A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Peter stood up in the midst of the sisters and brothers, a gathering of perhaps hundred and twenty.  “Sisters and brothers,” he said, “the saying in Scripture uttered long ago by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David was destined to be fulfilled in Judas, the one who guided those who arrested Jesus.  He was one of our number and had been given a share in this ministry of ours.

As David wrote in the Book of Psalms,

Let his encampment be desolate;
may no one dwell on it

And again,

Let another take his office.

“It is necessary, therefore, that one of those who was of our company while Jesus moved among us, from the baptism of John until the day Jesus was taken up from us, should be named as witness with us to the Resurrection.”  At that, they nominated two – Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.  Then they prayed, “O God, you can read the hearts of people.  Show us which of these two you have chosen to occupy this apostolic ministry, replacing Judas, who deserted the cause and went the way he was destined to go.”  They then drew lots between the two.  The choice fell to Matthias, who was added to the eleven apostles.

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

R: Alleluia.

Bless Our God, my soul,

Bless God’s holy Name, all that is in me!

Bless Our God, my soul,

and remember all God’s kindnesses.

R: Alleluia.

No less than the height of heaven over earth

is the greatness of Our God’s love for those who fear God.

The Most High takes our sins farther away

than the east is from the west.

R: Alleluia.

Our God has established a judgment seat in the heavens

and governs all.

Bless Our God, all angels,

mighty in strength to enforce God’s word,

attentive to every command.

R: Alleluia.