6th Sunday of Easter

Date: May 17, 2009


First Reading (Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
As Peter was about to enter the house, Cornelius went to him, fell on his knees and bowed low. But Peter lifted him up saying, "Stand up, for I too am a human being." Peter began to spoke to Cornelius and the group, "Truly, I realize that God does not show partiality, but in all nations he listens to everyone who fears God and does good." Peter was still speaking when the Holy Spirit came upon all who listened to the Word. And the believers of the Jewish origin who had come with Peter were amazed, "Why! God gives and pours the Holy Spirit on foreigners also!" For indeed this occurred: they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter declared, "Can we refuse to baptize with water these people who have received the Holy Spirit, just as we have?" So he had them baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. After that they asked him to remain with them for some days.


Second Reading (1 John 4: 7-10)
A reading from the first letter of Saint John.
My dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Those who do not love have not known God, for God is love. How did the love of God appear among us? God sent his only Son into this world that we might have life through him. This is love: not that we loved God but that first loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Gospel (John 15: 9-17)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Jesus states, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you all this, that my own joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this, to gives one's life for one's friends; and you are my friends if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead, I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father. You did choose me; it was I who chose you and sent to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. This is my command, that you love one another."