＊＊＊ 1st 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.

 

Ps 118: 1 & 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21

I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.

 

＊＊＊＊ 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 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.

 

Gospel Reflection：

How could one not proclaim or share the good that one has experienced? But that is precisely what the leaders of the people were asking of the disciples in the first reading: to refrain from speaking or teaching about Jesus.

The Good News simply could not be contained, nor should it be hoarded by those who have received it. It has to be shared. It has to reach as many persons as possible. And so Jesus charges his disciples to proclaim it to the whole world, and it’s a charge  that he continues to give to us, his disciples today.

Have you received any graces or blessing lately? Whether big or small, share a portion of it with someone who might be in need – and watch the graces flow even more.