＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

 Upon our arrival in Rome,

the captain turned the prisoners over to the military governor but permitted Paul to lodge in a private house with the soldier who guarded him. After three days, Paul called together the leaders of the Jews.

When they had gathered, he said to them: “Brothers, though I have not done anything against our people or against the traditions of our fathers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

They examined me and wanted to set me free, for they saw nothing in my case that deserved death. But the Jews objected, so I was forced to appeal to Caesar without the least intention of bringing any case against my own people. Therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I bear these chains.”

Paul stayed for two whole years in a house he himself rented, where he received without any hindrance all those who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught the truth about Jesus Christ, the Lord, quite openly and without any hindrance.

 

Ps 11:4, 5 & 7

The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

John 21: 20-25

Peter looked back and saw that the disciple Jesus loved was follow­ing as well, the one who had reclined close to Jesus at the supper and had asked him, “Lord, who is to betray you?” On seeing him Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I come, does that con­cern you? Follow me.”

Because of this the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus had not said to Peter, “He will not die,” but “sup­pose I want him to remain until I come.”

 It is this disciple who testifies about the things he has recorded here and we know that his testimony is true.  But Jesus did many other things; if all were written down, I think the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

 

Gospel Reflection：

There was something so admirable in the lives of the apostles and the early members of the church. There was something so amazing about how they went about doing their ministry and preaching the Gospel.

They were tireless, relentless, so completely and utterly consumed by the desire to spread the Good News about Jesus. They never wasted any opportunity to do so, even when faced with suffering and death.

It was as if they just forgot about themselves and lived totally for the mission they had been given. One can only marvel and stand in awe at the power and energy that had consumed these men and women.

They spent every living moment of their lives preaching Jesus and his message of salvation. Imagine of we had but a small share of the energy these first Christians showed! We would win the entire world for Jesus!