FIRST READING
Acts 4:13–21
Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus. Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them, they could say nothing in reply. So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, and conferred with one another, saying, “What are we to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign was done through them, and we cannot deny it. But so that it may not be spread any further among the people, let us give them a stern warning never again to speak to anyone in this name.”
So they called them back and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people who were all praising God for what had happened.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 118:1, 14–15ab, 16–18, 19–21 (21a)
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD has struck with power.” I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Though the LORD has indeed chastised me, yet he has not delivered me to death.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Psalm 118:24
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 16:9–15
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
But later, as the Eleven were at table, Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
REFLECTIONS:
The first to see the risen Lord was not Peter or
one of the apostles, but a woman noted for her demonized living! She had
been forgiven much, and loved her Master greatly. She was first at the
tomb to pay her respects. Unfortunately for the disciples, they would not
believe her account of the Risen Master. Jesus had to scold his apostles
because of their unbelief and stubborn hearts. Are you like the apostles
or like Mary – slow to believe or quick to run to Jesus? Do you doubt because
you do not see? The Lord makes his presence known to us through the work
of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the gift of faith to know him personally
and to understand the mystery of his death and rising. Do you believe his
word and do you listen to his voice?
After his appearance to his beloved apostles, Jesus commissions them
to go and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Their task is to proclaim
the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all
the nations. This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives
to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task
– to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the
only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for
the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit.
Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection?
"Lord Jesus Christ, increase my faith and hope in the power of your
resurrection. And give me joy and courage to be your witness to others
and to boldly speak of what you have done to save us from sin and death."
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