The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of
Patrick
Bishop and Missionary of Ireland, 461 March 17

1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12
Matthew 28:16-20
Psalm 97:1-2,7-12 or
Psalm 96:1-7

Preface of Apostles

Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12

We had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Psalm 97:1-2,7-12 Page 726, BCP

Dominus regnavit

1

The LORD is King;
let the earth rejoice; *
let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2

Clouds and darkness are round about him, *
righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.

7

Confounded be all who worship carved images
and delight in false gods! *
Bow down before him, all you gods.

8

Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
because of your judgments, O LORD.

9

For you are the LORD,
most high over all the earth; *
you are exalted far above all gods.

10

The LORD loves those who hate evil;
he preserves the lives of his saints
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11

Light has sprung up for the righteous, *
and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.

12

Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, *
and give thanks to his holy Name.

or

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.

Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

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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