First reading Acts 5:27b-32, 40b-41

‘We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit.’

In those days: The high priest questioned the Apostles, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the Apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’

  Having called in the Apostles, the council beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.

The word of the Lord

Responsorial Psalm Ps 30(29):2, 4. 5-6. 11, 12a,13b. ℟2a

I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up,

and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord, you have lifted up my soul from Sheol,

restored me to life from those who sink into the pit. 

I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you faithful ones;

give thanks to his holy name.

His anger lasts a moment; his favour all through life.

At night come tears, but dawn brings joy. 

I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;

be my helper, O Lord.

You have changed my mourning into dancing.

O Lord my God, I will thank you for ever. 

I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

Second reading Revelation 5:11-14

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth.’

I, John looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!’ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might for ever and ever!’ And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshipped.

The word of the Lord

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

Christ is risen, who created all things

and has shown compassion on the human race.

Alleluia.