Monday in the 7th Week of Easter
Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts 19:1-8
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and 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 boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
Responsorial Psalm – 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab (R.33a)
R. 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.
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.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. R.
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 everything and 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 arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and 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.”
Featured Saints
St. Joan of Arc, virgin (†1431). After having valiantly fought in defence of her country in answer to God’s call, she was handed over to her enemies, condemned in an iniquitous trial and burned alive.
St. Ferdinand III, king (†1252). King of Castile and Leon, he was a wise administrator of his kingdom, promoter of the arts and sciences, and an ardent propagator of the Faith.
St. Luke Kirby, priest and martyr (†1582). After undergoing torture, he was hanged at Tyburn in London, during the reign of Elizabeth I.
Blessed William Scott, priest and martyr (†1612). Born into an Anglican family, he converted to Catholicism and became a Benedictine. He was martyred during the reign of James I of England for exercising his priestly ministry.
St. Joseph Marello, bishop (†1895). Bishop of Acqui, in Piedmont, Italy, founder of the Congregation of the Oblates ofSt. Joseph.
St. Mattias Kalemba, martyr (†1886). Known as Mulumba the Strong, in Kampala, Uganda, he abandoned the Muslim religion, was baptized, renounced the office of judge and dedicated himself to spreading the Faith, for which he was tortured and killed by order of the king, Mwanga.
Sts. Basil and Emilia (†349 and 372). Married couple of outstanding virtue who taught the way of perfection to their ten children, four of whom are honoured as saints: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Macrina and St. Peter of Sebaste.
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