A reading from the second letter of St Paul to Timothy.

As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to depart. I have fought the good fight to the end, I have run the race to the finish. I have kept the faith; all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have longed for his appearing.

The Word of the Lord.