Resurrection and Mission: Mark 16

We’ve arrived at the last chapter of Mark’s Gospel. The Resurrection Mark’s a new phase in the life of Jesus Christ. The impossible happened: life defeated death. The first account of Jesus’ resurrection from verses 1-8 do not mention the disciples meeting Jesus, but an angelic figure described as a young man in a white robe (v. 5). This angelic figure shares the Good News that Jesus is risen. The women are instructed to share this Good News with the other disciples, and they depart in fear and trembling. We then read that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, but that the disciples were hard of heart at her message. Even though Jesus predicted his death and spoke about rising on the third day, the disciples did not want to hear the Good News. Jesus then meets with two other disciples traveling on a country road (a very short account in verses 12-13 that echoes Luke’s account on the Road to Emmaus). Do the disciples listen to their message? No. “They did not believe them” (v. 13). Finally, Jesus appears to the Eleven “as they sat at table” (v. 14). In the RSV, the translation reads: “he [Jesus] upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart” (v. 14). We often find bad news more believable than good news, sad to say. Mark invites us to believe THIS Good News. God the Father vindicated Jesus by the Resurrection. Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Jesus wasn’t another rabbi or important leader. Jesus IS the Lord, risen and reigning forever, because death has no power over him. Mark’s Gospel speaks this Good News to us and is asking us: Will you believe or be hard hearted like the apostles?  
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Jesus speaks a profound message to his disciples. Take a moment to ponder Jesus words in verses 15-18. These words of Jesus do not speak of the apostles alone, he speaks to those who believe. Those who believe will work mighty signs in his name. “These signs will accompany those who believe” (v. 17). Jesus does not have any doubts about the graces he gives his disciples. Faith not only draws us into relationship with the Father and Holy Spirit through the Incarnate Son, faith in Jesus graces us with the same mission Jesus embodied. And Mark’s Gospel concludes with a brief account of what living this commission by Jesus looks like: “They went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen” (v. 20). When those who believe act on Jesus’ word in faith, they end up seeing the signs and wonders of Jesus. This might not be “our normal,” but it sure seems to be Jesus’ normal. So, here’s a final reflection question for all of us: Do you want to live Jesus’ version of normal?  
 
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