Easter Saturday – 15th April 2023 – Acts 4, 13-21; Mk 16,9-15
Obedient to God’s Command
Today’s first reading is the second half of the ‘trial’ of Peter and John before the members of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin are astonished at the self-confidence of the two apostles, considering that they are uneducated fishermen. They had no training in rabbinic schools, nor did they have any standing in recognized religious circles. Yet, the apostles clearly expressed that their source of strength and confidence is in Jesus. The leaders do not know what to do with them. If they punish the apostles, the people will be upset, because many have come to believe in the ‘Name of Jesus’ and through the actions and words of the apostles. If they overlook what the apostles are doing, then the people will ask why the religious leaders do not believe. However, the leaders realized that there was power in the ‘Name of Jesus’. Therefore, they decided to give a stern warning to avoid mentioning ‘that name’. Peter and John respond by saying they cannot disobey Gods’ command. The command of Jesus, as in the Gospel, is to spread and do great things in ‘His Name.’
