💖 HOMILY - APRIL 26 💖

First Reading - Acts 4:13-21

Gospel - Mark 16:9-15

It’s said that Mother Teresa struggled in her faith for thirty years—a time often described as the darkest night of her soul. Yet, she did not remain in that darkness. Instead, she emerged stronger in faith, holding on to God with even greater conviction. Today’s readings invite us to grow stronger in our faith, especially when we find ourselves in moments of doubt or struggle.

In the Gospel, we are given a brief but telling account of the risen Jesus appearing to the eleven disciples. Despite the testimony of others—Mary Magdalene and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus—the eleven remained hesitant and doubtful. Their unbelief reflects the difficulty of grasping the mystery of the resurrection. It was something beyond their understanding. But when Jesus appears to them personally, their doubts are dispelled. He does not scold them harshly; instead, He confirms them in their faith and commissions them to go out and proclaim the Good News to all creation. Their journey from doubt to conviction marks a deep transformation brought about by encountering the risen Lord.

In the first reading, we see the fruits of that transformation. Peter and John, once fearful and uncertain, now stand boldly before the leaders and elders of the people. These were simple, uneducated men, yet their courage and clarity left the council speechless. The leaders could not deny the miraculous healing of the lame man, nor could they dismiss the strength of Peter and John’s testimony. When commanded to remain silent about Jesus, they boldly replied that they must obey God rather than men. Their unwavering conviction flowed from their personal experience of the risen Jesus.

Faith is a journey that passes through darkness before it reaches light. Like the disciples, and like Mother Teresa, we may go through periods of dryness, doubt, or even confusion. These moments do not signify the absence of God but invite us to seek Him more deeply. When we persevere, even in silence, even in uncertainty, we come to experience God in more profound and personal ways.

Our daily lives are full of moments when the risen Christ draws near. He comes to us in the people we meet, in the Word we hear, in the sacraments we receive, and even in the quiet whispers of our hearts. We need only to open our spiritual eyes to see Him, and when we do, our faith is strengthened—not just for ourselves, but so that we might share it with others.

Jesus commissioned His followers to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News. That commission is ours too. We are called to witness by our lives that He is risen, He is our Saviour, There is salvation in His name, and we too shall rise with Him if we believe. This is not just a message to keep within—it is one to proclaim with our words, our choices, and our love.

May we grow each day in the conviction of our faith, and may God grant us the grace to share it joyfully with the world.