May 12th, 2004, 7th Sunday of Easter.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers.

There was a group of about 120 persons in the one place.

He said,

My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.

He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry.

For it is written in the book of Psalms.

May another take his office.

Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men

who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us,

beginning from the baptism of John,

until the day on which he was taken up from us, become

with us a witness to his resurrection.

So they proposed two, Judas called Barcibus, who is also known as Justice, and Matthias.

Then they prayed, You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,

show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry,

from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.

Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the

eleven apostles.

The Word of the Lord. The Lord has set his throne in heaven.

The Lord has set his throne in heaven.

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