Daily Readings - Sat Apr 23 2022
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments in the early Christian narrative that invite us to reflect on courage, faith, and our role as witnesses of Christ's love. The first reading from Acts 4:13-21 presents Peter and John standing courageously before the Sanhedrin, refusing to be silenced despite threats. Their unwavering commitment to preach the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, highlights the transformative power of faith. The second reading from Mark 16:9-15 shifts our focus to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Despite initial disbelief, the disciples are commissioned to spread the Gospel to all creation, a call that resonates with us today.
Both readings are set in the context of early Christianity, where the message of Jesus was met with both wonder and opposition. In Acts, the apostles' steadfastness in the face of authority reflects the challenges of sharing the Gospel in a hostile environment. In Mark, the disciples' journey from doubt to belief underscores the human struggle with faith and the ultimate trust in God's plan. These narratives intersect in their emphasis on the imperative to witness, despite obstacles, illustrating that the call to spread the Gospel is universal and timeless.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our role as modern-day disciples. Like Peter and John, we may face challenges in living out our faith, but their courage reminds us to trust in God's guidance. Similarly, the disciples' transformation from disbelief to belief invites us to reflect on our own faith journeys. As we navigate life's uncertainties, we are called to perseverance and trust, sharing the Good News with love and courage. Let us, therefore, go forth with renewed commitment, embodying the faith and resilience of the early Christians, and spread the message of Christ's love to all we encounter.