Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 6, 2024
Acts
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.
Mark
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 narratives that invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and its practical implications in our lives. The first reading from Acts 4:13-21 presents Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, where they boldly declare their unwavering commitment to preach the Gospel despite threats. This scene unfolds in the early days of Christianity, highlighting the challenges faced by the apostles as they spread Jesus' teachings. The second reading from Mark 16:9-15 recounts the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, emphasizing the initial disbelief of the disciples and their eventual mission to preach the Gospel to all creation.
These passages are interconnected by the theme of faith amidst adversity. In Acts, Peter and John exemplify steadfast faith, refusing to be silenced by persecution. Their courage underscores the transformative power of being with Jesus, as noted by the Sanhedrin. In Mark, the disciples' journey from doubt to belief illustrates the human struggle with faith, yet ultimately, they embrace their mission to spread the Gospel. This transition from unbelief to belief mirrors the apostles' resilience in Acts, showing that faith can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to stand firm in our faith, just as Peter and John did. They remind us that spreading the Gospel is not confined to words but is lived out through our actions and perseverance. Like the disciples, we may face moments of doubt, but it is in these moments that we are called to trust in God's plan. The moral lesson here is clear: faith requires courage and perseverance. Even when met with opposition or unbelief, we must trust in God and share His message with the world. Let us, therefore, embrace our role as bearers of the Gospel, trusting that God's truth will prevail through our faithful witness.