O GOD, who, through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world; Grant, we beseech thee, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show forth our thankfulness unto thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine which he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle (Acts ix. 1)
AND Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him
letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this
way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto
Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly
there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the
earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest
thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am
Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the
pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou
have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the
city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which
journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no
man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he
saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into
Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat
nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named
Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said,
Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go
into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of
Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and
hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his
hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered,
Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to
thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief
priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto
him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name
before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I
will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And
Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his
hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared
unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest
receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately
there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight
forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received
meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the
disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ
in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him
were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which
called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent,
that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul
increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt
at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.The Gospel (St. Luke xxi.10)
THEN said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
+++
