First Reading

Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 19, 1-8

In those days, while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the upper regions of Galatia and Phrygia and came down to Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you embraced the faith?” They answered: “We have not even heard that the Holy Spirit exists.” Paul replied: “Then, what baptism did you receive?” They answered: “John’s baptism”.

Paul told them: “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, but he warned the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus”.

Upon hearing this, the disciples were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit descended on them and they began to speak in unknown tongues and to prophesy. There were about twelve men in all.

For the next three months, Paul frequented the synagogue and spoke with complete freedom, debating about the Kingdom of God and trying to convince them.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to John

John 16, 29-33

At that time, the disciples said to Jesus: “Now you are speaking to us clearly and not in parables. Now we are convinced that you know everything and do not need anyone to ask you. Therefore, we believe that you have come from God”.

Jesus answered them: “Do you really believe? For the hour is coming, and in fact has already come, when you will each be scattered to your own side and leave me alone. However, I will not be alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. In the world you will have tribulations; but take courage, because I have overcome the world”.