April 12, 2004, Friday of the second week of Easter.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

A Pharisee and the Sanhedron named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up,

ordered the apostles to be put outside for a short time, and said to the Sanhedron,

fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men.

Some time ago, Thudis appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about 400 men joined him,

but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded, and came to nothing.

After him came Judas, the Galilean, at the time of the census.

He also drew people after him, but he too perished, and all who were loyal to him were scattered.

So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men and let them go.

For if this endeavor, or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.

But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them.

You may even find yourselves fighting against God.

They were persuaded by him.

After recalling the apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismiss them.

So they left the presence of the Sanhedron, rejoicing that they had been found

worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their

homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ Jesus. The Word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm.

The response is,

One thing I seek to dwell in the house of the Lord.

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

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