Mass Readings

First Reading – Acts 6:1-7

As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Responsorial Psalm – Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 (R. 22)

R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in You.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant His praises. R.

Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all His works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. R.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear Him,
upon those who hope for His kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine. R.

Gospel – Jn 6:16-21

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But He said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take Him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

Featured Saints

St. Caius, Pope (†296). Escaped the Diocletian Persecution and died as a confessor of the Faith.

St. Soter, Pope (†175). He stood out for his admirable charity toward needy pilgrims, the indigent and those condemned to forced labour.

St. Agapitus I, Pope (†536). He steadfastly worked so that the Bishop of Rome would be freely chosen by the clergy of the city and that everywhere the dignity of the Church would be preserved. He died in Constantinople, where he went to meet with Emperor Justinian.

St. Theodore of Sykeon, bishop and abbot (†613). As an anchorite, he founded a monastery to accommodate his numerous disciples. After being elected Bishop of Anastasiopolis, he asked to return to hermetic life. He died in Sykeon, present-day Turkey.

St. Leonides, martyr (†204). Father of Origen of Alexandria, put to death by the sword in that Egyptian city during the persecution of Septimius Severus, when his son was but a young boy.

St. Maryahb, martyr (†341). Persian archdeacon martyred during the persecution of King Shapur II. His name means: “The Lord disposes.”

St. Oportuna, abbess (†c. 770). In French territory, St. Oportuna was famed for her abstinence and austerity.

St. Senorina, abbess (†circa 980). Descendent of a noble family of Braga, Portugal. She took the habit in the convent of St. John of Venaria, of which she became abbess.