Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 26 April ’25. They had been with Jesus!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 26 April ‘25

Easter Octave – Saturday

Acts 4:13–21. Mark 16:9–15

They had been with Jesus!

Today’s first reading recounts the aftermath of the healing miracle performed by Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate of Jerusalem (cf. Acts 3). This miracle, which brought healing to a man who had been lame from birth, sparks a debate within the Jewish Sanhedrin, the very council that had condemned Jesus to death.

Jesus had been dealt with, or so they thought—but now His disciples are healing people in His name. The challenge is no longer how to silence Jesus, but how to stop His name from continuing to spread healing and hope.

Let us reflect on the opening line of the reading: “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) This is a powerful witness.

The Sanhedrin was shocked not by their eloquence or credentials, but by their courage and conviction. And they came to realize the source: “They had been with Jesus.”

That’s the core message of today’s reflection:

Our words and actions must reveal to the world that we have been with Jesus.

In the Gospel (Mark 16:9–15): We read from the longer ending of Mark, which reflects on the disciples’ lack of belief. Jesus appears to them after the Resurrection and rebukes them for their stubborn hearts.

According to Mark, the disciples: Struggled to understand Jesus even while He was with them. Were slow to believe even after the testimony of the women. Needed to be rebuked before they were sent forth. Being with Jesus alone is not enough. 

Faith is a gift of God — but it must also be embraced with effort and openness.

A Special Note of Tribute

Today, we also lay to rest Pope Francis.

His life bore constant witness to the truth: “He had been with Jesus.” His writings, speeches, and pastoral outreach revealed his closeness to Christ. He made known to the world this vital truth: “The face of God is mercy.” Let us thank God for our Holy Father, who has now gone ahead of us to the Father’s house, and who continues to inspire us to show mercy to one another.

Personal Reflection

Let each of us ask: Do my words and actions — even to those who oppose me — reveal that I have been with Jesus? May our lives silently testify to the presence of Christ dwelling within us.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy