Easter 3 Sermons and Commentary

THE COLLECT.
Almighty God, who shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness: Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion, that they may forsake those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE EPISTLE. 1 S. Peter 2.11
DEARLY beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness; but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

THE GOSPEL. S. John 16. 16
JESUS said to his disciples, A little while, and ye shall not see me; and again a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me; and again a little while, and ye shall see me; and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me; and again a little while and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in travail, hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

INTROIT. Ps 66:1-6
O BE joyful in God, all ye lands; / sing praises unto the honour of his Name, make his praise to be glorious.
2 Say unto God, 'O how wonderful are thy works! / because of the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies feign obedience unto thee.
3 All the world shall worship thee, / sing of thee, and praise thy Name.
4 O come hither, and behold the works of God: / how wonderful he is in his doing toward the children of men.
5 He turned the sea into dry land, / so that they went through the water on foot; there did we rejoice thereof.
Ant. He ruleth with his power for ever; his eyes keep watch upon the nations: / let not such as be rebellious exalt themselves.
Glory be. Repeat Antiphon.

GRADUAL. Ps 66:7-8*
O PRAISE our God, ye people, / and make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8 Who holdeth our soul in life, / and suffereth not our feet to slip.

* During Eastertide, Alleluia is said twice before the psalm portion, and once after the last verse. It may be said after each verse.

Additional Propers for Eucharistic Devotions