Introduction

The books that have been our main companions throughout the Easter Season end with the committed, enthusiastic witness to the good news of Jesus: Paul in his captivity, and Peter, whose martyrdom is predicted, and John, the beloved apostle, who has given a true testimony of Jesus in his gospel.

What is the witness we give to Jesus? Does our way of life show that we believe in him and love him?

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
like Mary, the women and the apostles
on the day before the first Pentecost
we are gathered in prayer.
Let the Holy Spirit come down also on us,
that we may become enthusiastic believers
and faithful witnesses to the person
and the good news of Jesus.
May our way of living bear witness
that Jesus is our light and life,
now and for ever.

Liturgy of the Word

First 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.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 11:4, 5 and 7

R (see 7b) The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R Alleluia.
The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord's throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold,
his searching glance is on mankind.
R The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R Alleluia.
The Lord searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the Lord is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.
R The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R Alleluia.

Gospel Reading: Jn 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, the world itself would not hold the books recording them.