Daily Readings - Sat Apr 06 2024
Acts
13Then, seeing the constancy of Peter and John, having verified that they were men without letters or learning, they wondered. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus14Also, seeing the man who had been cured standing with them, they were unable to say anything to contradict them15But they ordered them to withdraw outside, away from the council, and they conferred among themselves16saying: "What shall we do to these men? For certainly a public sign has been done through them, before all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is manifest, and we cannot deny it17But lest it spread further among the people, let us threaten them not to speak anymore in this name to any man.18And calling them in, they warned them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus19Yet truly, Peter and John said in response to them: "Judge whether it is just in the sight of God to listen to you, rather than to God20For we are unable to refrain from speaking the things that we have seen and heard.21But they, threatening them, sent them away, having not found a way that they might punish them because of the people. For all were glorifying the things that had been done in these events
Mark
9But he, rising early on the first Sabbath, appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons10She went and announced it to those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping11And they, upon hearing that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, did not believe it12But after these events, he was shown in another likeness to two of them walking, as they were going out to the countryside13And they, returning, reported it to the others; neither did they believe them14Finally, he appeared to the eleven, as they sat at table. And he rebuked them for their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen that he had risen again15And he said to them: "Go forth to the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and its practical implications in our lives. The first reading from Acts 4:13-21 presents Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, where they boldly declare their unwavering commitment to preach the Gospel despite threats. This scene unfolds in the early days of Christianity, highlighting the challenges faced by the apostles as they spread Jesus' teachings. The second reading from Mark 16:9-15 recounts the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, emphasizing the initial disbelief of the disciples and their eventual mission to preach the Gospel to all creation.
These passages are interconnected by the theme of faith amidst adversity. In Acts, Peter and John exemplify steadfast faith, refusing to be silenced by persecution. Their courage underscores the transformative power of being with Jesus, as noted by the Sanhedrin. In Mark, the disciples' journey from doubt to belief illustrates the human struggle with faith, yet ultimately, they embrace their mission to spread the Gospel. This transition from unbelief to belief mirrors the apostles' resilience in Acts, showing that faith can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to stand firm in our faith, just as Peter and John did. They remind us that spreading the Gospel is not confined to words but is lived out through our actions and perseverance. Like the disciples, we may face moments of doubt, but it is in these moments that we are called to trust in God's plan. The moral lesson here is clear: faith requires courage and perseverance. Even when met with opposition or unbelief, we must trust in God and share His message with the world. Let us, therefore, embrace our role as bearers of the Gospel, trusting that God's truth will prevail through our faithful witness.