Martyrs of Uganda, 1886

The Collect:

Rite I:
O God, by whose providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church: Grant that we who remember before thee the blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience unto death, and by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Rite II:
O God, by whose providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church: Grant that we who remember before you the blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience even to death, and by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson: Hebrews 10:32-39

³² But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, ³³sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. ³⁴For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. ³⁵Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. ³⁶For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ³⁷For yet
‘in a very little while,
   the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
³⁸ but my righteous one will live by faith.
   My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.’
³⁹But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.

Psalm: Psalm 138

¹ I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; *
       before the gods I will sing your praise.
² I will bow down toward your holy temple
  and praise your Name, *
       because of your love and faithfulness;
³ For you have glorified your Name *
       and your word above all things.
⁴ When I called, you answered me; *
       you increased my strength within me.
⁵ All the kings of the earth will praise you, O Lord, *
       when they have heard the words of your mouth.
⁶ They will sing of the ways of the Lord, *
       that great is the glory of the Lord.
⁷ Though the Lord be high, he cares for the lowly; *
       he perceives the haughty from afar.
⁸ Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *
       you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;
       your right hand shall save me.
⁹ The Lord will make good his purpose for me; *
       O Lord, your love endures for ever;
       do not abandon the works of your hands.

Gospel: Matthew 24:9-14

⁹ ‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. ¹⁰Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹²And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³But anyone who endures to the end will be saved. ¹⁴And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.

This page is available in: Español