First Reading

Reading from the book of the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 4:23-31

In those days, as soon as Peter and John were released, they went back to their companions and told them what the high priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they all together cried out to God, saying:

«Lord, you created heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it; through the Holy Spirit and by the mouth of your servant David, our father, you said: Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.

This is what happened when, in this city, Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, banded together against your holy servant Jesus, your anointed one, so that what your power and your providence had determined would happen might be fulfilled.

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to proclaim your word with all boldness. Stretch out your hand to perform healings, signs, and wonders in the name of your holy servant Jesus.»

When they finished praying, the place where they were gathered shook, the Holy Spirit filled them all, and they began to proclaim the word of God with boldness.

Gospel

Reading from the holy gospel according to Saint John

John 3:1-8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler among the Jews, who came to Jesus at night and said to him: «Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher; for no one can perform the signs that you do unless God is with him.»

Jesus answered him: «I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born from above.» Nicodemus said to him: «How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?»

Jesus answered: «I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.»