First Reading

Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3

In those days, many people were converted and embraced the faith. When this news reached the Christian community in Jerusalem, Barnabas was sent to Antioch. When Barnabas arrived and saw the grace of God at work, he rejoiced greatly. Being a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, he encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast hearts. Thus, a large number of people were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they stayed together in that community and taught many people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”

In the Christian community of Antioch there were prophets and teachers, among them Barnabas, Simeon (called the “Black”), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” After fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 5:20-26

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said to your ancestors: You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you: Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever calls him a fool will be liable to the fire of Gehenna.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Settle matters quickly with your adversary while you are on the way to court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”