May 2, 2006, Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

On the following Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.

When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.

Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,

It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first.

But since you reject it and condemned yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles,

but so the Lord has commanded us. I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an

instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth. The Gentiles were delighted when they heard

this and glorified the word of the Lord.

All were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread

through the whole region. The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshippers,

and the leading men of the city,

stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

The word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm.

The response is,

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds.

His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The Lord has made his salvation known. In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

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