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Gospel Reading for April 6, 2024 – Mark 16: 9-15
CONVINCED
Saturday within the Octave of Easter
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.”
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Did they not believe because it was just Mary Magdalene who said Jesus was alive? Did they not believe because only two of them said they met Jesus? Or, did they not believe because they were not CONVINCED that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and therefore, anything was possible? Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, and yet he gave them the mission to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” If we are to proclaim the Gospel, it is very important to be CONVINCED, to TRULY BELIEVE. It is how CHARISM is developed. When we ourselves are convinced, it will not be difficult to convince others. Everything will just flow naturally.
Jesus, Lord of the Resurrection, may we never tire or be ashamed of proclaiming the Gospel wherever we are, and most especially with the lives we lead!
