DAILY- HOMILY

April 26, 2014
Saturday within the Octave of Easter

Acts 4: 13-21 / Ps 118: 1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21 / Mk 16: 9-15

Reading: Acts 4: 13-21
They were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John, considering that they were uneducated and untrained men. They recognized, also, that they had been with Jesus, but, as the man who had been cured stood beside them, they could make no reply. So they ordered them to leave the council room while they consulted with one another. They asked, "What shall we do with these men? Everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign has been given through them, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this from spreading any further among the people, let us warn them never again to speak to anyone in the name of Jesus." So they called them back and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's eyes for us to obey you rather than God. We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." Then the council threatened them once more and let them go. They could find no way of punishing them because of the people who glorified God for what had happened,   

Gospel: Mk 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 too 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 stubbornness 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:
     "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation." -Mark 16:15
      "Go and tell every nation, Alleluia. Christ is risen, Alleluia." so the song goes.  The life of a Catholic is testimony of who we believe in. The Church exhorts everyone to go and spread the Good News, which is Christ the Lord. When we do, however, we need to ascertain that there is no dichotomy between what we say and what we do. We should in a manner, walk our talk. This can be very challenging for most of us. Being Catholic evangelizers, the struggle comes when the going gets tough, rough and tedious. When we are tired and feeling defeated, to persist doing what is right and good becomes seemingly absurd and cutting corners can be very tempting. In a world where being practical outweighs better judgment, it is very easy to fall prey into complacency to the point that we neglect to pay heed to our conscience.
     It is important that we are able to remember the why and how we preach about God. In order to do so, we need to connect to the source. A good relationship with God is therefore necessary.
     Have you gotten in touch with THE Source lately? Go into your inner room and listen to Him.

Prayer Requests:
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary
... for families who are in need of healing
... for world peace and reconciliation

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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