The Sunday Readings

First Reading - Acts 7:55-59

55 But he, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and gazing intently toward heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.”
56 Then they, crying out with a loud voice, blocked their ears and, with one accord, rushed violently toward him.
57 And driving him out, beyond the city, they stoned him. And witnesses placed their garments beside the feet of a youth, who was called Saul.
58 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
59 Then, having been brought to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his murder.

Psalm - Ps 97:1-2,6-7,9

1 This is to David, when his land was restored to him. The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. Let the many islands rejoice.
2 Clouds and mist are all around him. Justice and judgment are corrections from his throne.
6 The heavens announced his justice, and all peoples saw his glory.
7 May all those who adore graven images be confounded, along with those who glory in their false images. All you his Angels: Adore him.
9 For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. You are greatly exalted above all gods.

Second Reading - Eph 1:17-23

17 so that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give a spirit of wisdom and of revelation to you, in knowledge of him.
18 May the eyes of your heart be illuminated, so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and the wealth of the glory of his inheritance with the saints,
19 and the preeminent magnitude of his virtue toward us, toward we who believe in accord with the work of his powerful virtue,
20 which he wrought in Christ, raising him from the dead and establishing him at his right hand in the heavens,
21 above every principality and power and virtue and dominion, and above every name that is given, not only in this age, but even in the future age.
22 And he has subjected all things under his feet, and he has made him the head over the entire Church,
23 which is his body and which is the fullness of him who accomplishes everything in everyone.

Gospel - Lk 24:46-53

46 And he said to them: “For so it is written, and so it was necessary, for the Christ to suffer and to rise up from the dead on the third day,
47 and, in his name, for repentance and the remission of sins to be preached, among all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And you are witnesses of these things.
49 And I am sending the Promise of my Father upon you. But you must stay in the city, until such time as you are clothed with power from on high.”
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethania. And lifting up his hands, he blessed them.
51 And it happened that, while he was blessing them, he withdrew from them, and he was carried up into heaven.
52 And worshiping, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
53 And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.