FIRST
READING: Acts 1: 15 - 17, 20 - 26
15
In those days Peter stood up among the brethren (the company of
persons was in all about a hundred and twenty), and said,
16
"Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy
Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who
was guide to those who arrested Jesus.
17
For he was numbered among us, and was allotted his share in this
ministry.
20
For it is written in the book of Psalms, `Let his habitation become
desolate, and let there be no one to live in it'; and `His office let
another take.'
21
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that
the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22
beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up
from us -- one of these men must become with us a witness to his
resurrection."
23
And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsab'bas, who was surnamed
Justus, and Matthi'as.
24
And they prayed and said, "Lord, who knowest the hearts of all
men, show which one of these two thou hast chosen
25
to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas
turned aside, to go to his own place."
26
And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthi'as; and he
was enrolled with the eleven apostles.
PSALM:
Psalms
113:
1 - 8
1
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of
the LORD!
2
Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for
evermore!
3
From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to
be praised!
4
The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
5
Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
6
who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth?
7
He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash
heap,
8
to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
GOSPEL:
John
15:
9 - 17
9
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.
10
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I
have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and
that your joy may be full.
12
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have
loved you.
13
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends.
14
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what
his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I
have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you
should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that
whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
17
This I command you, to love one another.
