Octave of Easter
15th April 2023 (Saturday) Readings and Reflection
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Reading for the Mass
First Reading: Acts 4:13-21
In those days: When the rulers and elders and scribes saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the Council, they conferred with one another, saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.
Psalm 118:1 and 14-15ab, 15c-18, 19-21 (R. see 21a)
R/. I will thank you, Lord, for you have answered me. Or: Alleluia.
Gospel : Mark 16:9-15
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterwards he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Daily Gospel Reflection for Mass
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: The power of Jesus changes!
Indicative: If one is open to believe in the Lord and cooperates with the power of the risen Lord, his life will change and he would work for the change of others as well{alertSuccess}
1. The apostles were uneducated and ordinary. But they became bold, wise and wonder-working. This was all because of the company of Jesus. The presence and the power of Jesus is transforming.
2. The apostles were fully convinced and clear of their choice for God. It is better to obey God and not humans. They were not frightened by the strict warning or threats of the human authorities. The authorities found themselves helpless and actionless.
3. They could not deny the power of Jesus working through the apostles because the witness of the healed crippled was right before them. Neither could they punish the apostles because there was no valid ground to do so and people believed in them.
4. This power of changes when there is a personal experience. This is what happens in the case of the apostles as well. They did not believe Mary Magdalene or the two others on the way to Emmaus when they told them that the Lord is risen and seen. They believed only when the Lord appeared to all the Eleven while they were at the table.
5. However, once they were strengthened in their faith, they commit themselves to carry out the mission mandate of the Lord: “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature". It is a mission to all, without boundaries or restrictions. We have no excuse or exemption from this. Besides, it is not a favour that we do but a bounden duty.
Imperative: We need to put aside our unbelief and hardness of heart. We need to be humble and receptive to believe in the presence and power of the Lord {alertSuccess}