Daily Readings - Sat Apr 18 2020
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.
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 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.