Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 11, 2023
First Reading: Acts 2.36-41
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.
Psalm 33
1Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.2Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.3Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.4For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.5He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.7He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.10The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.13The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.14From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.15He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.16There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.22Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Gospel: John 20.11-18
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of response to God's divine action. The first reading from Acts 2:36-41 captures Peter's impassioned speech to the crowd after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Moved by conviction, the people repent, leading to the baptism of three thousand, marking a significant expansion of the early Church. The Gospel, John 20:11-18, presents Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus. Mistaking him for a gardener, she is overcome with emotion until Jesus reveals himself, commissioning her to spread the news to the disciples.
Both readings highlight the context of pivotal moments in Christian history. Peter's speech occurs in the immediate aftermath of Pentecost, a time of spiritual awakening and communal formation. Mary's encounter is set in the aftermath of the resurrection, a moment of profound revelation. These events underscore the transformative power of God's presence and the call to action that follows.
These passages connect through the theme of response to divine intervention. Peter's call to repentance and Mary's mission to announce the resurrection illustrate how individuals and communities are moved to act in faith. They remind us that our faith is not passive but active, requiring us to respond with openness and courage.
In our daily lives, we are called to emulate this responsiveness. Like Peter, we must be willing to repent and embrace God's grace. Like Mary, we must share the Good News with others, whether through words or actions. These readings encourage us to be attentive to God's presence and to take faith-inspired steps in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, may we be open to God's presence and promptings. Let us embrace the call to repentance and the mission to share the Good News, living out our faith with courage and joy.