The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of
Constance, Nun, and her Companions
Commonly called "The Martyrs of Memphis", 1878 September 9

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
John 12:24-28
Psalm 116:1-8 or
Psalm 116:10-17

The Preface of a Saint (1)

We give you thanks and praise, O God of compassion, for the heroic witness of Constance and her companions, who, in a time of plague and pestilence, were steadfast in their care for the sick and dying, and loved not their own lives, even unto death: Inspire in us a like love and commitment to those in need, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.

Psalm 116:1-8 Page 759, BCP

Dilexi, quoniam

1

I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

2

The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.

3

Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: *
"O LORD, I pray you, save my life."

4

Gracious is the LORD and righteous; *
our God is full of compassion.

5

The LORD watches over the innocent; *
I was brought very low, and he helped me.

6

Turn again to your rest, O my soul, *
for the LORD has treated you well.

7

For you have rescued my life from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.

8

I will walk in the presence of the LORD *
in the land of the living.

or

Psalm 116:10-17 Page 759, BCP

Dilexi, quoniam

10

How shall I repay the LORD *
for all the good things he has done for me?

11

I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.

12

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people.

13

Precious in the sight of the LORD *
is the death of his servants.

14

O LORD, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.

15

I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.

16

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people,

17

In the courts of the LORD'S house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!

John 12:24-28

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
"Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say-- `Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."

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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