Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection April 11, 2026

11th April 2026 (Saturday)

Psalter: Proper

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Acts 4:13-21

In those days: When the rulers and elders and scribes saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the Council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

Psalm 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21

R/. I will thank you, Lord, for you have answered me Or: Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.

R/. Alleluia

Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterwards he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Saturday – Octave Of Easter

Main Point: A life of faith is not necessarily a straight path. Both high and low tides will occur. There will be times when you can’t believe it. However, all these shadows will disappear when firsthand experience enters the picture.

1. A lot of people’s religion is influenced by the beliefs or customs of others. Because it has been said or shown, they believe it. As a result, their religion will not be robust, profound, and long-lasting. In the case of the apostles, this is what took place.

2. When Mary Magdalene informed them that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe her. Because they had not trusted those who saw him after his resurrection, Jesus would thus chastise them for their disbelief and hardness of heart.

3. Jesus needed to strengthen their faith and provide more knowledge. He does this with empathy and patience. However, once they had firsthand contact with him, there was no going back. They had changed. Simple, ignorant, everyday guys become proficient and knowledgeable preachers.

4. Their lives are altered. He gives them strength. They turn become brave witnesses to him. Because of this, they would defiantly protest, saying, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,” even when the authorities accused them and threatened to forbid them from speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus.

5. Peter asked the authorities, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God.” This ought to be the standard for our lives: obeying God is preferable than appeasing others. Every disciple of Christ has to do a self-check on this. They need to assess their allegiances and priorities. Are they attempting to show loyalty to both God and people? Do they please the world or God?

My Practice: Why are there often divergent and competing interests among Christ-followers if their primary guiding principle is obedience to God’s will? Why do so many people give up to false ideals and neglect to testify to the Lord?