First Reading

Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

In those days, when we arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live in a private house, guarded by a soldier. Three days after his arrival, he called together the leading Jews, and once they had gathered, he said to them:

«Brothers, although I have done nothing against my people or the traditions of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. After questioning me, they wanted to release me, because they found nothing in me deserving of death. But the Jews objected, and I had to appeal to Caesar, without intending to accuse my own people. For this reason I wanted to see you and speak with you, for I wear these chains because of the hope of Israel».

For two whole years Paul stayed in a rented house; there he welcomed all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God and explaining the life of Jesus Christ the Lord with complete freedom and without hindrance.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to John

John 21:20-25

At that time, Jesus said to Peter: «Follow me». Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had reclined next to him at the supper and had asked him: ‘Lord, who is going to betray you?’ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus: «Lord, what about him?» Jesus answered: «If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You, follow me».

Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die, but: ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?’

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and has written them down, and we know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.