Centurio Epistula – Second Coming

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

[the second collect is that from Advent 1, it is repeated each Sunday before Christmas and is very appropriate for today’s Gospel]

Romans xv. 4 & St. Luke xxi. 25

Today's collect reminds us that God gave us the Scripture for our great benefit. Our belief affirms this as the Creed is prefaced with the verse "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". The Psalms and Proverbs praise God that his people alone have been blessed with his Word. We are indeed blessed and our hope is found in today's Gospel. In this season of Advent, we hear our Lord prophesy of his return: then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. In Revelations, John records his vision of the Second Coming. This is the Order's vision as well.

see the rest of the homily, art, and readings here:
http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/advent2.html

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org