First Reading - Acts 4:13-21
Gospel - Mark 16:9-15
In the first reading, we see Peter the Apostle and John the Apostle standing before the authorities. They are recognized as ordinary, uneducated men, yet their boldness astonishes everyone. When ordered to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, they respond with clarity and courage: “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
This is the power of a true encounter with Christ. They are no longer afraid of threats or consequences. Their experience of the Risen Lord has transformed them into fearless witnesses.
In the Gospel, we see how the disciples themselves struggled at first to believe in the Resurrection. Even when Mary Magdalene and others told them that Jesus was alive, they doubted. Their hearts were slow to accept the truth.
Yet, Jesus does not abandon them. He appears to them, gently rebukes their unbelief, and then entrusts them with a mission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Despite their weakness and doubt, He chooses them. He sends them.
Dear friends, these readings remind us that faith is not about being perfect—it is about being faithful.
Like the disciples, we may have moments of doubt, hesitation, or fear. We may feel unworthy or inadequate. But Jesus does not wait for us to be perfect before calling us. He meets us where we are, strengthens us, and sends us.
Like Peter and John, we are called to be witnesses. Our faith is not meant to be hidden or kept private. We are called to share it—through our words, our actions, and the way we live our lives.
At times, this may require courage. We may face opposition, misunderstanding, or even rejection. But the Resurrection assures us that truth will always prevail, and that Christ is with us.
The question for us today is simple: are we willing to speak about what we have seen and heard? Are we willing to live as witnesses of the Risen Lord?
May God give us the courage to proclaim our faith boldly. May He strengthen us in our moments of doubt. And may we, like the apostles, become joyful and fearless witnesses, bringing the Good News of the Risen Christ to the world.
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