First Reading

Reading from the book of the Acts of the Apostles 

Acts 18:9-18

In those days, Paul had a nighttime vision in Corinth, in which the Lord said to him: «Do not be afraid. Speak and do not be silent, because I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you. Many in this city belong to my people.» For that reason, Paul stayed there for a year and a half, explaining the word of God to them.

But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews, with one accord, seized Paul and brought him before the tribunal, where they said: «This man is trying to convince people to worship God in a way contrary to the law.» Paul was about to speak in response when Gallio said to the Jews: «If it were a matter of a crime or a serious offense, I would hear you out, as is reasonable; but if it is a dispute about words or names or your law, see to it yourselves.» And he drove them from the tribunal. Then they seized Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him in front of the tribunal, but Gallio showed no concern at all.

Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time. Then he took leave of the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut off because of a vow he had taken.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John

John 16:20-23

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: «Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.

When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a human being has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything.»