Daily Mass Readings for Saturday in the Octave of Easter
- First Reading - Acts 4:13-21: Peter and John are recognized as companions of Jesus by the leaders, elders, and scribes, despite being uneducated and ordinary. The leaders order them not to speak or teach about Jesus, but Peter and John refuse, saying they must obey God rather than men.
- Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 118: Acknowledging God's enduring love and mercy, I celebrate His strength and salvation. His victorious power sustains me, promising life over death. In gratitude, I approach His gates, ready to proclaim His acts, for He has indeed become my salvation.
- Gospel - Mark 16:9-15: Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene, who informed His grieving disciples, but they didn't believe her. Later, He appeared in disguise to two disciples, whose story was also met with disbelief. Finally, Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they dined, rebuking their disbelief and instructing them to preach the Gospel to the entire world.
It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20
Themes for the Readings for Saturday in the Octave of Easter
The readings for Saturday in the Octave of Easter touch upon several interconnected themes deeply rooted in the Christian faith and the early days of the Church. Here are some of the central themes:
- Faith and Witness: Both readings emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the responsibility of His followers to bear witness to Him. Despite opposition or disbelief, the call to testify to Jesus' resurrection and teachings is paramount.
- Authority of God vs. Human Authority: In the first reading, Peter and John assert that their obligation to obey God supersedes any orders from human authorities, highlighting the Christian belief in God's supreme authority over human institutions and laws.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The courage and eloquence of Peter and John, despite being "uneducated and ordinary men," can be seen as evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in them. This theme is a continuation of the promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit to guide and empower His disciples.
- Resurrection and Belief: The Gospel reading deals directly with the resurrection of Jesus and the challenge of belief. It presents a progression from disbelief to faith among Jesus' followers and underscores the importance of faith in the risen Christ.
- The Universal Mission of the Church: Jesus' instruction to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" highlights the universal mission of the Church to share the good news of salvation with all people, regardless of nationality, status, or prior belief.
- Overcoming Doubt: Both readings showcase moments of doubt among Jesus' followers and the leaders of the time, pointing to the human struggle to believe in what is beyond immediate understanding or experience. Yet, these instances also show how such doubts can be overcome through faith and the evidence of God's action in the world.
These themes are not only foundational for understanding the Easter season but also for reflecting on the nature of Christian identity, faith, and the mission of the Church throughout the ages.
Thoughts for Saturday in the Octave of Easter
On Saturday in the Octave of Easter, the Church brings us close to the heart of the Easter message through the readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Mark. This day invites us to reflect on the courage to witness to our faith and the call to share the Good News with the whole world.
In the first reading, from Acts 4:13-21, we hear about Peter and John, who are recognized as companions of Jesus. Despite being uneducated and ordinary men, their boldness in speaking about Jesus amazes the leaders, elders, and scribes. When ordered not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus, Peter and John respond with unwavering faith, stating they must obey God rather than men.
This reading teaches us about the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding. It reminds us that, like Peter and John, our relationship with Jesus can give us the strength to witness to the truth.
The Gospel reading for Saturday in the Octave of Easter, from Mark 16:9-15, shows us the initial struggles of the disciples in believing the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene, the first to see the risen Lord, tries to share the good news, but the disciples do not believe her. Similarly, the two disciples who meet Jesus on the road do not recognize Him at first, and their story is met with disbelief. It is not until Jesus Himself appears to the Eleven and rebukes their disbelief that they understand. Jesus then sends them out to preach the Gospel to the entire world, making them missionaries of His word.
The message is clear: faith in the Resurrection of Jesus compels us to be witnesses to His life, death, and resurrection. Despite our own weaknesses and the doubts we may face from others, our encounter with the risen Christ changes us. It gives us a mission to go out and share the Gospel, to spread the joy of Easter to every corner of the earth.
This Saturday in the Octave of Easter, let us pray for the courage to witness to our faith boldly, like Peter and John, and for the grace to fulfill our calling as missionaries of the Good News, following the command of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all creation. Let us not be held back by fear or disbelief, but move forward in the joy and hope of the Resurrection, sharing the love of Christ with everyone we meet.
Prayer
Dear God, help us to encounter Jesus personally in our lives and to be witnesses of the resurrection to all those we meet. Fill us with the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, that we may share the good news of your love with courage and grace. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Word on Fire: The Heart of the Project
In this reflection for Saturday in the Octave of Easter, Bishop Robert Barron points out that the Gospel tells us Jesus asked His Apostles to share the Good News with everyone. This job is for all Christians. To share our faith means to tell others about Jesus dying and coming back to life. If we don't focus on this, our efforts become weak, turning into a dull version of faith that doesn't challenge or inspire. Maurin and Hauerwas warn that avoiding the bold truth about Jesus' resurrection makes Christianity boring. True evangelization must highlight the surprising and exciting reality of Jesus' resurrection.
USCCB Reflection: A Long Walk
This USCCB video reflection for Saturday in the Octave of Easter discusses the mission given by the risen Jesus to share the Good News with everyone. This mission isn't just for priests or bishops but for all Christians. Sharing this message is a promise of life after death and a new life starting now. It's about committing to our faith journey every day, knowing we aren't walking alone. Despite challenges and doubts, similar to the early disciples, we're encouraged to listen, proclaim, and live out the Gospel with the help of the Holy Spirit. This mission, a long walk of faith, leads us all toward a hopeful homecoming.
Frequently Asked Questions for Saturday in the Octave of Easter
What date is Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
What are the Mass readings for Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
The Mass readings for Saturday April 26, 2025 are:
First Reading - Acts 4:13-21: The Bold Witness of Peter and John
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 118: Give Thanks to the Lord for His Steadfast Love
Gospel - Mark 16:9-15: First Appearances After Resurrection
What happens in the first reading on Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
In the first reading from Acts 4:13-21, Peter and John, followers of Jesus, are brought before the leaders because they are teaching people about Jesus. Even though Peter and John are not formally educated, the leaders notice they have been with Jesus. The leaders tell them to stop talking about Jesus, but Peter and John say they cannot stop sharing what they have seen and heard from God.
What is the main message of the Gospel reading on Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
The Gospel reading from Mark 16:9-15 shares how Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and then to two of His followers after He rose from the dead. At first, others did not believe them. Then, Jesus appeared to the Eleven disciples, corrected them for not believing, and told them to spread His message to everyone in the world.
Why didn't the disciples believe Mary Magdalene initially on Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
The disciples were very sad and probably confused after Jesus died. When Mary Magdalene told them she saw Jesus alive, they found it hard to believe because it was so unexpected and extraordinary. Also, in Jewish law and culture at the time, women were thought to be unreliable witnesses.
How does Jesus respond to disbelief in the Gospel on Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
When Jesus appears to His Eleven disciples, He is disappointed that they did not believe the people who saw Him after He rose from the dead. He tells them it is important to have faith and share His message with everyone, everywhere.
What lesson can we learn from Peter and John's response to the leaders on Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
Peter and John teach us that following God and sharing His message is more important than following what other people tell us, especially when they try to stop us from doing what is right.
What does Jesus command His disciples to do in the Gospel on Saturday in the Octave of Easter?
Jesus tells His disciples to go out and tell everyone about Him and to share His teachings with the whole world. This shows us the importance of spreading Jesus' message of love and hope.
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