Daily Readings - Sat Apr 07 2018
First Reading - Acts 4.13-21
Acts
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
Gospel - Mark 16.9-15
Mark
9Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.12After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.13And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the courage and conviction of the early followers of Christ, as well as the transformative power of the Gospel. In the first reading from Acts, Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, after being arrested for healing a man and preaching about Jesus. Despite the threats and intimidation, they boldly declare that they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard. Their unwavering commitment to sharing the Good News, even in the face of persecution, is a testament to the power of faith and the Holy Spirit working through them.
In the Gospel, Mark describes the events following Jesus' resurrection. Mary Magdalene, a witness to the empty tomb, is met with disbelief by the disciples when she shares the news. Later, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road and finally to the eleven apostles, rebuking them for their hardness of heart and unbelief. Yet, despite their initial doubt, Jesus commissions them to "go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature." This passage reminds us that even in our moments of doubt or fear, God calls us to trust in His power and to share the message of salvation with others.
These readings challenge us to examine our own faith and how we live it out in our daily lives. Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold witnesses to the Gospel, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. Like the disciples, we may struggle with doubt or fear, but Jesus still calls us to trust in Him and to share His love with the world. Let us ask for the courage to speak the truth with confidence, the humility to overcome our doubts, and the grace to fulfill our mission as disciples of Christ.