Readings for the Martyrs of Lyons

Readings for the Memorial of
Blandina and The Martyrs of Lyons
AD 177
June 2

The Martyrs of Lyons are on both the Catholic and Episcopal Calendars, but commemorated more particularly on the Episcopal calendars. The following are the Readings from the Episcopal Church

1 Peter 1:3-9
Mark 8:34-38
Psalm 126 or
Psalm 34:1-8

The Collect
Grant, O Lord, that we who keep the feast of the holy martyrs Blandina and her companions may be rooted and grounded in love of you, and may endure the sufferings of this life for the glory that shall be revealed in us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson
1 Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Psalm 126

In convertendo

1: When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2: Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3: Then they said among the nations, *
"The LORD has done great things for them."
4: The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5: Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6: Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7: Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Psalm 34:1-8

Benedicam Domine

1: I will bless the LORD at all times; *
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2: I will glory in the LORD; *
let the humble hear and rejoice.
3: Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *
let us exalt his Name together.
4: I sought the LORD, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror.
5: Look upon him and be radiant, *
and let not your faces be ashamed.
6: I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *
and saved me from all my troubles.
7: The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, *
and he will deliver them.
8: Taste and see that the LORD is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!

The Gospel
Mark 8:34-38

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

The English translation of Psalm Responses, Alleluia Verses, Gospel Verses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL); the English translation of Antiphons, Invitatories, Responsories, Intercessions, Psalm 95, the Canticle of the Lamb, Psalm Prayers, Non-Biblical Readings from The Liturgy of the Hours © 1973, 1974, 1975, ICEL; excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved. Used with permission.