April 26, 2019

MARK 16:9 Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14 Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. 20 And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

Mark gives us the spare details, the shorthand version, of the readings of Easter Week. We know that Mark took down the remembrances of Peter.  Luke must have known Mary and the family of Jesus, so he gives us the detailed version of Cleopas and friend. 

Verse 14 Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.

Why is it that nothing is ever simple?   We see in our minds the way forward.  It lies clear before us, even what to do in what order.  Reality, the 11 had relapsed to pre-resurrection mode.  One of the hardest parts of leading is the vision must be cast as high as possible, knowing it cannot be reached.  You’d like to think that if you see the risen Jesus you could persuade people you know well.  Not if they prefer not to believe.

This is the crowd that does finally get moving with the simple task of saving the whole world. It didn’t nor is it still going easily.  The West needs re-evangelizing for the third time in some cases. But, the Lord is working with us. The Holy Spirit, God penetrating history and existence, continues Jesus’ work.  Let’s get with it.

Pray for all who witness to Isis, mostly as martyrs for proclaiming Jesus, Son of God.    The work continues.  Thanksgiving for all believers in Sri Lanka who met our Lord face to face on Easter.

In hope, in spite of the facts.

John+