SATURDAY IN OCTAVE OF EASTER - Gospel (Mark 16:9-15) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“He said to them, 'Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.'” (Mk 16:15)

FIRST READING -  Acts 4:13-21

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

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.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - Mark 16:9-15

From the Gospel according to Mark

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.”

SATURDAY IN OCTAVE OF EASTER - Gospel (Mark 16:9-15)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

In today's Word of God, Jesus commanded the apostles: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."

This command is given to everyone, without exception. It is a mission of the prophet, priest, and king. God has spoken His command, and it will be carried out. Whether or not people accept this command depends on each person's response to Him. Whoever fears God and loves Him above all things will listen and obey His command—to go out and preach the Gospel of salvation to all people.

This mission is not reserved only for bishops, priests, or religious men and women, but includes all members of the People of God. All are called to proclaim the Word of God to others. However, before someone can preach the Word of God to others, they must first live by faith in Christ—who died and rose again to save humanity. Just as the apostles lived the message of the Kerygma through their faith first, they were then able to go out and proclaim what they had personally experienced with deep faith.

When the Lord appeared to Mary Magdalene, He sent her to announce the Good News of His resurrection to His disciples. Then, the Lord appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and He also sent them to preach the news of His resurrection to others. However, the preaching of this Good News was met with difficulty, as the disciples initially did not believe in the Lord’s resurrection.

The Lord knew that the faith of His disciples was still weak, so He continued to appear to His apostles during meals, which were: brotherly meals, Agape meals, a meal of love. It was during this intimate setting that the apostles recognized the Lord and believed that He had truly risen. During that meal, Jesus taught His disciples the commandment of love: "This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Today’s Word of God teaches all His children: Love all people. Live out the Lord’s commandment: "Love one another, as I have loved you."

Thanks be to God. Amen.