Daily Readings - Sat Apr 18 2020
Acts
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.14But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.15But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,16saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.17But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name."18So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.19But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,20for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."21And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.
Mark
9[[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.10She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.11But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.12After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.13And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.14Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.15And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith and the call to proclaim the truth, even in the face of adversity. In the first reading from Acts, Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin, refusing to be silenced about their encounter with Jesus. Despite the threats, they boldly declare that they cannot help but speak of what they have seen and heard. This courage is rooted in their deep conviction that God’s will takes precedence over human authority. The healed man standing with them serves as a visible sign of God’s work, leaving the leaders with no credible argument against them. Yet, the authorities, fearing the spread of this message, try to intimidate them into silence.
In the Gospel, Mark recounts the risen Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and later to the disciples. However, the disciples struggle with doubt and disbelief, even when they hear the news of the resurrection. Jesus rebukes them for their hardness of heart, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust. He then commissions them to go forth and preach the Gospel to the whole world. This passage underscores the transformative power of the resurrection and the responsibility it places on believers to share the Good News.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own faith and how we live it out. Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold in proclaiming the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or met with resistance. Like the disciples, we are reminded that doubt can hinder us, but God’s grace can overcome it. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition? Are we open to allowing God to transform our hearts and minds, so that we might be courageous witnesses to His love? May we, like the early disciples, embrace the call to share the Gospel with joy and perseverance, trusting in the power of God to guide us.