
the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor,
that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had
privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently
what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem,
and said, Go and search diligently for the young child;
and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that
I may come and worship him also. When they had heard
the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw
in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over
where the young child was. When they saw the star, they
rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were
come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary
his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when
they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him
gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned
of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod,
they depart-ed into their own country another way.
¶ The same Epistle and Gospel shall serve unto the next Sunday.
The First Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the
prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant
that they may both perceive and know what things they
ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully
to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The 1st Sunday after Epiphany
The Epistle. Romans xii. 1.
I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say,
through the grace given unto me, to every man that is
among you, not to think of himself more highly than he
ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have
many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and
every one members one of another.
The Gospel. St. Luke ii. 41.
NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the
feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years
old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned,
the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph
and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to
have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they
sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And
when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,
seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three
days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of
the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding
and answers. And when they saw him, they were
amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou
thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought
thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye
sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s
business? And they understood not the saying which he
spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came
to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother
kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in
wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all
things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications
of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the
days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Romans xii. 6.
HAVING then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait
on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he
that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is
good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing
to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless
them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice
with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high
things, but condescend to men of low estate.
The Gospel. S t. Mark i. 1.
THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of
God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send
my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way
before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare
ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John
did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance
for the remission of sins. And there went out
unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and
were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing
their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with
a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and
wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier
than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not
worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized
you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came
from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw
the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending
upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying,
Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon
our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities
stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Romans xii. 16.
BE not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no
man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably
with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath: for it is writ-ten, Vengeance
is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if
thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:
for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be
not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Gospel. St. John ii. 1.
AND the third day there was a marriage in Cana of
Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both
Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And
when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto
him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman,
what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith
unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of
stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing
two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them,
Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to
the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear
unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the
ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine,
and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew
the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning
doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk,
then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine
until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of
Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples
believed on him.
The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany.
The Collect.
O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so
many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty
of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us
such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers,
and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Romans xiii. 1.
LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For
there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,
resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive
to themselves condemnation. For rulers are not a
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be
afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt
have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to
thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid;
for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister
of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth
evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for
wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay
ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually
upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their
dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom;
fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
The Gospel. St. Matthew viii. 1.
WHEN he was come down from the mountain, great
multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a
leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou
canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and
touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately
his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him,
See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the
priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony
unto them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum,
there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy,
grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come
and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am
not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but
speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I
am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I
say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come,
and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth
it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that
followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great
faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall
come from the east and west, and shall sit down with
Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer
darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And
Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou
hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was
healed in the selfsame hour.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten
Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time
to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate,
and made thy children by adoption and grace, may
daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our
Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle. Galatians iv. 1.
NOW I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth
nothing from a servant, though he be lord of
all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed
of the father. Even so we, when we were children,
were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when
the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son,
made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them
that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption
of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth
the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son,
then an heir of God through Christ.
The Gospel. St. Matthew i. 18.
THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as
his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they
came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing
to make her a publick example, was minded to put her
away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee
Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt
call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from
their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold,
a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a
son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being
interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from
sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took
unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought
forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The Circumcision of Christ.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be
circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant
us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and
all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal
lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through
the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Philippians ii. 9.
GOD also hath highly exalted him, and given him a
name which is above every name: that at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and
things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always
obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you
both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
The Gospel. St. Luke ii. 15.
AND it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from
them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,
Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing
which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known
unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and
Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they
had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was
told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it
wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered
them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying
and praising God for all the things that they had heard and
seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were
accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name
was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before
he was conceived in the womb.
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new
light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same
light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Epistle . Isaiah lxi. 1.
THE Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the
LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto
the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable
year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to
comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn
in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy
for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness, the
plant-ing of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
The Gospel. St. Matthew ii. 19.
WHEN Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord
appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into
the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young
child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and
his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he
heard that Archelaus did reign in Judæa in the room of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding,
being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the
parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called
Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
EPIPHANY SEASON.
The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of
Christ to the Gentiles.
The Collect.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy
only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant
that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life
have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the
same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave
The Epistle. Ephesians iii. 1.
FOR this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for
you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation
of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward: how
that by revela-tion he made known unto me the mystery;
(as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye
may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of
men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs,
and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ
by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to
the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual
working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least
of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among
the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make
all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which
from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now
unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might
be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according
to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with
confidence by the faith of him.
The Gospel. St. Matthew ii. 1.
WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa, in the
days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise
men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is
born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east,
and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had
heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with
him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and
scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where
Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem
of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And
thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among
the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor,
that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had
privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently
what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem,
and said, Go and search diligently for the young child;
and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that
I may come and worship him also. When they had heard
the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw
in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over
where the young child was. When they saw the star, they
rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were
come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary
his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when
they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him
gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned
of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod,
they depart-ed into their own country another way.
¶ The same Epistle and Gospel shall serve unto the next Sunday.
The First Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the
prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant
that they may both perceive and know what things they
ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully
to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The 1st Sunday after Epiphany
The Epistle. Romans xii. 1.
I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say,
through the grace given unto me, to every man that is
among you, not to think of himself more highly than he
ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have
many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and
every one members one of another.
The Gospel. St. Luke ii. 41.
NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the
feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years
old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned,
the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph
and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to
have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they
sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And
when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,
seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three
days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of
the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding
and answers. And when they saw him, they were
amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou
thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought
thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye
sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s
business? And they understood not the saying which he
spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came
to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother
kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in
wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all
things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications
of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the
days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Romans xii. 6.
HAVING then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait
on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he
that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is
good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing
to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless
them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice
with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high
things, but condescend to men of low estate.
The Gospel. S t. Mark i. 1.
THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of
God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send
my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way
before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare
ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John
did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance
for the remission of sins. And there went out
unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and
were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing
their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with
a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and
wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier
than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not
worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized
you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came
from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw
the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending
upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying,
Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon
our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities
stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Romans xii. 16.
BE not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no
man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably
with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath: for it is writ-ten, Vengeance
is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if
thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:
for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be
not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Gospel. St. John ii. 1.
AND the third day there was a marriage in Cana of
Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both
Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And
when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto
him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman,
what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith
unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of
stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing
two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them,
Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to
the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear
unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the
ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine,
and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew
the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning
doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk,
then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine
until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of
Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples
believed on him.
The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany.
The Collect.
O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so
many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty
of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us
such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers,
and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Romans xiii. 1.
LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For
there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,
resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive
to themselves condemnation. For rulers are not a
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be
afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt
have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to
thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid;
for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister
of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth
evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for
wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay
ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually
upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their
dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom;
fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
The Gospel. St. Matthew viii. 1.
WHEN he was come down from the mountain, great
multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a
leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou
canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and
touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately
his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him,
See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the
priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony
unto them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum,
there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy,
grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come
and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am
not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but
speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I
am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I
say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come,
and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth
it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that
followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great
faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall
come from the east and west, and shall sit down with
Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer
darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And
Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou
hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was
healed in the selfsame hour.
