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| "Jesus Walks in the Portico of Solomon" - by James Tissot |
Saint Joseph the Worker, Optional Memorial
FIRST
READING: Acts 11: 19-26
19
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose
over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch,
speaking the word to none except Jews.
20
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming
to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that
believed turned to the Lord.
22
News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they
sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted
them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose;
24
for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a
large company was added to the Lord.
25
So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul;
26
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole
year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people;
and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called
Christians.
PSALM: Psalms 87: 1-7
1
On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2
the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of
Jacob.
3
Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. [Selah]
4
Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold,
Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia-- "This one was born there,"
they say.
5
And of Zion it shall be said, "This one and that one were born
in her"; for the Most High himself will establish her.
6
The LORD records as he registers the peoples, "This one was born
there." [Selah]
7
Singers and dancers alike say, "All my springs are in you."
GOSPEL: John 10: 22 - 30
22
It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem;
23
it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of
Solomon.
24
So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will
you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
25
Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The
works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me;
26
but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.
27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me;
28
and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one
shall snatch them out of my hand.
29
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one
is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
30
I and the Father are one."
