Agnes and Cecilia of Rome

The Collect:

Rite I:
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose those whom the world deemeth powerless to put the powerful to shame: Grant us so to cherish the memory of thy youthful martyrs Agnes and Cecilia, that we might share their pure and steadfast faith in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Rite II:
Almighty and everlasting God, who chooses those whom the world deems powerless to put the powerful to shame, grant us so to cherish the memory of your youthful martyrs Agnes and Cecilia, that we might share their pure and steadfast faith in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson: Song of Songs 2:10-13

¹⁰ My beloved speaks and says to me:
‘Arise, my love, my fair one,
   and come away;
¹¹ for now the winter is past,
   the rain is over and gone.
¹² The flowers appear on the earth;
   the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtle-dove
   is heard in our land.
¹³ The fig tree puts forth its figs,
   and the vines are in blossom;
   they give forth fragrance.
Arise, my love, my fair one,
   and come away.

Psalm: Psalm 45:11-16

¹¹ “Hear, O daughter; consider and listen closely; *
       forget your people and your father’s house.
¹² The king will have pleasure in your beauty; *
       he is your master; therefore do him honor.
¹³ The people of Tyre are here with a gift; *
       the rich among the people seek your favor.”
¹⁴ All glorious is the princess as she enters; *
       her gown is cloth-of-gold.
¹⁵ In embroidered apparel she is brought to the king; *
       after her the bridesmaids follow in procession.
¹⁶ With joy and gladness they are brought, *
       and enter into the palace of the king.

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-6

¹ At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ ²He called a child, whom he put among them, ³and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.⁴Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

⁶ ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.

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