First Reading
Acts 6, 1-7
In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the so-called Hellenists complained
against the so-called Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily
distribution. So the Twelve summoned the whole body of disciples together and said,
"It is not right that we should neglect the word of God to serve at tables. So, friends,
choose from among yourselves seven respected men full of Spirit and wisdom, that we
may appoint them to this task. As for us, we shall give ourselves to prayer and to the
ministry of the Word." The whole community agreed and they chose Stephen, a man
full of faith and Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus and
Nicolaus of Antioch who was a proselyte. They presented these men to the apostles
who first prayed over them and then laid hands upon them. The Word of God
continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly and
even many priests accepted the faith.
Responsorial Psalm
Rejoice in the Lord, you who are just,
praise is fitting for the upright.
Give thanks to him on the harp and lyre,
making melody and chanting praises.
For upright is the Lord's word
and worthy of trust is his work.
The Lord loves justice and righteousness;
the earth is full of his kindness.
But the Lord's eyes are upon those who fear him,
upon those who trust in his loving-kindness
to deliver them from death
and preserve them from famine.
Second Reading
1 P 2, 4-9
The Lord is the living stone rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him.
On drawing close to him, you also became living stones built into a spiritual temple, a
holy community of priests offering spiritual sacrifices which please God through Jesus
Christ.
Scripture says: See, I lay in Zion a chosen and precious cornerstone; whoever believes
in him will not be disappointed. This means honor for you who believed, but for
unbelievers also the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone and
it is a stone to stumble over, a rock which lays people low. They stumble over it in
rejecting the Word, but the plan of God is fulfilled in this. You are a chosen race, a
community of priest-kings, a consecrated nation, a people God has made his own to
proclaim his wonders. For he called you from your darkness to his own wonderful
light.
Gospel
Jn 14,1-12
Jesus said to his disciples "Do not be troubled; trust in God and trust in me. In my
Father's house there are many rooms. Otherwise I would not have told you that I go to
prepare a place for you After I have gone and prepared a place for you, I shall come
again and take you to me, so that where I am, you also may be. Yet you know the way
where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going;
how can we know the way?" Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one
comes to the Father but through me. If you know me, you will know the Father also;
indeed you know him and you have seen him." Philip asked him, "Lord, show us the
Father and that is enough." Jesus said to him, "What! I have been with you so long
and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever sees me sees 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? All that I say to you, I do not say of myself. The Father who dwells in me is
doing his own work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in
me; at least believe it on the evidence of these works that I do. Truly, I say to you, the
one who believes in me will do the same works that I do; and he will even do greater
than these, for I am going to the Father.