Bible Readings - May 3, 2024

Reading 1

Acts of [our Holy Spirit through] the Apostles [in Jesus' Name] 15:22-29

Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church,

decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch

with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,

and Silas, leaders among the brothers.

This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters,

your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin:

greetings.

Since we have heard that some of our number [who went out]

without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings

and disturbed your peace of mind,

we have with one accord decided to choose representatives

and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey

this same message by word of mouth:

‘It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you

any burden beyond these necessities,

namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood,

from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage.

If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’”

Psalm 19:2-5b

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the firmament proclaims the works of his hands.

Day unto day pours forth speech;

night unto night whispers knowledge.

There is no speech, no words;

their voice is not heard;

A report goes forth through all the earth,

their messages, to the ends of the world.

[our Holy Spirit through] John [in Jesus' Name] 14:6bc

“I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.

Gospel

[our Holy Spirit through] John [in Jesus' Name] 15:12-17

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you.

I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know

what his master is doing. I have called you friends, 

because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you

to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father

in my name he may give you.

This I command you: love one another.