Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 23, 2022
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments in the early Christian narrative that invite us to reflect on courage, faith, and our role as witnesses of Christ's love. The first reading from Acts 4:13-21 presents Peter and John standing courageously before the Sanhedrin, refusing to be silenced despite threats. Their unwavering commitment to preach the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, highlights the transformative power of faith. The second reading from Mark 16:9-15 shifts our focus to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Despite initial disbelief, the disciples are commissioned to spread the Gospel to all creation, a call that resonates with us today.
Both readings are set in the context of early Christianity, where the message of Jesus was met with both wonder and opposition. In Acts, the apostles' steadfastness in the face of authority reflects the challenges of sharing the Gospel in a hostile environment. In Mark, the disciples' journey from doubt to belief underscores the human struggle with faith and the ultimate trust in God's plan. These narratives intersect in their emphasis on the imperative to witness, despite obstacles, illustrating that the call to spread the Gospel is universal and timeless.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our role as modern-day disciples. Like Peter and John, we may face challenges in living out our faith, but their courage reminds us to trust in God's guidance. Similarly, the disciples' transformation from disbelief to belief invites us to reflect on our own faith journeys. As we navigate life's uncertainties, we are called to perseverance and trust, sharing the Good News with love and courage. Let us, therefore, go forth with renewed commitment, embodying the faith and resilience of the early Christians, and spread the message of Christ's love to all we encounter.