Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

After Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary of Magdala, from whom he had driven out seven demons. She went and reported the news to his followers, who were now mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he lived, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.After this he showed himself in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them.Later Jesus showed himself to the Eleven while they were at table. He reproached them for their unbelief, and hardness of heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.Then he told them, “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.

Reflections

“Proclaim the Good News to all creation.”Scholars agree that this passage of Mark’s gospel is added by an editor who thought it would be good also if Mark ends his gospel with Jesus’ appearances like the other gospels. It is not in the original text of Mark. We cannot also remove or ignore it because it has been recognized by the Church as inspired and canonical.The story emphasizes the incredulity of Jesus’ followers when they receive the news from Mary of Magdalene. They do not celebrate but are still mourning and grieving over the death of Jesus. Also they do not believe the two men going supposedly to Emmaus when they return to them and tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection.When Jesus himself appears to the Eleven, he scolds them for refusing to believe those who have seen him and testified. Without further ado, he sends them to proclaim the Good News to all the earth.Christians are not excused from giving witness. This is a tall order of the Risen Lord. Being skeptical does not sit well with Jesus. There should be no more room for disbelief.This passage is addressed to those who find it hard to believe in Christ’s resurrection.
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