Daily Readings - Sat Apr 06 2024
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 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.