April 29th, 2004, Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

There was an attempt in Iconium by both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their leaders,

to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas.

They realized it and fled to the Lyconium cities of Listera and Derbe,

and to the surrounding countryside, where they continued to proclaim the good news.

At Listra, there was a crippled man, lame from birth, who had never walked. He listened to Paul

speaking, who looked intently at him, saw that he had the faith to be healed, and called out in a loud

voice. Stand up straight on your feet. He jumped up and began to walk about.

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they cried out in Lyconian.

The gods have come down to us in human form.

They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the

entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, for he, together with the people,

intended to offer sacrifice. The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments when they heard this and rushed

out into the crowd, shouting, Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human

beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God,

who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.

In past generations, he allowed old Gentiles to go their own ways.

Yet, in bestowing his goodness, he did not leave himself without witness,

for he gave you reins from heaven and fruitful seasons,

and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts.

Even with these words, they scarcely restrain the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.

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