Second Sunday before Advent 18th November 2007
Collect
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that when he shall appear in power and great glory we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First reading - 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busy-bodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
The Gospel
Gospel - Luke 21.5-19
5) When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said,
6) ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’
7) They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’
8) And Jesus said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.
9) When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’
10) Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
11) there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12) But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.
13) This will give you an opportunity to testify.
14) So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance;
15) for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.
16) You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
17) You will be hated by all because of my name.
18) But not a hair of your head will perish.
19) By your endurance you will gain your souls.’
Post-communion
Gracious Lord, in this holy sacrament you give substance to our hope: bring us at the last to that fullness of life for which we long; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.