May 8, 2006, Friday of the fifth week of Easter.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

The Apostles and Presbyters, in agreement with the whole church,

decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.

The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Brasabas,

and Silas, leaders among the brothers.

This is the letter delivered by them.

The Apostles and the Presbyters, your brothers,

to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Sicilia of Gentile origin.

Greetings.

Since we have heard that some of our number, who went out without any mandate from us, have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind,

we have with one accord decided to choose representatives, and to send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So we are sending Judas and Silas, who will also convey this same message by word of mouth.

It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,

namely to abstain from meat sacrifice to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unawful marriage.

If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right.

Farewell.

And so they were sent on their journey.

Upon their arrival in Antioch, they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.

When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.

The Word of the Lord.

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