Dear Brother and Sister in Christ,
Welcome Catholic Mass Readings and Catholic Reflections Daily in Biblemsg.com. We are on the April 15, 2023 in the Octave of Easter. Today’s Mass readings are Acts 4:13-21; Mark 16:9-15. Main Theme is The power of Jesus changes!
Table of Contents
Readings of the Day
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 and 14-15ab, 15c-18, 19-21 (R. see 21a)
Response: I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. 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, he 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. “
Powerful Catholic Reflections Daily
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.
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