DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Damasus I, Pope

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

And sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called the ancients of the church. And when they were come to him, and were together, he said to them:  Take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. I know that, after my departure, ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And of your own selves shall arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, keeping in memory, that for three years I ceased not, with tears to admonish every one of you night and day. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up, and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified. And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he prayed with them all.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 110 (109):4b; V. 1, 2, 3, 4

R.  Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

V.  The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand:

     Until I make thy enemies thy footstool.

V.  The Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion:

      rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.

V.  With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the saints:

      from the womb before the day star I begot thee.

V.  The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent:

     Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech. 

Gospel Reading:  John 15:9-17

As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.