The Collect.
ALMIGHTY GOD, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy
Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed
thy flock: give grace, we beseech thee, to all Bishops, the Pastors
of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy Word, and
duly administer the godly Discipline thereof; and grant to the
people, that they may obediently follow the same, that all may
receive the crown of everlasting glory. Through the same thy
Son Jesus Christ our Lord. [Who]
The Epistle. 1Timothy 3:1-7 1 This is a true saying, If a man desire
the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in
subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall
he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into
the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without;
lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
¶ another epistle.
The Epistle. Acts 20:17-35
17 IN THOSE DAYS: From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called
the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know,
from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I
have been with you at all seasons,
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many
tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait
of the Jews:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you,
but have shown you, and have taught you publicly, and from house
to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,
not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying
that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life
dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy,
and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to
testify the gospel of the grace of God.
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone
preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from
the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel
of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,
over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed
the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves
enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse
things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three
years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of
his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an
inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered
unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35 I have shown you all things, how that so labouring ye ought
to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
The Gospel. St. John 21:15-17 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,
son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him,
Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,
Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas,
lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that
I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest
thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third
time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest
all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him,
Feed my sheep.
¶ Another Gospel
St. John 20:19-23
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the
week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled
for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and
saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20 And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and
his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father
hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith
unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and
whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.
¶ Another Gospel
St Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given
unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world. Amen.