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First Reading for The Common of Pastors

Acts 20:17-18a, 28-32, 36

This reading can be used during the Easter season.

Summary: Paul warned the Ephesian elders to stay vigilant, guarding the Church against false teachers. He commended them to God’s grace and prayed with them before departing.

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Leaders

From Miletus Paul had the presbyters of the Church at Ephesus summoned.

When they came to him, he addressed them, “Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the Church of God that he acquired with his own Blood.

I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock.

And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them.

So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.

And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.”

When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all.

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