FIRST
READING: Acts
15: 7 - 21
7
And when there had been much disputing, Peter, rising up, said to
them: Men, brethren, you know, that in former days God made choice
among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the
gospel, and believe.
8
And God, who knoweth the hearts, gave testimony, giving unto them the
Holy Ghost, as well as to us;
9
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith.
10
Now therefore, why tempt you God to put a yoke upon the necks of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
11
But by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, in
like manner as they also.
12
And all the multitude held their peace; and they heard Barnabas and
Paul telling what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the
Gentiles by them.
13
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying: Men,
brethren, hear me.
14
Simon hath related how God first visited to take of the Gentiles a
people to his name.
15
And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written:
16
After these things I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of
David, which is fallen down; and the ruins thereof I will rebuild,
and I will set it up:
17
That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all nations upon
whom my name is invoked, saith the Lord, who doth these things.
18
To the Lord was his own work known from the beginning of the world.
19
For which cause I judge that they, who from among the Gentiles are
converted to God, are not to be disquieted.
20
But that we write unto them, that they refrain themselves from the
pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled,
and from blood.
21
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him in the
synagogues, where he is read every sabbath.
PSALM:
Psalms 96:
1 - 3, 10
1
Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2
Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: shew forth his salvation from
day to day.
3
Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.
10
Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For he hath
corrected the world, which shall not be moved: he will judge the
people with justice.
GOSPEL:
John 15:
9 - 11
9
As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love.
10
If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also
have kept my Father's commandments, and do abide in his love.
11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and
your joy may be filled.