Friday, April 10, 2015

 

SATURDAY OF THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

April 11, 2015 SATURDAY OF THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

White  

 

Acts 4:13 - 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, for the man who had been miraculously healed was over forty years old.

 

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

     Today, we can say: "Let us rejoice! Jesus has risen!" However, such was not the initial reaction of Jesus' disciples. They couldn't believe that indeed he has risen. Their initial reaction was to be sad for Jesus after seeing how his chosen ones doubted what he had foretold; for they did not yet understand the mystery that was revealed before their eyes.

     How about us? Do we truly believe that Jesus is alive? That he is right here in our midst? If we are the followers of Christ, to share him to others is to believe that he has risen and is present with us now. This is basic for a believer of Jesus as a true witness. 

     Scripture says, "It is no longer me, Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20). Therefore, we do not act according to our standards and precepts but as Christ would. If we so desire to experience Jesus' presence, let us then receive him without doubt. 

     What blinds us is our disbelief. Our Lord eagerly awaits us even in our sinful state. Only by his Grace and with the eyes of faith will we recognize that Jesus is alive and in our midst every time two or three are gathered in his name. Jesus calls us to proclaim the Good News to all of creation. In our daily lives we have every opportunity to mirror Christ to others, whenever we share the Word, whenever we live it out as Christians and in the way we respect life and our God given earth with all the creatures in it. 

     John the Baptist speaking of our Lord humbly states that: "It is necessary that he increase but I decrease." (Jn 3:30) Are we ready to lose the focus on 'ourselves' and let the Holy Spirit take over and re-create us according to God's will?

 

 

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

 

BIRTHDAY

     EURICA CALUBAG TAN

     PAUL BERNARD SALITA

 

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     MSGR. PAUL LU, P.I.M.E.

     PABLO A. TAN

 

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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