Mass Readings

First Reading – Acts 15:1-6

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters about this question. They were sent on their journey by the Church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brethren. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church, as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

Responsorial Psalm – 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 (R.see 1)

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem. R.

Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD. R.

According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David. R.

Gospel – Jn 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

Featured Saints

St. Felix of Cantalice, religious (†1587). Capuchin friar; he customarily spent most of the night in prayer. By day he begged for alms in the streets of Rome and cared for the poor and sick.

St. Eric IX, king and martyr (†1161). Upon ascending the throne of Sweden, he won the veneration of his faithful subjects by his ardent charity and zeal for the cause of God. He built churches and sent a bishop, St. Henry, to spread the Gospel in Finland. He was brutally murdered by his enemies, while attending Mass.

Blessed Burchard, priest (†12th century). A parish priest in Beinwil, Switzerland who distinguished himself for his zeal in administering the Sacraments and his ardent charity in caring for the spiritual needs of his parishioners.

Blessed Martin Oprzadek, priest and martyr (†1942). Franciscan Polish priest, who died in a gas chamber in Hartheim, Austria, during the Second World War, for his fidelity to Christ.

Blessed Stanislaus Kubski, priest and martyr (†1942). Was killed in the gas chambers of the concentration camp of Dachau, Germany out of hatred for the Faith.

Blessed Blandina Merten, virgin (†1918). Religious from the Order of St. Ursula, who died in Trier, Germany; she united contemplative life with initiatives to promote the human and Christian formation of youth.

Blessed Gerard Mecatti, hermit (†1245). Following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, he distributed his possessions to the poor and went to live in a hermitage where he devoted himself to receiving pilgrims and helping the sick.