Readings for the Pentecost Sunday Readings for the Mass during the Day Readings for the At the Vigil Mass Readings for the Pentecost Sunday - Mass during the Day Reading 1 Genesis 11:1-9 The whole world spoke the same language, using the same words. While the people were migrating in the east, they came upon a valley in the land of Shinar and settled there. They said to one another, "Come, let us mold bricks and harden them with fire." They used bricks for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and so make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered all over the earth." The LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the people had built. Then the LORD said: ""If now, while they are one people, all speaking the same language, they have started to do this, nothing will later stop them from doing whatever they presume to do. Let us then go down there and confuse their language, so that one will not understand what another says."" Thus the LORD scattered them from there all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the speech of all the world. It was from that place that he scattered them all over the earth. Responsorial Psalm PSALM 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15 R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down; he sees all mankind. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. From his fixed throne he beholds all who dwell on the earth, He who fashioned the heart of each, he who knows all their works. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Reading 2 EX 19:3-8A, 16-20B Moses went up the mountain to God.Then the LORD called to him and said,""Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob;tell the Israelites:You have seen for yourselves how I treated the Egyptiansand how I bore you up on eagle wingsand brought you here to myself.Therefore, if you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant,you shall be my special possession,dearer to me than all other people,though all the earth is mine.You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.That is what you must tell the Israelites.""So Moses went and summoned the elders of the people.When he set before themall that the LORD had ordered him to tell them,the people all answered together,""Everything the LORD has said, we will do."" On the morning of the third daythere were peals of thunder and lightning,and a heavy cloud over the mountain,and a very loud trumpet blast,so that all the people in the camp trembled.But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God,and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain.Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke,for the LORD came down upon it in fire.The smoke rose from it as though from a furnace,and the whole mountain trembled violently.The trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking,and God answering him with thunder. When the LORD came down to the top of Mount Sinai,he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain. Responsorial Psalm    DANIEL 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 R. (52b) Glory and praise forever! "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages." R. Glory and praise forever! "Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever." R. Glory and praise forever! "Blessed are you on the throne of your Kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever." R. Glory and praise forever! "Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever." R. Glory and praise forever! "Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever." R. Glory and praise forever! OR:  PSALM 19:8, 9, 10, 11 R. (John 6:68c) Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; Sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. Reading 3 EZ 37:1-14 The hand of the LORD came upon me,and he led me out in the spirit of the LORDand set me in the center of the plain,which was now filled with bones.He made me walk among the bones in every directionso that I saw how many they were on the surface of the plain.How dry they were!He asked me:Son of man, can these bones come to life?I answered, ""Lord GOD, you alone know that.""Then he said to me:Prophesy over these bones, and say to them:Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones:See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life.I will put sinews upon you, make flesh grow over you,cover you with skin, and put spirit in youso that you may come to life and know that I am the LORD.I, Ezekiel, prophesied as I had been told,and even as I was prophesying I heard a noise;it was a rattling as the bones came together, bone joining bone.I saw the sinews and the flesh come upon them,and the skin cover them, but there was no spirit in them.Then the LORD said to me:Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man,and say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord GOD:From the four winds come, O spirit,and breathe into these slain that they may come to life.I prophesied as he told me, and the spirit came into them;they came alive and stood upright, a vast army.Then he said to me:Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.They have been saying,""Our bones are dried up,our hope is lost, and we are cut off.""Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD:O my people, I will open your gravesand have you rise from them,and bring you back to the land of Israel.Then you shall know that I am the LORD,when I open your graves and have you rise from them,O my people!I will put my spirit in you that you may live,and I will settle you upon your land;thus you shall know that I am the LORD.I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD. Responsorial Psalm PSALM 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (1) Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia.Let the redeemed of the LORD say,those whom he has redeemed from the hand of the foeAnd gathered from the lands,from the east and the west, from the north and the south.R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia.They went astray in the desert wilderness;the way to an inhabited city they did not find.Hungry and thirsty,their life was wasting away within them.R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia.They cried to the LORD in their distress;from their straits he rescued them.And he led them by a direct wayto reach an inhabited city.R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia.Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercyand his wondrous deeds to the children of men,Because he satisfied the longing souland filled the hungry soul with good things.R. Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia. Reading 4                                         JL 3:1-5 Thus says the LORD:I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.Your sons and daughters shall prophesy,your old men shall dream dreams,your young men shall see visions;even upon the servants and the handmaids,in those days, I will pour out my spirit.And I will work wonders in the heavens and on the earth,blood, fire, and columns of smoke;the sun will be turned to darkness,and the moon to blood,at the coming of the day of the LORD,the great and terrible day.Then everyone shall be rescuedwho calls on the name of the LORD;for on Mount Zion there shall be a remnant,as the LORD has said,and in Jerusalem survivorswhom the LORD shall call. Responsorial Psalm PSALM 104:1-2, 24 AND 35, 27-28, 29-30 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.Bless the LORD, O my soul!O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!You are clothed with majesty and glory,robed in light as with a cloak.R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.How manifold are your works, O LORD!In wisdom you have wrought them all—the earth is full of your creatures;bless the LORD, O my soul! Alleluia.R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.Creatures all look to youto give them food in due time.When you give it to them, they gather it;when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.If you take away their breath, they perishand return to their dust.When you send forth your spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the earth.R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia. Epistle ROM 8:22-27 Brothers and sisters:We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;and not only that, but we ourselves,who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,we also groan within ourselvesas we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.For in hope we were saved.Now hope that sees is not hope.For who hopes for what one sees?But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness;for we do not know how to pray as we ought,but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.And the one who searches heartsknows what is the intention of the Spirit,because he intercedes for the holy onesaccording to God's will. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithfuland kindle in them the fire of your love. Gospel JN 7:37-39 Jesus stood up and exclaimed, "Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. As Scripture says:Rivers of living water will flow from within him who believes in me." He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Pentecost Sunday Readings for the Mass during the Day Readings for the At the Vigil Mass Readings for the Extended Vigil Reading 1 Acts 2:1-11 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,they were all in one place together.And suddenly there came from the skya noise like a strong driving wind,and it filled the entire house in which they were.Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,which parted and came to rest on each one of them.And they were all filled with the Holy Spiritand began to speak in different tongues,as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,but they were confusedbecause each one heard them speaking in his own language.They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,"Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,as well as travelers from Rome,both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,yet we hear them speaking in our own tonguesof the mighty acts of God." Responsorial Psalm Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.Bless the LORD, O my soul!O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!How manifold are your works, O LORD!the earth is full of your creatures;R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.May the glory of the LORD endure forever;may the LORD be glad in his works!Pleasing to him be my theme;I will be glad in the LORD.R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.If you take away their breath, they perishand return to their dust.When you send forth your spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the earth.R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.or:R. Alleluia. Reading 2 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 Brothers and sisters:No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord;there are different workings but the same Godwho produces all of them in everyone.To each individual the manifestation of the Spiritis given for some benefit.As a body is one though it has many parts,and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,so also Christ.For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.or   Gal 5:16-25 Brothers and sisters, live by the Spiritand you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.For the flesh has desires against the Spirit,and the Spirit against the flesh;these are opposed to each other,so that you may not do what you want.But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.Now the works of the flesh are obvious:immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry,sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy,outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness,dissensions, factions, occasions of envy,drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.I warn you, as I warned you before,that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, generosity,faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.Against such there is no law.Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their fleshwith its passions and desires.If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Sequence Veni, Sancte SpiritusCome, Holy Spirit, come!And from your celestial homeShed a ray of light divine!Come, Father of the poor!Come, source of all our store!Come, within our bosoms shine.You, of comforters the best;You, the soul's most welcome guest;Sweet refreshment here below;In our labor, rest most sweet;Grateful coolness in the heat;Solace in the midst of woe.O most blessed Light divine,Shine within these hearts of yours,And our inmost being fill!Where you are not, we have naught,Nothing good in deed or thought,Nothing free from taint of ill.Heal our wounds, our strength renew;On our dryness pour your dew;Wash the stains of guilt away:Bend the stubborn heart and will;Melt the frozen, warm the chill;Guide the steps that go astray.On the faithful, who adoreAnd confess you, evermoreIn your sevenfold gift descend;Give them virtue's sure reward;Give them your salvation, Lord;Give them joys that never end. Amen.Alleluia. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithfuland kindle in them the fire of your love.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 20:19-23 On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, "Peace be with you."When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you."And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,"Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained."or   Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15 Jesus said to his disciples:"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father,he will testify to me.And you also testify,because you have been with me from the beginning."I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,he will guide you to all truth.He will not speak on his own,but he will speak what he hears,and will declare to you the things that are coming.He will glorify me,because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.Everything that the Father has is mine;for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mineand declare it to you." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,with the soldier who was guarding him.Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers,although I had done nothing against our peopleor our ancestral customs,I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.This is the reason, then, I have requested to see youand to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israelthat I wear these chains." He remained for two full years in his lodgings.He received all who came to him, and with complete assuranceand without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of Godand taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Responsorial Psalm Ps 11:4, 5 and 7 R. (see 7b) The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.or:R. Alleluia.The LORD is in his holy temple;the LORD's throne is in heaven.His eyes behold,his searching glance is on mankind.R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.or:R. Alleluia.The LORD searches the just and the wicked;the lover of violence he hates.For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;the upright shall see his face.R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 16:7, 13 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;he will guide you to all truth.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 21:20-25 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supperand had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?"When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?What concern is it of yours? You follow me."So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,just "What if I want him to remain until I come?What concern is it of yours?"It is this disciple who testifies to these thingsand has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.There are also many other things that Jesus did,but if these were to be described individually,I do not think the whole world would contain the booksthat would be written. Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint John I, pope, martyr - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,with the soldier who was guarding him.Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers,although I had done nothing against our peopleor our ancestral customs,I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.This is the reason, then, I have requested to see youand to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israelthat I wear these chains." He remained for two full years in his lodgings.He received all who came to him, and with complete assuranceand without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of Godand taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Responsorial Psalm Ps 11:4, 5 and 7 R. (see 7b) The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.or:R. Alleluia.The LORD is in his holy temple;the LORD's throne is in heaven.His eyes behold,his searching glance is on mankind.R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.or:R. Alleluia.The LORD searches the just and the wicked;the lover of violence he hates.For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;the upright shall see his face.R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 16:7, 13 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;he will guide you to all truth.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 21:20-25 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supperand had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?"When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?What concern is it of yours? You follow me."So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,just "What if I want him to remain until I come?What concern is it of yours?"It is this disciple who testifies to these thingsand has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.There are also many other things that Jesus did,but if these were to be described individually,I do not think the whole world would contain the booksthat would be written. Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint John I, pope, martyr - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 25:13b-21 King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesareaon a visit to Festus.Since they spent several days there,Festus referred Paul's case to the king, saying,"There is a man here left in custody by Felix.When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jewsbrought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.I answered them that it was not Roman practiceto hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusersand had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.So when they came together here, I made no delay;the next day I took my seat on the tribunaland ordered the man to be brought in.His accusers stood around him,but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.Instead they had some issues with him about their own religionand about a certain Jesus who had diedbut who Paul claimed was alive.Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalemand there stand trial on these charges.And when Paul appealed that he be held in custodyfor the Emperor's decision,I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar." Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab R. (19a) The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia.Bless the LORD, O my soul;and all my being, bless his holy name.Bless the LORD, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits.R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia.For as the heavens are high above the earth,so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.As far as the east is from the west,so far has he put our transgressions from us.R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia.The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.Bless the LORD, all you his angels,you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 14:26 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Holy Spirit will teach you everythingand remind you of all I told you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 21:15-19 After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter,"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."He then said to Simon Peter a second time,"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."He said to him the third time,"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"Peter was distressed that he had said to him a 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.Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,and someone else will dress youand lead you where you do not want to go."He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me." - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 25:13b-21 King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesareaon a visit to Festus.Since they spent several days there,Festus referred Paul's case to the king, saying,"There is a man here left in custody by Felix.When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jewsbrought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.I answered them that it was not Roman practiceto hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusersand had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.So when they came together here, I made no delay;the next day I took my seat on the tribunaland ordered the man to be brought in.His accusers stood around him,but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.Instead they had some issues with him about their own religionand about a certain Jesus who had diedbut who Paul claimed was alive.Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalemand there stand trial on these charges.And when Paul appealed that he be held in custodyfor the Emperor's decision,I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar." Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab R. (19a) The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia.Bless the LORD, O my soul;and all my being, bless his holy name.Bless the LORD, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits.R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia.For as the heavens are high above the earth,so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.As far as the east is from the west,so far has he put our transgressions from us.R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia.The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.Bless the LORD, all you his angels,you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 14:26 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Holy Spirit will teach you everythingand remind you of all I told you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 21:15-19 After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter,"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."He then said to Simon Peter a second time,"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."He said to him the third time,"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"Peter was distressed that he had said to him a 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.Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,and someone else will dress youand lead you where you do not want to go."He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 Wishing to determine the truthabout why Paul was being accused by the Jews,the commander freed himand ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,so he called out before the Sanhedrin,"My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead."When he said this,a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,and the group became divided.For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrectionor angels or spirits,while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.A great uproar occurred,and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee partystood up and sharply argued,"We find nothing wrong with this man.Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"The dispute was so serious that the commander,afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midstand take him into the compound.The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage.For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,so you must also bear witness in Rome." Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 R. (1) Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot. R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.I bless the LORD who counsels me;even in the night my heart exhorts me.I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.You will show me the path to life,fullness of joys in your presence,the delights at your right hand forever.R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 17:21 R. Alleluia, alleluia.May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you,that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 17:20-26 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:"I pray not only for these,but also for those who will believe in me through their word,so that they may all be one,as you, Father, are in me and I in you,that they also may be in us,that the world may believe that you sent me.And I have given them the glory you gave me,so that they may be one, as we are one,I in them and you in me,that they may be brought to perfection as one,that the world may know that you sent me,and that you loved them even as you loved me.Father, they are your gift to me.I wish that where I am they also may be with me,that they may see my glory that you gave me,because you loved me before the foundation of the world.Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,but I know you, and they know that you sent me.I made known to them your name and I will make it known,that the love with which you loved memay be in them and I in them." - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 Wishing to determine the truthabout why Paul was being accused by the Jews,the commander freed himand ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene.Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees,so he called out before the Sanhedrin,"My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees;I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead."When he said this,a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees,and the group became divided.For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrectionor angels or spirits,while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.A great uproar occurred,and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee partystood up and sharply argued,"We find nothing wrong with this man.Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"The dispute was so serious that the commander,afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them,ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midstand take him into the compound.The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage.For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,so you must also bear witness in Rome." Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 R. (1) Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot. R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.I bless the LORD who counsels me;even in the night my heart exhorts me.I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia.You will show me the path to life,fullness of joys in your presence,the delights at your right hand forever.R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 17:21 R. Alleluia, alleluia.May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you,that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 17:20-26 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:"I pray not only for these,but also for those who will believe in me through their word,so that they may all be one,as you, Father, are in me and I in you,that they also may be in us,that the world may believe that you sent me.And I have given them the glory you gave me,so that they may be one, as we are one,I in them and you in me,that they may be brought to perfection as one,that the world may know that you sent me,and that you loved them even as you loved me.Father, they are your gift to me.I wish that where I am they also may be with me,that they may see my glory that you gave me,because you loved me before the foundation of the world.Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,but I know you, and they know that you sent me.I made known to them your name and I will make it known,that the love with which you loved memay be in them and I in them." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 20:28-38 At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flockof which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,in which you tend the Church of Godthat he acquired with his own Blood.I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,and they will not spare the flock.And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truthto draw the disciples away after them.So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.And now I commend you to Godand to that gracious word of his that can build you upand give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.You know well that these very handshave served my needs and my companions.In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sortwe must help the weak,and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” When he had finished speakinghe knelt down and prayed with them all.They were all weeping loudlyas they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,for they were deeply distressed that he had saidthat they would never see his face again.Then they escorted him to the ship. Responsorial Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab R.    (33a)  Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia.Show forth, O God, your power,the power, O God, with which you took our part;For your temple in Jerusalemlet the kings bring you gifts.R.    Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia.You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,chant praise to the Lordwho rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:“Confess the power of God!”R.    Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia.Over Israel is his majesty;his power is in the skies.Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;he gives power and strength to his people.R.    Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 17:17b, 17a R. Alleluia, alleluia.Your word, O Lord, is truth;consecrate us in the truth.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 17:11b-19 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Isidore - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 20:28-38 At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flockof which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,in which you tend the Church of Godthat he acquired with his own Blood.I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,and they will not spare the flock.And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truthto draw the disciples away after them.So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.And now I commend you to Godand to that gracious word of his that can build you upand give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.You know well that these very handshave served my needs and my companions.In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sortwe must help the weak,and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” When he had finished speakinghe knelt down and prayed with them all.They were all weeping loudlyas they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,for they were deeply distressed that he had saidthat they would never see his face again.Then they escorted him to the ship. Responsorial Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab R.    (33a)  Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia.Show forth, O God, your power,the power, O God, with which you took our part;For your temple in Jerusalemlet the kings bring you gifts.R.    Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia.You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,chant praise to the Lordwho rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:“Confess the power of God!”R.    Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia.Over Israel is his majesty;his power is in the skies.Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;he gives power and strength to his people.R.    Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R.    Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 17:17b, 17a R. Alleluia, alleluia.Your word, O Lord, is truth;consecrate us in the truth.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 17:11b-19 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Isidore - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, “My brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. Judas was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. For it is written in the Book of Psalms:             Let his encampment become desolate,                         and may no one dwell in it. and:             May another take his office. Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. Responsorial Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 R.        (8)  The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. Praise, you servants of the LORD,             praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD             both now and forever. R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. From the rising to the setting of the sun             is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD;             above the heavens is his glory. R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high             and looks upon the heavens and the earth below? R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. He raises up the lowly from the dust;             from the dunghill he lifts up the poor To seat them with princes,             with the princes of his own people. R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. Alleluia See Jn 15:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 15:9-17 Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you:  love one another.”   - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, “My brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. Judas was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. For it is written in the Book of Psalms:             Let his encampment become desolate,                         and may no one dwell in it. and:             May another take his office. Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. Responsorial Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 R.        (8)  The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. Praise, you servants of the LORD,             praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD             both now and forever. R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. From the rising to the setting of the sun             is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD;             above the heavens is his glory. R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high             and looks upon the heavens and the earth below? R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. He raises up the lowly from the dust;             from the dunghill he lifts up the poor To seat them with princes,             with the princes of his own people. R.        The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. or: R.        Alleluia. Alleluia See Jn 15:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 15:9-17 Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you:  love one another.”   - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter Readings for the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter - Ascension Reading I Acts 1:1-11 In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9  R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. All you peoples, clap your hands,     shout to God with cries of gladness, For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,     is the great king over all the earth.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;     the LORD, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise;     sing praise to our king, sing praise.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. For king of all the earth is God;     sing hymns of praise. God reigns over the nations,     God sits upon his holy throne.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. Reading II Eph 1:17-23 Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. OR: Eph 4:1-13 or 4:1-7, 11-13 Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it says:     He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;     he gave gifts to men. What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  OR: Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  Alleluia Mt 28:19a, 20b R. Alleluia, alleluia. Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 16:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter - Ascension Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter Reading I Acts 1:1-11 In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9  R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. All you peoples, clap your hands,     shout to God with cries of gladness, For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,     is the great king over all the earth.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;     the LORD, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise;     sing praise to our king, sing praise.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. For king of all the earth is God;     sing hymns of praise. God reigns over the nations,     God sits upon his holy throne.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. Reading II Eph 1:17-23 Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. OR: Eph 4:1-13 or 4:1-7, 11-13 Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it says:     He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;     he gave gifts to men. What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  OR: Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  Alleluia Mt 28:19a, 20b R. Alleluia, alleluia. Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 16:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter - Ascension Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter Reading I Acts 1:1-11 In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9  R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. All you peoples, clap your hands,     shout to God with cries of gladness, For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,     is the great king over all the earth.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;     the LORD, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise;     sing praise to our king, sing praise.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. For king of all the earth is God;     sing hymns of praise. God reigns over the nations,     God sits upon his holy throne.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. Reading II Eph 1:17-23 Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. OR: Eph 4:1-13 or 4:1-7, 11-13 Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it says:     He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;     he gave gifts to men. What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  OR: Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  Alleluia Mt 28:19a, 20b R. Alleluia, alleluia. Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 16:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter Readings for the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter - Ascension Reading I Acts 1:1-11 In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9  R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. All you peoples, clap your hands,     shout to God with cries of gladness, For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,     is the great king over all the earth.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;     the LORD, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise;     sing praise to our king, sing praise.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. For king of all the earth is God;     sing hymns of praise. God reigns over the nations,     God sits upon his holy throne.R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:  a blare of trumpets for the Lord. or:R. Alleluia. Reading II Eph 1:17-23 Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. OR: Eph 4:1-13 or 4:1-7, 11-13 Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it says:     He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;     he gave gifts to men. What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  OR: Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  Alleluia Mt 28:19a, 20b R. Alleluia, alleluia. Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 16:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 19:1-8 While Apollos was in Corinth,Paul traveled through the interior of the countryand down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them,“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”They answered him,“We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”He said, “How were you baptized?”They replied, “With the baptism of John.”Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance,telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,that is, in Jesus.”When they heard this,they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.And when Paul laid his hands on them,the Holy Spirit came upon them,and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.Altogether there were about twelve men.He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldlywith persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God. Responsorial Psalm PS 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.God arises; his enemies are scattered,and those who hate him flee before him.As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;as wax melts before the fire. R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.But the just rejoice and exult before God;they are glad and rejoice.Sing to God, chant praise to his name;whose name is the LORD. R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R. Alleluia.The father of orphans and the defender of widowsis God in his holy dwelling.God gives a home to the forsaken;he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Col 3:1 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If then you were raised with Christ,seek what is above,where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 16:29-33 The disciples said to Jesus,“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.Now we realize that you know everythingand that you do not need to have anyone question you.Because of this we believe that you came from God.”Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?Behold, the hour is coming and has arrivedwhen each of you will be scattered to his own homeand you will leave me alone.But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.In the world you will have trouble,but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.