A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

After their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders had told them.

When they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth, and the sea and all that

is in them. You said, by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our Father David, your servant,

why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertained folly?

The kings of the earth took their stand, and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed.

Indeed, they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,

Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,

to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place.

And now, Lord, take note of their threats and enable your servants to speak your word

with all boldness as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your

holy servant Jesus. And as they prayed, the place where they gathered shook and they were all

filled with the Holy Spirit and continue to speak the word of God with

boldness. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.

Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord. Why do the nations rage in the people's utter

folly? The kings of the earth rise up and the princes conspire together against the Lord and against

his anointed. Let us break their fetters and cast their bonds from us.

Blessed are they who take refuge in the Lord.

He who is throned in heaven laughs.

The Lord derides them.

Then in anger he speaks to them.

He terrifies them with his wrath.

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