Mass Readings for Saturday, May 22, 2010

Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Saint Rita of Cascia, (Optional Memorial)

FIRST READING: Acts 28: 16 - 20, 30 - 31

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16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brethren, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.

19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar -- though I had no charge to bring against my nation.

20 For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."

30 And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,

31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered.

PSALM: Psalms 11: 4, 5, 7

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4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids test, the children of men.

5 The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him that loves violence.

7 For the LORD is righteous, he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

GOSPEL: John 21: 20 - 25

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20 Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?"

21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!"

23 The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Mass Readings for Friday, May 21, 2010

 Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

FIRST READING: Acts 25: 13 - 21

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13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Berni'ce arrived at Caesare'a to welcome Festus.

14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix;

15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him.

16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.

17 When therefore they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in.

18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed;

19 but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.

20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."

PSALM: Psalms 103: 1 - 2, 11 - 12, 19 - 20

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1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word!

GOSPEL: John 21: 15 - 19

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15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."

16 A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."

17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go."

19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."