Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written
for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them,
read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience
and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast
the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us
in our Saviour Jesus Christ. _Amen_.
THE EPISTLE. Rom. xv. 4.
Whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our
learning; that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures
might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant
you to be like-minded one towards another, according to Christ
Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one
another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Now I
say, that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers; and
that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is
written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles,
and sing unto thy Name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles,
with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and
laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be
a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with
all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Ghost.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke xxi. 25.
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the
stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity,
the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear,
and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth:
for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see
the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And
when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift
up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to
them a parable; Behold the fig-tree, and all the trees; when they
now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is
now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to
pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I
say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be
fulfilled: heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall
not pass away.