Daily Reading for Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

Reading 1, Acts 5:17-26

¹⁷ Then the high priest intervened with all his supporters from the party of the Sadducees. Filled with jealousy,

¹⁸ they arrested the apostles and had them put in the public gaol.

¹⁹ But at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison gates and said as he led them out,

²⁰ 'Go and take up position in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new Life.'

²¹ They did as they were told; they went into the Temple at dawn and began to preach. When the high priest arrived, he and his supporters convened the Sanhedrin -- this was the full Senate of Israel -- and sent to the gaol for them to be brought.

²² But when the officials arrived at the prison they found they were not inside, so they went back and reported,

²³ 'We found the gaol securely locked and the warders on duty at the gates, but when we unlocked the door we found no one inside.'

²⁴ When the captain of the Temple and the chief priests heard this news they wondered what could be happening.

²⁵ Then a man arrived with fresh news. 'Look!' he said, 'the men you imprisoned are in the Temple. They are standing there preaching to the people.'

²⁶ The captain went with his men and fetched them -- though not by force, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

² I will praise Yahweh from my heart; let the humble hear and rejoice.

³ Proclaim with me the greatness of Yahweh, let us acclaim his name together.

⁴ I seek Yahweh and he answers me, frees me from all my fears.

⁵ Fix your gaze on Yahweh and your face will grow bright, you will never hang your head in shame.

⁶ A pauper calls out and Yahweh hears, saves him from all his troubles.

⁷ The angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them.

⁸ Taste and see that Yahweh is good. How blessed are those who take refuge in him.

⁹ Fear Yahweh, you his holy ones; those who fear him lack for nothing.

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