First Reading
Acts 15:7-21
After much debate, Peter stood up and addressed the Apostles and the presbyters: “My brothers, you know that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.”
The assembly fell silent as Paul and Barnabas described the wonders God had worked among the Gentiles. Then James responded, agreeing that God had acquired a people for his name from among the Gentiles. He concluded: “It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God,” suggesting they only be asked to avoid certain practices (pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, and specific meats) to maintain peace within the community.
This is the word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10
R. (3) Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations. (or: Alleluia.)
1. Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
2. Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
3. Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Alleluia
John 10:27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
John 15:9-11
Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
"I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
R. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.