The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of
Perpetua and her Companions
Martyrs at Carthage, 202 March 7

Hebrews 10:32-39
Matthew 24:9-14
Psalm 34:1-8 or
Psalm 124

Preface of a Saint (3)

O God the King of saints, you strengthened your servants Perpetua and Felicitas and their companions to make a good confession, staunchly resisting, for the cause of Christ, the claims of human affection, and encouraging one another in their time of trial: Grant that we who cherish their blessed memory may share their pure and steadfast faith, and win with them the palm of victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 10:32-39

Recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

For yet "in a very little while,

the one who is coming will come and will not delay;

but my righteous one will live by faith.

My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back."

But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.

Psalm 34:1-8 Page 627, BCP

Benedicam Dominum

1

I will bless the LORD at all times; *
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

2

I will glory in the LORD; *
let the humble hear and rejoice.

3

Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *
let us exalt his Name together.

4

I sought the LORD, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror.

5

Look upon him and be radiant, *
and let not your faces be ashamed.

6

I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *
and saved me from all my troubles.

7

The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, *
and he will deliver them.

8

Taste and see that the LORD is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!

or

Psalm 124 Page 781, BCP

Nisi quia Dominus

1

If the LORD had not been on our side, *
let Israel now say;

2

If the LORD had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;

3

Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;

4

Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;

5

Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.

6

Blessed be the LORD! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.

7

We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.

8

Our help is in the Name of the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.

Matthew 24:9-14

Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said, "They will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come."

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.

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