This is the third part of Acts (the first part took place in Jerusalem, the second outside Jerusalem, and the third began when the young Church practised openness to the world after the Apostles’ Council). Continuity with Israel and Jerusalem is assured. Now we only see Paul at work in the mission to the Gentiles. Luke indicates in his own way that God’s plan cuts across the personal intentions of the missionaries. The Apostles’ Council is a turning point in missionary work. The conversion of the pagans takes on serious proportions, and Europe too is now open to the Good News. The crossing from Asia Minor to Macedonia stands as a symbol for this.
FIRST READING Acts 16:1-10
Cross over to Macedonia and come to our aid.
From the Acts of the Apostles
In those days Paul came to Derbe and Lystra.
There was a disciple there,
called Timothy,
the son of a believing Jewish woman,
but of a Greek father.
Because among the brethren of Lystra and Ikonium he
had a good reputation
Paul wished him as a travelling companion.
For the sake of the Jews who lived in that region
he had him circumcised,
for everyone knew that his father was a Greek.
In the cities they passed through,
they proclaimed for the believers the decrees
that had been made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.
Thus the congregations were strengthened in the faith
and they increased in size by the day.
Then they travelled through Phrygia and the region of Galatia,
because they had been restrained by the Holy Spirit from
preaching the word in Asia.
Coming into Mysia
they made preparations to travel to Bitynia
but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to do so.
So they passed through Mysia and went to Troas.
There at night Paul had a vision :
A Macedonian stood before him and begged him :
“Cross over to Macedonia
and come to our aid.”
After his vision, we immediately looked for an opportunity
to leave for Macedonia,
for we inferred
that God had called us to preach the Gospel to them.
INTERLUDIUM Ps. 100(99), 2, 3, 5
Rejoice for the Lord, all nations
or : Alleluia
Rejoice before the Lord, all nations,
serve the Lord with gladness,
enter unconcerned before his face.
Truly, the Lord is God,
He is the Creator and Master,
we are his flock, his people.
He is good to us,
endless is his mercy,
faithful from generation to generation.
ALLELUIA Apok. 1, 5ab
Alleluia.
Jesus Christ, faithful witness,
firstborn from the dead ;
Thou hast loved us
And redeemed us from sins in Thy blood.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL Jn 15:18-21
Thou art not of the world but I have chosen thee out of the world.
From the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
John
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples :
“If the world hates you
then remember that it hated Me before it hated you.
“If ye were of the world
the world would love what belongs to it.
“However, since thou art not of the world
but I have chosen thee out of the world ,
therefore the world hates thee.
“Remember what I said to you :
a servant is not above his lord.
“If they have persecuted Me they will also persecute you.
“If they have kept My word
they will also keep yours.
“But all this they will do to you because of My Name ,
