SPREAD THE WORD
Gospel Reading: Mark 16:9-15

When they heard that he was alive ... they refused to believe it. v.11

Mark is extremely candid about Jesus' rebuking the apostles for their lack of belief, petty differences, and pointless arguments. At times, Jesus appeared an exasperated leader of a bunch of childish, immature clowns. Today's reading shows that the situation did not change even after the resurrection. The apostles refused to believe Mary's account of the resurrection and the two disciples who encountered him on the road to Emmaus!

UNBELIEF DISPLEASES THE LORD

Jesus was quite frank about his displeasure with their continual worldly attitudes. Notice that he was not just upset about their lack of faith in him, he was upset about their lack of faith in those sent by him after the resurrection. This was not just a matter of personal faith in Jesus, it was a matter of faith in the Jesus who works corporately through the church and Christian community.

GREAT COMMISSION IS FOR ALL BELIEVERS

Once he has corrected their mistakes, Jesus quickly announced the good news. Despite their human sinfulness, he gave them the great commission: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation" (Mk 16:15.) This is not only for the apostles, it is for all believers! It is probable we too have experienced doubtful responses when we have shared the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Sometimes we also doubt when someone shares a story about a supernatural occurrence attributed to Jesus. We want others to believe us, but we are sometimes slow to believe another's account of Jesus, thinking we must see for ourselves.

OVERCOME UNBELIEF & SPREAD THE FAITH

Although Jesus rebukes for unbelief, we should not despair because it is implied that once we overcome our initial failure, we will be ready to evangelize others. We cannot expect from others what we do not do ourselves. First learn, then teach. First believe, then spread the faith!

John Michael Talbot