The Collect.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we who here observe
the heavenly birthday of thy blessed Virgin Catherine; may in
such wise rejoice in her yearly festival, that we may learn
to follow rightly the pattern of her godliness. Through.
The Epistle. 2 Corinthians 10:17-11:2 [Mass 19, Dilexisti]
17 He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the
Lord commendeth.
1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and
indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused
you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ.
The Gospel. St Matthew 25:1-13a [Mass 19, Dilexisti]
1 The kingdom of heaven be likened
unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet
the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with
them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for
our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough
for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for
yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they
that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door
was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord,
open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you
not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.