FIRST
READING: Acts 14: 5 - 18
5
When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their
rulers, to molest them and to stone them,
6
they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycao'nia,
and to the surrounding country;
7
and there they preached the gospel.
8
Now at Lystra there was a man sitting, who could not use his feet; he
was a cripple from birth, who had never walked.
9
He listened to Paul speaking; and Paul, looking intently at him and
seeing that he had faith to be made well,
10
said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he
sprang up and walked.
11
And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their
voices, saying in Lycao'nian, "The gods have come down to us in
the likeness of men!"
12
Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, because he was the chief
speaker, they called Hermes.
13
And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of the city,
brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice
with the people.
14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their
garments and rushed out among the multitude, crying,
15
"Men, why are you doing this? We also are men, of like nature
with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these
vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the
sea and all that is in them.
16
In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own
ways;
17
yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good and
gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your
hearts with food and gladness."
18
With these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering
sacrifice to them.
PSALM: Psalms 115: 1 - 4, 15 - 16
1
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to thy name give glory, for the
sake of thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness!
2
Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
3
Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases.
4
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
15
May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!
16
The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the
sons of men.
GOSPEL: John 14: 21 - 26
21
He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and
he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and
manifest myself to him."
22
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will
manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?"
23
Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our
home with him.
24
He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which
you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
25
"These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you.
26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my
name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all
that I have said to you.
