A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the ones who spoke Greek complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food, as compared with the widows of those who spoke Hebrew.  The Twelve assembled the community of disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.  Look around among your numbers for seven people who are acknowledged to be deeply spiritual and prudent, and we will appoint them to this task.  This will permit us to concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word.”  The proposal was unanimously accepted by the community.  Following this, they selected Stephen, as one filled with faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus of Antioch, who had been a convert to Judaism.  These were presented to the apostles, who prayed over them and laid hands on them.

The word of God continued to spread, while at the same time the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased enormously, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

The Word of God recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

R: The Creator loves justice and right.

Ring out your joy to the Creator, 0 you just;

for praise is fitting for loyal hearts.

Give thanks to the Creator upon the harp,

with a ten-stringed lute sing songs.

R: The Creator loves justice and right.

For the word of the Creator is faithful

and all God’s works are to be trusted.

The Creator loves justice and right

and fills the earth with love.

R: The Creator loves justice and right.

The Creator looks on those who stand in reverence,

on those who hope in God’s love,

To rescue their souls from death,

to keep them alive in famine.

R: The Creator loves justice and right.