The Book of Common Prayer Part 25

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;

_Answer_. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. _Amen_.

| _The Easter Anthems may be used for seven days after Easter_.

THE COLLECT.

Almighty G.o.d, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one G.o.d, world without end. _Amen_.

THE EPISTLE. Coloss. iii. 1.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of G.o.d. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in G.o.d. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of G.o.d cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

THE GOSPEL. St John xx. 1.

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together; and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre; and he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie; and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

| _If there be two or more celebrations of the Holy Communion_ | _in any church on Easter-day, the following Epistle and Gospel_ | _may be used at one of them_.

| | THE EPISTLE. Hebr. xiii. 20.

| | Now the G.o.d of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord | Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the | everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do | his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, | through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. _Amen_.

| | THE GOSPEL. St Mark xvi. 1.

| | When the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother | of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come | and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the | week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And | they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from | the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the | stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into | the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, | clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And | he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, | which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place | where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter | that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as | he said unto you. And they went out quickly, and fled from the | sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they | any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

| | _An Additional Collect for Eastertide_.

| | O G.o.d, who for our redemption didst give thine only begotten | Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross, and by his | glorious resurrection hast delivered us from the power of the | enemy; Grant us so to die daily unto sin, that we may evermore | live with him who died and rose again for us; through the same | Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

MONDAY IN EASTER WEEK

THE COLLECT.

Almighty G.o.d, who through thy only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one G.o.d, world without end. _Amen_.

FOR THE EPISTLE. Acts x. 34.

Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that G.o.d is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which G.o.d sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ; (he is Lord of all;) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached: how G.o.d anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil: for G.o.d was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, and hanged on a tree: him G.o.d raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of G.o.d, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he who was ordained of G.o.d to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

THE GOSPEL. St Luke xxiv. 13.

Behold, two of his disciples went that same clay to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

And it came to pa.s.s, that while they communed together, and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden, that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pa.s.s there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word, before G.o.d and all the people: and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said; but him they saw not.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village whither they went; and he made as though he would have gone further: but they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pa.s.s, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, arid them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

TUESDAY IN EASTER WEEK

THE COLLECT.

Almighty G.o.d, who through thy only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one G.o.d, world without end. _Amen_.

FOR THE EPISTLE. Acts xiii. 26.

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth G.o.d, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath-day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that w r as written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But G.o.d raised him from the dead: and he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, G.o.d hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of G.o.d, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: but he whom G.o.d raised again saw no corruption. Be it known unto you there fore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

THE GOSPEL. St Luke xxiv. 36.

Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honey comb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

THE COLLECT.

Almighty Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification: Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may alway serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

THE EPISTLE. 1 St John v. 4.

Whatsoever is born of G.o.d overcometh the world: and this is the victory that over cometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of G.o.d? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood: and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of G.o.d is greater: for this is the witness of G.o.d, which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of G.o.d hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not G.o.d hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that G.o.d gave of his Son. And this is the record, that G.o.d hath given to us eternal life; and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son hath not life.

THE GOSPEL. St John xx. 19.

The same day at evening, being the first day I of the week, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were a.s.sembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

THE COLLECT.

Almighty G.o.d, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of G.o.dly life: Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

THE EPISTLE. 1 St Peter ii. 19.

This is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward G.o.d endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently; this is acceptable with G.o.d. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

THE GOSPEL. St John x. 11.

Jesus said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

THE COLLECT.

Almighty G.o.d, who shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness: Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ.

_Amen_.

THE EPISTLE. 1 St Peter ii. 11.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly l.u.s.ts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify G.o.d in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of G.o.d, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness; but as the servants of G.o.d. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear G.o.d. Honour the king.