WHAT IS RIGHT IN GOD'S EYES

SATURDAY WITHIN EASTER OCTAVE: 

GO OUT TO THE WHOLE WORLD 

AND PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS

First Reading Acts 4:13-21 

We cannot promise to stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard

The rulers, elders and scribes were astonished at the assurance shown by Peter and John, considering they were uneducated laymen; and they recognised them as associates of Jesus; but when they saw the man who had been cured standing by their side, they could find no answer. So they ordered them to stand outside while the Sanhedrin had a private discussion. ‘What are we going to do with these men?’ they asked. ‘It is obvious to everybody in Jerusalem that a miracle has been worked through them in public, and we cannot deny it. But to stop the whole thing spreading any further among the people, let us caution them never to speak to anyone in this name again.’ Lectures Readings

So they called them in and gave them a warning on no account to make statements or to teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John retorted, ‘You must judge whether in God’s eyes it is right to listen to you and not to God. We cannot promise to stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard.’ The court repeated the warnings and then released them; they could not think of any way to punish them, since all the people were giving glory to God for what had happened.

Responsorial Psalm: I will thank you, Lord, for you have given answer

Gospel Mark 16:9-15 Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News

Having risen in the morning on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared first to Mary of Magdala from whom he had cast out seven devils. She then went to those who had been his companions, and who were mourning and in tears, and told them. But they did not believe her when they heard her say that he was alive and that she had seen him.  Reflections

After this, he showed himself under another form to two of them as they were on their way into the country. These went back and told the others, who did not believe them either. 

Lastly, he showed himself to the Eleven themselves while they were at table. He reproached them for their incredulity and obstinacy, because they had refused to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. And he said to them, ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.’

God my Father, give me courage to do what is right in your eyes. I must not conform to happenings around me that are wrong in your eyes. Father it is hard to believe you are close by me when I am encoutering challenges. It is even harder to believe that Jesus Christ is ever ready to guide me. He is near to instruct me, my ears may be deaf, my understanding limited. 

I am not different from the his disciples and apostles. Sometimes I doubt the wilingness of Christ to assist me. I doubt his ability to save me in whatever challenge I am encountering. I sometimes forget that he has accomplished everything concerning my battle, my challenge and my salvation when he gave up himself for me, and his final word being 'It is Finish' Lord Jesus have pity upon me do not be impatient with me.  Lord I believe in your resurrection. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I will obey your command to share the good news. Merciful Lord be merciful upon me.

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for loving me. Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Guide and guard me. Be my protection. God's Holy Angels pray for me. 

Pray the Holy Rosary: Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ pray for me. Bring me to your Son Jesus Christ. Ave Maria. Hail Mary.

Your Birthday Saint: Saint George, Martyr. May he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday today.