4/15/2023 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reading: Mark 16:9-15

9 When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.
10 She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping.
11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country.
13 They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
14 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.
15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

4/15/2023 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reading: Mark 16:9-15

Before Jesus died, He already mentioned to His disciples several times that He will be killed but He will rise up on the third day. Yet it did not make an impression on His disciples as we can read from the gospel readings after Easter. The disciples remained fearful and mournful. Even after the witnessing of Mary Magdalene and the two disciples from Emmaus, they still did not believe. That is why Jesus has to rebuke them.

Many people are like the unbelieving disciples. Indeed, faith does not grow overnight or even after many years. The gospel reading above reminds us of three things. First, let us ask the Lord to help us in our unbelief. He alone can give us the gift of faith if we are open to receive it. Second, anyone can be a witness to the gospel. Like Mary Magdalene, our background as human beings is not important. Even people we consider as sinners can be called to preach. Third, let us be patient to others who remain unbelieving. We keep sharing the Good News and we keep praying. Only God can melt their heart of stone.

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