The Lessons Appointed for Use
on the Feast of

Francis of Assisi

Friar, 1226

October 4

Galatians 6:14-18
Matthew 11:25-30
Psalm 148:7-14 or
Psalm 121

Preface of a Saint (3)

The Collect

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Galatians 6:14-18

May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule-- peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

The Psalm

Psalm 148:7-14 Page 806, BCP

Laudate Dominum

7
Praise the LORD from the earth, *
you sea-monsters and all deeps;

8
Fire and hail, snow and fog, *
tempestuous wind, doing his will;

9
Mountains and all hills, *
fruit trees and all cedars;

10
Wild beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and winged birds;

11
Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;

12
Young men and maidens, *
old and young together.

13
Let them praise the Name of the LORD, *
for his Name only is exalted,
his splendor is over earth and heaven.

14
He has raised up strength for his people
and praise for all his loyal servants, *
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Hallelujah!

or

Psalm 121 Page 779, BCP

Levavi oculos

1
I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?

2
My help comes from the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.

3
He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

4
Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;

5
The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,

6
So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.

7
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.

8
The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.

Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."



Optional parts of the readings are set off in square brackets.

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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