Daily Readings - Sat Apr 10 2021

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 invite us to reflect on the call to proclaim the Gospel with courage and faith, even in the face of challenges and doubts. In the first reading from Acts, we see Peter and John standing before the Sanhedrin, unwavering in their testimony of Jesus despite threats and intimidation. Their boldness is rooted in their encounter with the risen Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The authorities, recognizing that they had been with Jesus, could not deny the miracle they had witnessed, yet they sought to silence them. Peter and John’s response is a testament to their faith: they cannot help but speak of what they have seen and heard. In the Gospel, Mark recounts the appearances of the risen Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. Despite the overwhelming evidence of His resurrection, the disciples struggle with disbelief. Jesus, however, does not abandon them in their doubt. Instead, He commissions them to “go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” This mission is not reserved for the perfect or the fully understanding; it is entrusted to those who, like the disciples, are still grappling with the mystery of faith. The Gospel, in essence, is not just a message for the early Church but a call to all of us to share the good news of God’s love and redemption. These readings remind us that faith is not about having all the answers or being free from doubt. It is about trusting in God’s plan and being willing to share His love with others, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging. Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold in our witness, and like the disciples, we are called to move beyond our fears and doubts to proclaim the Gospel. In our daily lives, this means living with integrity, sharing our faith with others, and trusting that God will work through us, even in our imperfections. Let us ask for the courage and grace to be faithful witnesses of the risen Christ in our world today.