THEY DID NOT BELIEVE

PRAYER MOMENT               

Easter Saturday, 26 April 2014

THEY DID NOT BELIEVE

Pause. Be still in the presence of God

Reading: “The others didn’t believe them either.” (Mark 16: 9-15)

Reflection. Mark’s gospel ends abruptly at verse 8 of chapter 16 but some later writer added a smoother ending, more in line with the other writers. But it is quite negative in tone and lists the people who do not believe. It describes Jesus eventually “reproaching them” for their unbelief. But in a way this is in line with several passages in Mark where the disciples are “frightened”, “apprehensive” and “in a daze”. Mark was writing at the time of persecution in Rome and was encouraging the Christians there by saying doubts and difficulties are nothing new. This can be of help to us as we also have our problems and questions.  Still the overall thrust of Mark’s gospel is the acceptance of Jesus by the poor (Bartimaeus) and the outsiders (the Roman centurion at the crucifixion).

Prayer. Lord, as we end Easter week, we see the different responses of the early Christians to you. Help us to be strong and faithful in our union with you. Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ