Gospel Reading: Mk 16:9-15
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. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
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. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
WHEN THEY HEARD THAT HE WAS ALIVE AND HAD BEEN SEEN BY HER, THEY DID NOT BELIEVE
At times it is easier and more convenient for us to remain mourning and weeping than to believe. Afraid to get hurt again, we sulk in our corners, pity ourselves, and feel like martyrs or unwilling orphans. It seems safer to hide and wallow in our misery. This is why the Lord rebukes the disciples for their unbelief and hardness of heart.
The Lord is risen. We have been saved and forgiven. Let us live as saved and redeemed people. Let us claim our blessedness and enjoy our freedom. Let us go out and breathe the air of peace and joy.
When her husband died, a friend of mine practically locked herself in her room. After the death anniversary of her husband, however, she asked me to drive her to the sea. I was blessed to see her enjoy the wind and the peace of finally offering her husband to the Lord. The following week, she took her children to the same trip to enjoy the same liberation.
Go out into the world and live!
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.