From the responsorial psalm: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 16:9-15)
Mark summarizes the three appearances of Jesus to the disciples: to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples on the way to Emmaus, and to the Eleven. The risen Christ instructs the disciples to go out and proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. Jesus, who has fulfilled the will of his Father in conquering death and opening the way to salvation for all, commissions the disciples to spread the good news of his resurrection with others. As Peter and John profess in the first reading: “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
God, I see that Jesus rebuked the disciples for their hardness of heart. It’s easy for me to say that was them but that’s not me. Yet, I know that there are times when my supply of faith runs thin, and I question how you work all things for the good. Help me trust in the risen Christ, that his appearance to the disciples and his presence in the sacraments is always available and effective in daily life. Obedient to the instructions of your Son, may I have the courage and never be ashamed to proclaim the Gospel to others. From the sequence from today’s readings: “Christians, to the Paschal Victim / Offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems; / Christ, who only is sinless, / Reconciles sinners to the Father.”