Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 18, 2020
First Reading: Acts 4.13-21
13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.14But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.15So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.16"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.17But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name."18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.19But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."21After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.
Psalm 118
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.2Let Israel say: "His love endures forever."3Let the house of Aaron say: "His love endures forever."4Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever."5In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.6The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?7The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.10All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.11They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.12They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.13I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.14The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.15Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!16The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"17I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.18The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.19Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.20This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter.21I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.22The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;23the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.24This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.25O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success.26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.27The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.28You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.29Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Gospel: Mark 16.9-15
9When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.10She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping.11When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.12Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.13These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
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.