First Reading

Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 15:22-31

In those days, the apostles and the presbyters, in agreement with the whole Christian community, decided it was appropriate to choose some of their own and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, leading men in the community. They handed them a letter that said:

“We, the apostles and presbyters, your brothers, greet the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who have converted from paganism. Having learned that some of our own, without any mandate from us, have alarmed and disturbed you with their words, we have decided by common agreement to choose two men and send them to you, along with our beloved brothers Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated their lives to the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas, who will convey this to you orally:

‘The Holy Spirit and we have decided not to impose any further burdens on you beyond what is strictly necessary. Namely: that you abstain from fornication and from eating what has been sacrificed to idols, blood, and animals strangled. If you keep away from these things, you will do well.’ We greet you.”

The envoys took their leave and when they arrived in Antioch, they gathered the Christian community and delivered the letter. Upon reading those encouraging words, everyone was filled with joy.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John

John 15:12-17

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing; I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This is my commandment: that you love one another.”