The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of
George Augustus Selwyn
Bishop of New Zealand, and of Lichfield, 1878 April 11

Ephesians 2:11-18
Matthew 10:7-16
Psalm 96:1-7 or
Psalm 98:1-4

Preface of Apostles

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant George Augustus Selwyn, whom you called to preach the Gospel to the people of New Zealand, and Melanesia, and to lay a firm foundation for the growth of your Church in many nations. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 2:11-18

So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision" -- a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands-- remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Psalm 96:1-7 Page 725, BCP

Cantate Domino

1

Sing to the LORD a new song; *
sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.

2

Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3

Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.

4

For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods.

5

As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

6

Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7

Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

or

Psalm 98:1-4 Page 727, BCP

Cantate Domino

1

Sing to the LORD a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.

2

With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.

3

The LORD has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

4

He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to

the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Matthew 10:7-16

Jesus said to the twelve, "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. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

"See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

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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