April 28th, 2004, 5th Sunday of Easter.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples,

but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles,

and he reported to them how he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus

he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem,

and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord.

He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him. And when the brothers

learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.

The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace.

It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord,

and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers.

The Word of the Lord.

I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people. I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people I will fulfill my vows before those who fear the lord

the lowly shall eat their fill.

They who seek the Lord shall praise him.

May your hearts live forever.

I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord.

All the families of the nations

shall bow down before him.

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