READING1 Peter 5:10-11
The God of all grace, who called us to his everlasting glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish those who have suffered a little while. Dominion be his throughout the ages. Amen.
God clothed him in gladness.
- And placed a crown of glory on his head.
READINGJames 1:12
Happy the man who holds out to the end through trial! Once he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life the Lord has promised to those who love him.
I have put my hope in God.
- I have no fear of man.
READINGWisdom 3:1-2a, 3b
The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead.
But they are in peace.
They come, see, they come singing for joy.
- Homeward bound, laden with sheaves.
COLLECT O God, who willed that Saint John the Baptist
should go ahead of your Son
both in his birth and in his death,
grant that, as he died a Martyr for truth and justice,
we, too, may fight hard
for the confession of what you teach.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.