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.

Second Reading – 1 Pt 2:4-9

Beloved: Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture: Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame. Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and A stone that will make people stumble, and a rock that will make them fall. They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.  You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Gospel – Jn 14:1-12

Jesus said to His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in Me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you know Me, then you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know Me, Philip? Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who dwells in Me is doing His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”

Featured Saints

St. Augustino Roscelli, priest (†1902). Founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Genoa, Italy.

St. Anthony of Kiev, hermit (†1073). He was born in Ukraine, and lived for years as a monk on Mount Athos in Greece Returning to his native land, he founded the Monastery of the Caves, together with St. Theodosius, in Kiev.

St. Domitilla, martyr (†first/second century). Niece of the Consul Flavius Clemens, she was accused of renouncing pagan gods and was deported to the island of Ponza, where she underwent a long martyrdom.

Blessed Rose Venerini, virgin (†1728). Born in Viterbo, Italy, she founded public schools dedicated to the Christian formation of girls according to the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Blessed Francis Paleari, priest (†1939). Priest from the Cottolengo Institute, he dedicated his life to teaching and to the care of the poor and sick of the Little House of the Providence, in Turin, Italy.

Blessed Gisela, queen (†1060). Spouse of St. Stephen, she collaborated in the building of monasteries and churches, and in the evangelization of Hungary. As a widow, she entered the Benedictine Abbey of Niedernburg