A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.  “I can see heaven thrown open,” he exclaimed, “and the Messiah standing at the right hand of God.” At this, all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears

with their hands; then they all rushed at Stephen, sent him out of the city and stoned him.  The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul.  As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, “Christ Jesus, receive my spirit.”  Then he knelt down and said aloud, “Christ Jesus, do not hold this sin against them.”  With these words he fell asleep.

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

R:  O God, You rule; for You are the Most High over all the earth.

O God, You rule; let the earth rejoice;

let the many coastlands be glad!

Clouds and thick darkness are round about You,

righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your judgment seat.

R: O God, You rule; for You are the Most High over all the earth.

The heavens proclaim Your righteousness;

and all the peoples behold Your glory.

All gods bow down before You.

R: O God, You rule; for You are the Most High over all the earth.

For You, 0 God, are Most High over all the earth;

You are exalted far above all gods.

R: O God, You rule; for You are the Most High over all the earth.