Daily Readings - Tue Apr 06 2021
Acts
36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
John
11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of encountering God and the call to share this encounter with others. In the first reading from Acts, Peter’s sermon to the crowd after Pentecost leads to a profound conversion: three thousand people are baptized and join the early Christian community. This moment marks the beginning of the Church as we know it, and it underscores the power of faith and repentance. Peter’s words cut to the heart of the people, moving them to seek forgiveness and a new life in Christ.
In the Gospel, we find Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, weeping and searching for Jesus. Her encounter with the risen Lord is deeply personal and emotional. When Jesus reveals himself to her, she is filled with joy and immediately runs to share the news with the disciples. Mary’s story reminds us that our faith is not just about personal belief but about proclamation. Just as Mary was sent to tell the disciples, we too are called to share the Good News with others.
Both readings highlight the connection between faith and action. Peter’s audience is moved to repentance and baptism, while Mary is sent forth as a witness to the resurrection. In our own lives, we are called to respond to God’s presence with openness and courage. Like Mary, we may face uncertainty and even grief, but through faith, we can find hope and purpose. Let us allow the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us, and let us be bold in sharing the love and joy of Christ with those around us.