December 26, 2003. Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people.

Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,

Sirenians and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia,

came forward and debated with Stephen.

But they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him.

But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God,

and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said,

Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the son of man standing at the right hand of God.

But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together.

They threw him out of the city and began to stone him.

The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of the young man named Saul. As they were stoned him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of the young man named Saul.

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. The word of the Lord.

The responsorial psalm. The response is, into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress. For your name's sake, you will lead and guide me. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands, I commend my spirit.

You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Rescue me from the clutches of my

enemies and my persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant. Save me in your kindness.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

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