Daily Readings - Sat Apr 26 2025
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 share the Good News, even in the face of challenges. In the first reading from Acts, Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish leaders, after healing a man in the name of Jesus. Despite the threats and attempts to silence them, they boldly declare that they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard. Their courage comes from their deep conviction that they are doing God’s will, and they trust that God’s authority surpasses any human authority.
In the Gospel, Mark describes the resurrected Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. While the disciples struggle with doubt and disbelief, Jesus commissions them to “go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” This mission is not limited to the disciples; it extends to all of us. Just as Peter and John faced opposition but remained steadfast, we too are called to share the Gospel with courage, even when it is uncomfortable or met with resistance.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and how we live it out. Are we willing to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with challenges or skepticism? Do we trust God enough to step out of our comfort zones and share the Good News with others? The moral lesson here is clear: faith is not just about personal belief; it is about living it out boldly and trusting that God will give us the strength to do so. Let us ask for the courage to be witnesses of Christ’s love and resurrection, just as Peter, John, and the disciples were.