Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church(April, 29, 2016)

Reading 1 and//www.usccb.org/bible/acts/15:22 ACTS 15:22-31 The Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church,decided to choose representativesand 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 themand The Apostles and the presbyters, your brothers,to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Ciliciaof Gentile originand greetings.Since we have heard that some of our numberwho went out without any mandate from ushave upset you with their teachingsand disturbed your peace of mind,we have with one accord decided to choose representativesand 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 Silaswho will also convey this same message by word of mouthand‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of usnot 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.’ And so they were sent on their journey.Upon their arrival in Antiochthey called the assembly together and delivered the letter.When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation. Responsorial Psalm and//www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/57and8 PS 57and8-9, 10 AND 12 R. (10a)I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord. orand R.Alleluia. My heart is steadfast, O God my heart is steadfastI will sing and chant praise.Awake, O my soul awake, lyre and harp!I will wake the dawn. R.I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord. orand R.Alleluia. I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O LORD,I will chant your praise among the nations.For your mercy towers to the heavens,and your faithfulness to the skies.Be exalted above the heavens, O Godabove all the earth be your glory! R.I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord. orand R.Alleluia. Alleluia and//www.usccb.org/bible/john/15:15 JN 15:15B R. Alleluia, alleluia.I call you my friends, says the Lord,for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel and//www.usccb.org/bible/john/15:12 JN 15:12-17 Jesus said to his disciplesand This is my commandmentand 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 youand 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 youand love one another.”