Gospel: April 26, 2025
April 26, 2025 (Saturday)
Octave of Easter, Saturday
Psalter: Proper / (White)
Ps 118:1 & 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
1st Reading: Acts 4:13-21
Gospel: Mark 16:9-15
After Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary of Magdala, from whom he had driven out seven demons. She went and reported the news to his followers, who were now mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he lived, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he showed himself in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.
These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them. Later Jesus showed himself to the Eleven while they were at table. He reproached them for their unbelief, and hardness of heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. Then he told them, “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.
Reflection:
“Proclaim the Good News to all creation”
There’s a huge contrast in the attitude of the apostles in the two readings today. The Gospel points to their firm disbelief, despite reports from others that they have seen the Risen Lord. Finally, only when Christ appears to them in person, do they believe. Then, filled with new faith, they are sent to “proclaim the Good News to all creation,” and we read of the “boldness” of their preaching which astounds the High Priest and the Council in Jerusalem. They will not keep silent about Jesus Christ, because their obedience to God comes before obedience to men.
A refusal to believe has been replaced with a refusal to keep silent. Perhaps we can remember the apostles’ stubbornness when we encounter friends or family who don’t believe. Our witness to faith in Jesus helps others to grow in faith, but only Christ himself can plant that initial faith in their hearts. We can’t force people to believe; somehow, there has to be an encounter with the Risen Christ. Let’s pray for those who don’t believe. May the light of Christ shine in their hearts, that they might receive the precious gift of faith.
