First Reading

Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 25, 13-21

In those days, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea to greet Festus. As they stayed there for some time, Festus explained to the king the case of Paul with these words:

«I have here a prisoner whom Felix left me, whose condemnation the chief priests and the elders of the Jews requested when I was in Jerusalem. I answered them that it was not Roman custom to condemn any man without first confronting him with his accusers, so as to give him the opportunity to defend himself against the accusation.

They came with me to Caesarea, and without delay, I sat in the tribunal the next day and ordered that man to appear. The accusers who appeared against him did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. It was only about certain discussions concerning his religion and a certain Jesus, already dead, whom Paul claims is alive.

Not knowing what decision to make, I asked Paul if he wanted to go to Jerusalem to be judged there on those charges; but as he requested to be judged by Caesar, I ordered that he remain in custody until I could send him to him».

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John

John 21, 15-19

At that time, Jesus asked Simon Peter: «Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?» He replied: «Yes, Lord, you know that I love you». Jesus said to him: «Feed my lambs».

A second time he asked: «Simon, son of John, do you love me?» He answered: «Yes, Lord, you know that I love you». Jesus said to him: «Tend my sheep».

A third time he asked: «Simon, son of John, do you love me?» Peter was saddened that Jesus had asked him for the third time if he loved him, and he replied: «Lord, you know everything; you know well that I love you». Jesus said to him: «Feed my sheep.

Truly I tell you: when you were young, you yourself fastened your belt and went where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your arms and another will fasten your belt and lead you where you do not want». This he said to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God. After that he said: «Follow me».