Greetings on this the Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Readings: Acts 4:13-21; PS 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21; Mk 16:9-15
Notes: In the case before us this week, Hardness of Heart is not the problem where we treat others badly. Hardness of Heart, in the Octave of Easter, is the hardness toward God and specifically the disbelief in the depths of Lord’s lovingkindness for us. The core problem is NOT believing he can love us so much as to defeat death.
All week we read through two major threads of events that occur after the Resurrection.
- The immediate difficulty believing he is risen, for the Twelve and Disciples of Jesus.
- The power of the faith once a heart is opened to the Lord.
Tomorrow is Divine Mercy Sunday. Tomorrow in a special way we celebrate the Divine Mercy in the sacrifice of Jesus and the mercy of God the Father and the complete interconnection between them!
For the sake of His sorrowful passion, Have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Today’s gospel portion in the gospel of Mark sums up of the situation:
- he appeared first to Mary Magdalene (they did not believe her).
- to two of them walking along on their way to Emmaus (they did not believe them).
- But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them (yet Thomas, not there, still in disbelief).
First reading
In the name of Jesus, recognized as the companions of Jesus, they said:
“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.”
The Way.
Responsorial Psalm
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
Open to me the gates of justice;
I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD;
the just shall enter it.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me
and have been my savior.
Alleluia Verse
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
Gospel Portion
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.”
- Yes, he really did defeat death.
- Yes, he really loves us that much.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 