Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter (April 21, 2016)

Reading 1 and//usccb.org/bible/acts/13:13 ACTS 13:13-25 From Paphos, Paul and his companionsset sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia.But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia.On the sabbath they entered into the synagogue and took their seats.After the reading of the law and the prophets,the synagogue officials sent word to them, My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortationfor the people, please speak.”So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen.The God of this people Israel chose our ancestorsand exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt.With uplifted arm he led them out,and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan,he gave them their land as an inheritanceat the end of about four hundred and fifty years.After these things he provided judges up to Samuel the prophet.Then they asked for a king.God gave them Saul, son of Kish,a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.Then he removed him and raised up David as their kingof him he testified,I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own hearthe will carry out my every wish.From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentanceto all the people of Israeland as John was completing his course, he would say,‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.Behold, one is coming after meI am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’” Responsorial Psalm and//usccb.org/bible/psalms/89and2 PS 89and2-3, 21-22, 25 AND 27 R. (2)For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. orand R.Alleluia. The favors of the LORD I will sing foreverthrough all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.For you have said, My kindness is established forever”in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. R.For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. orand R.Alleluia. I have found David, my servantwith my holy oil I have anointed him,That my hand may be always with him,and that my arm may make him strong.” R.For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. orand R.Alleluia. My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,and through my name shall his horn be exalted.He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,my God, the Rock, my savior.’” R.For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. orand R.Alleluia. Alleluia and//usccb.org/bible/revelation/1and5 SEE REV 1and5AB R.Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness,the firstborn of the dead,you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.R.Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel and//usccb.org/bible/john/13:16 JN 13:16-20 When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to themand Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his masternor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.I am not speaking of all of you.I know those whom I have chosen.But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled,The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.From now on I am telling you before it happens,so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I sendreceives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”