Monday of the 7th week of Easter

1Now it happened that, while Apollo was at Corinth, Paul, after he had journeyed through the upper regions, arrived at Ephesus. And he met with certain disciples. 2And he said to them, “After believing, have you received the Holy Spirit?” But they said to him, “We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3Yet truly, he said, “Then with what have you been baptized?” And they said, “With the baptism of John.” 4Then Paul said: “John baptized the people with the baptism of repentance, saying that they should believe in the One who is to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5Upon hearing these things, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came over them. And they were speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7Now the men were about twelve in all. 8Then, upon entering the synagogue, he was speaking faithfully for three months, disputing and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

2May God rise up, and may his enemies be scattered, and may those who hate him flee from before his face.

3Just as smoke vanishes, so may they vanish. Just as wax flows away before the face of fire, so may sinners pass away before the face of God.

4And so, let the just feast, and let them exult in the sight of God and be delighted in gladness.

5Sing to God, sing a psalm to his name. Make a path for him, who ascends over the west. The Lord is his name. Exult in his sight; they will be stirred up before his face,

6the father of orphans and the judge of widows. God is in his holy place.

7It is God who makes men dwell in a house under one custom. He leads out those who are strongly bound, and similarly, those who exasperate, who dwell in sepulchers.

29His disciples said to him: “Behold, now you are speaking plainly and not reciting a proverb. 30Now we know that you know all things, and that you have no need for anyone to question you. By this, we believe that you went forth from God.” 31Jesus answered them: “Do you believe now? 32Behold, the hour is coming, and it has now arrived, when you will be scattered, each one on his own, and you will leave me behind, alone. And yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33These things I have spoken to you, so that you may have peace in me. In the world, you will have difficulties. But have confidence: I have overcome the world.”