watch against the temptations of the world, the devil, and the flesh, and, having overcome them, may die happily. Amen.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
WITH this week the Church concludes the solemnities of Christmas. At the Introit, which is the same as on the third Sunday after Epiphany, she calls upon the angels to adore and praise God for the grace of the incarnation of His divine Son, which gave joy to the Church and all t>ious men.
Prayer.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that, ever fixing our thoughts on reasonable things, we may perform, both in words and works, the things that are pleasing to Thee. Through Christ, etc. Amen.
EPISTLE, i. Thess. i. 2-10.
Brethren: We give thanks to God always for you all: making a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing, being mindful of the work of your faith, and labor, and charity, and of the enduring of the hope of Our Lord Jesus Christ before God and our Father. Knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election: for our Gospel hath not been unto you in word only, but in power also, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much fulness, as you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes. And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that you were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but also in every place, your faith which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not to speak anything. For they themselves relate of us, what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven (Whom He raised up from the dead), Jesus Who hath delivered us from the wrath to come.
Explanation.
St. Paul wishes grace and peace to the Thessalonians; gives them the assurance of his prayers without ceasing, and declares
