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.” (Mark 16:9-15)

Reflection

Jesus gave the Disciples several opportunities to accept that He had truly risen from the dead and is alive. Yet despite their unbelief and hard heartedness He did not reject them. He rebuked them and also forgave them. What does our loving, forgiving and merciful Lord do next? He sends them out on their mission to go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to every creature. We all have a share in proclaiming the Gospel message. But we can only proclaim what we have studied and prepared ourselves to share.

Questions for Reflection

How ready and able are we to proclaim the Gospel?

If we are not yet ready, what can we do to get prepared?

Most Catholic Churches have ongoing Bible study classes, have we attended any or considering attending?

What other faith formation classes are available that will help us to learn and grow in our Catholic Faith?